Final warm-up for Barca, Luis Enrique hails Samp as “top opponents”

Barcelona went through their final preparations at the Joan Gamper training ground this morning ahead of Wednesday’s contest against Sampdoria in the 51st Gamper Trophy.

Former Roma coach Luis Enrique almost had a full squad to work with in training: Neymar, who is away on Olympic duty, is the only noticeable absentee from the Catalonian side.

In his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard underlined the importance of tomorrow’s game for his team.

“It’s our first game at Camp Nou,” Luis Enrique declared to the assembled media throng. “It will be a celebration where everyone can play and get used to the atmosphere.

“We have reinforced fantastically, but Sampdoria – who bring back good memories for the club – are top opponents.”