FC Barcelona has to come from behind twice to register a victory against Villarreal. Leo Messi, who played as a winger, spared the blushes of Catalans and coach Luis Enrique said after the game that the striker is better suited to playing in a wide role.
Going into this game, Villarreal were on an unbeaten run of 18 games but FC Barcelona fought hard to end this impressive run of the Yellow Submarines. Cheryshew and Vietto took the benefit of the errors made by FC Barcelonaa s defenders to put the visitors ahead twice but a goal each by Neymar, Messi and Rafinha helped Luis Enriquea s men maintain a pressure on leaders Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique opted to play Leo Messi in a wider role for this encounter and this tactical shift worked well for th striker as he created many goal scoring opportunities for his team mates.
And Luis Enrique defended his decision after the game. “Messi playing on wing again? It’s for the good of the team, but he has freedom to move. We want him to touch the ball a lot.”
Luis Enrique also praised the efforts of midfielders Rafinha and Andres Iniesta.
“Rafinha? He had a very complete game, like the others. This season, he needs to adapt a bit. No doubt he’ll be a key player for FC Barcelona.
He added: “Iniesta is playing at best position now, more in centre, not as much from wing as before. I’m very happy with performances.”
Meanwhile, striker Luis Suarez, who started the game despite of his poor form, missed to score again but Luis Enrique chose to defend his under fire player. “What does Suarez add? A lot,” the FC Barcelona coach said. “It’s crucial to have someone to push back the centre backs. The goals will come, no doubt.”
Midfielder Rafinha played an extremely important part in FC Barcelonaa s victory over Villarreal and he was very pleased with his display. Rafinha said after the match: a It was a very important match for me. Ia ve given everything, although I know ita s hard to earn a starting role.a
We knew it was going to be tough because they arrived in good form, but luckily we equalised soon after they scored and then we got the third. With the three in attack anything is possible.a
