Enrique avoids criticising refs

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has refused to be drawn into the debate about officiating decisions but feels the club have acted in the correct manner.

Defender Gerard Pique has criticised the decisions going against Barca in successive games, firstly in their defeat by nine-man Athletic Bilbao before complaining again that his side were not awarded two penalties in their weekend draw at Villarreal.

"I think the manager and the club's posture is impeccable, rising above these situations," the Blaugrana responded when asked if he’d back up Pique’s comments.

"It's easy to complain about this or cry about that, but the most difficult thing is to protect the players and your team. I don't listen to all these other things that go on in the background. There's nothing to criticise the club or coach for.

"It's tough when you see the situations we've seen in recent weeks, but the goal is for referees to make the right decisions and to commit as few mistakes as possible."

When pressed on the issue of his defender’s outbursts, the coach of the Catalans said it would not distract either the player of the team.

"I don't think [Pique's comments] will take their toll on him or the team, whatever Pique says is his opinion," Enrique continued.

"He's an adult and he knows what he has to say, or what he should say, and nothing else.

“I'm happy with Pique the player; Pique the professional. He's a key player for us. Everyone has their own way of expressing themselves."

Tags Gerard Pique Luis Enrique
La Liga - Club News