Enrique hails ‘perfect’ Barca

Luis Enrique expressed his delight after Barcelona’s 6-2 opening-day win against Real Betis in La Liga as his side played the “perfect game”.

A Luis Suarez hat-trick plus goals from Lionel Messi (x2) and Arda Turan secured a convincing victory for Barca in the first match of their consecutive title defence, and Enrique struggled for superlatives when describing his team’s performance.

“It was a perfect game, both on a football and emotional level,” the Coach said after the game.

“The players came out with more ambition and enthusiasm than ever before. We were brave and effective, and I only remember a few games when our opponents put us under so little danger.

“It was a complete performance, and at this stage of the season it’s difficult. I congratulate [the players] because they won very impressively.

“[On Messi’s performance], that’s Leo Messi. If you have him or Luis Suarez as involved [as they were] in the team play, things are easy.

“[You] just need to tell them go and enjoy themselves. There’s no better news for football than to see these players. They enjoy themselves and excite the fans. It’s a real treat.

“[On Samuel Umtiti], it seems that he’s already showing what we saw of him at Lyon.

“He came out with the ball well, positioned himself well and was strong. He’s been a great signing so far, but he must continue like this.

“[On Sergi Roberto], I had faith in him and believed in his potential, fighting in every training session.

“You have to be very strong mentally to get where he has. He’ll be a great full-back.

“Suarez is in form, not only in attack but also defence. His pressure [on the opposing team] was at a very high level.”

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