The players don´t need whistles – Luis Enrique hits out at fans

Luis Enrique hit out at supporters who jeered Barcelona during their unimpressive last-gasp 2-1 LaLig win over Leganes on Sunday.

Lionel Messi scored both goals, including a 90th-minute penalty to secure a slender victory for the Catalans, but it will have done little to mask the performance and the fallout from Tuesday’s 4-0 hammering by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Despite getting off to a fine start against Leganes with Messi’s fourth-minute opener, supporters often seemed to be on edge, turning on players and the coach more than once.

Jeers and whistles could be heard several times, with midfielder Andre Gomes a particular target, and Luis Enrique urged fans to be more understanding.

“I am left with the response of the team and the fans,” he told Movistar Partidazo. “I know it’s difficult but at this moment the players do not need whistles, but love.

“I do not understand the whistles at Andre Gomes. I believe that whistling players on your team makes no sense, but everyone can show their discontent how ever they want.

“But what makes us stronger is when they support us and it this [treatment] with Andre annoys me.”

Barca are one point behind leaders Real Madrid, who have two games in hand.