Luis Enrique has insisted he is counting on the Spanish striker Pedro for the new season which gets underway next Tuesday.
"Pedro is a world-class player. He's shown how good he is for both club and country. Speaking as a coach, I want him to stay. Nothing has changed. Any changes will be dictated by him".
"The players know exactly what they have to do to counteract any imbalances at the back".
What if Pedro leaves and there are injuries up front?
"I don't like looking at 'what ifs' especially when they're on a negative note. I prefer to think that things will carry on as usual. We're ready to deal with any situation that may arise during the coming season".
On Mascherano as captain number four: "There are other players who could captain the side, but was chosen by the players and that's how I like it. There are other players who, without being captains, have a voice inside the dressing room".
On the goalkeeping debate:
"I haven't decided who will play in the finals. However, our members can rest assured that a world-class keeper will start in goal for Barça".
On Suárez's form:
No player in the world is at his very best at this point in pre-season. It would be wrong for either player or coach to think anything else. It's just that some players are lighter or younger - not in Luis's case - and they arrive in better shape for pre-season. Suárez has the added motivation this season that he'll be available from the very first game".
