Leganes unlucky, admits Valverde

Ernesto Valverde admits Barcelona’s 3-0 win at Leganes was “misleading and excessive” as they “made it difficult for us and had a great game.”

Luis Suarez’s brace and a Paulinho effort at the death fired Barca to their 11th victory in 12 games, keeping them well on top of La Liga, but Valverde confessed his team were lucky to pull through at Butarque.

“It’s true that I protested it a lot because Amrabat’s a player who always looks for contact and relies a lot on his opponents,” he said after the game.

“That’s why it could’ve been as much a foul for them as it was for us. The yellow seemed excessive, but in any case, it was something that could’ve happened and it did.

“The result was misleading and excessive because Leganes made it difficult for us and had a great game, while there were times when we weren’t brilliant.

“They’re very secure at the back, as shown by the fact that they’ve only conceded two goals in five games.

“Suarez? We need his goals, as well as those of Messi, Alcacer and others, such as Paulinho.

“We already know our forwards always relate well with our opponents’ goal and that sooner or later, the goals will come.

“Now people will calm down about Suarez. We’ll see what happens next. Ter Stegen? He’s having a great season. He’s been conveying great sobriety and serenity.

“The team? We’ve had some great games, like at Sevilla, against Juventus and Athletic…

“The big matches help you take steps forward, although we’re aware that we have things to improve on.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde
La Liga - Club News