Ernesto Valverde asked for the understanding of club fans, because due to a small rotation last season, "Barcelona" suffered in the results of the UEFA Champions League.
On Wednesday evening, "Barca" fell 0:2 away to "Sevilla" in the first leg of the King's Cup quarterfinals. A significant part of the team's fans began to blame the coach for making too many changes in these matches.
Lionel Messi was given rest, Luis Suarez stepped onto the field only after a substitution, and Kevin-Prince Boateng, who had participated in only one training session, played in the striker's position from the first minutes.
"In the first half, we more or less had control in our hands," said E. Valverde. "However, 'Sevilla' played better in the second half and created successful episodes."
"The main problem today was that we couldn't create chances in attack. Many changes were made because I thought it would be best for the team. I don't regret giving Messi a rest, I had to do that. Of course, allowing Boateng to play from the first minutes was risky, but I had to make that decision," said the coach.
E. Valverde later added that rotation in the team is necessary if they want to avoid the end of last season's Champions League.
"Last season, we had to pay the price for playing in the tournament with the strongest lineup. This season, there are more rotations happening because I am convinced that this is the best for the whole team. I analyze absolutely everything. I think today in some positions we were better than 'Sevilla', and in others - they were. Despite the result, I see some success," concluded E. Valverde.
