Ernesto Valverde spoke in his press conference before the match against Villarreal in Tuesday. Valverde wants to look forward, past the loss to Granada, and for that a win at home is a must. Translated by @barcacentre.
Valverde: “Villarreal always make things difficult for us and they have started well this season. They have fast players, but also players like Cazorla.”
“We must look forward and forget about what happened to us in Granada the other day. We have to improve a lot away from home.
Especially at Barcelona, we are always in the spotlight. It’s no surprise. If the results disappoint, you’re in the spotlight. The world of football is like this. You can enter a crisis fast in and go out of it fast. We are focused on winning 6 points this week.”
Changes in the squad for the next match
“Rakitić? You were going to ask me about Dembélé, but since Rakitic stays out of the squad you ask me about him… The list consists of 18 players and someone has to stay out. We hope that Dembélé can demonstrate his great quality.
We are not good enough in our attacking game. It’s not because of Griezmann, Pérez, Ansu or whoever plays. The balls have to reach them, we must improve on that.
Aleñá returns because he is training well, that’s why he has entered the list. There are many people in his position and that’s why they come and go.
Carles Pérez, although he has not been included in the squad list, is with us, in the dynamics of the first team. As is Ansu.
Lenglet and Piqué already played a lot last year. It’s true that they are the ones that have less competition, but we trust that when Umtiti returns, they will rest.
Junior has to be in good conditions. He is at Barcelona, he has to be 100%. If you sub off a player at half time, it means that you have made him a starter and trust him… but the coach can be wrong, like the player.”
“I’m not worried that Madrid is already 4 points ahead, I’m only worried about my team.”
End of Valverde’s press conference
