The Barça coach Luis Enrique was more than happy with his side’s 6-1 win over Villanovense to become the first team through the last 16 of this season’s Copa del Rey. “It was a game in which the team responded and the crowd did too,” revealed the manager. In a game in which the Asturian gave an opportunity to some of the players who have not featured heavily and members of the B team, he was supportive of the duo of Munir and Sandro, the latter the scorer of a hat-trick: “He [Sandro] has always been a goalscorer. I am happy with the performances of both players. They have to improve in many areas but they are young and I see them with the right attitude to do that.”

The former Barça player was quick to play down any controversy regarding his decision to play the final part of the game with 10 men due to Mathieu’s injury, even though Barça still had one substitution left. “I understand the players on the subs’ bench were not warmed up. I look after the health of my, they [Villanovense] have been a worthy rival and we had to give everything to get through the tie,” stated firmly Luis Enrique.

Below more comments from the coach’s post-game press conference:

5TH MEMBER SOLIDARITY DAY

“I want to thank the Club for Member Solidarity Day and all those who came to the stadium.”

THE ABSENCE OF LEO MESSI

“Messi played 30 minutes in the Bernabéu, 90 against Roma and 90 against Real Sociedad, I didn’t want to overload him. We decided it was for the best and we considered it the best for the team.”

THE COPA DEL REY

“It’s an attractive competitive for all the teams. It could be more attractive but it’s a great trophy and the final is one of the best games that you can play in.”