Ernesto Valverde calls Real clash 'historically difficult'

Fact: since becoming FC Barcelona’s head coach, Ernesto Valverde has a perfect record on the road against Real Sociedad — he is 1-0-0.

So, why then, did he tell reporters assembled at Barça’s training ground on Friday that this weekend’s game at Aneota was “historically difficult?”

The answer is simple: before storming back from an early 2-0 hole to win there last season, 4-2, Barça hadn’t been able to claim a single league victory at Real Sociedad in over 10 seasons.

Moreover, Valverde explained, “Their fans will be closer to the field than ever because the athletics track is gone.”

Oh, and one more thing, Real Sociedad “is very good,” he said.

Here are the highlights of what else Valverde had to say about Barça’s Week 4 La Liga match, which is set for Saturday afternoon at 4:15pm CEST:

On what Barça needs to do:

“We need to play well from kickoff to avoid [giving up an early goal, like we did] against Huesca. Hence, it’s important for us to play with a lead.”

On Real Sociedad:

“They’re a team that comes out ready to play, and they always make things tough by bringing the pressure.”

On Barça’s gauntlet of 7 games in 23 days:

“We have to stay fresh and avoid injuries.”