With the La Liga title already in the bag, Barcelona still wants to win Sunday's Clasico meeting with Real Madrid and preserve their unbeaten record in the campaign, coach Ernesto Valverde said on Saturday.

“A Clasico is a Clasico and at the end of the day it’s an important game in the season,” Valverde told a news conference.

“Luckily for us, we’re champions already. Obviously, we want to win, irrelevant of the table -- and they will too, given the situation and our rivalry.

“They’ll come with the idea of ending our unbeaten streak and hopefully it’ll be a good game."

Barca sealed the La Liga crown with a 4-2 win at Deportivo La Coruna last Sunday, meaning pride is all that is at stake when they face third-placed Real at the Nou Camp.

“I wish all Clasicos had a decaffeinated flavour because of the fact we were already champions," said Valverde. "Maybe observers would be more up for it if the gap was just one point and there was more at play, but I’m happy the way it is.”

Valverde played down Real's decision not to give Barca a guard of honour as champions, as is traditional in Spain.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane told a news conference earlier on Saturday: "We, with respect, won't do it for them because they didn't," referring to Barca's decision not to give their rivals a guard of honour at the Dec. 23 Clasico after they won the Club World Cup.

“We’ve spoken a lot about this,” Valverde said. “It’s something that, for all the talking that’s gone on about it, will not have any importance, I’m sure of it. I think it’s fine, and that’s that. We’re not going to give it any importance.

“I don’t have any doubt that tomorrow we’ll see the best two teams possible on behalf of both Barca and Real Madrid,” he added.

Sunday will be the final time that Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta faces arch-rivals Real, having confirmed his departure at the end of the season.

“I know that people are talking about it because tomorrow’s game is so important but it’s not his last game," Valverde said.

“We’ve got three games left with him and the important one will be the last one he plays.”

“A Clasico is a Clasico and at the end of the day it’s an important game in the season,” Valverde told a news conference

With the La Liga title already in the bag, Barcelona still wants to win Sunday's Clasico meeting with Real Madrid and preserve their unbeaten record in the campaign, coach Ernesto Valverde said on Saturday. “A Clasico is a Clasico and at the end of the day it’s an important game in the season,” Valverde told a news conference. “Luckily for us, we’re champions already. Obviously, we want to win, irrelevant of the table -- and they will too, given the situation and our rivalry. “They’ll come with the idea of ending our unbeaten streak and hopefully it’ll be a good game." Barca sealed the La Liga crown with a 4-2 win at Deportivo La Coruna last Sunday, meaning pride is all that is at stake when they face third-placed Real at the Nou Camp. “I wish all Clasicos had a decaffeinated flavour because of the fact we were already champions," said Valverde. "Maybe observers would be more up for it if the gap was just one point and there was more at play, but I’m happy the way it is.” Valverde played down Real's decision not to give Barca a guard of honour as champions, as is traditional in Spain. Real coach Zinedine Zidane told a news conference earlier on Saturday: "We, with respect, won't do it for them because they didn't," referring to Barca's decision not to give their rivals a guard of honour at the Dec. 23 Clasico after they won the Club World Cup. “We’ve spoken a lot about this,” Valverde said. “It’s something that, for all the talking that’s gone on about it, will not have any importance, I’m sure of it. I think it’s fine, and that’s that. We’re not going to give it any importance. “I don’t have any doubt that tomorrow we’ll see the best two teams possible on behalf of both Barca and Real Madrid,” he added. Sunday will be the final time that Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta faces arch-rivals Real, having confirmed his departure at the end of the season. “I know that people are talking about it because tomorrow’s game is so important but it’s not his last game," Valverde said. “We’ve got three games left with him and the important one will be the last one he plays.”

Barcelona want to preserve unbeaten record when they meet Real Madrid in Clasico

FC Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde hailed Lionel Messi as Barca moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-messi-magic-prevails-as-barcelona-beat-athletic-bilbao-36302">beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0</a> at home.

In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, &quot;What I&#39;m expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different.&quot;

He also added, &quot;He is very conscious of what he has to do and the team&#39;s needs. On so many occasions here in Barcelona the managers learn from the players to be able to teach them back. It&#39;s a two-way road.&quot;

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???? Coach Ernesto Valverde and his players reflect on win that puts them 11 points clear in <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj">https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975560024020930560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Argentine scored for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-messi-magic-prevails-as-barcelona-beat-athletic-bilbao-36302">the sixth game</a> in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign.

Barcelona maintained their unbeaten La Liga record this season having nine league games remaining.

