Luis Enrique has hit out at critics of Barcelona's recent form, which sees them sitting a point behind Real Madrid in La Liga having played two games more.
With Real back into their winning groove after a slight blip, that one point gap could quickly become seven when the Champions League holders play their games in hand - leaving Enrique and his men with a mountain to climb if they're to defend their Spanish title.
Luis Figo highlights lack of recognition for leaving Barcelona for Real Madrid. Full interview here:
Speaking in apress conference on Friday, he said:"Throughout a season you get all kind of games.You shouldn't analyse things based on one, two or three games, but look for the overall context. We're just over halfway through the season and we know we can improve performances and statistics."
When asked about suggestions that Barcelona have been playing poorly even in games they've won, Enrique responded:"It's not bad if you play poorly and still win. If fortune is on your side, then great, but obviously we don't aim to win like that. That's not our objective. We always want to be at our best."
📠The 18 players who will face Alavés in today's match kicking off at 4.15pm CET https://t.co/FWG8C1IJuv 🔴🔵 #ForçaBarça #AlavésFCB #FCBLive pic.twitter.com/aPn29vUMjs
This weekend sees the Catalan side face Copa del Rey finalistsAlaves, who turned them over 2-1 earlier in the season, but Enrique insisted:"No, [it's not about] revenge. They bit us once and they could bite us again. There's no doubt they're the surprise package of the season due to what they're doing, their consistency, their statistics.
"[People] were surprised here at the Camp Nou, but they're no longer a surprise because I think it's one defeat in 17 games now, which shows what a good job they're doing. It will be difficult. All games are, but even more so against a team like that. They're a dangerous team with good players."
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