Ernesto Valverde has urged Barcelona to be wary of Roma in the Champions League quarter-finals. “They scored three goals at Chelsea, we scored one…”
Barca take on Roma, less than three years after thrashing the Giallorossi 6-1 in the group stage, but Valverde made it clear they were a different proposition, also singling out their sporting director – former Sevilla man Monchi.
“Treble after Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique? I don’t believe in prophecies,” the Coach said at a Press conference for Sunday’s Liga game against former club Athletic Bilbao.
“Athletic? They’re always dangerous. Busquets? When a team like Athletic apply so much pressure, having Busquets is great for us.
“No Suarez? Athletic are strong defensively, with two centre-backs who are aggressive, and not having Luis there is a problem, which bothers me.
“However, given he already had four yellow cards, we knew he could miss a game and he’ll miss this one.
“Alena like Iniesta? No because Iniesta is a unique and incomparable player, but Alena will have a great future at this club without a doubt.
“Rakitic? He’s having an extraordinary season. He’s a very reliable player because he helps us with our game, works hard and also gets forward.
“Roma? I don’t believe anyone who says they’re the easiest team we could’ve got in the quarter-finals because they have great players and Monchi knows us perfectly, plus you only have to see them play at Chelsea, where they scored three goals, while we scored one and suffered a lot.”
