• Calendar.The Barcelona group

Marc-Andre ter Stegen had entered the press room of Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park with a smile from ear to ear. But he himself knew that he would have to change the gesture when the German press asked him about his dialectical confrontation with Manuel Neuer , head goalkeeper of the German team. Ter Stegen had shown a few days ago his discontent and frustration at being the eternal substitute of the Mannschaft , complaints to which the Bayern goalkeeper replied: “There are many good goalkeepers in Germany. I am happy with my game and those responsible too. And he [Ter Stegen] is not the first time he makes statements of this kind ». Barcelona's goal tried to settle the mess in its own way: «All the players we don't play have expectations. It has been seen how I have behaved in recent years. What Neuer has said is not fair .

Unlike Joachim Löw , German coach, who has no doubts about Ter Stegen's performance is Ernesto Valverde . The Barcelona coach, who would have said it four months ago, faces his third assault on the Champions League after two debacles that have marked his Barça career, in Rome (3-0) two seasons ago, and in Liverpool (4-0 ) last year.

" It is true that one can think of the games we have lost, which have been only two in two years . Although they cost us the elimination. But we could also think of the cattle, which have been many," said Valverde, who added: "There are times when you lose. And when you do, you have to get up. Last season we did well all year, except one game. Nothing more."

The return of Messi

The return to the Barcelona tournament coincides with the visit to one of the world's toughest stadiums, the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, always full and hectic. Valverde enlisted Leo Messi , who has been discharged since last August 5, although he did not clarify whether or not he will participate in the match. "We will decide this Tuesday. It is true that a week ago we were not sure if I could reach this meeting or not. But he has completed the last training well. He is taking a little of the head the small pains of the injury. When you play without thinking about that is when you're really good. It has had a great evolution . "

Valverde was more ironic when he was reminded that Luis Suarez , whom the coach gave as headline against Dortmund, has not scored away from home in the Champions League for four years: "We will have to congratulate him," he laughed, to close: "Lo I'm sure he will keep trying . "

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more

  • sports
  • football
  • Champions League
  • FC Barcelona
  • Ernesto Valverde

Champions League Draw of the Champions, live: Madrid and Valencia, the best unemployed

Champions League Draw of the Champions League: friendly with Madrid and Valencia; Barcelona and Atlético go badly unemployed

LaLiga SantanderNeymar and Ansu Fati: from dream to reality