Ernesto Valverde: 'All away games are difficult'

Facing the press before the game against Valladolid, Ernesto Valverde immediately acknowledged the difficulties that away games present. "Outside of the Camp Nou, it’s always more difficult because of the rival's enthusiasm," he said. As explained by the coach, the whole of Pucela will also be spurred on by Valladolid’s promotion to the First Division: "It’s possible that both teams will be equal because there is still the enthusiasm and the joy of the last promotion."

A defensive team, Valverde defined the characteristics of Barça’s next League opponents. "Valladolid were great defensively against Girona and earned a draw. Their play was orderly and the lines were close together.”

Sergi Roberto, Arthur, Arturo Vidal…

There were many questions in relation to some members of the Barça squad, and the coach had positive words for all of them. "Sergi Roberto played 90 minutes in the position he normally plays,“ he said, whilst describing Arthur's game; ”He manages possession well and has a good shot from outside the area. He reminds us of Xavi." Asked how Arturo Vidal would be integrated, Valverde said simply: "He is an aggressive player both in defence and in attack and will easily get into scoring positions.“