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.”