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BARCELONA-ROMA

Iniesta: I don't have strategy to persuade him to stay - Valverde

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde looked ahead to Wednesday evening's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Roma.

Iniesta: I don't have strategy to persuade him to stay - Valverde

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde spoke to the media on Tuesday lunchtime ahead of the Blaugrana's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Roma (Wednesday, 20:45 CEST).

Roma: "Watching Roma's displays in the group stage, it's no surprise that they have made it to the quarter-finals. Watching them in the Italian league, too. They're a team who play very good football in attack and show a lot of togetherness in defence."

First leg at the Camp Nou: "It's important for us not to concede. We know we'll have to put in two good performances to make it through. It is going to be a tough tie."

"We think Busquets will be able to play"

Injury worry Sergio Busquets: "He trained yesterday and was able to take part in a great deal of the session. We think he'll be able to play tomorrow, although I can't guarantee that. He's a hugely important player for us."

Busquets absence as important as being without Lionel Messi? "We're talking about two players who we miss when they're not there, but each within his area of expertise. They're both crucial players for us."

Iniesta (centre) and Busquets (right) during Barcelona training.
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Iniesta (centre) and Busquets (right) during Barcelona training.ALBERT GEAREUTERS

"Iniesta will make a decision, and we'll respect it"

Andrés Iniesta's imminent decision on China move: "I don't have any kind of strategy to persuade him [to stay]. He's been here for many years and knows how loved he is; he'll make the decision that he thinks is best, and we'll respect it."

Overwhelming favourites against Roma: "Except for the bookies, it means nothing. As soon as the whistle goes, the favourites could well change right from the first piece of play."

"We hope Umtiti stays here for many years"

Samuel Umtiti future: "My understanding is that he is happy here; we certainly are with him, and we hope that he stays here for many years."

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