Luis Enrique warned his Barcelona substitutes their performance in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Deportivo La Coruna was “a case of ‘note taken’”.
The Catalans looked to be heading for victory with goals from Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic, but they threw away their lead after having made all three changes, and the Coach admitted he “expected more” from his newcomers.
“We completely controlled the game until the 30th minute of the second half, when they scored their first goal, which the referee disallowed,” he said after the game.
“Until then, I thought my players did very well. We were in control because we were very good defensively.
“This helps us to realise that we have to be very focused, even when we’re 2-0 up. It serves to teach us and prepare for the Club World Cup.
“Deportivo are always lucky when they come to Camp Nou. Looking back on the game, I consider the result unfair.
“They were very brave and deserved a better result. Sometimes football doesn’t reward the team who get the most things done, but the most effective.
“I didn’t see any similarities between Depor and Valencia. The result was less unfair [on Saturday], while we were infinitely superior against Valencia.
“[On Saturday], we suffered in the final quarter of an hour and even could’ve lost.
“The fans were spectacular and wonderful. I wouldn’t have been able to tell if there were more or less of them, they were 10/10.
“Munir [El Haddadi] had a very good chance to make it 3-1, which would have closed the game, but it didn’t happen.
“The dressing room also feel disappointed. Everyone wanted to win and move further ahead of our rivals, but that’s football.
“Throughout the season, slip-ups like these happen. It improves you without any doubt.
“It’s correct [that we conceded both goals after I made all three changes].
“Maybe I expected more from them, maybe it’s my fault. Either way, it’s a case of ‘note taken’ and the absolute responsibility of the Coach.
“We have to bounce back, but don’t ask me about the Club World Cup final because we have to win the semi-final first.
“I’m worrying very little about which goalkeeper to play [in Japan]. I have three very good goalkeepers and made my decision.”
