Ernesto Valverde: We passed the Eibar test

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has hailed his players for securing a valuable 3-0 win at Eibar.

The victory put Barcelona right back into the race for top spot in La Liga, thanks to a goal each for his superstar strikeforce of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.

However it was the mentality of his players that the former Athletic Bilbao manager was most pleased with, as they navigated past an opponent that has traditionally caused problems for La Liga's big names in the past.

"We know what playing here at Iprura means, and so does every team in La Liga.

"I spoke with the players before the game and told them they would need to be mentally prepared for this game.

"We knew we would have to suffer to win, and we reacted well.

"I have said before that we need to win games in places like this if we are to win La Liga.

"Today the players have showed their mentality to win this type of game, and I am pleased."

Valverde opted to praise the team effort in securing all three points against Jose Luis Mendilibar's side, but he did single out midfielder Frenkie De Jong for a special mention after the Dutch international was applauded off the pitch by the home fans.

Valverde stated his pleasure at De Jong's start to life at Barcelona, and claimed he had already established himself as a key part of the team inside two months.

Tags Antoine Griezmann Lionel Messi Luis Suarez
La Liga - Club News