During his unveiling as the new Barcelona coach, Luis
Enrique said he was relishing taking charge of the club: "It's a very
exciting and very special day, on which we begin the task of building a new
Barça that gets people excited again. When I left, the club said "see you
soon" [not goodbye], and they've been as good as their word". The
Asturian admitted that he hadn't expected such an opportunity to come around so
soon: "Coaching the first team was never in my plans. These sorts of
wonderful things never come about if you contemplate them. I hope to stay true
to myself as a person and as a coach. We will start making decisions on some
important issues this afternoon. I know I have a big Enrique
acknowledged that he can't wait for his second 'debut' in front of the
'Azulgranas' fans: "I'm looking forward to hearing the Barça anthem at the
Camp Nou again". The former Celta boss was also bullish about the task of
reinvigorating Lionel Messi: "I'm delighted to have the chance to work
with the best player in the world. It's a big motivation. There's no doubt his
performances haven't been as incredible as before, but he's still number one.
Messi is absolutely essential for the squad. I hope I can help him find his
best form again". As for whether the team is calling out for greater
discipline, Enrique denied that the players need some 'tough love': "I
always think positively. I'm going to manage the group the same way I did at
Barça B, Roma and Celta. As a coach, my aim is to help them. I don't think a
hardline approach is what's needed: the players need fluid communication, to
all swim in the same direction and to apply the highest standards in their
work". Finally, the former Sporting Gijón, Real Madrid and Barcelona
player made it clear that he won't be changing the club's footballing ethos:
"Our style will be based on attacking. My challenge is to serve up a brand
of football that is both attractive and effective".
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