Luis Enrique has blasted ‘nonsense’ reports of a fallout with Neymar following Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.
The Brazilian forward was caught by TV cameras gesticulating in response to being replaced by Xavi Hernandez midway through the second half, but the Coach was not prepared to feed the controversy after La Blaugrana’s late point at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
“In the first half, we were clearly superior as we played some great football and were in control,” he said after the match.
“It’s too bad that we had our lead shortened. That goal opened the game.
“The second half was more balanced, with chances for both teams. Then we made a mistake and paid for it.
“When we concede a goal, it bothers me, regardless of how it’s [conceded], but we remain confident leaders [in the League] and want to improve our performance levels.
“It doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong. We’re still unmovable [from the top of the table].
“I don’t know where we’ll be after matchday 38, but I know we’re leaders on 31. Our opponents did very well because they were very intricate [with their play].
“I only look at my team and our calendar. The harder it is for our rivals [in the end-of-season run-in] the better, but I only focus on what my team do.
“[On Neymar’s apparent disapproval to being substituted], I’m not interested in any of this nonsense.
“It’s becoming fashionable to report on these things. I’m only interested in seeing the team win.
“We had a great first half and didn’t concede many chances, but we paid for our three-minute spell [towards the end of the first half].
“It’s the first time [that I replaced a striker with a midfielder], but it used to be common in previous years.
“We sought control of the game and thought it was necessary to have more control of the game, but the match continued to be a little crazy.”
