Ernesto Valverde perplexed by Barcelona's defeat at Leganes
Thursday 27 September 2018 08:10, UK
Ernesto Valverde was at a loss to explain Barcelona's first defeat of the season after Leganes pulled off a stunning upset at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
Leganes had taken just one point from their opening five matches and would have sensed a fruitless night lay in store after falling behind to Philippe Coutinho's excellent 12th-minute volley.
The hosts grew steadily stronger thereafter and quick-fire goals from Nabil El Zhar and Real Madrid loanee Oscar Rodriguez after half-time lifted them to a famous 2-1 victory.
It was an embarrassing setback for the La Liga champions and only their second in the league under Valverde's stewardship.
The Barca head coach told the club's official website: "It's not a result that can be explained. It's not an easy moment. We weren't expecting this.
"(But) we need to expect that things like this can happen and we have to be ready to turn things around when they get difficult.
"We found it hard to create chances, and they shut up shop at the back."
Valverde wants a response when his former club Athletic Bilbao visit the Nou Camp this weekend.
He added: "We have another important game on Saturday in front of our fans. We have to pick ourselves up and we'll need everyone's help to do that."