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???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a> 
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, "What I'm expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different"

FC Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde hailed Lionel Messi as Barca moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home. In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, "What I'm expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different." He also added, "He is very conscious of what he has to do and the team's needs. On so many occasions here in Barcelona the managers learn from the players to be able to teach them back. It's a two-way road." ???? Coach Ernesto Valverde and his players reflect on win that puts them 11 points clear in @LaLiga #BarçaAthletic https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 19, 2018 × The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign. Barcelona maintained their unbeaten La Liga record this season having nine league games remaining. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

I am expecting Messi will teach me things: Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde

FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time.

Ahead of the match, Barca coach&nbsp;Ernesto Valverde talked to media about second led&#39;s clash, he said, &quot;I expect a similar rival to the one we faced during the first leg, with all of their virtues and with all the danger attached to them.&quot;

He further said that Chelsea&#39;s &#39;qualities&#39; are worrying him he said,&nbsp;&quot;We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy.&quot;

&quot;I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea&#39;s qualities,&quot; Barca&nbsp;manager showed his concerns.

FC Barcelona squad news:

Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury.

Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby.

Philippe Coutinho won&#39;t he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer.

Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Su&aacute;rez are also both out with injuries.

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???? Squad list 
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YgKzKnl1U">pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973631752395808776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time. Ahead of the match, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde talked to media about second led's clash, he said, "I expect a similar rival to the one we faced during the first leg, with all of their virtues and with all the danger attached to them." He further said that Chelsea's 'qualities' are worrying him he said, "We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy." "I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea's qualities," Barca manager showed his concerns. FC Barcelona squad news: Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury. Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby. Philippe Coutinho won't he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer. Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Suárez are also both out with injuries. ???? Squad list ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 ×

Barca coach Valverde worried ahead of Chelsea clash

Barcelona and Liverpool have agreed on a 5-year deal to allow Philippe Coutinho to move to FC Barcelona.

&quot;It&#39;s an honour for me, a great honour, but also a dream to be here,&quot; said Coutinho after he was officially unveiled as a Barca player.

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???? <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> meets some of his new Bar&ccedil;a team-mates! 
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/DV5fL85ihu">pic.twitter.com/DV5fL85ihu</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/950677710799556608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Coutinho has already had connections with the Barcelona line-up. The 25 year old has another Brazilian buddy in Barca, Paulinho, and&nbsp;has played with Luis Suarez for 18 months at Liverpool, about which Coutinho said, &quot;It&#39;s an honour to be able to play with him (Suarez) again.&quot;

&quot;He&#39;s helped me a lot, wrote to me a lot and explained to me about the club and city... He even visited a few houses for me! He&#39;s a very close friend&quot; said Coutinho.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde had been eyeing Coutinho for some time, since Barca&#39;s the current legends -- Messi, Saurez and Iniesta -- are already in their 30&#39;s.

Valverde also predicted that Coutinho will fit comfortably into his star-studded team.

&quot;He has a very different role to play for the betterment of the team, he is not here to replace Neymar or Iniesta,&quot; Valverde&nbsp;said in a statement.

Valverde however&nbsp;added&nbsp;that it would be a challenge to find a position for Coutinho.

&quot;I have seen him play in various positions -- on the right, the left, in the middle, on the wings,&quot; said Valverde

Coutinho is likely to be used to give Iniesta some rest so that the captain can prepare for the Champions League as Barcelona seek to wrest the trophy back from bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/camp-nou-and-fans-welcome-coutinho-28899">Camp Nou, fans welcome Coutinho</a>

Barcelona made three bids for Coutinho last year, but Liverpool stood firm but finally, the deal has been cracked with an amount of 120 million euros.

Rio-born Coutinho scored 54 goals for Liverpool in all competitions, although he won no silverware during his five-year stay at Anfield.

Coutinho&nbsp;is likely to make his debut at home to Alaves on January 28.

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Coutinho is likely to be used to give captain Andre Iniesta a rest, keeping the veteran midfielder fresh for the Champions League

Barcelona and Liverpool have agreed on a 5-year deal to allow Philippe Coutinho to move to FC Barcelona. "It's an honour for me, a great honour, but also a dream to be here," said Coutinho after he was officially unveiled as a Barca player. ???? @Phil_Coutinho meets some of his new Barça team-mates! ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/DV5fL85ihu — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 9, 2018 × Coutinho has already had connections with the Barcelona line-up. The 25 year old has another Brazilian buddy in Barca, Paulinho, and has played with Luis Suarez for 18 months at Liverpool, about which Coutinho said, "It's an honour to be able to play with him (Suarez) again." "He's helped me a lot, wrote to me a lot and explained to me about the club and city... He even visited a few houses for me! He's a very close friend" said Coutinho. Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde had been eyeing Coutinho for some time, since Barca's the current legends -- Messi, Saurez and Iniesta -- are already in their 30's. Valverde also predicted that Coutinho will fit comfortably into his star-studded team. "He has a very different role to play for the betterment of the team, he is not here to replace Neymar or Iniesta," Valverde said in a statement. Valverde however added that it would be a challenge to find a position for Coutinho. "I have seen him play in various positions -- on the right, the left, in the middle, on the wings," said Valverde Coutinho is likely to be used to give Iniesta some rest so that the captain can prepare for the Champions League as Barcelona seek to wrest the trophy back from bitter rivals Real Madrid. Also read: Camp Nou, fans welcome Coutinho Barcelona made three bids for Coutinho last year, but Liverpool stood firm but finally, the deal has been cracked with an amount of 120 million euros. Rio-born Coutinho scored 54 goals for Liverpool in all competitions, although he won no silverware during his five-year stay at Anfield. Coutinho is likely to make his debut at home to Alaves on January 28.

