Ernesto Valverde: Alavés usually play well at Camp Nou

Ernesto Valverde appeared before the press ahead of Saturday’s league debut at Camp Nou against Alavés (kick off, 10.15pm CEST). The Barça coach explained that he expects a “similar game to last season” in which the visitors caused the blaugranes no end of problems with the home side having to come from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Messi and Suárez. Valverde warned that the club from Vitoria in the Basque Coutry were the last team beat Barça at home in the league, reminding everyone that “they usually play well here at our ground.”

Taking a closer look at the opposition, Valverde said of the team coach by former Barça defender Abelardo: “They have the same look as last season, they are compact team who keep it tight and then go on the counter quickly.” Despite certain players not having trained that much with the squad since returning from the summer break, the Barça coach is confident he has “a great team and now the league is starting, we want to retain the title.”

Words for the victims of the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks

The FC Barcelona coach also paid tribute to the victims of the Barcelona and Cambrils attacks precisely 12 months ago. “It touched everybody. The Club and the players have always given them their support and our thoughts are with them.” Finally, Valverde also congratulated Coutinho and Arthur after both were called up by the Brazil squad for their upcoming friendlies. For the Barça boss players joining up with their respective national sides is “good for them and good for us.”