Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique calls Francesco Totti ‘a champion’ ahead of the Roma match tonight.
The tactician was previously on the Stadio Olimpico bench for 2011-12 season, but resigned at the end of the campaign.
With club captain Totti benched frequently by Coach Rudi Garcia this term, Enrique took the opportunity to deny that the forward is hard to manage.
“To see him on the bench is normal with such long competitions,” the Spaniard told Mediaset.
Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique calls Francesco Totti ‘a champion’ ahead of the Roma match tonight.
The tactician was previously on the Stadio Olimpico bench for 2011-12 season, but resigned at the end of the campaign.
With club captain Totti benched frequently by Coach Rudi Garcia this term, Enrique took the opportunity to deny that the forward is hard to manage.
“To see him on the bench is normal with such long competitions,” the Spaniard told Mediaset.
“How did I handle him? As I always have, as I do now with the players I have. It’s easy. You shouldn’t think that everything that is said or written is the truth.
“Francesco is a champion, he always has been and he always will be. There has to be a close relationship between players and Coaches.
“It’s important for me to know I have the esteem of my [ex-Roma] players, above all Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti.
“I have the same affection for them, I hope they have a great season.”
The Blaugrana defeated Juventus in last year’s Champions League final, and are aiming to become the first side to retain the trophy.
“It’s a big goal for us, no team has done it, we’ll start the game tomorrow with great motivation.”