Valverde calls for perspective over Barcelona form
Barcelona's form may be unimpressive but Ernesto Valverde pointed to the progress being made by the champions of LaLiga.
Ernesto Valverde has called for perspective over Barcelona's form, with his side top of LaLiga and on track to qualify for the next round of the Champions League.
Barca host Borussia Dortmund in Group F on Wednesday knowing a victory will be enough to book their progression, though they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Slavia Prague earlier in the month.
While Barcelona have won seven of their past eight league games to sit clear of Real Madrid on goal difference, results such as a loss at Levante have raised questions over Valverde's future.
Frenkie de Jong told reporters that "we're not playing as badly as people think" and Valverde then agreed with the midfielder's assessment when he appeared at a news conference.
"Of course, when we don't play well there are things we have to improve, but you need perspective," Valverde said.
Barca will be without Gerard Pique through suspension for Dortmund's visit but Valverde is satisfied with his defensive options for the game, with Clement Lenglet potentially fit.
"I didn't want to risk Lenglet the other day and we think he could be ready," Valverde added.
"We know Pique is out and we also have Samuel Umtiti. [Jean-Clair] Todibo and [Ronald] Araujo are also possibilities."
Araujo has only played 14 minutes in LaLiga this season but Valverde feels the 20-year-old has a bright future.
"He's from the academy, he's played with us and he wants to learn," the coach said. "He's serious and I think he can help us as he's strong and quick."