Luis Enrique: Barcelona win over Deportivo perfect preparation for Manchester City clash
Sunday 16 October 2016 00:55, UK
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique hailed Lionel Messi's goalscoring return in a 4-0 rout of Deportivo la Coruna as the perfect preparation for their Champions League showdown with former coach Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on Wednesday.
Messi netted with just his third touch after nearly a month out with a groin injury having come on just before the hour mark with Barca already 3-0 in front.
"It was a complete performance," said Barca boss Luis Enrique. "We have Leo back and it took him no time to be back in top form.
"Our aim was to surprise them and it worked how we wanted it to. We created lots of chances and they created none. Deportivo have conceded very few goals this season and we got four."
Barca have had the better of City in the Champions League, winning all four clashes between the sides in the last 16 in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons.
However, Enrique insists City will be a new and improved threat on the European stage under his former team-mate Guardiola.
He added: "It is a great way to prepare for a very attractive game for us against an opponent that is continuously improving, and will continue to do so based on what we have seen so far and because of the coach they have."
