Enrique: Vidal proved me wrong!

Luis Enrique admits Aleix Vidal proved him wrong in Barcelona’s 5-0 thrashing of Las Palmas on Saturday. “His performance contradicted the Coach…”

Vidal was given only his second La Liga start of the season for the match against Las Palmas but nonetheless made the most of it, executing a fine finish for the Catalans’ fifth goal, which the right-back followed up with a passionate celebration.

“[The game proved] we need all our players,” the Coach said after the game.

“What I’m most happy with is the team’s performance without the ball. It was one of our best [performances in that regard] of the season and our stage at the front of the team.

“If you don’t put pressure on a team like Las Palmas, they cause you problems, but thanks to [our play off the ball], we created a lot of chances.

“It was a very complete performance and wonderful from a defensive perspective. It’s a match that strengthens all of us and we’re coming on very well.

“Vidal? He’s the one who has played the least minutes in the squad alongside Jordi Masip and shown that he is prepared to compete.

“His performance contradicted the Coach because he had an excellent match.

“Physically he’s a unit, he has great natural fitness and trains very well. I was very happy with his performance.

“[Vidal and Sergi Roberto] have had to learn to adapt to [right-back] because neither have grown up in that position, but both of them are reliable, have goals in them and can run.

“They have to keep improving defensively, but having both is great news.

“It’s good to be able to decide who can or can’t play, whether they’ll be starters or not.

“If they have the right mentality, they’ll continue to play well, but we’re Barca, not an NGO.

“All the players are important to the team. Everyone wants to play more, but what matters is the good of both the team and club.

“Gomes? He’s done very well. He’s young and has everything to play for this team.

“Maybe today he made more runs and offered more in terms of presence, given he set up two goals, but it’s a continuous process and his performances have been in line with what we expected.”

Tags Aleix Vidal Luis Enrique
La Liga - Club News