Luis Enrique pleased with Barcelona role players after Athletic Bilbao victory
Saturday 4 February 2017 21:06, UK
Luis Enrique hailed the contribution of Barcelona's bit-part players as a much-changed side saw off Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Saturday to move within a point of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Barca's day was blighted slightly by a groin strain suffered by Gerard Pique, which could keep him out of Tuesday's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at home to Atletico Madrid.
Despite holding a 2-1 lead over Atletico, Enrique maintained his policy of heavily rotating, with league and cup commitments soon to be added to by the return of the Champions League.
"First and foremost, it is important to realise that to reach our three objectives we need the whole squad," said Enrique.
"Today a lot of players who haven't had a lot of minutes took part and showed what they can do."
With Luis Suarez watching on from the bench, Paco Alcacer netted his first league goal for Barca since a €30m move from Valencia in August.
Lionel Messi added a second and was eventually substituted with 25 minutes to play, giving him a rare rest before Tuesday, while Aleix Vidal slotted a fine third to complete the scoring.
"We were able to give a rest to some because, without that, it is impossible to compete at 100 percent with all the games we have coming up," added Enrique.
"We've won three marvellous points."
However, Barca suffered a double injury blow with Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets still sidelined as Pique limped off at half-time before Rafinha had to be replaced with a head knock.
"Gerard's problem is a strain so we decided not to take any risks," added Enrique.
"It is clearly the fruit of the calendar we have and the number of minutes he has had to play. Rafa's is a knock. He has a deep cut and we had to replace him.
"I don't know if I will able to count on them (for Tuesday). We will see how they go in training tomorrow and the day after."
