Luis Enrique reflects on 'special' preseason

Speaking after the first home game after the vacation, the 3-2 defeat of Sampdoria, Luis Enrique described his satisfaction at a preseason that has seen his side win three out of four of their fixtures.

“A lot of the players are just back from their vacation and we will need more time, but the team is training hard every day” he said. “Things are on very positive lines.”

He had words of praise for today’s guests Sampdoria before adding that “our minds are now fully focused on Sevilla, a team that has changed their style and has a new coach. They look like they’ll be dangerous”.

New signings

Asked about the players that were being introcued to their new home, the Camp Nou, Luis Enrique commented that “they haven’t been training for long and still need to get to know their colleagues. But Umtiti and André Gomes played very well. So did Denis and Digne. They now know what it’s like to play at home in the Camp Nou and so this has been a good day for them”.

And finally, on Arda Turan, the Asturian said that “he was playing in a different position and I liked him there. He doesn’t give the ball away, he finds space and best of all, he could score a few goals”.