Luis Enrique laments Barcelona mistakes that handed Manchester City crucial win
Catalans' manager praises home side's 'aggressive' play in Champions League clash but admits he was left searching for answers to his side's second-half collapse in 3-1 defeat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona manager Luis Enrique admitted he was at a loss to explain his side’s capitulation against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Catalans dominated the first half at The Etihad and took the lead through Lionel Messi – only for City to come storming back through Ilkay Gundogan’s double and Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick.
Enrique’s side stayed top of Group C, but with two games to go the group is now wide open and the manager admitted he was puzzled by the manner of his side’s second-half collapse.
“They [City] played very well,” said Enrique. “They were aggressive and provoked more errors from us than we did from them.
“I have not got an explanation – there is no explanation.”
On Barcelona’s impressive first-half display, Enrique added: “I think it has been one of the best 40 minutes we have played, particularly on a stage like this against a top-quality rival.
“In the second half we hoped to continue to dominate but it couldn’t be. That’s because of errors and pressure from the opponent.
“City took advantage of our errors and they have some great players. The first 40 for us, the following 50 for them. The result reflects that.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments