Valverde press conference: six key quotes
Ernesto Valverde gave a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s opening game against Alavés this Saturday, where he gave his thoughts on the game, Riqui Puig, the recent decision to play LaLiga games in the US and prioritising the Champions League over LaLiga.
Alavés: “We assume that it will be a similar game (to last year). They are a team that usually plays well at the Camp Nou. They did so the previous year also. They are the last team to have won here and we assume they will come here with the same idea. Since Abelardo has come in, they have remained faithful to their style.”
Munir and Alcácer: “Who you trust will be more or less seen during the season, it will depend on the performance of each player.”
Riqui Puig: “He’s a player with whom we are extremely satisfied because of what he’s doing and what he has demonstrated. He belongs to the ‘B’ team and, of course, we have him to help us out during the season. The fact is that he has managed the preseason well is much better for us and he gives us a good perspective on the future.”
Playing LaLiga games in the US: “It sounds a little strange to everyone at first. So did playing the Super Cup abroad but we have done it. I suppose if we had the Moroccan Super Cup here, it would also seem a bit strange to us. The world of football is crossing the border of what sport is, it is something more. For the moment it is a trial, let’s see if it becomes a permanent thing or not.”
Singings: “I will always say that we have enough players for the title challenge that lies ahead. Logically, I always also repeat that until the transfer deadline is over, it won’t be known how our squad will look. But I fully trust the squad that I have.”
Prioritizing the Champions League over the league?: “Of course not. We prioritise everything, absolutely. We always have to fight for the Champions League. We did it last year and we are always going to do that. It is a competition that gives us a lot of excitement. But we also know that the path we have to follow in order to win the Champions League is winning the League.”
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