‘Very dominant at home’ – Valencia manager wary of Barcelona ahead of La Liga clash

FC Barcelona’s last two matches saw them suffer season-defining defeats in both the Champions League and La Liga, as the imminence of a trophyless season cannot be avoided.

But games remain in the league before the Catalans can fully start preparing for next season. Moreover, Barcelona will still aim to secure a second-place finish in La Liga.

Barça’s upcoming encounter against Valencia gives them the perfect opportunity to start afresh.

Ruben Baraja confesses facing Barcelona will be a tough challenge

Despite Barcelona’s poor form as of late, Valencia manager Ruben Baraja acknowledges Barcelona as a tricky opponent to face, especially on their home soil.

“I always think that all the teams that play against us are going to be at their best, which forces us to always play to the limit, at our best level.

“FC Barcelona are very dominant at home. We have to have that energy to keep us in the game, make them feel uncomfortable and threaten them on the counters,” he said in a press conference via SPORT.

Baraja additionally claimed that the Catalans possess a great deal of quality within their ranks, with players who can turn the game on its head by themselves.

“I hope for a good Barça. There have been moments of the season that have shined. It is a team with tremendous quality in all its lines. They have definitive players who are capable of winning a game in one action.

“It is a very complete team. A major challenge for us. It transmits energy, it has youth and future and I like that. Winning away against FC Barcelona gives you a plus and we are going to go with that mentality,” Baraja stated.

Thoughts on Xavi’s continuity

Xavi officially confirmed his continuity for another season, and thus a lot of attention will be on the Barcelona manager and how his squad performs after this major announcement.

It will be Xavi vs Ruben Baraja on Monday. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

When asked about Xavi’s change of heart, Baraja…

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Author : Shahraiz Sajjad

Publish date : 2024-04-27 15:38:23

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