Skip to content

Luis Enrique frustrated by Barcelona fans' reaction after Leganes win

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) is congratulated by teammates Barcelona's French defender Jeremy Mathieu (2L) and Barcelona's Uruguayan fo
Image: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (L) is congratulated after scoring his side's winner against Leganes

Under-pressure Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has criticised fans jeering their own players during the team's 2-1 victory over Leganes.

Barca needed a last-gasp penalty from Lionel Messi to seal victory against a team lying 17th in the table and battling against relegation.

It was far from the emphatic response the Catalans had hoped for following Tuesday's 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Paris St Germain in the Champions League as Leganes looked on course for an unlikely draw when Unai Lopez cancelled out Messi's opener.

The atmosphere at the Nou Camp was fractious, with some fans whistling both Enrique and midfielder Andre Gomes to express their dissatisfaction. A section of Barca supporters also sang Enrique's name, which was then greeted with further disapproval.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Barcelona v Leganes at the Camp Nou

"I accept that they whistle at me, that the fans are hurt because of Paris, but not that they whistle at the players," Enrique told reporters.

"I do not understand. As a fan, whistling a player from your own team does not make sense. Anyone can show their disagreement however they want. But in the case of Andre it annoys me.

"I understand those who have jeered me. I am the coach and after a performance like the one in Paris I have to accept the criticisms."

Also See:

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi shoots a penalty kick to score a goal  during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs CD Leganes at
Image: Lionel Messi scored a penalty at the Camp Nou

Enrique insisted before the game he was not paying attention to speculation surrounding his future but his players delivered another shaky performance that will do little to ease the pressure on his position.

Barcelona are now only a point behind Real Madrid, but the league leaders have two games in hand over their rivals and Barca face a tough trip to Atletico Madrid next weekend.

Enrique admits his players are suffering from a lack of confidence after their heavy defeat at the Parc des Princes and said they became nervous as Leganes grew into the game.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19:  Unai Lopez of CD Leganes shoots on goal and scores his team's first goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and
Image: Unai Lopez scored Leganes' equaliser

"It was the scenario we expected," Enrique said.

"The team started well, wanting to reverse the situation. We started in the best way, with a goal and dominating.

"But as Leganes produced dangerous attacks, the ghosts appeared as you would expect after the defeat against PSG. They became emboldened and tied the score.

Leganes' midfielder Unai Lopez (R) celebrates his goal with Leganes' defender Alberto Martin during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs CD Le
Image: Lopez (R) celebrates his goal with Alberto Martin

"In the end we have taken the match, which will give us moral and mental strength."

Enrique added: "Regardless of how the matches go, I see an impeccable and unbeatable attitude. Better than in the previous two years."

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Lionel Messi (C) of FC Barcelona shoots on goal between Martin Maximiliano Mantovani (R) and Erik Moran (L) of CD Leganes d
Image: Messi shoots on goal between Martin Maximiliano Mantovani (R) and Erik Moran

Messi, not for the first time this season, saved his side after Neymar was fouled in the box but the Argentinian's lack of celebration was conspicuous.

Enrique, however, would not be drawn on the striker's sombre reaction.

"I have not seen it and I am not the one who must answer," Enrique said.

Around Sky