Barcelona coach: Coutinho good fit for team but will be challenge to find position for him

Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde is the man charged with reviving Barcelona&#39;s fortunes after being confirmed as the Catalan giants&#39; new boss on a two-year deal on Monday.

&quot;Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the youth players and he has a Bar&ccedil;a way,&quot; club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said, adding Valverde would be officially unveiled on Thursday.

Valverde, 53, a former Barca player who left Athletic Bilbao after four years in charge last week, replaces Luis Enrique with the task of getting the most out of a star-studded squad containing Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Luis Enrique signed off his three seasons in charge with a ninth trophy of his reign in Saturday&#39;s Copa del Rey final against Alaves.

However, the daily grind of the pressure at the Camp Nou forced him to announce back in March he would leave at the end of the campaign even before Barca missed out on both La Liga and the Champions League this season.

Despite not being a household name outside of Spain, Valverde has a wealth of coaching experience having taken charge of over 500 games.

His only honours as a player came in a two-year spell at Barcelona under Johann Cruyff between 1988 and 1990 where he lifted the Cup Winners&#39; Cup and the Copa del Rey.

However, Valverde has consistently got the best out of the resources at his disposal as a coach in two spells at both Athletic and Olympiakos and stints with Espanyol, Villarreal and Valencia.

Indeed he inflicted Luis Enrique&#39;s joint heaviest defeat as Barca boss with a 4-0 thrashing of the then European champions on the way to winning the Spanish Super Cup with Athletic in 2015.

And he also won three Greek titles in three seasons at Olympiakos.

Moreover, Valverde&#39;s calm and composed nature was favoured by the Barca board over the more fiery approach of the other leading candidate Jorge Sampaoli, who is expected to leave Sevilla to take over as Argentina boss.

&quot;He has more experience than me. He should enjoy it,&quot; Luis Enrique said when asked what advice he would give Valverde after a Messi-inspired 3-1 win over Alaves in his final game in charge.

However, that win means Valverde will be handed a baptism of fire with his first two competitive games in charge likely to be against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in August.

(AFP)

The 53-year-old former Barcelona player arrives at the Camp Nou after recently announcing his departure from Athletic Bilbao

Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde is the man charged with reviving Barcelona's fortunes after being confirmed as the Catalan giants' new boss on a two-year deal on Monday. "Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the youth players and he has a Barça way," club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said, adding Valverde would be officially unveiled on Thursday. Valverde, 53, a former Barca player who left Athletic Bilbao after four years in charge last week, replaces Luis Enrique with the task of getting the most out of a star-studded squad containing Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. Luis Enrique signed off his three seasons in charge with a ninth trophy of his reign in Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Alaves. However, the daily grind of the pressure at the Camp Nou forced him to announce back in March he would leave at the end of the campaign even before Barca missed out on both La Liga and the Champions League this season. Despite not being a household name outside of Spain, Valverde has a wealth of coaching experience having taken charge of over 500 games. His only honours as a player came in a two-year spell at Barcelona under Johann Cruyff between 1988 and 1990 where he lifted the Cup Winners' Cup and the Copa del Rey. However, Valverde has consistently got the best out of the resources at his disposal as a coach in two spells at both Athletic and Olympiakos and stints with Espanyol, Villarreal and Valencia. Indeed he inflicted Luis Enrique's joint heaviest defeat as Barca boss with a 4-0 thrashing of the then European champions on the way to winning the Spanish Super Cup with Athletic in 2015. And he also won three Greek titles in three seasons at Olympiakos. Moreover, Valverde's calm and composed nature was favoured by the Barca board over the more fiery approach of the other leading candidate Jorge Sampaoli, who is expected to leave Sevilla to take over as Argentina boss. "He has more experience than me. He should enjoy it," Luis Enrique said when asked what advice he would give Valverde after a Messi-inspired 3-1 win over Alaves in his final game in charge. However, that win means Valverde will be handed a baptism of fire with his first two competitive games in charge likely to be against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in August. (AFP)

Barcelona appoints Ernesto Valverde as new coach