Luis Enrique appeared confident in front of the press in Yokohama as his team prepare for Sunday’s Club World Cup final against River Plate. “The team is in good shape. We were in good shape in Barcelona and we were good in the semi-final on Thursday and we will be in good shape for the final on Sunday.” The Barça boss added that the game against the Argentine club is “a very attractive final.”

There were plenty of questions on the subject of the availability of both Leo Messi and Neymar. Luis Enrique was clear in his reply: “They are fine and both are getting better.” The Asturian would not give any clears as to whether they would appear on Sunday: “There is still a training session to go and plenty of time before the game.”

The coach did not appear worried about being labelled favourites ahead of the final. He also highlighted the fact that River Plate would be going into one of the most important games in their history. “That can make you more dangerous or you play with greater tension.” He identified River’s strength as a ‘block’ as one of their positive characteristics.

About the possible atmosphere in the International Yokohama Stadium on Sunday, he commented: “The more noise during the game the better. I don’t know if we will be like the home side or not. I know that River Plate have brought lots of fans. The more atmosphere there is, the better for the players.”

To round off, he praised the support of the Club’s Japanese fans during the week in Yokohama. “We only have to walk out of the hotel to find people supporting us. We are grateful and it makes us feel good. Thanks to what we do on the field, people enjoy themselves,” he concluded.