Barcelona relaxed and fresh ahead of final La Liga push - Valverde

Barcelona Manager Ernesto Valverde - Getty

Sitting nine points clear of Atletico with five games left, it appears only a matter of time before Ernesto Valverde's side are crowned Spanish champions for a 26 time.


Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has said his players are not feeling the pressure as they close in on a fourth Liga title in five years.

Barca will lift the trophy if they beat Alaves on Tuesday night and Levante on Saturday, although they could wrap up the title on Wednesday if Atletico Madrid loses at home to Valencia. “They are used to pressure,” Valverde said at a press conference on Monday night. “The team have always responded in difficult games. We are calm but we know we are in the final stretch now and that always encourages you, it helps you push through to the end.” “The players look fine to me,” Valverde said.

“It is normal that at this point you notice a bit of fatigue but we let ourselves be spurred on by our motivation. When you have challenges ahead, your legs always feel fresh.” “It is true that when you win something surprisingly, the joy is greater,” Valverde said. “And when you have a big lead, it becomes predictable. But a predictable victory can also be a great victory. “In 2018 we were top with a big advantage and this year it is the same.”