Barcelona coach Valverde wants swift resolution to Clasico problem

As the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been postponed from October 26 to December 18, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has asked La Liga in a media statement on October 22 to act with some "common sense". The match scheduled to be held at Camp Nou in Spain is now centered between the Catalonia protests which is why Barca and Madrid reportedly agreed to postpone it to a new date in December as per the instructions by Spanish Football Federation (REF). Yet, the men's top professional football division of the Spanish football league system, La Liga wanted the match to be on December 4 as of December 18 clashes with fixtures in annual Copa del Rey. As a result, the decision was delayed on Monday with the final decision to be made on Tuesday considering La Liga's position. 

Read: Spain: PM Pedro Sanchez Visits Barcelona, Criticises Regional Chief

Valverde said at a press conference on October 22 evening, "I would like common sense to prevail. But we are talking about things that are complicated. The Espanyol against Villarreal game was played the other day but our game the following week is suspended. What would happen if there was a demonstration planned on the new date of the Clasico? I would like there to be a date settled and for the internal wars between La Liga and the RFEF not to involve us".

Read: Spanish Leader Sánchez Visits Embattled Barcelona

Valverde speaks on players and upcoming games

On the other hand, Barcelona's Champions League game is set at Slavia Prague on Wednesday, when the team will have the chance to reach Group F. This time the team will play without Samuel Umtiti as he had to withdraw on Tuesday due to discomfort in his left knee. The player was present in Barca's win over Eibar on Saturday after recovering from a foot injury that took place before 5 weeks from the game. Speaking of his form and health, the football coach said that though he played well the other day, on Tuesday he took a little knock. Valverde hoped that Umiti's condition stays that way and doesn't get serious. The team's victory over Eibar sent them top of La Liga and delivered a boost for their newly-formed front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Antoine Griezmann, who all scored. The coach said that Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati are both available to come in against Prague but the MSG attack could continue.

Read: LaLiga Eibar Vs Barcelona Player Ratings: Messi, Griezmann Score

(With inputs from PTI)

Read: Protests Erupt In Barcelona After Catalan Leaders Sentenced