Luis Enrique: We knew Messi penalty would create debate
Luis Enrique was prepared for what was coming after Lionel Messi decided to pass the ball from the penalty spot in the 6-1 win over Celta Vigo, above all because “in this country a kick [on a player] is accepted more than flicks and tricks.”
His comment came after it was claimed it was a disrespectful action to pass from 12-yards rather than shoot - something Celta did not agree with, incidentally.
Speaking about the penalty, he continued: “I wasn’t surprised, I was aware what they [Messi, Suarez, Neymar] were up to.
“We already knew that all this would come [after]. I imagine it’s going to create a debate. But in any case, it’s a legal move. I think that it’s a famous penalty scored by Cruyff in the past?”
Asked if it was provocative, he added: “We all know who says that and why.
“We are the first to respect our rival and our motivation is to win through football. If someone scores a goal like this against me, I go to the middle of the pitch and get on with the game.”
Luis Enrique said the first half had been “a bit imprecise” adding that “in the second half we improved” although he said “6-1 is perhaps a little bit flattering because Celta made the game tough.”
