MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 18:08:58| >> :600:415005:415005:
Apr 20, 2019 at 7.45pm UK at ​Camp Nou (Barcelona)
Attendance: 75,470
Barcelona
2-1
Real Sociedad
Lenglet (45'), Alba (64')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Juanmi (62')

Valverde: 'People say we are champions already - we're not'

Valverde: 'People say we are champions already - we're not'
© Reuters
Barcelona are nine points clear with five games to go.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde warned his side still have work to do to defend their LaLiga title despite boasting a nine-point lead with five games to go.

Barca ground out a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday night, turning to the unlikely scoring duo of Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba to see off their battling visitors.

The three points move treble-chasing Barca another significant step closer to the crown as they responded to Atletico Madrid's 1-0 win at Eibar earlier in the day.

"Today was always going to be a very important game and we have nine points left until we're champions, but it's very difficult to win," Valverde said in comments reported by Marca.

"I know that people say we're already champions, but we're not.

"We have to go game by game to win until the end. This is not over, not until we get to the last game is everything done. It will always be difficult."

Barca were a long way from their best against Sociedad, with Valverde admitting they struggled to find their rhythm after victory over Manchester United in the Champions League in midweek.

"When there is a game like the one against Manchester United, which is the centre of attention, you then have to get back to remotivating the team for another game which is fundamental," he said.

"The games after Champions League matches are difficult for us. The game was uncomfortable, as they played well and tried to bring the play out from the back. We could not bring it out as we wanted to.

"We lacked a spark and freshness to be able to settle the game."


Click here for more stories about Ernesto Valverde

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
Ernesto Valverde during a press conference on February 18, 2019
Read Next:
Valverde urges Barcelona to make final push for La Liga title
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City35292489226789
2Liverpool35277179205988
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs352311165353070
4Chelsea35207859382167
5Arsenal35206969462366
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd35197963501364
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35149124443151
8Watford35148135050050
9Everton35147145044649
10Leicester CityLeicester35146154847148
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham35127164454-1043
12Crystal Palace35126174348-542
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle35118163544-941
14Bournemouth35125184962-1341
15Burnley35117174462-1840
16Southampton35910164158-1737
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3597193254-2234
18Cardiff CityCardiff3594223065-3531
RFulham3565243376-4323
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3535272069-4914

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account