'Valverde's fear' blamed

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde's conservatism was cited by the Spanish media as the main reason for their 3-0 defeat at AS Roma on Tuesday that led to a shock Champions League quarterfinal elimination being regarded as "a historic debacle".

"Valverde's conservatism took its toll," said newspaper Marca, criticising the coach for not rotating his team in league games despite having the Spanish title practically wrapped up, leading to his players suffering from over-exertion.

"By trying to avoid losing the league when it was already won, he has burnt his players out. The lack of freshness was evident and not just last night, you saw this coming," the daily added.

Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco overhauled his formation after the first leg, fielding a 3-5-2 shape which overwhelmed Barca and nullified talisman Lionel Messi.

Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo called the defeat "a historic debacle" and also took aim at the coach.

"To be in the semifinals of the Champions League you need spark and the capacity to take risks," it said. "That is what has defined Barca over the years, but the players and the coach woke up too late."

Catalan daily Sport had celebrated Barcelona being paired with Roma in the quarterfinal draw but gave a scathing account of the outcome.

"A failure without excuses," said their front cover, with an editorial adding: "Valverde's fear leaves Barca without another Champions League in the era of Messi."