Ernesto Valverde ‘proud’ of Barcelona without Lionel Messi

Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde insisted he has pride in his team for ‘finding a strong dynamic’ in the absence of Lionel Messi.

The Blaugrana defeated Inter 2-0 before triumphing in Sunday’s El Clasico with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Real Madrid.

“It was an extremely difficult week with Leo’s absence and our run of fixtures,” Valverde told reporters, as cited by Marca.

“I’m really proud of the team in that time period because we found a really strong dynamic with the team and discovered a good rhythm.

“Winning El Clasico? I thought it would give me superpowers! But no, I feel normal, the same as last week but of course a little happier because it was a fantastic report.

“We now look forward to playing a rival (Cultural y Leonesa, in the Copa del Rey) who will be hugely motivated and present a different challenge.

“They will have an intimidating crowd and will give us a different challenge than many top flight rivals, this is a massive game for them and a test for us.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde
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