Barcelona's Enrique: Alaves 'can beat us again' in Copa del Rey final
Luis Enrique says it'll take a "very good version" of Barcelona to overcome surprise package CD Alaves in the Copa del Rey final.
The showpiece is set for May 27 with the venue yet to be decided, and Alaves, placed 12th in La Liga after last season's promotion, will be raring to go in its first major final since the extra-time 5-4 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Cup.
That day, the Spanish minnow wore shirts bearing the name of every Alaves season-ticker holder, and included in that tribute was current captain Manu Garcia and his father. There's no doubting Mauricio Pellegrino's lot is a spirited bunch, and Enrique expects a tough encounter.
"It's the surprise team of the season," Enrique told Reuters of the side that overcame Barca 2-1 at Camp Nou back in September. "Not just because of their numbers but also for their consistency.
"They have already beaten us and can beat us again. That is why we need a very good version of us to take the three points."
(Courtesy: Reuters)
Rather fittingly, Barcelona travels for a dress rehearsal with Alaves at Mendizorrotza on Saturday.
"It's an unusual situation," Enrique said. "I don't think it's going to change tomorrow's game that we will face them in May."
It's the second time in Barcelona's history that it's reached four consecutive Copa del Rey finals after the previous run between 1951 and 1954, meaning it has gone 12 matches unbeaten in the competition. The Catalonians could have an extra incentive to win by the end of May too, with Real Madrid holding a one-point advantage atop La Liga with two matches in hand.
Despite Real Madrid boasting the driving seat, Enrique prefers to play the long game, so is far from writing off his Barcelona ranks anytime soon.
"I'm interested in my team leading in the final round of the competition," Enrique explained. "Our aim is always to improve our performances and we have a better chance to win games if we play better."
This weekend he's likely to have one eye on Tuesday, however, with a tricky trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League looming.