Luis Enrique urged Barcelona fans not to take Lionel Messi for granted after his Derbi display and “appreciate him as something unique”.
Messi played a key role in three of Barca’s four goals against Espanyol on Sunday, but while Enrique accepted Blaugrana supporters were “used” to the Argentine’s brilliance, they should not treat it as a given.
“The match went as we expected, with Espanyol playing on the counter,” the Coach said after the game.
“They were dangerous to play against and we saw why they’d gone several hours without losing.
“It was a complete game from us. It was more difficult early on, with Espanyol’s 10 men behind the ball, but our resilience led us to a breakaway goal.
“It was better to score a second in the first half, but we didn’t have many chances.
“The second was a different story, we created more chances and saw the most spectacular displays from our attacking players.
“When Leo plays like this, it seems that all Cules are used to it. You can stop praising him because it seems like a routine thing.
“Still, we mustn’t get used to it and instead continue enjoying and appreciating Leo as something unique.
“We always need to end a year with a good feeling. We’re in good form, 2017 promises to be very attractive 2017, with the challenge and objective of retaining this League, which is more complicated than in previous years.
“Still, we’re optimistic. This team are built for challenges and surpassing [expectations] each season.
“Four players have already started their holidays. Leo, Luis [Suarez], Ney[mar] and [Gerard] Pique haven’t been called up for the Copa.
“I’ve done it before with the forwards. The others will also have seven or eight days to be with their families.
“The fans’ support? I liked their chants and that they supported and helped us, which created a good atmosphere and meant the game was only about matters on the pitch.
“It was a derby without nastiness and one that was interesting.
“Denis on the right? It depends on the state of the players. With Denis, we sought someone that, when playing with the ball, would run between the lines, beat opponents and make final passes from the second line.
“He was also good defensively. This position is difficult because I have many capable options there. Rafa [Rafinha] also did very well. The team in general were very good.
“Rakitic’s absence in the last two games? They were technical decisions. I’m a Coach and it’s my job to make decisions.”
