Enrique: conference Barcelona vs Valencia

The Barcelona boss was happy despite his side dropping points at Valencia, refusing to criticise his forward line, who missed a host of chances at Mestalla on Saturday evening.

Luis Enrique said he had no reason to be disappointed with his players after they gave up two points to Valencia on Saturday.

A second half goal from Luis Suarez looked to have Barcelona on course for another win, but Santi Mina snatched a point late on.

The Barça boss, though, wasn’t too disheartened as his side’s lead at the top of La Liga was cut to two points.

“I have nothing to criticise the players for,” he said at his press conference after the game.

“We played a very complete game on a very difficult pitch – we had ownership of the game.s.

“Valencia, who were really well supported by their fans, scored from some great play [at the end].

“The pitch was in perfect condition and we created many chances, but we just lacked efficiency.”

Suarez eventually gave Barça the lead in the game, but not before him, Lionel Messi and Neymar had all missed several chances.

However, Enrique didn’t feel they were wasteful.

He also was happy with Messi, who is returning from an eight week injury lay-off and is still looking for his top gear.

“I thought he did very well and was in sync with the whole team,” he said of the Argentine.

“Physically he’s getting better and he is a key, indispensable player for us.”

On Suarez’s goal, Enrique said he didn’t see anything: “I’m not MacGyver! I have enough to do during a match as it is.”