Ernesto Valverde: We won't take our league advantage for granted

Ernesto Valverde spoke about Barcelona's win against Real Betis on Sunday. Here are his key quotes...

"You're always satisifed when you win the game. It was a tough one tonight. Betis took risks and pressed high. It was tough because they went man for man all over the pitch. We struggled in the early stages because they changed their way of playing, with three at the back. As the game progressed, we got better. We persevered, they took risks and we punished them. Patience has given us the result."

"You try to order yourself from the point of view of the pressure. When it came to bringing the ball out they forced us to go long and were creating supriority."

"We played well and Messi was incredible. We knew that we had to press in the same way [as Betis] and to take risks... We dominated and we scored five goals."

"The Champions League and the Copa del Rey are competitions which excite us, but we won't take the distance [in La Liga] for granted. We have to continue as we are, keep going. Now we have to prepare for the Copa game on Thursday and try to turn the tie around."

"La Liga is not boring for us ... We will keep on trying to win games without taking our position for granted. There are still 18 games left, which is a lot. But every game we win will be another big step [towards the title]."

"You have to enjoy Messi. We're living at the same time as him we just have to enjoy him ... I've played against him in the past and I know what he's capable of. Now I can enjoy him. It's spectacular to see him every day. He is the best player there is and the best there will ever be."

"Rakitic is a vital player for us, for what he adds to the team and the balance he provides is priceless. He's having a superb season."