Barcelona has learned from Roma humiliation, says Valverde

Ernesto Valverde says last season's Champions League humbling at the hands of Roma has taught his side not to be complacent against Lyon.

Published : Feb 19, 2019 09:27 IST

Ernesto Valverde's side returns to knockout action on Tuesday with a visit to Lyon and the Barcelona boss is confident there will be no such complacency this time out. 
Ernesto Valverde's side returns to knockout action on Tuesday with a visit to Lyon and the Barcelona boss is confident there will be no such complacency this time out. 
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Ernesto Valverde's side returns to knockout action on Tuesday with a visit to Lyon and the Barcelona boss is confident there will be no such complacency this time out. 

Barcelona knows it must not "let its guard down" after last season's Champions League exit to Roma, according to coach Ernesto Valverde. 

The LaLiga giant looked set for a semifinal berth after winning the first leg 4-1 at home but capitulated in the Italian capital, going out on away goals after a humiliating 3-0 defeat. 

Valverde's side return to knockout action on Tuesday with a visit to Lyon and the Barca boss is confident there will be no such complacency this time out. 

"The learning of Rome is that you should not let your guard down," he told a media conference. 

"In the first leg, you need to have a high guard — we will take this into account. 

"When we played Roma everyone said they were a weak opponent, which did not help us.

"We are eager to play because we've been waiting for the game for a while, and we're under pressure because we know the enthusiasm of our fans."

After three successive draws, including a 1-1 result at home against Real Madrid in the first leg of its Copa del Rey semifinal, Barca returned to winning ways on Saturday with a slender 1-0 triumph over Real Valladolid.

Not all supporters are happy, though, with some taking issue with Valverde's tactics after the team managed just two goals in its last three outings.

The Barca boss, who recently signed a one-year extension to his contract, is unfazed, though, and insists his side plays attacking football.

"Everyone has their own opinion," he added.

"We are a team that clearly plays to attack. I do not have much more to say, we'll see on Tuesday."

Lyon's influential playmaker Nabil Fekir will miss the game through suspension and Valverde admits that is a boost to Barca's chances.

"I'm not going to deny that he is a player who can decide any game," he said.

"He is crucial to the offensive game of his team. It is an important loss and we will try to take advantage of it."

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