Results Come Through The Way You Play – Ernesto Valverde

Ernesto Valverde says he will not “apologise for winning” as he continues to deal with complaints about Barcelona’s style of play despite leading his team on a 16-game unbeaten run.

“Generally, results come through the way you play,” he said in a news conference. “First of all, you have to try to win, but we try to do that though dominating games, through high pressure and through winning the ball back. What we’re not going to do is apologise for winning.

“At the moment we are top of the league, we’re not dropping points and we go into the international break in good spirits. We have a difficult schedule ahead of us and to continue where we are then we have to be strong.”

Alcacer featured in his first game of the season against Real Betis and came on as a substitute the following week at Alaves but had played just seven minutes in the league since then going into Saturday’s match.

“Strikers live for goals,” a delighted Alcacer said after the game. “I started [at Barca] on a bad run but in the end the goals have gone in.

“I had to keep working hard and waiting for an opportunity [in the first team]. We all have to take advantage of the opportunities the coach gives us. I’m happy with my goals but more so for the result.

“More than my performance, we have to emphasise that the team fought really hard. Games that you suffer in, like this one, always boost the team. It’s good that we’re all plugged in.”

Valverde, meanwhile, was pleased to see someone other than Messi contributing, with Alcacer’s brace a demonstration that Barca may be able to cope with their squad players this season as they bid to claim the title back from Real Madrid.

“Paco got two important goals and we hope that they give him the confidence that strikers need,” the coach said. “We are happy with him and for the team.

“He has not played a lot and he has shown that he is a goalscorer and we are happy. I have a strong side here and anyone can come in and score. It is to the credit of the player that he can come in with the pressure on and perform.”