FC Barcelona mark a new era today as they return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou after nearly two and a half years away. As their opponents today, Athletic Club will also be a part of history on this momentous occasion.
The Basque club’s head coach, Ernesto Valverde, who also happens to be a former Barça manager, spoke to DAZN just before kickoff, giving his thoughts on the match and the opposition.
Valverde had the megastar Lionel Messi as the talisman of his Barcelona team in the past and now Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana look up to teenage superstar Lamine Yamal to deliver the goods.
As such, comparisons between the two have been doing the rounds for a while now, and Valverde gave his two cents on the same.
“Time will tell. The bar is set incredibly high. Messi has arguably been the best player in the world, with incredible ambition every single day,” warned Valverde.
Praising Yamal, he added: “Lamine is just starting out; he has a great future ahead of him. We’re talking about extraordinary players.”
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Valverde believes Lamine has a bright future ahead of him. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Athletic Club have been one of the lowest scoring teams in La Liga this term, bagging only 12 goals.
Valverde touched upon the goal-shy nature of his side this season, which will be a concern before taking Barcelona, saying:
“We are a team that has always needed a high volume of shots to convert scoring opportunities. Sometimes we are more clinical, sometimes less so. It’s about persistence.
“We have had some problems up front (injuries), but we hope to sharpen our finishing touch; today could be a good day.”
The coach has opted for Unai Gomez up front, with Alex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, and Nico Williams behind him.
Valverde explained what he is looking for with him as the most advanced man, saying:
“Unai adapts well, he is very fast, he works hard, and with space to run into he can be important if Barça play with a high line. Matches here are always long, and later more things can be done.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo