Valverde: Messi Rotation Is Good For Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde is standing by his decision to rotate Lionel Messi in the Barcelona squad, after facing criticism for doing so.

The Barcelona talisman came off the bench to score in the 3-1 win over Leganes on Sunday, but was not involved in the game against Sevilla, which Barcelona lost 2-0.

While Valverde was criticized for the decision he took to bench the Argentine, Valverde has given the reason and stands by it.

“These things are at the discretion of the coach, who is the one who knows the players best and knows how they are,” he said.

“I can say little more. The data that I have of the players, nobody [else] has – only those of us inside [the club].

“I do what I think is best for us and the group. There is talk of rotations when we lose.”