Barca squad ‘best ever’

MADRID: Barcelona coach Luis Enrique believes his current squad is the strongest he has ever had, and he is very confident of retaining the La Liga and King’s Cup titles.

The Spanish champions have recruited Andre Gomes, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne and Denis Suarez since the end of last season, while Marc Bartra, Thomas Vermaelen, Adriano Correia and Sandro Ramirez have departed.

“On paper, this is the best squad I have had in my three years at Barca,” Enrique told the club’s website. “All the new players have settled in well.”

Enrique won the treble, including the Champions League, in his first season at the Nou Camp, and they successfully defended the La Liga title and retained the King’s Cup.

“It’s now up to us to see if we can retain the titles we won last season, and also win more,” he said. “I hope we can live up to expectations.”

Barca are still looking to reinforce their formidable attacking line led by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

“While the window remains open, we are ready to strengthen our squad,” Enrique said. “That is the intelligent way to look at things.

“If we find a player who will improve us, we will do it. If not, we continue with this squad, which is already great.”

Barca are due to meet Sevilla next week in a Spanish Super Cup double-header.

Enrique’s men begin their La Liga title defence at home to Real Betis on August 20. – Reuters