Barcelona coach Luis Enrique admits he is the one to blame after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Alaves
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta were all on the bench as Enrique made seven changes
BARCELONA coach Luis Enrique has taken the blame for the shock 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Alaves.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta were all on the bench as Enrique made seven changes to the side that beat Betis 6-2 before the international break.
Enrique said: “I am the one ultimately responsible for all the bad things that happen.”
Alaves first win at the Nou Camp since 2000 was Enrique’s fifth home defeat as Barca manager.
He added: “Many of the changes came from the circumstances surrounding us, but we have 22 players and we are going to use everyone this season.
“We lacked fluidity, precision and we were fragile in defence, which is one of the things that normally makes us strong.”
Enrique gave debuts to former Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and striker Paco Alcacer, whosigned from Valencia in August.
But he left Messi, Suarez and Iniesta on the bench as they were on international duty earlier.
The loss came three days before the Catalans hosts Celtic in their Champions League opening fixture.