Enrique is expecting Celtic to reach group stage in Europe

that they will not only negotiate Wednesday’s return at Parkhead, but ultimately make it to the competition’s group stage.

‘The Celtic team is good and they now have the second game in the Champions League,’ said Enrique. ‘They have to adapt the players to the new coach and I hope that they do that.

‘I expect that they will go through. It’s great to have a crowd and supporters like that in the Champions League.’

Enrique also reserved special praise for on-loan Celtic winger Patrick Roberts, who enjoyed a fruitful 45 minutes before being withdrawn at the half-time interval.

He added: ‘Patrick Roberts is a great player and he has a great future in the game. He has great quality and I expect he will be important for Celtic.’

Celtic goalscorer Leigh Griffiths left the Aviva clutching the jersey of Barca striker Luis Suarez, but admitted the team’s defending will have to improve if they are to make good on Enrique’s prediction.

He said: ‘It’s not a bad goal to put on the CV but the squad’s disappointed. We shouldn’t be giving goals away like that at this level.

‘You have to give credit where it’s due, Barcelona are the best in the world at pressing teams and attacking.

‘Second half we didn’t concede but the first half we should have been tighter at the back and we could maybe have drawn.’