Andrés Iniesta: We have the squad to compete for everything

The FC Barcelona first team returned to training on Friday as they begin preparations for the opening game of 2017, a trip to Bilbao to take on Athletic Club on 5 January.

Club captain Andrés Iniesta is back and in confident mood about what 2017 holds for the team, saying that “we have a squad that can compete for everything”.

During an event, he said: “In regards to injuries, I hope that we have good health and that we can continue enjoying our football to achieve our objectives which our fans want to celebrate with us”.

Specifically, Iniesta mentioned that “winning that Champions League again would be incredible for what it means, but also to win a third straight league and cup”.

He added: “We are at a club that demands a lot and we will fight for all the titles”. The match schedule is always demanding at the start of the year and Iniesta is well aware of it: “January and February tend to be long and hard months so we must take maximum care to be able to continue competing.”

On Athletic Club

“They will challenge us to the maximum, we know them from previous knockout matches and we must be prepared.”

On his contract renovation

“My dream is to stay at Barça. If my performances remain at optimum level there should be no problem.”

On Messi

“Leo is a unique player” and hopes that “he continues at Barça for the good of the club and the team because he is an indispensable component in fighting for all the titles”.

On Luis Enrique

“We have been doing things really well with him for a long time and hopefully he has the strength and motivation to continue.”