Copa del Rey News

“It was the players!” – Enrique explains decision to snub FIFA ceremony

Barcelona's curious decision not to send their players to the FIFA's The Best awards ceremony has been explained by manager Luis Enrique.

By admin

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has sought to remove himself from the controversy surrounding his club’s absence from the recently concluded FIFA The Best awards gala.

Luis-enrique barcelona

Questions were asked when not a single Barcelona player showed up in Zurich on Monday despite Lionel Messi coming second in the running for the Best Player award and several of his teammates being named in the FIFA FIFPRO World XI for last season.

But the Barcelona coach, whose side lie in third behind Real Madrid and Sevilla on the La Liga table, says that it was the players’ decision not to turn up and not his instruction.

“In principle, the idea to go or not is individual,” he told reporters. “As their coach, I can only back their decision. There’s a sporting situation that’s more important.

VIDEO: Barcelona players absent as FIFPRO XI is named | 09/01/17

“There are certain commitments the players must take into account. I back their decision 100 per cent.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Best Player award ahead of Messi and Antoine Griezmann, had a thinly-veiled dig at the Catalans in his speech for their decision not to show up.

When asked to comment on Ronaldo’s remarks, the Spaniard quipped: “I’m very lucky – I haven’t seen any TV for a week.”

Barcelona’s official explanation was that the team was prepping for the replay of their Copa del Rey clash against Athletic Club, having been beaten 2-1 in the initial leg.

All goals & highlights | Barcelona 3-1 Athletic | CDR 11/01/17

It is a game that was the Catalans won 3-1 at Camp Nou on Wednesday, with their fearsome front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all finding the net.

Speaking after the game, Enrique hailed his team’s reaction to the first leg defeat and their subsequent draw at Villareal while demanding that they build on their upturn in form.

“I am delighted with the level displayed by my players during this double-confrontation. We were far superior,” he told the press.

“We managed the game well, they scored on their only opportunity but my players knew how to be calm to start again.

Enrique’s reaction | Barcelona 3-1 Athletic | CDR 11/01/17

“The fans responded and supported us when we needed them.

“We must now chain the victories to regain confidence in our game.”

Up next, the Blaugrana square off against La Palmas in the league on Saturday.