Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insists his team are deadly serious about winning the Club World Cup, but also let it slip that he is perhaps less than fully prepared for today’s semi-final opponents Guangzhou Evergrande.
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The Chinese team, managed by ex-Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, progressed into today’s meeting in Yokohama by winning this year’s AFC Champions League and then defeating Mexican outfit Club America in Sunday’s quarter-final.
Enrique has rushed to acquaint himself with Guangzhou, but his lack of detailed knowledge became apparent as he said: “Their best player is the young Brazilian, Goulart. And their captain [Zheng Zhi] is also a good player…I’m sorry, I’m not very good with names.
“But we have reviewed their last three games and analysed them in defence and attack, the same way we do any other opponent.”
VIDEO: There was drama when @GZEvergrandeFC clinched their semi spot. Can they get a win vs @FCBarcelona? #ClubWC https://t.co/fdiGsFnVQf
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 16, 2015
By far the biggest name in the Guangzhou squad is former Real Madrid and AC Milan striker Robinho, who was substituted at halftime during the quarter-final victory.
Another well-known Brazilian international at Scolari’s disposal is ex-Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, who netted the injury-time winner against Club America on Sunday.
And the Barca boss is keen to downplay his team’s tag as heavy favourites to win the tournament, pointing to Guangzhou’s most recent outing as evidence for caution.
“Football is full of surprises,” he said. “Just ask Club America, who were also made favourites in the quarter-final. This game is far from a formality and we won’t go onto the pitch to stroll about. The game will be very serious and very difficult, especially because they are a team which is used to winning.”
Barca are heading into the game on the back of three successive draws, having been held by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League as well as Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga, allowing Atletico Madrid to move level on points at the top of the table.
Enrique will be without Neymar as the Brazilian is sidelined with a hamstring injury but the Barca boss did not rule out his star forward from returning for the potential final.
