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Luis Enrique admires Arsene Wenger's Arsenal longevity

Luis Enrique
Image: Luis Enrique expressed admiration for Arsene Wenger

Luis Enrique believes no Barcelona manager will ever match Arsene Wenger's 20 years in charge at Arsenal.

Enrique delivered the treble of league, cup and Champions League in his first season with Barca and is well on course to repeat the feat this season as the Catalans welcome Arsenal on Wednesday on the back of a 37-game unbeaten run.

Barca are heavy favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for a ninth consecutive season as they hold a 2-0 first-leg lead over the Gunners.

Wenger has come under increasing criticism as a run of one win in seven games has severely dented Arsenal's hopes of landing a first Premier League title in 12 years, while their bid to win a third consecutive FA Cup was ended by a 2-1 defeat at home to Watford on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger Manager of Arsenal gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane
Image: Wenger's men are 2-0 down going into the second leg

However, Enrique insisted that Wenger's 20-year stay demonstrates he is one of the top coaches in the world.

"I don't think anyone has ever been here [as coach] 20 years, or, if they have, it is impossible in the modern era," Enrique said.

"It means the level of Arsene Wenger as a manager cannot be doubted. Only the best can be in the one place for so long due to their level and also because they have the desire to continue. In my case, I think it is impossible."

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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League round of 16
Image: Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates his team's second goal at Arsenal

In contrast to Barca's Champions League form in the past decade, Arsenal have not made it to the last eight since being eliminated by a Lionel Messi four-goal masterclass in 2010.

Yet, Wenger's men have made a habit of forlorn second-leg comebacks in the last-16 in recent seasons against the likes of Milan, Bayern Munich and Monaco.

And Enrique insists his side will not let complacency affect their concentration on Wednesday.

A dejected Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona
Image: A dejected Alexis Sanchez after the first leg

"It is a very good result, but it is not going to change our preparation," he added. "We are aware of the need to play a great game to get to the next round.

"Without doubt Arsenal as a club and the individuals within the team are capable of coming back.

"It is not a game to relax. It is a result that if you concede first then certain doubts can arise."

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