Ernesto Valverde

“Everyone has their own opinion. They can state it publicly, or not if they don't like to, but for me, the best players are here at Barcelona, starting with Lionel Messi and followed by everyone else.”

“All matches have a high difficulty level.”

“The feeling is that video assistant referees and technology are here to help us, especially for justice in the penalty area.”

“Umtiti is a great player, and we expect him to stay at Barca for many more years and for him to enjoy his football with us.”

“I never think long or long term.”

“Every player has to find their place, their form, and play well.”

“Technology is going to be good for football, but it will take time to adjust. The important thing is that the games have rhythm; at the beginning, it will be complicated, but there are plays that require it.”

“Messi is the same player in Barcelona and Argentina, and it would be the same if he played with Australia.”

“My future at Barca does not matter to me. I do not care.”

“With big clubs, it's always very demanding.”

“Xavi is one of the best players in the history of football.”

“There is something fundamental about Leo in terms of what he transmits to the supporters and what he transmits to the opposition when he starts to run at you. And I speak from experience.”

“Atletico is a rival who will never give up.”

“I think that everyone expects Xavi to be a coach, and he has the profile to be at Barcelona or wherever he is.”

“When the opposition sits back and defends well and together, it's difficult.”

“Liverpool are a very powerful opponent.”

“Wins are big boosts for your confidence, but sometimes you don't notice little things. When you lose a game, it means that the opponent has had a plan, and it's worked - now we need to see our capacity for response.”

“Messi always gets us out of trouble, and we're not going to apologise for having him.”

“Everything is always equal between every player; no one is ahead of anyone. Sometimes one player plays, then others play. It's normal at every club, not just Barca.”

“Villarreal have played well against difficult opponents. They're never an easy team to beat.”