Luis Enrique insists Dani Alves cannot be held liable for Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat by Malaga in La Liga on Saturday.
The right-back’s cushioned backpass to Claudio Bravo was too weak, allowing Juanmi to nip in behind, steal the ball off the Brazilian, evade the onrushing goalkeeper and tap home the Andalucians’ winner inside just seven minutes at Camp Nou.
“It wasn’t our best day individually or collectively. Each attack collapsed in the final phase against a counterattacking rival,” the Coach told reporters afterwards.
“We attacked too many times through the middle. We weren’t very effective or decisive. If you have problems [in the final third] then what happens, happens.
“It’s a result, which hurts us and doesn’t suit us. Malaga had a very good match. I wish it was an accident, but I'll see [the impact of the defeat] in the coming weeks.
“We accept that we may have deserved this defeat. [Referring to Alves’ error], the entire team are accountable for mistakes. A Coach must never single out anyone.
“Defeats are painful when they occur and difficult to overcome, but we have a great challenge in three days’ time [against Manchester City].”
