WENGER’S FEAT ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ AT BARCA: ENRIQUE

BARCELONA: Barcelona boss Luis Enrique believes it would be impossible to mirror Arsene Wenger’s 20 years in charge at Arsenal given the demands at the Camp Nou. Enrique delivered the treble of league, Cup and Champions League in his first season with Barca and is well on course to repeat that feat this season as the Catalans welcome Arsenal on Wednesday on the back of a 37-game unbeaten run.

Barca are heavy favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for a ninth consecutive season as they hold a 2-0 first-leg lead over the Gunners. Wenger has come under increasing pressure as a run of one win in seven games has severely dented Arsenal’s hopes of landing a first Premier League title in 12 years, whilst their bid to win a third consecutive FA Cup was ended by a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Watford on Sunday.

However, Enrique insisted that Wenger’s 20- year stay demonstrates he is one of the top coaches in the world. “I don’t think anyone has ever been here (as coach) 20 years, or, if they have, it is impossible in the modern era,” Enrique said on Tuesday. “It means the level of Arsene Wenger as a manager cannot be doubted. Only the best can be in the one place for so long due to their level and also because they have the desire to continue. In my case, I think it is impossible.”

By contrast to Bar ca’ s Champions League form in the past decade, Arsenal haven’t made it to the last eight since being eliminated by a Lionel Messi in 2010.