Valverde feels Pique booking was "excessive" as defender misses Valencia game

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde felt Gerard Pique's booking at Leganes, which rules him out of the trip to Valencia next weekend, was harsh. 

Valverde felt that Nordi Amrabat bought the contact and that a foul could have been given the other way. 

"I protested the booking because Amrabat made a lot of the contact, encouraging the challenge," the Barça coach said.

"And because the fans were pressing [for a booking]... but for me, it was a foul that could have been given in our favour. I'm sure the Leganes coach will think the opposite. But for me the card is excessive."

Asked if he honestly thought a booking was deserved, he added: "For the Barcelona coach, no. For the Leganes coach, yes. Amrabat's always looking for contact. I don't know if it was a foul for us or for them. The referee saw it one way and that's that."  

With respect to Barça 3-0 win, Valverde said that "three goals was excessive" because "Leganes produced a good performance and they have been doing all season." 

Two of the goals came from Luis Suarez, with the Uruguayan striker ending a 450 minute plus goal drought. 

"We need his goals, like we need those from Messi, Alcacer and the others, like Paulinho," added Valverde, mentioning the Brazilian, who scored Barça's third. 

"We already know that the forwards have a good relationship with the goal and that sooner or later the goals will come. Now people will be relaxed about Suarez." 

There was also praise for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen: "He's having a great season and has been reliable for us. He gives us a lot of security. There were a couple of great saves today. He's also good on the ball, passing it out, as well as between the posts."