Luis Enrique believes Barcelona’s 7-0 hammering of Hercules in the Copa del Rey “strengthened many players and also the team”.
Avoiding a humiliating defeat at Camp Nou to the third-tier side meant Enrique had gone 20 games in the Copa without defeat as Barca Coach, a feat never seen before.
“This indicates that we’re an ambitious team playing at a very good level, and that makes us optimistic for the future,” he said after the game.
“Sanchez Flores controversy? It was a great night.
“It was a game that strengthened many players individually and also the team in a collective sense.
“Alcacer? It wasn’t a bad time for him. These are things that happen in football.
“It’s true that we were expecting his first goal, but he’s a goalscorer and he hasn’t given us any doubts.
“Last-16 draw? I’m sure we’ll be paired with someone interesting,” he concluded, before signing a Christmas carol and leaving the Press room one last time for 2016.
