Valverde talks Barca form, Lenglet & Arthur ahead of Dortmund

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The latest from the Barcelona boss

Ernesto Valverde faced the press on Tuesday ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

The Barcelona boss talked about the Bundesliga side, the chances of Clement Lenglet playing and his reason for leaving Arthur out of the squad to face Leganes.

Here are the best bits:

Valverde on Dortmund

It’s a very important match in terms of qualification - and for them too. If we win, we’ll be top of the group and of course that’s what we want. We are strong at home and the prize to be had from this game is huge. Dortmund will be going for it, too. Any of the other three sides in the group would swap positions with us right now, but we are not underestimating Dortmund.

Valverde on how to win

The best way to win is to create chances and not allow the opponents to have any. If you have the ball and you aren’t creating chances then something’s not right. We are looking to get results with our style of play. We always look to attack, but sometimes the opponent doesn’t allow us to or makes things difficult for us.

Valverde on Clement Lenglet

He picked up a calf problem with France and we didn’t risk him. But he trained on Monday and we think he will be OK for Wednesday. Pique is out but we also have Samuel, who did well at Leganes, and then there’s the possibility of Todibo and Araujo.

Valverde on Arthur

Arthur’s exclusion the other day was because of a coaching decision. He returned well from the Brazil team. Sometimes he has been a starter and sometimes he has not. He has to win his position.

Valverde on Ronaldo Araujo

He’s from the academy, he’s played with us and he wants to learn. He’s serious and I think he can help us as he’s strong and quick.

Valverde on Barca’s form

It’s clear we have to improve. No one is hiding that but we cannot lose perspective. Last year there was also criticism because we lost at Leganes. There was also criticism two years ago when we won 3-0. It’s difficult to play there. We also have to value when we do play well and look for the positives. The other day we came from behind and the players displayed a good attitude.

Source: barcablaugranes.com