Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique has “positive” memories of Roma and calls Leo Messi “the best player in the history of football.”
This Champions League tie kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“I return here a few years older and after a normal process of growth for a Coach,” said the man who sat on the Giallorossi bench in 2011-12.
Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique has “positive” memories of Roma and calls Leo Messi “the best player in the history of football.”
This Champions League tie kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“I return here a few years older and after a normal process of growth for a Coach,” said the man who sat on the Giallorossi bench in 2011-12.
“I maintain only positive memories of Roma, even if it was a difficult campaign and I expected that. This will be a special game for me, but now the Champions League begins.
“I expect to see a similar Roma performance to how they faced Juventus, a side that presses opponents and creates many scoring opportunities.
“There are only four players left who were with my Roma, so it’s impossible that anything remained from that team. So much time has passed. This is Rudi Garcia’s Roma.
“I didn’t blame anyone for what happened at Roma and I can’t even remember all the details now. It was my decision to resign. Life goes on.
“Did I expect to return with pride at my success since leaving Roma? That’s not my style. What interests me is improving and enjoying my career as a Coach.
“I am happy to be back here with a club that treated me in a marvellous way. I don’t like to think of how things could’ve gone.”
Barcelona beat Juve 3-1 in the Final back in May, sealing the Treble, but could become the first team ever to retain the Champions League in its current format.
“It’s not added pressure, in fact it’s further motivation for us. No side has ever managed it, we know that, but it’s absolutely not pressure on our shoulders.
“There are 32 teams who are all fighting for that trophy. When you start a tournament, I like to have the due respect for reigning champions, so yes we are the favourites.”
In the Press conference, Luis Enrique was asked about superstar Leo Messi.
“I consider Messi to not only be the best player in the world right now, but the best player in the history of football.”