Luis Enrique believes Barcelona’s intensity was pitched right to beat Rayo Vallecano after the 2-0 win at Vallecas.
Lionel Messi and Neymar scored the goals, both in the first half, while Claudio Bravo established a new record for not conceding.
Enrique was asked post-match about the record and why he hasn’t picked Bravo in the Champions League.
“Beyond what the record means for one player is the performance of the team. We started strong,” Enrique replied, AS reports.
“We knew we couldn’t give the ball away against a difficult opponent. The players had the right intensity and I am very pleased beyond what the record means.
“It’s not only Claudio but also [Marc-Andre Ter Stegen] and [Jordi Masip]. We have to know who is the suitable option to play.
“We faced a difficult team who press and keep a high line. I’ve always said it’s an honour coaching players of this level.”
Both Barca goals came through balls over the top that exposed the Rayo high line, a tactic Enrique said came about because of how far up the pitch Rayo play.
“We knew the courage of Rayo and it gets you into a certain disposition,” he continued.
“We were able to make the final pass and the victory makes us stronger. It’s statistics at the end of the season I’m most interested in.”
Enrique continued with Neymar and Messi as two of his front three but shuffled the pack elsewhere, moving Jeremy Mathieu to left-back, and explained his thinking.
“I consider each player’s profile and where I should change who is playing. We’d already considered [Mathieu at left-back],” the coach revealed.
“Neymar and Messi’s connection will appear again and again, continuously. That’s to our advantage.
“The more connections our players have, the better.”
