SPORTS Friday, March 10, 2017 23

SPORTS Friday, March 10, 2017 23 Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique (2L) cele- brates with Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) beside the rest of their team Barca back with a bang Barcelona made the seemingly impossible, treatment,” said Barca defender Never have those irst came the “mourning” possible. Gerard Pique. demands arguably then the opportunity for “This victory is dedicated “I would like him more than ever been so evident Frevenge, claimed vindicated especially to the Barca fans that to get the front pages tomorrow than the fact Enrique outgoing Barcelona coach Luis had faith even after one day in because with his plan and way ended his post-match Enrique after overseeing the which the team was outplayed of approaching this game he has press conference greatest comeback in Champions as was the case in Paris,” added done most of the work. by highlighting the League history by thrashing Paris Enrique. “If at other times he has been need for Barca to raise Saint Germain 6-1. “This team has shown they treated unfairly, today or tomorrow the energy to win at Despite Barca’s galaxy of stars, know how to win because they he deserves all the plaudits.” Deportivo la Coruna it was the boss who was first in the have won a lot, but, when we have Ironically, midfielder turned on Sunday to keep firing line when the Catalans were lost, we have also shown we know right-back Sergi Roberto had themselves top of La torn apart 4-0 in the first leg in how to lose, especially me.” been one of those sacrificed for Liga. Paris three weeks ago. Enrique also played a vital Enrique’s new plan. “The problem is this all “Firstly we had to go through role in recognising his team’s Yet, Roberto still proved to be starts again tomorrow and a the mourning,” said Enrique. shortcomings and changing his the hero as he came off the bench return to training. “It was hard, especially on one formation. to prod home Neymar’s cross in “I would have liked to rest, person. I don’t read it, but I am Barcelona have played 4-3-3 the 95th minute to spark wild to let the players celebrate with aware of it all.” since the days of Johan Cruyff’s scenes of celebration amongst the their families and loved ones, In the aftermath, Enrique reign in the eighties. near 100,000 fans at the Camp who suffered most what the confirmed the long held suspicion Yet, in the past four games, a Nou. team went through, but we that he won’t remain as coach next change to 3-4-3 has resulted in Enrique himself raced from the have to get up tomorrow and season after three highly successful a crucial La Liga win at Atletico bench onto the field. However, calm ourselves down.” years in charge. Madrid and thrashings of Sporting, he didn’t quite allow himself a Europe beware, though, The timing of the decision -- Celta Vigo and PSG by a combined joyful tear of celebration despite having won a treble and a made public in his post-match score of 17-2. describing the match like a “horror double in his first two seasons, press conference following another movie”. Enrique wants to win it all 6-1 win just seven days previously ‘Deserves plaudits’ “I’m not one to get emotional,” again before departing in June. against Sporting Gijon -- took “This system gives us more he added. “But I enjoyed it as “I imagine among our rivals most by surprise. options, more situations that pin much as those who cried.” our qualification hasn’t gone However, in removing the back the opponents, more players In stepping down last week, down well. tension around his future, Enrique that can participate,” Enrique Enrique cited the relentless rigours “We have never been Barcelona’s coach changed the narrative and gave his continued. of the Barca job for his need for cautious and we want the three Luis Enrique cel- team the freedom from which they “The boss hasn’t had the best a rest. titles.” (AFP) ebrates.

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