The Barcelona boss is relishing the Champions League clash with Bayern but says Saturday’s derby with Espanyol is currently the only game that matters
Pep Guardiola’s trophy wins – and the style with which he achieved them – make him the best coach in the world, according to Luis Enrique.
Guardiola is set to return to Camp Nou for the first time since stepping down as Barcelona boss in 2012 after his Bayern Munich side were drawn against the Liga leaders in the Champions League semi-finals.
Luis Enrique feels it will be a special occassion to face his old team-mate but is determined to win both legs and secure a place in the final.
“Guardiola is the best because he has won so many titles, because of the way he did it, and because he’s adapted to another country with a very difficult language and he’s implanted his ideas,” he told a press conference.
“We have played 10 matches in the Champions League and won nine. We will be out to win both at home and away. Our approach is clear.”
Luis Enrique insists, however, that the only game which matters is Saturday’s Catalan derby against Espanyol, with Barca aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
“There is only one game and it’s the one this Saturday. It’s a derby, with everything that it means for the fans. It’s a key day for us,” said the former Celta Vigo boss.
“Espanyol are defending well. They defend as a unit and we will have to have a good day to get past them. I worry about their transition and Sergio Garcia, who we know well and is their most talented player. It’s a great match-up.
“We will be very intense because this match requires it.”
Title rivals Real Madrid face a trip to Celta on Sunday having now closed the gap to Barca to two points, but Luis Enrique says he expects more points to be dropped before the season is out.
The Camp Nou coach added: “This is the final stretch and the team’s mood is key. I see them in a very positive dynamic.
“I think the top teams will drop some points and hopefully it won’t be us. On ability alone we can win, but it is going to be very difficult.”