Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde expects Real Madrid to be “dangerous” this weekend despite accepting Los Blancos go into Sunday’s La Liga clash in crisis.
Speculation has persisted in recent weeks that Julen Lopetegui, appointed in the summer, could be sacked before Sunday’s game, but the former national team boss is expected to be given another chance to prove himself.
Despite sitting six places above Madrid in the La Liga table, Valverde will not be taking anything for granted.
“Madrid can be even more dangerous,” Valverde said after his side’s 2-0 win against Inter.
“They will come out here to face us and although they come in crisis will want to demonstrate their strength, which they have because they have great players.
“We must forget about today… I do not trust these situations.”
Lionel Messi will miss this weekend’s match with a fractured right arm, but Valverde is confident that his team have responded in the right manner without their superstar.
“We have responded well without Messi,” Valverde said. “There was a lot of expectation to see how we responded to his absence.
“It was something that was in everyone’s head and it showed in the environment, but we have responded well.
“We always play as a team and we have a recognised and recognisable style, but it is true that Messi gives us a touch of extraordinary brilliance.
“If he is not there, we have to replace him, today we have made the right decision, but we hope we can come back soon, we all miss him.”
