Valverde: 'Barcelona changed tempo'

By Football Italia staff

Ernesto Valverde acknowledged “Inter proved they are an excellent team, but Barcelona raised the tempo and that made a big difference.”

Antonio Conte’s men dominated the first half at Camp Nou and went in front through Lautaro Martinez within three minutes, but a second half Luis Suarez brace turned it around.

“I will say it’s the right result, the Inter Coach will say it isn’t,” Valverde told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 victory.

“Inter are an excellent team and they proved that in the first half. We came out fighting for the second half and scored the decisive goals.

“The Nerazzurri have won their first six in Serie A and it showed, as they scored with the first opportunity. We made changes, raised the tempo and that made a big difference to the game.

“We know Messi is unique and clearly he makes the difference. He wasn’t in the best physical shape, but he is improving and we saw his assist for the second goal late on, so he can’t be doing that badly.”

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