Luis Enrique hailed Lionel Messi for “always being decisive, even when he’s at home having dinner” after his performance that won Barcelona the Clasico.
Messi scored two goals at the Santiago Bernabeu, including one right at the death, to deliver a dramatic 3-2 win for Barca and move them top of La Liga, prompting Enrique to describe the Argentine as “the best of all time”.
“It was a match between two great teams, who could win any of the two trophies,” the Coach said after the game.
“In terms of rhythm, our previous games in the Champions League were noticeable. Some of the lads were seen to have asked for water on the touchlines.
“Tiredness meant both two teams conceded too much. It was a game that was very demanding physically and mentally.
“The win is an injection of huge morale on a great day for Catalans, with the celebration of Sant Jordi.
“Madrid don’t need to open the door to create an opening and have a shot. They have a player like Marcelo, who is more than special.
“Overall, Madrid creates danger with their qualities. [Posing danger] is one of their qualities and it’s always difficult to defend against them.
“Messi? He’s always decisive, even when he’s at home having dinner. He’s the best of all time, and I’ve seen many football videos.
“Now, the players are better prepared on all levels and he can make the difference. His [second] goal was also his 500th and he’s playing for an incredible club.
“Leo always creates superiority in the middle of the pitch and we want him to participate as much as possible.
“Perhaps in more central areas it’s difficult because there’s more density on our rivals’ part, but he participated a lot.
“If you [reporters] want, we’ll apologise for Messi deciding the game, which is why he’s at Barca.
“Sergi Roberto? It was a colossal piece of play from Sergi Roberto, with a lot of physical power, and it was very difficult at that point. Andre also helped and it was a great goal.
“We played a little like them, but I liked it.
“I wanted a more comfortable game, in which we wouldn’t give away so much and had more chances, but it was a Clasico at the height of the two clubs.
If the other day I talked about the spirit of Don Pelayo, today is about Sant Jordi, which will be remembered well by the Cules.
“The referee? I never go over refereeing decisions, good or bad, although I think officials clearly need help.
This season has felt like five years, with good things and ones not so good. When we were drawing 2-2, the disappointment was terrible, but the players were able to come back and win, which was the ending we all wanted.”
