Luis Enrique: It’s a win that strengthens us as a team

FC Barcelona became the first team to leave the Sánchez Pizjuán with points as goals courtesy of Leo Messi and Luis Suárez after Vitolo’s opener gave the Catalans a precious win. 

Luis Enrique spoke to the press after the game where he was full of praise for his players’ efforts on a tough ground and against an in-form team. Here is the pick of what he said:

“I am satisfied for being able to stand up to the difficulties, we witnessed a very high level from both Sevilla and Barça.”

“We had chances to go ahead but they did not materialize and just after they managed to score. But we reacted well and managed to score before the break. Messi’s goal got us back in the game and helped us believe in the comeback.”

“We played a great second half, creating many chances. The game entered a fast-paced rhythm which did not favour us but we also knew how to handle it.”

“It is a win that strengthens us all as a team and individually."

“The Pizjuán is a tough ground, with great pressure from the opponent, but as we showed, we managed the came perfectly.”

The players also spoke to the media in the mixed zone after the intense encounter, with goalscorer Luis Suárez, Ivan Rakitić, Sergio Busquets and Denis Suárez giving their thoughts.

Luis Suárez

“Messi can play in any position, he always makes the difference.”

“We have the three points and we must continue in the same way.”

“We played a great game. We must know how to play these types of games against teams as tough as Sevilla.”

Ivan Rakitić

“We earned a deserved victory, we are generally very happy.”

“Nobody (this season) has managed to win here, we are happy about that and we played very well. We kept a very good rhythm in the game.

“In the second half we were more dominant and were calmer.”

Sergio Busquets

“Messi is the best player in the world, he does things differently. There are many fine players but he is the best.”

"In the second half we adjusted how to play out from the back."

“There are plenty of games still to play, those who are up there are great teams and will be there until the end.”

“We must continue in the same way.”

Denis Suárez

“I tried to take advantage of this moment because the best team in the world rarely gives handouts.”

“Winning here today is big because, at this ground, no team has lost this season.”

“We leave with a very important victory and we move forward with a valuable triumph.”