JOIN USBarcelona started afresh this season under new coach Luis Enrique but his position is already being questioned with the team suffering back-to-back La Liga defeats and failing to play the dashing football expected of them.
Luis Enrique arrived at Barca having impressed with the quick-passing philosophy he instilled at Celta Vigo and on Saturday he was outdone by his former players as the stuttering Catalan side lost 1-0 and relinquished top spot in La Liga.
The surprise beating comes on the back of their El Clasico defeat last weekend, when they were comprehensively outplayed by an in-form Real Madrid.
Against Celta, their disjointed performance led to whistles from the Camp Nou crowd and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta was forced into backing the coach after being asked about his future on Spanish television.
“There are no doubts about Luis Enrique,” Zubizarreta told Canal Plus. “Football is like this, you hit four posts and their keeper plays very well. Our football was lacking a bit at 1-0 but still we had clear chances that we didn’t take. In the first half, we controlled the game despite Celta pressing high up the pitch.”
Ivan Rakitic, the former Sevilla midfielder, was supposed to take over from Xavi as the heartbeat of the side in midfield but after some strong displays in his opening games, the Croat has now lost his way and was unable to make an impact against Celta.