Luis Enrique Says Why He Ignored Neymar and Co. to Play with 10 vs. Villanovense

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has explained his decision to willingly play with 10 men for the final part of his side's match against Villanovense, preferring to keep Neymar and Luis Suarez on the bench than replace the injured Jeremy Mathieu.

The Barca boss said after the Copa del Rey tie his substitutes were not sufficiently ready to come on with only 10 minutes remaining, and he was simply making a call on their health, per the club's official website: “I understand the players on the subs’ bench were not warmed up. I look after the health of my [team]. [Villanovense] have been a worthy rival and we had to give everything to get through the tie.” 

Enrique still had the option of making a fresh introduction as his team ran out 6-1 winners at the Camp Nou, but the move could be viewed as disrespectful to both the opposition and the spirit of the game.

The Blaugrana manager left Lionel Messi out after his recent return from injury and explained he was resting the Argentina captain but lauded the Copa as a "great trophy," per the club's website:

"

Messi played 30 minutes in the Bernabeu, 90 against Roma and 90 against Real Sociedad, I didn’t want to overload him. We decided it was for the best and we considered it the best for the team. 

[The Copa del Rey is] an attractive competitive for all the teams. It could be more attractive but it’s a great trophy and the final is one of the best games that you can play in.

"

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Barca were in fine fettle against their third-tier opponents and had a comfortable day at the office as the side's superstars grabbed a break in the stands and on the bench. 

Dani Alves opened the scoring from long range for the hosts in the fourth minute. That was followed by an effort from 20-year-old forward Sandro Ramirez, who scored a hat-trick on the night.

Juanfran hit back for Villanovense before the half-hour mark, but two further strikes from both Sandro and Munir El Haddadi sealed the emphatic win. 

Enrique was delighted with both Sandro and Munir's contributions, as quoted by the club's website: "[Sandro] has always been a goalscorer. I am happy with the performances of both players. They have to improve in many areas but they are young and I see them with the right attitude to do that."

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It is highly unusual for a coach to choose to disadvantage his team numerically, but Barca were home and dry long before Mathieu's exit.

The opposition were comprehensively beaten, but it is debatable whether Enrique should have made the decision as it contravenes sportsmanship and respect.

However, Barca will not be concerned as they comfortably proceed to the last 16 of the tournament hopeful of repeating their treble success of last term.