Ernesto Valverde insists it is vital Barcelona get three points from their Champions League clash with Olympiacos on Wednesday.
The Catalans are top of Group D with maximum points from their opening two fixtures and victory over the Greeks at the Camp Nou would virtually stamp their passage into the next round.
“This match is fundamental for us, although we are not thinking about if we win or making any plans beyond that,” Valverde told a Press conference.
“We know about the pressure here, Olympiacos also have it, and we are just thinking about winning the three points and how important they are. We want to win as many games as we can.
“It’s better to come first in the group than second, although you never know and it depends how the other groups finish, but that’s another factor and a sportsman must always strive to come first.
“We have players who can turn a game at any moment and I can’t make any predictions, but in the end it’s the people on the pitch that matter.
“I’m happy with how things have been going. We’ve just had two games – against Getafe and Atletico Madrid – where we were losing but finished up getting a good result.”
The 53-year-old, who has had two spells in charge of Barca’s opponents, was also asked about this year’s Ballon d’Or.
“We all know who is the best in the world,” he replied. “Aside from that, awards don’t worry me too much.
“For us, Lionel Messi is the best and I don’t care about a ball – much less if it is gold, silver or bronze.”
