Squad strength key for Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique believes the strength of the Barcelona squad could prove crucial after seeing them beat Granada 4-1 on Sunday.

With Lionel Messi suspended and Gerard Pique being rested, Enrique used the match to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress and they demonstrated their class by overcoming the battling Andalusians.

Victory was paramount after leaders Real Madrid’s triumph over Alaves earlier in the day and the pair currently sit two points apart in the La Liga standings, albeit with Real having a game in hand.

A third straight domestic crown remains on offer for Enrique’s men, while they are also still in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

The 46-year-old coach has already confirmed he will leave his role at Camp Nou in the summer and will be desperate to go out with a bang having already won eight trophies since being appointed in the summer of 2014.

Barca certainly seem to be coming to the boil at the right time and are 3.10 to retain their domestic crown and the 3.75 favourites to win the Champions League.

With the games coming thick and fast, Enrique will have to constantly rotate in order to keep his troops fresh.

The boss admits it was good to see some of his fringe stars step up to the plate on Sunday and believes their performances will only breathe further confidence into his side as they look to win silverware.

“Still, squads are the things that win Leagues,” he told reporters.”It’s clear that we’d like to have everyone available, but we have to offset the losses with a squad like the one we have. Squads win titles.”