Valverde: "Changing many players meant taking risks but we had to take them"
The coach highlighted the fact that his team is "two wins" from winning the title
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said the numerous changes he made to the team against Celta were conditioned by the team's current state and the looming Copa del Rey final against Sevilla on Saturday.
"The last time we came here, in the Copa, we also made many changes but this week, I wanted to make changes, bearing in mind where we have come from and that we have a final coming up,” said the coach after the 2-2 draw.
“When you make many changes you are taking a lot of risks but tonight I thought it was the right moment to assume those risks.”
Valverde said he was not happy with the draw "because we always want to win, but we have to accept what we have".
TWO VICTORIES FROM THE TITLE
"“It was an end-to-end game but just as we were at our best we had the sending off and we had to reshape ourselves. It’s another point and now we need two more victories to become champions. We hope we can get them."
The coach was asked about the fact that there were no academy players in the starting line-up for the first time in 16 years. Valverde said "I didn't even think about it, but in this club it's normal to always have players from La Masia in the team".
Valverde also evaluated Celta's display: "They have a great attack, especially with Iago Aspas, who is having a sensational season. He is an extraordinary player and he keeps demonstrating that every day."
