Barcelona coach Luis Enrique reaffirms his faith in his players ahead of Champions League clash
FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique emphasised on Monday that he has "great faith" in his players despite the 1-2 La Liga derby defeat against Real Madrid, noting that the players have taken the path to "win titles".
Barcelona were defeated 1-2 by Real Madrid on Saturday in La Liga after the Catalan club remained unbeaten for 39 games. Barcelona will now face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
At a press conference ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash here on Monday, Enrique praised his squad pointing out that "I have great faith in my players and in the path they've taken to win titles for Barcelona."
"They are competitive and totally reliable. They are unique. We will compete to the maximum, for sure," the coach indicated.
On the attacking trio, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, the coach noted that they are "the best in the world, but they are not machines."
As for the Champions League tie against Atletico, Enrique said "Atletico Madrid are a top-notch team, very dangerous in different ways, and very complete. That's why they are where they are."
Barcelona, defending champions of the Champions League title, still lead the La Liga standings ahead of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, despite Saturday's defeat.