Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu said that "the most important signing of the season" was on the bench, "beyond the team signing eight new players," according to the EFE. Bartomeu: "[Manager] Luis Enrique is the most important signing of the year. He contributes passion, leadership and sacrifice. We expect a lot from him." Speaking at Barcelona's 35th "Congreso Mundial de Peñas," Bartomeu added that he "learned from everything he experienced in the last year." Bartomeu "also praised the signing of Uruguayan Luis Suárez," saying, "He has come here with a lot of excitement, he dreamed of playing here since he was small" (EFE, 8/18). The EFE reported in a separate piece Enrique, who also addressed the crowd, "asked supporters not to leave the club this season, because it will need the support of the fan base during the most important moments of the year." Enrique: "Throughout the season, there will be difficult moments and we will need your support." He added, "We have reinforced in quantity and quality. Have no doubt" (EFE, 8/18).
