Valverde ‘delighted’ with barren Suarez

Ernesto Valverde insists he is ‘delighted’ with Luis Suarez, despite the striker embarking on his worst spell in front of goal for Barcelona.

Suarez has scored just three times for Barca this season and went a third game without a goal on Saturday against Sevilla, although he did assist Paco Alcacer for his opener in a 2-1 victory.

“We clearly dominated the first half and could’ve gone into half-time with a few more goals,” the Coach said after the game.

“They pressed more in the second half and pulled a goal back through one of their strengths: set-pieces.

“We scored again very quickly, but we couldn’t kill off the match with our transitions and we suffered a bit because of uncertainty regarding the scoreline.

“Alcacer’s brace? It’s good for him and also the team because it’s an important victory.

“I’m also happy because I’m sure his brace will help him gain confidence and show that he’s a goalscorer.

“There were high demands placed on him, but he managed to overcome it. Top of La Liga? I prefer not to look back, but we’re top and we have good feelings, although we still have lots of things to improve on.

“We were very good in the first half for 20 minutes. Our opponents didn’t come here to ‘spar’ but to try dominating us.

“Catalan independence? What we’re seeing is that it doesn’t affect us. There was even a vote of no-confident at the start of the season, yet nothing happened.

“Fans go to Camp Nou to express themselves freely, in a peaceful way and above all to help the team.

“We’re focused on ourselves: playing and winning games. Results usually come through performances.

“First of all, you have to try to win, but we do so by dominating, adopting a high line and recovering balls. What we’re not going to do is apologise for winning.

“Semedo? He ran a lot, was quick and defensively very strong. We’re delighted with him.

“Luis Suarez? I’m delighted with him.

“It’s also a good sign for the team that they’re winning without needing Suarez’s goals.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde
La Liga - Club News