Jeremy Mathieu has stressed that his comments following Barcelona's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in October were never intended to garner controversy.
The former Valencia defender last month admitted his 'surprise' at playing left-back against Los Blancos in the aftermath of the season’s first Clasico meeting.
Speaking at a Press conference ahead of Barca’s trip to Mestalla on Sunday, Mathieu denied trying to undermine Luis Enrique, as he reaffirmed his faith in the Coach’s vision.
"I said it without trying to be controversial. When I signed, I talked about playing at full-back or in the centre," he clarified to reporters.
"I said that I was surprised, but I'll play where I'm told.
"What happened was that I didn't know I was going to play at full-back [beforehand], but [what I said] wasn't a criticism.
"I didn't say it to create a bad atmosphere. I was only surprised when I saw my name at full-back, nothing more.
"If he asks me again, I'll play at full-back."
