Barcelona manager Luis Enrique was delighted after seeing his team execute a near perfect performance with very few mistakes against Celtic, opening their 2016/17 Champions League campaign with a thumping 7-0 win in front of their own fans at Camp Nou.
"We practically didn't commit any mistakes. The players had fun, and that allowed the Barça supporters to have fun," Enrique explained to the media after the final whistle (FCBarcelona.com).
"The team did a lot of good things. We played so well, the approach of our opponents didn't matter in the least," he added.
For Enrique, breaking the deadlock quickly was crucial. "It's a necessity against such a defensive-minded team," he said, with the very early goal from Lionel Messi allowing Barça to relax.
Messi was the star of the show on the night, scoring the 40th hat-trick of his senior career at club and international level. Luis Suarez scored two of his own, while Neymar also got one and bagged a total of four assists.
Another #UCL treble for #Messi tonight. The @FCBarcelona coach lavishes praise on his hat-trick hero. pic.twitter.com/XqM6pOg01t
It was the first time that all three played together this season and the 'MSN' hit back with a bang. Between them, the trio have now scored 50 of Barcelona's 56 Champions League goals since the start of the 2014/15 season. Andres Iniesta scored the other on Tuesday.
"Messi's the best player in the world, at whatever position he plays. Messi is total football," Enrique gushed. Iniesta, meanwhile, described Messi as "unique".
Enrique then said of Suarez, "He never ceases to create pressure and work hard. Even though he didn't have his best day, we knew he'd end up scoring," he added.
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