Ernesto Valverde admitted that the defeat at the hands of Liverpool is still affecting the Barcelona players, especially Lionel Messi.
The Blaugrana collected a 2-0 win over Getafe this weekend after being already crowned as the champions of Spain. The manager believes that bouncing back from such a difficult Champions League exit will be tough but possible in the long run.
“For us, a victory was essential to get rid of the ghosts in our heads,” Valverde told the press after the win on Sunday. “Everyone will bounce back, although at the beginning it’s hard. We have the Copa del Rey final in mind.
“Messi is making an effort to overcome the bad taste in his mouth. We all had high hopes to be in the Champions League final and we have to move forward.”
Philippe Coutinho was whistled and jeered at by the home fans even though he put in a decent performance. The Brazilian has failed to gain the affection of the club’s supporters due to some of his poor displays this season.
He was taken off in the 70th minute and later it was revealed that he would miss the next ten days with a hamstring injury.
“I did not speak with Coutinho,” said Valverde. “They have whistled him, but they have also have applauded him. The best thing is to help the players.”
See Also: Valverde talks about his job security at Barcelona
