Ernesto Valverde: I have felt examined from the start

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde admits he ‘feels examined from the start of the season’ amid a sluggish start from his side.

The Blaugrana have picked up just one point from their three away matches in La Liga to date amid a series of below par performances.

Valverde’s position has come under scrutiny for damaging European exits in successive seasons against Roma and Liverpool, but has secured the Spanish league title in each of his two campaigns at the helm.

“I feel examined from the very start,” Valverde explained in his Monday press conference, as cited by El Mundo Deportivo.

“There is a very big demand on all of us, much more in the case of Barcelona than other clubs. I know that in the place where I am what they judge me on are the results. The Coach is always in the spotlight. It's not a surprise. We have to overcome this situation.

“I care about my team; it is the only one I have to watch out for. Madrid are a great team and will be challenging at the top as usual.

“In the end you can get out of the crisis in three days. We have to add three points starting with tomorrow's game against Villarreal. This is the football show and things change quickly.

“We also had a downturn at the beginning of the season last year and we were champions in April.

“Away from home, we didn't do well at the end of last year because we were champions. I do not associate it, because the trajectory in the league was incredible.

“We are not playing well away from home and that is where we have to improve.”

Tags Ernesto Valverde
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