Valverde Unapologetic For Over-Reliance On Messi As Barcelona Seal LaLiga Title
Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona coach has showered endless praises on Lionel Messi and is unapologetic for his side having to rely so heavily on the magic of the Argentine after the second half substitute ensured that Barcelona were crowned Spanish Champions for the eighth time in 11 years with a brilliant goal.
Messi rested for the first forty-five minutes of the game came off the bench to net his 34th league goal of the season, the highest by any player this term.
Prior to his introduction, Barcelona failed to get the better of a side just three points above the drop zone with Coutinho failing to convert three good chances.
Valverde said he wasn’t going to apologize for having Messi and insists that it was a good thing that the Argentine was a vital part of the team.
“We’re not going to apologize for having Messi, it’s a good thing he’s with us.
“If there has to be a protagonist and a name above the rest it is his, this is known to everyone.
He was clear that he had to play a game on Wednesday and we had to be active. I knew he was going to play at least from half-time; he made the goal in the end, he always makes goals everywhere”, he continued.
SEE ALSO: Lionel Messi Lands His 10th LaLiga Title Scoring The Only Goal In Barcelona Win
Valverde admitted that his side struggled with anxiety and tension as they looked forwards to winning the title for the first time in front of their home fans since 2010.
He opined that it was good to wrap things up locally before the semifinal clash with Liverpool with the first of the double-legged tie to be played at the Camp Nou.
He said that he and his men were confident and that the title win was a boost going into the Wednesday encounter with the Reds who had humiliated Huddersfield 5-0 in the same weekend.
