Valverde: We have to face things head on and turn things around

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde faced a tough press conference after the draw against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. 

He had to respond to a lot of questions about the team's form as they extended their winless run to three games. 

"What affects us most are the numbers," he said. "We wanted nine points and we only got two. That’s not what we wanted. It has been a difficult week because we haven't achieved our objectives." 

He added: "There things we can improve, no doubt. The problem with this type of run is the noise it generates, which doesn’t have anything to do with the reality. We have to fight against that. The reality is that if we had scored before [Athletic] we could have won the game. We have to face things head on, turn things around and move forward." 

As for leaving Lionel Messi on the bench, he explained: "It's my responsibility, absolutely. I looked at the games we had, four in 10 days. I thought what could happen and I thought that Messi and [Sergio] Busquets needed to rest, knowing that Wednesday is a big game and we have a big squad.

"If we would have won 2-1 the question wouldn’t exist. I know it’s a risky decision. I took that risk and haven’t won."