Barca boss Enrique aims to punish ‘tired’ Man City

Joe Williams

Luis Enrique thinks Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side look “tired” ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday.

The Barca boss thinks his side will come into the match the fresher side as City’s fixture schedule has taken its toll on their squad.

The Catalans will be without four key players in Jeremy Mathieu, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba for the match at the Etihad but their deadly front three of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar are all fit.

Enrique is confident that his side can take advantage of any weaknesses in City’s team and expects a similar match to the one at the Camp Nou.

“We have a slight advantage, given that we played the first game and I don’t think we are as tired,” said Enrique.

“I think City have played a lot of matches when they didn’t deserve not to win.

“Every team has players missing. I have said this during these weeks. We have a great squad and I have complete confidence in them. That is no excuse.

“I think it is a great opportunity to qualify. We want to be first in the group. We will have to play very well, with and without the ball. City know how to occupy the spaces. We are going to have play at our top, top level.

“If they leave spaces behind, we will take advantage. They are identical philosophies. Hopefully we can overcome these difficulties and win.

“I expect the same type of game as the last one. I don’t think they can be any more aggressive in terms of pressure. They were pressing us up to the stand almost. I expect a similar script.

“If you make errors, you pay dearly. We want to win here and finish first in the group. If we can qualify after four matches. Great. We only play in one way. To win. If we don’t get the points, we will continue to play in our way.”