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Barcelona wanted to avoid facing Chelsea in the Champions League last 16, according to their manager, Ernesto Valverde, who is wary of the “incredible” form shown by England’s representatives in the competition this season.
Chelsea were runners-up in Group C behind Roma – who are third in Serie A – only on the head-to-head rule. Valverde’s own side finished three points clear of Juventus to win Group D, and made no secret of the fact he would have preferred the standings to be reversed.
“We wish Chelsea had finished first in their group so we didn’t have to play them,” Valverde said. “They’re the Premier League champions, a very strong team there on merit. English teams this year are in incredible form, much better than in previous years. Chelsea might be the same. We know that, because the English have such a strong league, they’ll all be up there competing.”
The 2-0 win at Eibar on Saturday ensured Barcelona remain seven points clear at the top of La Liga. The consensus was Eibar’s high-pressing style proved a useful warm-up for what Barça will face at Stamford Bridge; Valverde said Chelsea pose a different level of problem but their system is not unfamiliar.
“Chelsea have a unique style of football and know their own game. The English style of football is very unique, very physical, but they play good football as well. It’s different playing Chelsea because of their formation, but Girona play with a similar system in La Liga so we’ve played against it before.”
That inimitable style, according to Valverde, owes everything to Antonio Conte. Before Chelsea’s wins over West Brom and Hull there had been speculation the Italian might not even be in charge for Tuesday’s game but Valverde views him as a reference point.
“He’s one of the best managers in the world with a great record. You can see the quality of his coaching in the teams he coaches. He’s got the classic Italian methods: very strong defensively and can counter at any moment. It’s very clearly a team run by him.”
Valverde was, along with the midfielder Ivan Rakitic, repeatedly questioned about the sides’ extensive Champions League history. Rakitic said the subject had come up in conversation with Andres Iniesta, whose dramatic winner in 2009 and memories of Chelsea’s thumping 4-2 win four years previously were both mentioned, and his manager admitted they add to the sense of occasion.
“Of course, previous games do count,” Valverde said. “You have to look at them, though they have little to do with what will happen tomorrow in reality. The key players change from time to time – Messi and Iniesta are still there, obviously. There’s a bit of rivalry between the teams, which is a good thing. It makes it more of a spectacle, more interesting.”
(THE GUARDIAN)
