Ernesto Valverde: 'We want to maintain our level of play'

FC Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, who has led the team to the 8th domestic double in Club history this season, appeared at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, just over 24 hours ahead of Barça's third-to-last La Liga match of the season, which comes against Villarreal. Here are the highlights of what he had to say:

On the team’s objective given that the La Liga title has already been wrapped up:

“We aren’t going to lose sight of our objective to win.”

“We want to maintain our level of play.”

“We have three games left to keep competing.”

On whether he’ll rest key players:

“Considering the heavy number of minutes from the season, the three games remaining may give playing time to some of those who have played less.”

“I’m going to put together squads which are as competitive as possible.”

On Villarreal:

“It’s a team that’s having a great season.”

On how he would rate this season for Barça:

“It’s gone pretty well.”

“Following a rough start, we have exceeded plenty of expectations.”

“It’s true, we had a horrible day in Rome, which hurt us on several levels, but in general it’s been a great season.”