Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has taken full responsibility for his side’s loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last night.
Two goals from Atletico forward, Antoine Griezmann helped them claim a famous victory over the La Liga champions.
Griezmann’s crucial goal came from the penalty spot – and Barcelona felt aggrieved after having a clear penalty claim wrongly ruled as a free-kick instead.
Barcelona’s form has seen a dip since the El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid – but manager Enrique has taken blame for his side’s recent troubles.
“I’m 99.9 per cent to blame, no 100,” he said.
“That’s why I am the coach, the most responsible. I can’t say anything bad about the attitude of my players.
“It was the game we predicted, although perhaps I didn’t expect Atletico to play so deep. It wasn’t our best day.”
However he praised Atletico’s victory and said that his team must accept defeat and concentrate on their domestic campaign.
He said: “We have not had our best day, but in the second half we have had chances. It was not to be. Atletico deserve praise.
“Our goals are always the highest, we’re proud to be always favourites, we must accept the defeat and focus on our remaining objectives. We have to stay calm and think that we still have two competitions where we are in the running
“Everyone can choose the explanation (for Barca’s faltering form). To give mine I have to analyse the performance. It is not our best time, but it is not the time to be nervous.”
