Ernesto Valverde says Barcelona must be wary of wounded beast Real Madrid

Sport360 staff 17:37 27/10/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Real Madrid

    Ernesto Valverde has warned his Barcelona side to be wary of the wounded beast, and believes Real Madrid are an even more dangerous animal because of their poor form.

    Valverde says playing against their arch rivals could be the perfect medicine for Julen Lopetegui’s Real side – who have won just once in their last six games.

    “We come into this on the back of two good games and now we have this match to top it all off,” Valverde said ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.

    “The key to victory will be how we play, not momentum. We know what Madrid are like. The more wounded they are, the more dangerous they are. I expect the best Madrid tomorrow.

    “They are a team that create chances, you could see that against Levante. They created 10 clear goalscoring opportunities. That’s a clear indicator of the attacking quality they have. For that reason I’m wary of what they can do tomorrow.”

    1008 Valverde Video 3

    Valverde believes that although results haven’t been going Madrid’s way, they have still shown their quality with their performances.

    “They have enough weapons to be able to overcome the absence of an important player like Cristiano [Ronaldo],” he added.

    “The same is true with us and Leo [Messi]. We have to recognise each other when we play. That is key. We do it with and without Messi. That’s what we learnt last year, that we are all together and we are stronger for it.”

    Asked about the significance of a Clasico without Ronaldo and Messi, Valverde played down the importance of the absence of the star duo.

    “I’m only thinking about [Dani] Carvajal’s absence,” he explained.

    “Cristiano is now history. Regarding Messi, we have already turned the corner. We have to take an even bigger step forward than we did against Inter.

    Sunday's Clasico will be the first time since 2007 that the game will not feature Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

    Sunday’s Clasico will be the first time since 2007 that the game will not feature Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

    “It’s rare to prepare for a Clasico without him but the team is mentally ready. It’s no less of a Clasico without Messi and Cristiano. Clasicos existed before them. There was tension, there were pigs’ heads being thrown about…”

    The Blaugrana boss also suggested coaches have to take criticism with a pinch of salt, amid reports that opposite number Lopetegui’s job is on the line at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    “We, as coaches, have these extreme situations every week,” he admitted.

    “We approach games trying to impose our style and asking the team to implement what you expect from them. Do I understand criticism in week 10? Only two weeks ago those supposed critics were targeting me.”

    Recommended