Ernesto Valverde: 'It's a difficult group'

Ernesto Valverde assessed the Champions League group stage draw exclusively for the Club's media. The coach suggested it was a tough group but that it was also "attractive" because, as he pointed out, "they are historic rivals."

"Tottenham have great physical and technical potential, and were one of the most difficult rivals in pot 2,” Valverde explained.

Former Barça player, Mark Van Bommel, is now head coach at PSV and Valverde added: “they’re a club that are always in these rounds of the competition and in recent years have produced brilliant performances." The Dutch team reached the Round of 16 in the 2015/16 season as well as participating in the group stage of the 2016/17 campaign.

Regarding Inter, Valverde emphasised that, although they haven’t participated since winning the title in 2010, “they have a coach and a team prepared to fight,” and also "a lot of enthusiasm for playing well after so many years out of the competition."

New schedules, new routines

The first match - at the Camp Nou against PSV Eindhoven - will kick-off at the new time of 18.55 CEST, and the coach noted that starting and finishing the group stage at home provides a ”benefit.” Finally, Valverde wanted to appeal to the supporters to encourage the team because "we need them to push and support us."