20.11.2010 16:42
Luis Enrique: “I’m happy with the work we did”
www.fcbarcelona.cat
Barça B manager Luis Enrique Martínez was pleased with the way his side played against Recreativo Huelva despite missing out on the three points.
“It was a good possession game against a team that put all three
of its lines behind the ball, that plays the ball around well, and that packed the defence, which
is never easy to play against”, said Luis Enrique in his press conference after drawing
1-1
with Recreativo Huelva and dropping the first points of the season at the Miniestadi.
“I’m annoyed the players weren’t rewarded with the three points, but I’m
happy with the work we did”.
Muniesa, OK
Asked about Marc Muniesa, who was replaced by Carles Planas in the 72nd minute, Luis Enrique
replied “He twisted an ankle in a clash with an opponent but it’s not serious. But
we’ll never run risks with reserve team players”. The Medical Services will examine the
player shortly, but it looks like he should be able to train normally this week.
Montoya’s involvement
Martín Montoya is the only Barça B who has played all 1,170 minutes
this season. Luis Enrique said he hadn’t even noticed, but “he’s competent, and
although we have no natural right backs in the team we do have Dalmau, Balliu, Campabadal in the
youth team, and Ilie can also be played in that position. He’s competent, and doing well
there … I’m happy with his performances and not just his but that of the whole
team”.
Defensive options
The boss has made numerous changes to his defence in recent matches. Against Recre, Bartra
and Armando played in the centre and Luis Enrique said “I liked Armando a lot, he’s is
playing good football, and brings a lot to the side. I was annoyed that he got sent off, but there
was no stopping that ball any other way. Bartra played well. Gómez, Andreu... any of those players
can work in that position without lowering the level of the team, but quite the opposite”.
The Thiago case
It has been rumoured that Thiago Alcántara may be promoted to the first team in
January, on which the manager said “he is a B player but I’m very happy to see
he’s getting chances in the first team but that is Pep’s decision … He has
trained some days with us this week. I think he’s doing the right thing. He deserves as much
praise as any of the reserve team, for playing with the first team and then coming back to us and
playing with the same motivation”.