Valverde puts hands up for Granada humbling
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said he was concerned about the team’s away form after they were comprehensively beaten 2-0 by promoted Granada on Saturday and he took full responsibility for the club’s worst start to a La Liga season in 25 years.
Granada got off to a flying start when Ramon Azeez headed them in front in the second minute while Alvaro Vadillo scored from the spot midway through the second half to seal the points, taking the Andalusian minnows to the top of the league.
“I’m worried because away from home we’re not getting good results. No wins from four away games this season is a clear symptom that we are not in a very good situation,” Valverde told reporters.
“Some of our players joined the squad late but we did not play well today and we have not been playing well away from home lately. We dominated play but couldn’t create many chances and we never looked like getting back into the game.”
Valverde left Lionel Messi out of the starting line-up but called on his captain at halftime along with 16-year-old Ansu Fati. Neither could bring the team to life.
Barca are seventh in the table on seven points, their lowest total after five games since the 1994/95 campaign. They have not won an away game since April.
Valverde also said he was concerned about Barca’s poor defence as he was reminded they have conceded nine goals this season.
“The players are the actors, but in the end the coach is the one who is responsible for what happens. You can always lose a game but when you do you should feel that you deserved to win but that was not the case today.”
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