Valverde: 'B team players did great'

"I feel positive about the game because we played well against side that battled hard” said Ernesto Valverde after FC Barcelona had ensured passage to the last sixteen of the Copa del Rey with a 4-1 win against Cultural Leonesa.

“Once we had managed to break through their first line of pressure we were finally able to start creating chances” he continued. “This was a great chance to take a look at some of the younger players and the ones that don’t get to play as much. We want to avoid overloading people like Semedo, Busquets and Rakitic with too many games.”

As for Riqui Puig, the Barça boss commented that "I gave him the typical instructions. It was a change I’d had in mind. He plays with a lot of freedom, and hopefully this was just the first step of a long and fruitful career.”

“It was a big test for the B team players and they responded to it well. I hope they get to play a lot more games in this stadium.”

Riqui Puig:

"I used to come to this ground when I was three years old. I’ve supported Barça since I was a kid. So imagine how exciting this was. This was a dream debut."

"It’s an amazing squad. Everyone helps each other. I have always felt very welcome among them.”

Chumi:

"It was very special to get to play here at the Camp Nou. It was an incredible experience."

"I have always felt comfortable when I’ve played at full back. If it’s for the team, I’ll play wherever they want me."

Denis Suarez:

"I’m happy with the game, happy with my goals, happy for the less regular players and for the reserve team players that made their debuts."

"I congratulated Riqui on his assist and his debut. We need to give him all the encouragement we can because he has the right qualities to play for the first team. We need to put our faith in the players from the youth system."

Miranda:

"I’m very happy. I enjoyed my debut like I was a little kid."

"I’m so grateful to Valverde and the coaching staff, but I am also fully aware that my real team is Barça B."