Ernesto Valverde: We’re looking to get back on top

“Sevilla are in good form and they have started the season well and started it early too. We have the challenge of reclaiming top spot,” explained Ernesto Valverde in his pre-game press conference ahead of Saturday’s 8.45pm CEST kick off against Sevilla at Camp Nou. The Barça boss is only too aware of the danger posed by Pablo Machín’s side: “They are in good form and they can rotate players. They have options and they are ready for anything.”

With absentees due to injury in defence, Umtiti and Vermaelen will both be missing on Saturday, Valverde was optimistic when asked about the Frenchman: “He is following treatment to strengthen his muscles. We hope he will be back soon with us because there are important games coming up.”

The coach was quick to point out the talent at his disposal from the B squad. “We have quality to count on in the first team squad and in the B squad,” he added. Finally, the Valverde highlighted the coming run of three important games at home: “Three important contests are coming up as against Sevilla we can go top again, against Inter Milan we are battling for top spot in La Liga  and then comes El Clásico [against Real Madrid] which everyone knows how important it is.”