Abelardo Fernandez has warned Barcelona that Alaves ‘will play in a way so that they don’t feel comfortable’ on Saturday.
Alaves remain the last team to win at Camp Nou in La Liga, courtesy of a 2-1 victory all the way back in September 2016, and Abelardo is expecting a similar performance from his side this time around.
“Barcelona aren’t at 100 percent but neither are we. Still, we’re eager to start the League,” he said at a Press conference.
“I’m privileged to be back in the Primera and to be able to enjoy it again. Ely’s absence is significant because he was a starter last year, although we have other defenders who can fill in for him.
“Having said that, it’s not easy to find a centre-back like Ely in the market right now. We’ll try to play like we he did here last season, although it won’t be easy because we missed a very good opportunity.
“Still, we’re very excited and we’ll play in a way so that Barca don’t feel comfortable. I’d take staying up if it was offered to me now. I expect a very tight League, where all teams are starting from scratch.”
The former Blaugrana defender then answered questions about La Liga’s plan for matches to be played in the US and VAR.
“I wouldn’t be happy about going there, although I understand it’s business,” he continued.
“VAR seems very good because it helps the referees, whose work is very hard as it is. Therefore, results won’t be as influenced by human error.”
