Night on the boos leaves Enrique irritated

Luis Enrique blasted booing Barcelona fans after the Spanish champion eked out a 2-1 victory over Leganes on Sunday night.

Following a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, Barca needed a last-minute Lionel Messi penalty to see off the struggler, which is winless since November and was on its first league visit to Camp Nou.

Messi gave Barca a fourthminute lead, but the jeers began when Unai Lopez equalized with 19 minutes left.

“As a fan, booing a player of your own team for me makes no sense,” said Barca boss Enrique.

Much-criticized midfielder Andre Gomes bore the brunt of the boos as he was replaced 10 minutesfromtheend.

“What can clearly help the team and the players is the support that we saw from the majority of the fans throughout the game and especially in the final minutes,” added Enrique.

“That is what makes us stronger. Andre’s case annoys me.”

However, Enrique said he had no such problem with criticism directed his way.

“I am the coach and, after the result and performance we saw in Paris, it is logical.

“I accept any criticism, but those on the pitch need to be in the best state possible.

“The games are difficult enough as they are. If you add this on top of it, I don’t think it helps.”

Victory ensured Barca moved back up to second in the La Liga standings and to within a point of Real Madrid, which has two games in hand.

Barca faces a much stiffer test next weekend when it travels to fourth-place Atletico Madrid, but Enrique highlighted the psychological importance of getting the threepointsdespiteapoordisplay.

“A slip-up today would have been almost definitive. Not in terms of points, but on an emotional level,” he said.

“I am convinced that the team is going to improve and immediately.”

The Spanish champion was thankful for a series of fine saves from Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as he was unexpectedly busy in goal.

“It has been a difficult week for everyone without a doubt,” said Ter Stegen.

“The most important thing is that we were able to win today. That will give us a bit of confidence, which we need for the weeks ahead.”

And Ter Stegen echoed his coach’s call for a show of unity from the Barcelona faithful.

“Everyone on the field tried their best and the most important thing is to support us at times like this week with the 4-0 defeat in Paris,” he added.

“We need the fans, above all at home, to support us. We can win or lose together, but the most important thing is that we are united.”

Barca will try to overhaul its four-goallast-16deficitagainst PSG in the return leg at Camp Nou on March 8.