Enrique upset as Barcelona let it slip

Andy West 07:32 12/04/2015
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  • Plenty to chew over: Enrique.

    Luis Enrique admitted Barcelona only had themselves to blame after dropped two points in last night’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Sevilla.

    The La Liga leaders were two-up with little more than half an hour played, but individual errors from Claudio Bravo and Gerard Pique played a major part as the hosts pulled level, while Luis Suarez missed three excellent chances to secure the points for Barca.

    “In the first half we were vastly superior. We played great football and had control,” said Enrique. 

    “But in three minutes we lost our way and their first goal opened up the game. The second half was closer and both teams had chances. Then we committed an error and we paid for it.”

    There will inevitably be plenty of discussion over Enrique’s decision to substitute goalscorer Neymar for veteran midfielder Xavi in order to change the shape of the team to 4-4-2 inside the final 20 minutes.

    The Brazilian was visibly angry as he made his way to the dugout, trudging off slowly and shaking his head, but Enrique insisted he will not give his reaction a moment’s thought.

    “I’m not bothered about stuff like that,” he said. “It’s becoming fashionable and it’s nonsense. I’m only interested in results.”

    And explaining the decision to replace a forward with a midfielder, he added: “I was looking for control of the game and I thought it was necessary to have more of the ball.”

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