The loss in Paris to PSG is the only blemish on Barcelona's otherwise perfect start to the season, and the first critiques of Luis Enrique's side have begun to emerge. However, the former Spain international knows how to live with them: "My position towards critics is neutral. I know where I am and I know the club and the job is. I have been in football for a long time and you have to accept it and that's that. I don't read things that don't interest me. I remain focused on my job. I provide my own criticism behind closed doors to try to improve every day." Barcelona travels to Rayo in La Liga this weekend with six wins so far and without conceding a goal.
How will you play Rayo after your first loss? "All games serve to measure the team's performance. Rayo will pressure as they always do. It's a team I like a lot, especially since Paco [Jeméz] arrived. He doesn't leave a lot of space on the pitch and he knows how to play. You can see that clearly because Rayo has hardly any budget but play attractive football. For me they are an example to more modest teams despite the changes in personnel. I like Rayo and Paco a lot. They are one of the most attractive teams in La Liga."
What's his secret? "He has a football identity that goes beyond his players and he advocates a style of play that I admire. Pressure, possession, attacking... It's very attractive for their fans. He is ready to take over at a big club.
Last year you lost the possession battle in Vallecas. Can it happen again (Rayo lost 4-0)? "People create debates over the smallest things. It's a football concept. We are two opposing sides that want the same thing. We want the ball, but I am more interested in scoring. It's easier to win if we have the ball, but the most important thing is the score."
Bojan's father has accused you of punishing dressing room leaders with the bench to mark your territory... "I respect the opinions of third parties but I do not necessarily share them. I am not a hunting dog that marks my territory. I always have the same objective; to get the best out of the entire squad. And I'm sure I make a lot of mistakes.
Piqué is back in the Spain squad: "I think that's fantastic. It shows the magnitude of the players we have. His situation is the same as the other central defenders. There are no changes in his case."
What do you think about Xavi saying he doesn't want to be a sub at 34? "That's the goal of every player, at 34 or 20. They all want to play and help the team. I love the fact that all the players have a rebellious streak in that respect. The day that he plays you'll be asking me why Rakitic or Iniesta aren't."
Has Barça's style changed all that much? "Beyond the ideology, which is the same as always, there are ways to carry it out depending on the profile of the players. I have designed a system based on their characteristics. Maybe there are other ways and there will always be criticism. I always said this was going to be difficult but we've started well."
Will there be tactical changes at Rayo? "There are always changes during a match, whether you see them or not is another matter. I am not going to change because of one negative result. We have a system and we will stick to it."
How is the squad adapting to your style? "They are in constant evolution. Opponents also have an influence. I don't measure it in percentages. Right now I'm delighted with he team. Despite the mistakes in Paris, the commitment was total. We are heading in the right direction."
Does Messi have complete freedom on the pitch? "Yes, but always on the pitch, it does not extend to the dressing room. He has such ability that he has complete freedom in phases of play. We adapt to him and he adapts to us so that he is involved as much as possible in the game."
Do you have problems with the team's stars? "Ask the interested party. I am tired of Totti and Tasotti... nicknames are conferred on you and that's that.
Are three days enough to work on those mistakes? "That's the fixture list. Seven games in 21 days. We have group chats and individual ones. Now there is a long week without players. I'd like to have more training sessions but this an elite group of players.
Will someone from the coaching staff go with Luis Suárez (who has been called up by Uruguay)? "I want to go myself but they won't let me. I don't know to be honest. He's a big boy."
from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://as.com/diarioas/2014/10/03/english/1412345757_359344.html
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