Barcelona vs Leganes. Spanish La Liga.
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Barcelona v Leganes preview: Luis Enrique looking for a reaction after Champions League defeat
Sunday 19 February 2017 20:04, UK
Luis Enrique says he is looking for a reaction from Barcelona after their midweek Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain when they host Leganes in La Liga on Sunday evening, live on Sky Sports.
The 4-0 defeat in Paris on Tuesday saw speculation increase regarding Enrique's future at the Nou Camp, with a likely last-16 exit coupled with their disappointing domestic campaign.
They trail leaders Real Madrid by four points, however, Enrique insisted at his press conference ahead of Sunday's game that he had paid no attention to speculation in the media.
"Criticism doesn't affect me, because otherwise I could not have kept this role for three years," he said. "Fortunately there is a considerable distance between the press and the club.
"I don't listen to [the press], I'm not going to do it this week. I won't go within 10 metres of a TV or radio. I have had [the PSG loss] in my head every day and it will be there every night for a month, but we cannot focus on it. There are other games.
"Whatever happens, these next few months have nothing to do with my future decision, and I haven't made that decision yet."
Leganes are the lowest scorers in La Liga with only 15 goals in 22 outings and sit two points and one place clear of the relegation zone.
"It's a different game after the game last Tuesday, it will be a good game to see who's responded well to our difficult situation," added Enrique.
"To improve we need the ball, to attack and defend as a team, and to stop our opponents from making interceptions."
Enrique will be without defender Aleix Vidal, who has been ruled out for the season with a broken ankle, as well as suspended midfielder Sergio Busquets.
Javier Mascherano is back in training having missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.
Leganes coach Asier Garitano rejected the suggestion Tuesday's Champions League result made Barcelona vulnerable, adding that his own side could use a confidence boost after a 2-0 defeat to relegation rivals Sporting last time out.
"They [Barcelona] are above winning or losing a game," he said. "I'm sure they did not expect a defeat like this, it's possible that the mood is not good.
"Ours was also a little touched after falling to Sporting. For Barcelona it is also good that Leganes are not going at their best. We are going to continue competing against a rival that motivates us a lot."