Luis Enrique says this is the best squad he has worked with during his time at Barcelona
FC Barcelona have gone on their business this summer transfer window smartly and have gone on to sign some exciting young players who are going to form the spine of the Catalans in the future. Luis Enrique has gone on record to say that this is the best squad that he has managed in his three years at the club. Along with spending about €80 million on incoming players, the club has done well to recoup over €15 million by offloading players like Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen.
Barcelona have signed four quality players in the summer transfer window. Barcelona bought Denis Suarez from Villarreal after exercising their buy back clause for a sum of £11 million, Samuel Umtiti, the highly rated centre-back arrived from Lyon for around £20 million, Andre Gomes, the highly rated midfielder arrived at a sum of £35 million, who is said to be the long term replacement for Xavi Hernandez. Lucas Digne arrived next from PSG to provide competition at left back to Jordi Alba.
Speaking ahead of the Gamper trophy game against Sampdoria which is the last preseason game ahead of the Spanish Supercopa against Sevilla, the Barcelona manager said, "On paper we have the best Barca squad of recent years but if we see something that fits to make the squad better then great. If not we'll be fine with the squad we've got. A lot depends on what's available. If you can bring in young players at a good price it would be ridiculous not to sign them."
Luis Enrique also spoke about future signings as the team needs an attacker to provide cover for the three superstars – Messi, Neymar and Suarez, and also a right back to replace Dani Alves. Enrique said, "We are always looking at strengthening the squad and trying to make the team as strong as possible. The transfer door is always open so if we see something we like we'll make a move. We've made some brilliant singings this summer and it's now up to us to see if we can retain the titles we won last season and also win more."
A lot of questions were raised after the club's humbling loss against Liverpool but it must be considered as a one-off game and the main target should just be about regaining the fitness levels in the pre-season period. The biggest question that faces this exciting Barcelona side is about how the manager cope with the high demands if one of the elite trio of Messi, Suarez or Neymar gets injured, as the team lacks able cover to help the side in their absence.