In his traditional pre-match press conference this Saturday, Ernesto Valverde noted that El Clásico "is played from many different points of view: tactics, emotion and preparation." The current situation at Real Madrid doesn’t matter either according to the FC Barcelona coach, who assured that he expects "the best Madrid of the season. The more injured Real Madrid are, the more dangerous they are.”
Valverde indicated their strengths as a whole, saying: “They have good players and a strong defence, they’re a great team. We have to play our own game, because it makes us strong."
Asked about the loss of Lionel Messi, the Barça coach said that against Inter the team "have already taken a step forward,” and that he expects more from the group on Sunday.
Finally, Valverde also addressed the supporters: "The fans at the Camp Nou are fundamental because we know that in El Clásico they will encourage us from the first moment. We are stronger having 100,000 people pushing us.”
