Luis Enrique has dismissed the criticism of his team selection in Barcelona's 1-0 Super Cup final loss to Espanyol.
The Spaniard fielded a weakened side for Tuesday night's game, resting the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. A number of Barca B players were called up to the side, prompting criticism when the La Liga champions fell to defeat.
"This is a world full of all types of criticism: constructive, destructive, pathetic..." Luis Enrique said, viaESPN. "I have to think first about my team and we have a brutal schedule. With the games we have and the transatlantic journeys for many of the players, I do what I consider is best for the club.
"I accept the criticism, but I make the decisions I think are best for the team. You have to put yourself in my situation, although I accept that it could have annoyed some people."
Despite the result, Enrique praised the performances of some of the youngsters in the side, adding that they were unfortunate to lose the game.
"It was a good game," headded. "I don't think the result reflects what happened, but I'm happy with the performance of all my players.
"We deserved more. We had the ball and the possession all the time and [Espanyol] scored with their only moment of danger.
"It's allowed me to see some of the Barca B players in a real competition and also to see performances from some of the players who haven't played as many minutes."
Barcelona dominated possession but failed to create enough chances, the game settled byFelipe Caicedo's first-half strike.