Luis Enrique feeling marvelous after tough win

Luis Enrique on the sidelines at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium / MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
The Barça coach celebrates reaching a century of games in charge with ‘three important points’ away at Levante

“Nothing we did not expect.” That was how FC Barcelona boss Luis Enrique summed his side’s hard fought 2-0 away win at Levante in the post-game press conference. The blaugrana coach had warned of the difficulties facing his side in his pre-game appearance before the press and his intuition was not mistaken with Barça having to work their socks off right until the last minute to claim a valuable three points.

“The difficulties we knew them beforehand, the wind clearly affected both teams but I am satisfied with the attitude of the team and the importance of these points. I have a marvelous feeling” said the Asturian.

For Luis Enrique, the game in the Ciutat de Valencia was different to other recent away encounters: “We started the game as we had hoped, without making it easy for them. We scored early on and we kept creating chances.

“These are games that bring problems. It had nothing to do with the 1-0 win at Málaga. Today we created chances, they did too in the first half. The second was more placid.

On completing his 100th game as Barça coach and equaling Pep Guardiola’s record of 28 consecutive games unbeaten, Luis Enrique was typically modest. “I am interested in collective objectives, it’s nice to reach 100 games but there is still a long way to go. We are well placed in all competitions.

“These kinds of statistics are fine and if they help to win trophies then perfect.”