Luis Enrique excited by Pep's 'special' return to Barcelona

The former Camp Nou team-mates will face off in May with a place in the Champions League final at stake

Luis Enrique acknowledged Pep Guardiola’s return to Barcelona will be a special occasion but batted away talk of his side being unlucky in Friday’s Champions League draw.

Barca were paired with Bayern Munich in next month’s semi-finals, meaning Guardiola will make an emotional first return to Camp Nou in charge of the German side.

“It’s special as it’s the first time Pep will face Barca. He will face his former players too,” Luis Enrique told reporters.

Many of the current Barca squad were mainstays of the team which Guardiola led to two Champions League titles, three La Ligas and two Club World Cups in a glittering four-year spell which ended in 2012.

Although Guardiola could guide Bayern to the Bundesliga title this weekend – his second in as many seasons – there remain critics of his work at the Allianz Arena.

The last-four clash will, therefore, be an interesting gauge of the progress he has made since moving to Germany.

“Bayern aspire to the same as us and have the best coach,” added Luis Enrique, who denied his side had been unfortunate in drawing Bayern.

“I always think after the draw of the bad luck for whoever has been drawn to play against Barcelona.

“I don’t care about playing the first leg at home or away. We will go out to win both games.

“Now I am just interested in the three La Liga games before the semi-finals.”

The first of those comes on Saturday when table-toppers Barca take on city rivals Espanyol.

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