Speaking after Barcelona’s 2-1 away win over Malaga, manager Luis Enrique claimed that it was important for his team to win despite ‘playing badly’.
Barcelona looked unconvincing even though they took the lead in the first minute of the game as Munir found the back of the net from close range. It took a brilliant goal from Lionel Messi to earn Barcelona three crucial points as Luis Enrique emphasised the importance of winning games despite playing poorly.
To win, playing a game when we were not at our usual level, strengthens us
As reported by ESPNFC.com, Luis Enrique admitted that his side were inferior to Malaga in the first half of the game. The manager went on to claim that it was one of Barcelona’s worst first half performances in recent times.
“It is difficult for us to play such a weak first half, lots of problems, lots of mistakes.
“Even after scoring so early. We were inferior to Malaga in the first half, they made many more chances than us. It is difficult to remember a first half from us so weak.”
Important to win three points while playing badly
However, the manager congratulated his players on showing the determination needed to pull through in the second half, as Barcelona look to keep up with Atletico Madrid in the title race.
“But I liked the improvement in the second half, and drive of team to win the three points. It is easier to win when you play well, but we managed to get three points when playing badly.”
Barcelona face a series of tricky fixtures as they host Athletic Bilbao mid-week in the second leg of the Copa del Rey before facing Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
