According to various reports in the Spanish press, Barcelona are going through a crisis. However, as Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated on Wednesday, the Catalans will want to retort to the media’s claim by asking, “What crisis?”
Kicking off the year 2015 by losing to Real Sociedad – with key man Lionel Messi shockingly starting from the bench – is what fuelled those reports. Since then, ink has not stopped pouring in the press but a convincing win against Elche on Thursday night would allow coach Luis Enrique to regain some lost authority before journalists.
“Things that go on in the dressing room stay there. I do not confirm or deny anything. My job is to be coach,” Luis Enrique firmly declared during the pre-match press conference.
Underlining the importance of Barcelona’s supporters, the manager continued:
“Today we can only say good things about the fans. We are still in all competitions and I remain optimistic. We will go out there against Elche with the idea of putting in a good performance, knowing that it will not be easy.”
Xavi has been ruled out of the encounter with a calf strain sustained in his left leg. The retired Spanish international will be replaced by Andres Iniesta in midfield.
Barcelona totally demolished Huesca en route to the 2014/15 Copa del Rey Last 16, beating the minnows 12-1 on aggregate. Quarter-final tickets are now up for grabs. A day after witnessing Real Madrid’s bad visit to the Calderon, can the Blaugrana avoid an undesirable result at the Camp Nou?
Barcelona vs Elche team sheets
Barcelona's Starting XI: Ter Stegen; Alves, Piqué, Bartra, Alba; Mascherano, Rakitic, Sergi Roberto; Messi, Suárez, Neymar.
Elche's Starting XI: Tyton; Damian, Lomban, Roco, Albacar; Cisma; Pelegrin, Faycal, Pasalic; Coro, Cristian Herrera.
Barcelona's Subs: Masip, Montoya, Iniesta, Pedro, Adriano, Samper, Munir.
Elche's Subs: Check back soon!
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