Moyes ‘would have rested Messi’

David Moyes has said he would have rested Lionel Messi and Neymar for the match against Real Sociedad if he was Barcelona Coach.

Barca boss Luis Enrique left his star forwards on the bench for the opening stages of the 1-0 reverse at Anoeta, introducing Messi at half-time and Neymar in the second period.

A second-minute Jordi Alba own goal condemned La Blaugrana to defeat and Moyes said after the match that Enrique’s decision was understandable.

“Big teams usually have big squads and their big games are usually from March to April, so their big players need rest at this point,” Moyes explained, AS reports.

The former Everton and Manchester United manager added that the victory over Barca is the greatest moment of his brief time at Anoeta, and praised his side’s resolute defending.

“It’s the happiest night since I came to San Sebastian,” Moyes acknowledged.

“We did a great job, the players had courage and we were amazing in defence.”

Tags David Moyes Lionel Messi
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