Luis Enrique: “I’m happy with the work we did”

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Barça B manager Luis Enrique Martínez was pleased with the way his side played against Recreativo Huelva despite missing out on the three points.

“It was a good possession game against a team that put all three of its lines behind the ball, that plays the ball around well, and that packed the defence, which is never easy to play against”, said Luis Enrique in his press conference after drawing 1-1 with Recreativo Huelva and dropping the first points of the season at the Miniestadi. “I’m annoyed the players weren’t rewarded with the three points, but I’m happy with the work we did”.

Muniesa, OK
Asked about Marc Muniesa, who was replaced by Carles Planas in the 72nd minute, Luis Enrique replied “He twisted an ankle in a clash with an opponent but it’s not serious. But we’ll never run risks with reserve team players”. The Medical Services will examine the player shortly, but it looks like he should be able to train normally this week.

Montoya’s involvement
Martín Montoya is the only Barça B who has played all 1,170 minutes this season. Luis Enrique said he hadn’t even noticed, but “he’s competent, and although we have no natural right backs in the team we do have Dalmau, Balliu, Campabadal in the youth team, and Ilie can also be played in that position. He’s competent, and doing well there … I’m happy with his performances and not just his but that of the whole team”.

Defensive options
The boss has made numerous changes to his defence in recent matches. Against Recre, Bartra and Armando played in the centre and Luis Enrique said “I liked Armando a lot, he’s is playing good football, and brings a lot to the side. I was annoyed that he got sent off, but there was no stopping that ball any other way. Bartra played well. Gómez, Andreu... any of those players can work in that position without lowering the level of the team, but quite the opposite”.

The Thiago case
It has been rumoured that Thiago Alcántara may be promoted to the first team in January, on which the manager said “he is a B player but I’m very happy to see he’s getting chances in the first team but that is Pep’s decision … He has trained some days with us this week. I think he’s doing the right thing. He deserves as much praise as any of the reserve team, for playing with the first team and then coming back to us and playing with the same motivation”.