FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique: Osasuna is no ordinary game

FC Barcelona are away to Osasuna on Saturday at 1.00pm CET, an encounter that Luis Enrique insists is not just any old game. Here’s a round-up of what the first team manager had to say at his Friday afternoon press conference:

• “We need to get off to a good start and that means playing well from the very first minute. We have to be effective with the ball”

• “Sergi Roberto gives us different options; he’s a great utility player. We designed a squad this year so that he can play more as a full back, but that doesn’t stop him from playing in other positions”

• “When we play André Gomes in the pivot role, he shows that he is quite capable of playing in that position. His best position in the middle, because of his ball control, piercing runs and good kick, but he can also play a supporting role and so he's a useful resource to have. It’s good both for the team and the players to have such versatility. And especially in midfield because of the way Barça play – it helps with our passing game, for creating chances and for generating pressure”

• “Osasuna need to win, but so do we because we’re six points short of the lead. This isn’t any old game for us, the points couldn’t be more important”

• “Playing at one in the afternoon? It’s an unusual time for us, but we train every day at eleven, so it’s not all that different”

• “It was an unusual game against Borussia because there was nothing to play for. But the way we played and won so convincingly was a good boost for everyone and the perfect starting point for continuing to improve our performances”

• “There is huge room for improvement, because there are so many games left to play”