Barca’s Enrique is rattled as PSG plan sows disaster
‘It’s pretty simple, our opponents were better than us with and without the ball’
BARCELONA midfielder Sergio Busquets has criticised their tactical and physical frailties after a 4-0 thrashing at Paris St Germain in the last 16 left them on the brink of their earliest Champions League exit in a decade.
The five-times European champions were crushed in every aspect of the first-leg clash by Unai Emery’s side, suffering their heaviest defeat in Europe since 2013 and under coach Luis Enrique, who appeared ruffled in front of the media.
“They (PSG) played much better than us and they overwhelmed us physically,” Busquets told Catalan television network TV3.
“They pressed us harder, they were much better tactically than us, they had a plan and executed it how they wanted to and they were the better team”.
The midfielder also appeared to criticise the team’s preparation for the game, adding: “We expected something else but that’s what can happen. We hope to be able to turn things around at the Nou Camp but I can’t lie, it’s very difficult.”
Enrique cut an uneasy figure in an interview with TV3 which he cut short, saying: “Stop looking for more reasons. This is my responsibility and I hope you use the same tone now we have lost as when we win.”
In his news conference, Enrique said his side were utterly outplayed although he rejected suggestions he had not prepared his players properly for the high-pressing game PSG carried out to perfection.
“We weren’t surprised at all, we had spoken about their pressing before the game but that doesn’t mean you can overcome it. We lost so many individual duels. PSG played as we expected and played at their best and we did not,” he said.
“It’s pretty simple. Our opponents were better than us with and without the ball. They won battles, they were more effective and the result clearly reflects what happened. I don’t think I have to give a huge explanation to Barca fans.”
Enrique gave midfielder Andres Iniesta his first start for a month after his recovery from an ankle injury alongside Busquets who had also only recently returned from a layoff, while Gerard Pique had just come back after a muscle injury.
“We had players that had just recovered but I don’t want to individualise, now is not the time. I have every confidence in my players, it’s time to talk about coaches and I assume full responsibility for this as always,” added Enrique.
“The players are the same ones that have won on other days.”
PSG’s Edinson Cavani swopped shirts with Barcelona and fellow Uruguay striker Luis Suarez after the match knowing his was the most valuable on the night after the French champions’ victory.
Suarez was the first of the pair to arrive in Europe in 2006 when he joined Dutch side Groningen and Cavani, born in the same town of Salto, followed a year later when he signed for Palermo.
Suarez has been the most prolific scorer of the two but it did not show on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes as Cavani showed great defensive commitment before sealing PSG’s win with a goal.
Suarez was nowhere to be seen as the famous “MSN” trio of Lionel Messi, Suarez and Neymar was perfectly controlled by PSG’s tenacious midfield and defence.
While Suarez had no impact, Cavani, who was born three weeks after the Barca forward, did a great job in both areas.
By pressing high, the former Napoli striker pinned down Barca’s holding midfielder Busquets, preventing him from launching attacks.
Two goals from Angel di maria either side of a fine Julien Drzler srike had given PSG a commanding 3-0 lead.
Cavani missed a couple of chances early on, but was in the right place to wrap up victory with a cool finish in the 71st minute for his 34th goal in 32 competitive games this season for PSG, who trail Ligue 1 leaders Monaco by three points.
“We have played great games since I joined the club but it is true that today is special,” said the 30-year-old. – Reuters