Football
ESPN staff 9y

Luis Enrique says Barcelona's five changes in loss 'had to be that way'

Luis Enrique accepted responsibility for Barcelona's surprising defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup on Friday night, but the manager remained confident his side can turn around the 4-0 scoreline in the second leg.

The first leg at San Mames was Barcelona's biggest loss under Luis Enrique, whose decision to make five changes from the team that won the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday helped the Basque hosts keep Lionel Messi in check.

Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets all started on the bench for Barcelona, while Jeremy Mathieu did not travel for the game.

Starting in their place were In their place were Pedro, Marc Bartra, Sergi Roberto, Thomas Vermaelen and Adriano. Neymar remained out after contracting mumps.

Luis Enrique said the changes were required after Sevilla took Barca to extra time three days earlier.

"There were a lot of changes but it had to be that way after playing for 120 minutes [on Tuesday]," the manager said.

"I have made changes to the side and I accept the responsibility for the loss without hesitation."

However, Luis Enrique was not giving up Barcelona's quest to win six trophies in 2015, saying Barcelona can still win the Super Cup at the Camp Nou on Monday.

"If anyone can turn this result around then it is Barca and if not we will still try with all we've got," he said. "It is not being arrogant to think that we can come out on top.

"This was not our best performance but still we were not fortunate."

Barcelona have now conceded four goals in two consecutive games, a fact that concerns the manager.

"Football is a game of errors but we have gone from a side that concedes fewest to one that concedes too easily," Luis Enrique said.

"Of course I am concerned about the goals we have conceded. We will try to correct that.''

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