Enrique optimistic about El Clasico: Barcelona still best in the world
Barcelona - Barcelona boss Luis Enrique accepted his side is by far the more in need of the three points when Real Madrid visits the Camp Nou on Saturday for El Clasico.
Madrid holds a six-point lead over Barcelona - who is off to its worst La Liga start in nine seasons - at the top of the table.
"Without a doubt (Barcelona is the most in need), you just have to look at the table," Enrique said on the eve of the game Friday.
Back-to-back draws against Malaga and Real Sociedad for Barcelona has allowed Real Madrid to amass a comfortable lead.
Indeed, Enrique even described Barcelona's display at Sociedad last weekend as the worst of his three seasons in charge.
However, he insisted the Spanish champion remains the best team in the world when it hits top form.
"There are good teams at a high level, but none of them are better than us. That is what makes me optimistic."
Madrid has gone 32 games unbeaten in all competitions since April, but Enrique expects Los Blancos to defend deep and aim to hit Barcelona on the counter-attack.
"I expect Madrid to play as they have done since the start of the season and last year, they have no problem in leaving the ball to the opposition and we need it. In that sense we understand each other.
"They take advantage of set-pieces, quick transitions, few touches and the efficiency of their players in the final third. We need more control to create spaces and chances."
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan insists the Catalans are unstoppable when they play to their potential, despite their struggles in recent weeks.
"Barcelona are the best team and when we play like we know how, we are unstoppable," the Turkish international told Barca TV.
"I have a very good feeling ahead of the Clasico."
A television audience of 650 million people is expected to tune in worldwide.
And Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano admitted any meeting with Madrid carries a special allure.
"Despite there being just three points at stake, like in the rest of the matches, the attention before and after the game makes it a special match," the Argentine told Barca TV.