Enrique: 'The players don't need whistles'

Despite getting off to a fine start against Leganes with Messi's fourth-minute opener, supporters often seemed to be on edge, turning on players and the coach more than once.

Published : Feb 20, 2017 12:34 IST

Luis Enrique urged fans to be more understanding.
Luis Enrique urged fans to be more understanding.
lightbox-info

Luis Enrique urged fans to be more understanding.

Luis Enrique hit out at supporters who jeered Barcelona during its unimpressive last-gasp 2-1 La Liga win over Leganes on Sunday.

Lionel Messi scored both goals, including a 90th-minute penalty to secure a slender victory for the Catalans, but it will have done little to mask the performance and the fallout from Tuesday's 4-0 hammering by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Despite getting off to a fine start against Leganes with Messi's fourth-minute opener, supporters often seemed to be on edge, turning on players and the coach more than once.

Jeers and whistles could be heard several times, with midfielder Andre Gomes a particular target, and Luis Enrique urged fans to be more understanding.

"I am left with the response of the team and the fans," he told Movistar Partidazo . "I know it's difficult but at this moment the players do not need whistles, but love.

"I do not understand the whistles at Andre Gomes. I believe that whistling players on your team makes no sense, but everyone can show their discontent how ever they want.

"But what makes us stronger is when they support us and it this [treatment] with Andre annoys me."

Barcelona is one point behind leaders Real Madrid, which has two games in hand.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment