Ernesto Valverde: We play Madrid at the best moment of their season

It’s not Barca’s next game but it’s the most eye-catching one, the Copa del Rey Clasico on Wednesday. And of course Ernesto Valverde was asked about it on Friday.

“It will be a great tie, they are two great games that arrive in a moment when we’re both immersed in the fight for La Liga and the Champions League. It’s a load more intensity, obviously, but we can’t deny that it’s attractive for both fan bases and any fan.”

Valverde didn’t want to talk about who was more of a favourite. “It’s absurd to talk about percentages, it will be an even tie. In La Liga they’ve come from a complex moment speaking in terms of morale. Now they have more confidence. They’re playing better and getting results. We’re catching Madrid in the best moment of their season,” explained the coach.

“I’m honest and I have to tell the truth and yesterday I knew that Madrid was a possibility. It’s no surprise. We could have got Betis or Valencia, and against them too it would have been hard work.”