Valverde tasked with planning hectic Barcelona schedule
The manager would like Messi and Suárez not to go with their countries as they play eight games in 28 days after the next international break as Valverde plans ahead.
It was going to be a stress-filled week for Barcelona with a game against Slavia Prague away from home followed by the Clásico on just two and a half days rest. As it turns out, Barcelona have the weekend off. In theory, their fixtures until the next international break aren't terrible: Valladolid, Levante, Slavia Prague and Celta. Obviously, the objective is to maintain their grip at the top of LaLiga and to seal qualification to the Champions League last 16.
But Ernesto Valverde has a different set of tasks this weekend. He has to plan for a November filled with games that could send their season soaring or into the abyss. With eight games in 28 days, they play on Wednesdays and Sundays until Christmas. Keeping players fresh and ready is of utmost importance with planning for opponents and training squeezed into the diary too.
Barcelona schedule heats up after international break
Their schedule, which includes a Clásico on 18 December, sees them visit the Wanda Metropolitano to play Atlético on 1 December too along with two other trips outside the comfy confines of the Camp Nou. They play high-flying Real Sociedad at Anoeta on 15 December and Milan in the Champions League.
They can no state it publicly but Valverde and Barcelona are hoping some of their most important players make a gesture during the next international break especially Messi and Suárez. Uruguay play Hungary on 15 November. Argentina will play Brazil in Saudi Arabia and in Bangladesh to play against Paraguay.
Messi's international ban expires on 3 November and Suárez didn't go with his country during the last international break. It's a tough month they face after the next one and the club are hoping they prioritise the club this time round.