Valverde: We've not won anything to start thinking about a treble

Barcelona go into the final phase of the season in good shape. They lead La Liga by eight points, are in the last eight of the Champions League against Roma and have a Copa del Rey final against Sevilla to come. Their chances of winning another treble are alive and kicking, but Ernesto Valverde preferred to keep a lid on any euphoria in his press conference before Saturday's game against Athletic Club. 

Valverde said that "in football we go in extremes, a couple of weeks ago we were talking about three draws in five games. We're not thinking (about the treble) because we've not won anything. You can't plan anything when you have nothing. You can't think too far ahead because you risk seeing what's in front of you." The coach sid say, though, that "he would have signed with my own blood" to be in this position at this stage of the season. 

FINAL COUNTDOWN

The Barça boss considers that the game Athletic is about "three really important points for both teams. The final countdown has begun. There are only 10 games left. We want to go into the international break with a good result, becuase we've got a busy April coming up with three trophies in play. Our season could boil down to that one month. Starting the final countdown with a win is important." 

With respect to his former side, Athletic, he added: "They are always a dangerous opponent. They always seem to do better under tough circumstances. It's a special game for me, but at the same time, it's dangerous because they always have a strong sense of spirit. They work as a team, try to turn things around. They are a tough opponent."

Sergi Roberto & Lopetegui

Valverde did not want to talk about Sergi Roberto being snubbed by Spain coach Julen Lopetegui and left out of the La Roja squad on Friday: "I don't think Julen talks about my selections (...) he has to do what's best for his team, the same way that everyone has their own opinion. I won't get into judging his squad."  

AleñA & Iniesta

With five players missing, Carles Alena is in the first team this weekend. Valverde said "he's a player with a very big future at the club, no doubt about that," but that he shouldn't be compared with "unique" Andres Iniesta. 

On the chances of Iniesta moving to China in the summer, the coach said: "It depends on him. It doesn't surprise me, it's something that's there. To be honest, I am not thinking about next season, you always want to think about things coming up, but not get too far ahead and think about who will or won't be here."