Luis Enrique: "We have to appreciate what the players have done"

Barcelona confirmed their status as favorites in the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Sevilla in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Tuesday night, securing their fourth trophy of 2015. But for those who haven't watched it, the Blaugrana needed extra-time to win it 5-4 after a spectacular comeback by the opponents, who were down 4-1 but tied the game, and came incredibly close to a historical result.

The second half was a nightmare for the super-champions, full of individual and collective mistakes that need serious attention. However, the players still fought and gave their all when the momentum had clearly shifted towards the Rojiblancos' direction. In overtime, the Catalan giants showed composure, dominanted the final 30 minutes and created the right opportunity to win the game. They showed resilience, battled exhaustion and earned a win.

That's how coach Luis Enrique is looking at it. Sure, there are things to be corrected, and he will look at them. But just for right now, it's time to commend the players for fighting hard, taking hard punches and emerging victorious with a late comeback. This was the tone of Lucho's brief post-match press conference. Here's a few highlights:

"They [Sevilla] played a very complete match.

"I think we were good physically, even in overtime, and the effort was worth it.

"[Tonight] was a clear example of how difficult it is to win titles.

"Everyone puts us down as the favourites but we have to appreciate what these players have done, because it is not easy. Football can have surprises.

"We have to analyse what happened. They got back in the game, but the tying goal jolted us awake. We made a great effort and we're very satisfied. What they did deserves a lot of merit. In extra time we were better and we deserved the title.

Source: FCBarcelona.com

Source: Renato Goncalves http://ift.tt/1Ts6lgF