It's not a week to talk about records, says Barcelona boss Valverde
Barcelona made history with their win over Valencia, but Ernesto Valverde was more concerned with three points at the end of a tough week.
Ernesto Valverde feels it is difficult to focus on Barcelona's record unbeaten run in LaLiga given the disappointment of their Champions League exit to Roma.
The Catalans beat Valencia 2-1 at Camp Nou on Saturday to reach 39 matches without defeat in Spain's top flight and move 14 points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, having played a game more.
Valverde does not think it surprising to see his star-studded team make history but suggested their capitulation in the Italian capital on Wednesday, where they lost 3-0 to go out of the competition on away goals, has taken the gloss off the achievement.
"This wasn't a week to think about records," said the head coach. "We don't give it much importance.
"It was more important that we picked ourselves up after a difficult week. As for the records, it's normal that these players keep on breaking records.
39 - are unbeaten in their last 39 La Liga games (W32 D7) and they set a new record of consecutive unbeaten games for any team. Milestone. April 14, 2018
"It was a fundamental win in many senses, though. First of all, I am happy with the three points. We needed 10 points to win league and now it's seven with just 18 points to play for."
Valverde was pleased with the response of his players, though, admitting spirits within the squad have been low in recent days.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"I'm also happy because of the week we've had," he said. "The atmosphere around the club this week has been a bit gloomy and we needed to put the brakes on that. In that sense, I have to congratulate the players because it's not easy.
"The sensation is that we have failed, that we have disappointed the supporters, but we have to look forward and not lose sight of what we can still achieve this season."
‘Scoring in a World Cup is like winning the title – can you imagine millions of people celebrating something you did? It’s insane and made me very proud’: Brazil legend explains how much 2002 goal meant to him
'He already had the ability but didn’t use it because he was afraid to shoot – I said, "You’re a player who has to decide games – you have to take risks, mate"': Liverpool star was forced to become confident by team-mates