Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde reflects on ‘great spectacle’, Lionel Messi

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde enjoyed Tuesday’s ‘great spectacle’ against Inter and asserted ‘we couldn’t risk Lionel Messi’.

“We’ll have to secure first place in the next two games,” said the Coach after his side’s 1-1 draw in the Champions League.

“That was our first objective, but we go home happy. Malcom had great success and we’re very happy for him, of course.

“There was a moment in the first half when it seemed like the game could become end-to-end and possibly suffer.

“We have to read everything very well. We’re a team who play close together and find space.

“Problems can always flare up, but we played well and it was a game that had everything.

“The objective is always to pick up three points. We always want the ball and have control of the game.

“I’m not aware of any plans for a European Super League, but the Champions League is a Super League.

“You could see it here. It was a great spectacle, like those that we played at Wembley or Camp Nou.

“Inter showed they could attack and be aggressive with their pressure. We didn’t give much away in the first game, like tonight.

“I don’t know how far they’ll go in the Champions League, but what’s for certain is that we all have to take them into account.

“We couldn’t risk Messi. Training isn’t the same as playing. We talked about it and he understood.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde Inter Lionel Messi
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