Valverde says he had ‘take risks’ against Levante

The holders lost 2-1 in the first leg on Thursday

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde spoke about his team selection after Thursday’s Copa del Rey first leg last 16 defeat at Levante.

Valverde handed youngsters Chumi and Juan Miranda starts, while Jeison Murillo also made his debut after joining on loan from Valencia.

Ousmane Dembele, Malcom and Philippe Coutinho featured in attack, and Valverde explained his thinking after the match.

“I picked the best team I thought we could pick,” he said.

”It’s served us to evaluate players in some tough moments, like in a Primera Division game. I know it’s a risk, but you have to take risks a lot of the time.”

Source | Sport

Coutinho’s late penalty means Barcelona go into next week’s second leg just a goal down and with belief they can still make it through.

Source: barcablaugranes.com