Valverde: I benched Messi thinking about what's best for my team LaLiga Santander - Barcelona vs Athletic Club Knew it was a risk

After dropping another two points thanks to a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou against Athletic Club, Ernesto Valverde defended his decision to bench Lionel Messi, suggesting it was for the good of his team.

His attempt at rotation again backfired against a club that had lost on every one of their last 14 visits.

"When I make the decision, I think about what's best for my team and for my club," he said to reporters after the match.

"I always do that before playing games, I can't do it afterwards or rewind.

"Fans can decide what they think is convenient, but I need to think about the best for my team.

"It's my absolute responsibility, we have four games in ten days and I thought that Leo and Busquets had to rest knowing that we have a very difficult match on Wednesday.

"I knew it was a risky decision, but if it had gone well, you wouldn't be asking me about it."

It's the worst moment the team have had in Valverde's tenure, and the coach identified what needs to be done to turn things around.

"A difficult week because we have not achieved the objectives," he continued.

"But there are things that I think we can improve, above all, our offensive balance."

Gerard Pique has come in for a lot of criticism lately, but he was excellent for the most part against Athletic.

"I saw him very committed and involved," Valverde added.

"He is a very important player for us."