Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has expressed his gratitude toward the Roma faithful for the good memories at the Stadio Olimpico and is hopeful that they can win Serie A.
The 45-year-old Asturian joined the Giallorossi in the summer of 2011, inking a two-year deal with the club, but cut his ties with the club short after failing to help the club qualify for any European competition.
Since then, Enrique returned to Spain, initially as coach of Celta Vigo before helping Barcelona to a historic treble during the 2014-15 season at the expense of Juventus in Berlin’s Champions League final.
The former Roma coach insists that he is eager to meet his former side again at the Joan Gamper Trophy invitational match, and declared that the Blaugrana are constantly improving despite a lacklustre pre-season.
“Matches like the Joan Gamper are special as there is a party atmosphere,” Enrique told reporters.
“At Roma I spent my fourth season as a coach and I am very grateful as I have good memories.
“I hope they win the championship this season.
“I’m very happy for the way the players have been training, I saw many improvements in this pre-season.
“Tomorrow, we could play [Lionel] Messi and Neymar.”
