Ernesto Valverde to heavily rotate players as Barcelona begin gruelling stretch

Sport360 staff 18:34 14/09/2018
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  • Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde admits rotation of his players will become key as a La Liga trip to Real Sociedad starts a run of seven matches in 23 days.

    Champions League group games at home to PSV Eindhoven and away to Tottenham are sandwiched in between five league matches – with Barca looking to maintain their perfect start.

    An 8-2 thrashing of Huesca before the international break means Valverde’s side have started their title defence with three successive wins.

    Arch-rivals Real Madrid also boast a 100 per cent start but, with a packed schedule coming up between now and the next round of international games in October, Valverde knows he will have to make use of his squad.

    “It is possible we may make changes (against Sociedad),” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the match at the Anoeta Stadium.

    “We have to have more than 11 players for these matches. We have three days between the two matches but we have just come back from an international break.

    “Then next week is a little difficult because we have three in six days and then we play against Tottenham. We will have to rotate players to avoid injuries and stay fresh.”

    Summer signing Arthur has been omitted for the squad for Saturday’s game, with Malcom, Sergi Samper and Denis Suarez absent through injury.

    Despite hammering Huesca last time out, the Nou Camp was shocked into silence as the newly-promoted side took the lead through Cucho Hernandez – something Valverde wants to avoid at Sociedad, a place Barca have struggled in recent years.

    “We know the pressure we will be put under away from home in the league,” he added.

    “It’s not the same as at home. We have to start the game well, not like the other day against Huesca where we conceded a goal after two minutes.”

    The game marks the opening of Sociedad’s refurbished stadium, with Asier Garitano’s side having played their opening three matches away from San Sebastian.

    An athletics track has been removed from around the pitch, with additional seating allowing supporters closer to the action.

    While the works are not completed, Sociedad midfielder David Zurutuza is pleased to be kicking off in their new home.

    “It is going to be a special game,” he said at a press conference.

    “We will play at Anoeta for the first time… we are hoping that everything goes well. The fans are going to help us more than ever now.

    “They are going to notice the difference, the fans are going to be closer to us and we are going to be able to feel that.”

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