Luis Enrique felt Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal was a “fantastic” result in the circumstances as he praised his side for being “great defensively”.
Barca failed to move 11 points clear atop La Liga after they threw away a two-goal lead against Villarreal on Sunday, amidst criticism of Enrique for tinkering with the side’s defence prior to the Yellow Submarine’s comeback, but the Coach was nonetheless delighted.
“Our nearest rivals lost yesterday and we’ve added a point,” he said after the game.
“We had three [points in the bag] and almost lost them, so it’s a positive [result]. Picking up more points than your nearest rivals is fantastic.
“By how the game began, with [Villarreal’s] chance inside the first minute, the players understood what kind of game they’d be in for.
“[Villarreal] play by memory and with lots of one-touch. If we approached the game wrongly, we’d have lost. It’s a positive day as we’ve gained a point.
“By how the game began and with so many cards in the first half, we were afraid of going a man down. I think we were great defensively.
“I don’t think the draw’s come at a bad time. It’s come as it has.
“[Ivan] Rakitic’s a very complete player. We have very good playmakers, and he could be one, but we also understand that he has the potential to reach the opposing box.
“[On the ref being booed in the second half], I didn’t hear anything.
“[On the ref], I have a rule – I don’t talk about the referee.”
