“We were patient” said a pleased Ernesto Valverde after his team had got their Liga campaign off to a winning start against Alavés.

“Although we were close to scoring, we could sense how difficult it was getting. They defended very well out there, they were very compact. We were lacking a bit of rhythm early on but then we started getting more chances and finally opened the scoring.”

“When Alavés started opening up more, we were able to kill off the game” he continued. “All the same, the second goal was hard to get too. But as the minutes went by, we got better and better.”

The Barça boss also singled out a few individuals for praise. “We are so fortunate to be living in the time when Leo Messi is playing” he said. “It’s a pleasure to have him playing for us, he never fails to surprise.”

“And Sergi Roberto is a player who gives us the strength to play in the middle of the field. That’s his natural position.”

Quotes from the players