Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will not prioritise the UEFA
Champions League over regaining the La Liga title this season.
The former Spain international is preparing to lead the
Camp Nou outfit into Europe's elite club competition for the first time,
beginning with a home fixture against APOEL on Wednesday.
Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax complete the line-up in
Group F, but Luis Enrique refused to rank potential glory in the Champions
League over domestic success in his debut campaign.
"For me it would be great to win either - not
forgetting the Copa del Rey," he said. "It's the start of the season
and we're going to fight to win them all. Let's hope we do win one and deserve
it.
"I can't tell you I'm even one per cent more nervous
[for the Champions League] than I have been before any other game this season.
"When those little stars come up, that music - it
makes no difference to me.
"Really, it's just me doing my job as a coach.
"Maybe for the players this is different because
you're stepping onto the big stage, but as a coach you are just managing the
team."
The 44-year-old also resisted setting a target for
Barcelona, who were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by eventual runners-up
Atletico Madrid last season.
"Having a minimum expectation, judging by the way
this club has performed in recent years, would be senseless," he stressed.
"We have to go out to win every game."
But Luis Enrique conceded he was looking forward to
making his Champions League bow as a coach.
"Of course it's special because of the
competition," he said. "I think the team is in adequate condition for
the tournament.
"There are a lot of things we need to improve, but
there are also a lot of positive things.
"It's only early in the season, so we're not in our
full rhythm yet. That could catch us out."
Luis Enrique also confirmed that Dani Alves should be
available for selection after recovering from a knee injury.
Barcelona have won all three of their La Liga matches so
far this season.
Culled from Soccerway
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