Valverde wary of derby atmosphere against Girona

FC Barcelona face a very special fixture this Saturday against Girona as it will be the first ever game between in the two clubs in the league. In his pre-game press conference on Friday, Barça boss Ernesto Valverde was keen to highlight the dangers such an atmosphere may present. “We have to be careful with the festive air that surrounds this derby. They [Girona] will be looking to enjoy the game and at the same time give everything so we will have to be on our toes,” said the coach.

“It’s a game that they have marked in red on the fixture list, just like we have,” continued Valverde before commenting that Girona are “enjoying playing in the first division and they want to stay there.”

The man nicknamed ‘Txingurri’ appeared more than happy with his team’s start to the campaign. “We are in a good situation and we hope to extend it as best we can,” said Valverde after his team has started the league season with five wins out of five.

In their last game, Leo Messi’s four goals helped them to a 6-1 win over Eibar. “He’s an exceptional player and we have the great fortune to be able to watch him and enjoy the things he does because no one would imagine that a player could do all that,” Valverde said on his number 10.

Finally, Valverde had a word for his former player at Athletic Club, Yeray Álvarez, who has overcome serious illness for the second time in recent days. “It’s a great moment of happiness for everyone and also for Athletic, for what he means to the Club and also for any player who overcomes something like this,” concluded the former Athletic coach.