Ernesto Valverde: 'Levante are very strong away from home'

Ernesto Valverde has warned his side of the dangers of Levante ahead of Sunday’s match at the Camp Nou: “Levante are having a better season as an away side than at home. They are very organised and they don’t leave much space.” Sunday’s game will be the first La Liga fixture of 2018 at the Camp Nou and the coach needs to get the three points.

Asked about the possible euphoria in the dressing room, the blaugrana manager was very clear: “The team are first in La Liga and we have a lead over the chasing pack. We are happy with what we are doing and this should give us confidence but not too much.”

Also, Valverde stated he has made his mind up on the starting XI for the Levante game as his players have recovered well from the Celta game in the Copa del Rey and there are still three days before the second leg: “We have a four day margin for the Copa game next week, but we will have less time to prepare for next week’s La Liga game.”

Valverde also spoke about Dembélé, who is back in the squad for the Camp Nou game following his recovery from injury: “I think he looks good and is motivated, he now needs to work on being effective in competitive games.” Finally, the manager discussed Jose Arnaiz, who has been called up to the match day squad and he said he “is a player who is at ease and he is playing at a high level.”