Publications
Partners
Madrid - Barcelona boss Luis Enrique launched a staunch defence of his players after they came from behind without the injured Lionel Messi to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on Tuesday.
Goals in the last 10 minutes from Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez propelled the European champions to the top of Champions League Group F after Kyriakos Papadopoulos had headed the visitors into a deserved half-time lead.
"It was a difficult night. It was our second game without Leo Messi, the second game without our best player, an irreplaceable player, and it is the second game the team has won," said Enrique.
"I am very happy for what the players have achieved. They turned around a very difficult game. We can be more precise, but no one can say Barca relax and don't give everything."
Despite Messi's absence, the Camp Nou crowd were less than patient as boos rang out at the half-time whistle.
Enrique pleaded for more understanding from the club's supporters at a difficult time with a host of young players drafted in to cover a mounting injury crisis.
"I think this team deserve more credit for what they have won recently and how they carry themselves.
"They try until the last minute and if then they deserve to be booed then fine, but we are much stronger in the delicate moments if they support us.
"At 2-1 we didn't need their support, we needed it a 0-1.
"I would like the few people that do boo not to do it because we hear them and we need the support of everyone."
