Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde explains decision to bench Lionel Messi in Athletic Bilbao draw
Spaniard's rotation policy backfired as the visitors left the Nou Camp with a point in the bag
BARCELONA chief Ernesto Valverde defended his decision to rest Lionel Messi after his side slipped up against Athletic Bilbao.
The visitors had lost 14 times in a row at the Nou Camp but left with a point after a 1-1 draw yesterday.
Barca needed a late strike Munir to get anything from the game but Valverde insisted that leaving Messi on the bench was for the best.
He said: "When I make the decision, I think about what's best for my team and for my club.
"I always do that before playing games, I can't do it afterwards or rewind.
"Fans can decide what they think is convenient, but I need to think about the best for my team.
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"It's my absolute responsibility, we have four games in ten days and I thought that Leo and Busquets had to rest knowing that we have a very difficult match on Wednesday.
"I knew it was a risky decision, but if it had gone well, you wouldn't be asking me about it."
Luis Suarez admitted the squad needed to learn how to win without their talisman.
He added: "He is the best in the world but we can't depend on Leo to solve everything.
"We have many players here on their own merits, and we have to win before he and Busi enter the field."
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