Valverde: "What happened to Madrid and PSG should serve as a warning"
The Barcelona coach looked ahead to tomorrow's return leg against Olympique Lyon. With the score at 0-0 from the first leg, Valverde is optimistic his team can prevail.
Ernesto Valverde faced the media this afternoon to discuss tomorrow's Champions League Last 16 return leg in which his Barça side and Olympique Lyon will be battling for a place in the quarter finals.
Olympique Lyonnais: "I don't know what our rivals are planning to do but neither am I overly worried. The 0-0 draw from the first leg doesn't benefit either of us. They have their weapons which they'll be using against us, they have strong and pacey players. They're a side who take the game to their opponents, they'll want to control the ball and so it's not going to be easy".
No goals in the first leg
Mood within the squad: "We're not mulling over what happened a year ago against Roma. Champions League games make you aware that nothing is simple in this tournament and even having an advantage won't help you. The score couldn't be more equal which means we have to win - simple as that. Any of the results that Lyon gained in the group stage would be enough for them to go through".
Dembélé: "We'll see how he is and that will influence our decision. It's a make-or-break game and we can't make any mistakes with the team. If he feels ok, he'll be in the list and if not, he'll have to wait for his next opportunity. Lyon changed their system in the second half [of the first leg] but I'm more concerned about what we are going to do. If Ousmane can't play, we'll have to find an alternative, like we did with Messi. I just hope if I have to find a substitute, I make the right choice".
Coutinho: "How we deal with our players is a private matter and all we hope is that they all play to the best of their ability. We are expecting a lot from him".
Big teams fall by the wayside
Complicated tie: "What we saw with PSG and Real Madrid, who were both knocked out, tells you that this competition demands maximum concentration. We're under pressure to make the next round, as is everyone else. We're focusing on the game we plan to play and if we can generate as many chances as we did in the first leg, I think we'll go through".
Zidane: "EHe's a great coach and we look forward to facing him next season".
Fekir: "He could make the difference because he's a link-up player who supplies the attack. He's decisive for Lyon - he's got a good shot, he can shake off defenders, he's good in one-on-one situations… He's the player who makes them tick and so we have to keep an eye on him".