Luis Enrique: We look to get Messi on the ball as much as we can

Luis Enrique defined the game against Sevilla in LaLiga Santander as a “great game, which I thought it would be between two teams that are attacking and take risks. I think we resolved the game well in the end. I’m happy with the performance of my players.”

The Asturian lamented that “before conceding the first goal we had chances at the beginning of the game but nothing came of them, with Luis [Suarez] and Neymar making a mess of one, which doesn’t usually happen. We knew it was going to be difficult against a rival that creates danger, but we also had chances to kill the game off earlier.” 

And the Barça coach once again praised the best player on the planet, Lionel Messi: “Leo has the capacity to interpret what’s going on anywhere on the pitch and play anywhere. There’s no-one you can compare him to. Our objective is to find him [with the ball] as much as we can. Leo was great”

DODGY GRASS 

Luis Enrique complained about the pitch at the Sanchez Pizjuan. “The state of the pitch didn’t help either team, while the pressing from Sevilla made everything even more difficult, too,” he said. “It was a big test and it showed what the players are made of. We know what usually happens to the big teams after Champions League weeks and I’m really happy with the victory. Above all, these type of wins strengthen you even more.”

MESSI’S BOOT 

The Barcelona manager also spoke about the yellow card Messi was given for not leaving the pitch when he lost a boot. “I don’t know who made up that rule. He broke his laces when he was fouled and the rules says he has to leave the pitch. Players are fired up and don’t want to leave their team with one less and that rule prejudices the team who’s received the foul.”