Real Sociedad Manager David Moyes has defended Barcelona Head Coach Luis Enrique"s decision to not start Lionel Messi and Neymar in their La Liga clash at Anoeta on Sunday.
A second minute own goal from defender Jordi Alba gave Moyes" a 1-0 win, but the headlines were made by his counterpart"s choice to select Messi and Neymar as substitutes.
Enrique introduced both in the second half – Messi replaced Munir at half-time and Neymar came on for Pedro on 58 minutes – while Daniel Alves, also a substitute, was brought on too, as Barça unsuccessfully attempted to overturn the deficit.
Speaking after the game, Moyes was sympathetic towards Enrique and believes his selections were justified.
"Big teams usually have big squads and their big games are usually from March to April, so their big players need rest at this point," he said, as reported by Football Espana, citing AS.
Messi [15] and Neymar [11] have scored 26 goals between them in La Liga so far this season. The former has featured in all 17 matches, with Sunday’s tie the only game he’s not started. Neymar, in contrast, has started ten times and come on as a substitute on a further four occasions.
Barcelona’s defeat to Real Sociedad means they stay in 2nd place in La Liga – one point adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, and level on 38 points with Atlético de Madrid.
