Luis Enrique defended Andre Gomes tooth and nail ahead of Juve clash
The Asturian coach said it was lamentable and pathetic that Gomes is picked on by some
Gomes might be chosen to replace the suspended Sergio Busquets in midfield on Tuesday night
Luis Enrique reacted badly to a question about Andre Gomes’ form during the press conference ahead of Barcelona’s clash at Juventus.
“Of course he has a chance of playing, but what I think is a bit pathetic is that you individualise a defeat on one player or two players,” said the coach, defending the Portuguese midfielder who has not found his feet at the club.
“So I’m going to defend my player: it’s a team sport, I think it’s pathetic. I think it’s totally unfair, undeserved. Obviously we all need to improve, but to single out players is lamentable.”
Gomes has been involved in many of Barcelona’s bad performances this season and the statistics show his presence is bad news for Barcelona.
During the 2-0 defeat by Malaga, Gomes didn't recover a single ball. Not one. In addition, he only won 16 per cent of his duels which he took part in during the game, the lowest per cent of the 28 players who played.
Further up the pitch, despite his height, more of the same as he won just 25 per cent of his aerial battles.
Read the full story on Gomes’ stats here.
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