Valverde blasted after ‘historic debacle’

BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde’s conservatism was cited by the Spanish media as the main reason for their 3-0 defeat at AS Roma on Tuesday that led to a shock Champions League quarterfinal elimination being regarded as “a historic debacle”.

Barca outclassed Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium but the venue will now be remembered as the scene of one of their biggest humiliations after they surrendered a 4-1 advantage from the first leg.

Valverde was also harangued for his failure to react to Roma’s dominance after they took an early lead through Edin Dzeko, before Daniele de Rossi’s penalty and a late Kostas Manolas header sent the Italians through on away goals.

“Valverde’s conservatism took its toll,” said newspaper Marca, criticising the coach for not rotating his team in league games despite having the Spanish title practically wrapped up, leading to his players suffering from over-exertion.

“By trying to avoid losing the league when it was already won, he has burnt his players out. The lack of freshness was evident and not just last night, you could see this coming,” the daily added.

Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco overhauled his formation after the first leg, fielding a 3-5-2 shape which overwhelmed Barca with relentless pressing that also nullified the Spanish side’s talisman Lionel Messi.

Valverde did not make any changes until it was 3-0 in the 81st minute.

Full story @ timesofoman.com/sports