Ernesto Valverde hailed Barcelona for “taking a step closer” to the League title after they beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Sunday.
Lionel Messi’s 600th career goal was the difference between the two sides at Camp Nou, and Valverde expressed his relief at Barca being rewarded for their ‘suffering’.
“It was very important to move eight points clear of second place and not two,” said the Coach after his first-ever victory over Diego Simeone in management.
“We still have a lot of games to play but we’ve taken a step closer and we’ll see what it meant in the future, although we must stay calm.
“The game went against us, the more it passed. They pressed us, causing nervousness, also in the stands.
“We suffered, but you have to suffer in order to beat Atletico. Messi? There’s no-one else like him. Iniesta? We hope he’s not out for long.
“Rakitic? He balances the team. We put him further out wide and he has everything. He has goals in him and works hard. Having him is a luxury.
“Pique? He has an injury, but it doesn’t stop him from playing. We haven’t had a two or three-week spell to him, but he’s pulling through well.
“Gomes whistles? We have to accept it and fight to change things.”
Valverde concluded his by paying tribute to Davide Astori, the Fiorentina and Italy defender who tragically died in his sleep on Sunday.
“We send a hug to [Fiorentina’s] coaching staff and players,” added the 54-year-old.
“It’s something we don’t want to see but which sometimes happens. We want to send a hug to his family, his club and all of Italian football.”
