How Lucho's angry team-talk saved Barcelona

How Lucho's angry team-talk saved Barcelona

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique Maritnez saw the league slipping out of his hands against Real Betis, with the score 0-0 at half-time, after Atletico and Real Madrid's victories. Knowing the situation was tricky, the coach spoke to his players in the most intense way he has done this season, raging at his men. 

He reminded his team that La Liga was at stake and with the attitude Barcelona showed in the first half, they would not end up with the title. The team had played very slowly, creating few chances and the sensation was that the title was escaping them.

Visibly furious, the coach demanded more intensity from his team in a way he doesn't usually: 

"Do you want to win La Liga, yes or no? Because it doesn't seem like it. You're playing with no intensity, with no pace, with nothing. It seems like you've got nothing to play for. Either we move forward [in the second half] or we throw away La Liga. It's up to you."

The team got the message and came out to play in a much better fashion. Rakitic scored in the 50th mintue and Suarez sealed it late on. Lucho's rant had its affect. After the game he praised the players in his press conference.