Valverde: It's not a final LaLiga - Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Three important but not decisive points

During his pre-match press conference for the Atletico Madrid game, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde suggested that it wasn't a title decider.

It's true that whoever wins, the status quo in the league will remain the same, so the coach has done his best to diffuse any pressure that his players may be feeling.

"It's not a final for LaLiga," he said to reporters.

"It will be an important three points to the winners, but not decisive."

Diego Simeone's side have been playing very well since the turn of the year, and Valverde is yet to beat his opposite number.

"Atletico defend very well," he continued.

"Sometimes quite deep, but often they will put pressure on high up the pitch at the beginning of a match.

"We are two strong teams and the three points are worth a lot."

Barcelona will be hoping that there is a better refereeing performance on Sunday than the one provided by Mateu Lahoz.

"I don't think it influences us too much," Valverde noted.

"It's true that after matches like the other day there is rage, but that's good, you can take advantage of that anger to do something positive.

"I have seen the images and I have not yet deciphered what he whistled for.

"As for the referee on Sunday, I remember that he is a judge, who conforms to the regulations.

"I think having VAR next season is good news and logical."

Antoine Griezmann's future has been rumoured to be at the Camp Nou from next season, but Valverde was reticent in talking about the Frenchman.

"He is a great player and he is in a great moment of form," he said.

"I am incapable of guessing the future, but I am not going to talk about a player who is in another team and even less one we are facing."