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Barcelona News: Ernesto Valverde discusses Luis Suarez’s aggression after goal
BARCELONA manager Ernesto Valverde has praised Luis Suarez’s “aggression” in the box.
Luis Suarez scored Barcelona's third against Girona
Suarez scored his second goal of the season in the 3-0 win over Girona last night.
It was his first on the road as he continues his recovery from a knee injury that kept him out for a month at the start of the campaign.
Suarez scored 37 goals for Barcelona last season and has more responsibility on his shoulders this term following the departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.
And Valverde was delighted with the player’s performance, especially with Lionel Messi being man marked all game.
“Suarez? A striker lives for goals, and it’s clear that the relationship Luis has with goals is wonderful for us,” Valverde said.
Luis Suarez (right) and Lionel Messi led the line for Barcelona
There was some pressure on us as both Madrid and Atletico had won
“His aggression in the last few yards of the pitch is impressive.
“It’s too bad that he didn’t score another goal to regain even more confidence.”
Barcelona were without Ousmane Dembele last night as the striker recovers from a hamstring operation.
But instead of replacing the France international like-for-like, Valverde changed Barca’s formation to 4-4-2 and played with just Messi and Suarez up front.
Luis Suarez SMACKS Gerard Pique during goal celebrations
Own goals by Aday and Gorka Iraizoz handed Barca the lead before Suarez’s strike on 69 minutes.
The win came after both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid had won earlier in the day and Valverde was happy with the result.
“There was some pressure on us as both Madrid and Atletico had won,” he added.
“Still, we have managed to take the lead, playing with our heads above all, but also with our hearts.”
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