Luis Enrique claims Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Sporting Gijon on Sunday did not reflect the run of play. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Barca moved to within one point of Real Madrid atop La Liga with a big win in Gijon, their first game without Lionel Messi since his thigh injury, but Enrique felt his side did not have it as easy as the result suggested.
“The result is misleading. The 0-5 seemed to be an easy and simple result, but nothing could be further from the truth,” the Coach said after the game.
“The game wasn’t a 0-5, much less. In fact, Sporting, at 0-2, made us suffer because conceding a goal would’ve complicated the game.
“The red card completely upset the game’s balance. Until that point, I saw the match on track in our favour, but not closed.
“There are areas for improvement there because then come the surprises. They put a goal past you, the fear sets in and then comes the next game.”
Enrique then reserved acclaim for Sergi Roberto, who helped himself to two assists and further cemented his role as Barca’s first-choice right-back.
“I don’t see another right-back better than Sergi Roberto for Barca, a team who will always have the ball against rivals that sit back, but he can play in the middle as a pivot,” he added.
“I love him because he comes across very well, has a lot of clarity in the lines and gives a lot to the team.”
