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Luis Enrique hopes to draw on lessons from last year's clashes with Málaga

Luis Enrique leaves the press room following Friday's date with the media at the Ciutat Esportiva. / MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Barça's coach talks about their opponents' defensive approach, which shut out the Catalans twice last season He also discusses the Champions League draw, says it won't be easy

Luis Enrique appeared in the press room at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday afternoon prior to Saturday's league match against Málaga, a rival who last season won at Camp Nou and didn't allow a single to Barça in two league games.

"It should serve as an example," warned the coach. "I'm happy it's the first match at the Camp Nou so we can see if we're able to overcome the difficulties we had [versus Málaga] last season ... It's a challenge for us."

He also discussed the physical condition of his players with some being doubtful until the last minute. About Neymar, who recetly had the mumps, Luis Enrique said "[Neymar] recovers fast," but that he wouldn't decide whether he would play until game day. As for Sergio Busquets, who suffered an ankle injury during last Sunday's opener at San Mamés, "He has been able to train and look good, We'll see how he is." [[CITA_1]]

The topic of Barça's rivals in the Champions League groups stage and Messi's Best Player in Europe Award also came up. "The group stage will be tough ... It is not the most difficult group, but it will not be easy. Rome was the strongest team in jar number three and Leverkusen, as a German team, are always tough." He said the fact that Barça open and finish group play on the road is an added challenge.

In talking about FC Barcelona's haul of honours at Thursday's UEFA gala in Monaco, the coach said "it's the result of hard work throughout the season, but football is lived in the present and the players know that ... I hope [we win again] next year, which would mean that the team did their job," he concluded.

It isn't the toughest group, but by no means will it be an easy task.


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