Luis Enrique discussed the performances of Neymar and Ivan Rakitic after Barcelona beat BATE Borisov, and the injury to Sergi Roberto.
Rakitic came on for Roberto, who suffered a muscle injury early in the first half, to score twice as the Champions League holders won in Belarus, each goal created by Neymar.
“The two goals will come in handy [for Rakitic] and for the team. The more players who can score, the better, and a team like Barca is always creating chances,” Enrique said, AS reports.
“Neymar? Sorry but I’ve always seen Neymar as good as this. He’s not taking a step forward. There’s no need to put more pressure on the player.
“[Sergi’s] injury isn’t severe. [On Wednesday] he’ll have the relevant medical examination and that will tell us the extent of the problems.”
Enrique was also asked what it means to be nominated on the shortlist for FIFA’s World Coach of the Year award.
“Golden Ball? I’m going to be nominated in the Golden Cucumber. I didn’t even know,” he replied.
“Honestly it doesn’t mean a lot. I’m not concerned by individual awards.”
