Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has pinpointed Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard as Chelsea’s most dangerous players as he prepares his side to face Chelsea in the round of 16 in the Champions League.
The draw was made on Monday, as the Blaugrana now hope to negotiate a first win against their European rivals since 2006. A stat made possible by Chelsea’s resilience and pragmatic approach in tough European games.
The last seven games between the two sides gives Chelsea a slight advantage in the head to head as the Premier League champions have registered two wins and forced five draws.
Chelsea are currently not the best on form this season both domestically and in Europe while Barcelona have given themselves a huge lift after the faulty start to the season.
Valverde is adamant Lionel Messi and co will manage the two ties well against Chelsea but warns his players of teh threat Hazard and Morata pose in attack.
“With Morata, they have speed in attack and Hazard is very good between the lines.They’re a strong team. It’s a hard draw for us, but we knew that nothing was going to be easy because there were very good teams in the draw.
Chelsea are the champions of the Premier League, but we will play with enthusiasm because, although it will be difficult, it’s a very nice tie for us and for the supporters. In that aspect, it’s easy to motivate the players.”
Ernesto Valverde, Goal
