Valverde praises Barca stand-ins after opening win
Rather than discussing any impending transfers, Ernesto Valverde took the time to praise his Barcelona understudies after a first win.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yV99DRXVXPtAZnoNZyRMwU.jpg)
Ernesto Valverde refused to discuss potential Barcelona signings as he instead praised the players who stepped up to deliver three points against Real Betis at Camp Nou.
Having lost Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record move, Barca were also without injured trio Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez.
Without any further attacking recruits, despite reported interest in Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho, Valverde saw the likes of Sergi Roberto and Gerard Deulofeu make the difference in the final third.
And he preferred to focus on these fine performances when asked about transfers following the 2-0 win, responding: "I can only talk about the players I have here."
Valverde had spoken before the game of the need for Lionel Messi to be supported without strike partner Suarez and he was pleased to see his words had been noted.
"With the losses [through injury] there are players who have to step forward and they are doing it," he said.
Full time at Camp Nou! FC Barcelona 2-0 Betis August 20, 2017
"We have to look for a formula to be better and find other ways that allow us to win the games."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack