After dropping another two points thanks to a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou against Athletic Club, Ernesto Valverde defended his decision to bench Lionel Messi, suggesting it was for the good of his team.
His attempt at rotation again backfired against a club that had lost on every one of their last 14 visits.
"When I make the decision, I think about what's best for my team and for my club," he said to reporters after the match.
"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.
"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."
It's the worst moment the team have had in Valverde's tenure, and the coach identified what needs to be done to turn things around.
"A difficult week because we have not achieved the objectives," he continued.
"But there are things that I think we can improve, above all, our offensive balance."
Gerard Pique has come in for a lot of criticism lately, but he was excellent for the most part against Athletic.
"I saw him very committed and involved," Valverde added.
"He is a very important player for us."
Oshinlewiz54
313
Valverde had a right to bench the player, the rest of the ream should be able to cover up if Messi is not around or if he has an injury Up Barcelona
Veucoy
224
iam in total support of the coach. The club has a number of talents but one may not know how good they are without them be given time to prove themselves. if not why spending millions on players if you can not give them playing time to prove themselves. They better plan for post messi era
wolves0nn
183
Messi won't be always available to save Barcelona, they need to prepare for those days
zogemsitlhou
174
Barca should learn to perform without messi. Messi is a one of the best players but he needs rest sometimes. And when rested, his teammates ought to step up. Cant totally blame valverde. Barca must learn to cope without messi. He aint gonna be there forever.
crlm10
170
I think Valverdes decision not bad,If you want 100 %from Leo in the ucl high volted match
Teenobby
163
Keeping the gun not loaded with bullets will kill nothing...shoot nothing ... and get own self killed. Messi is the bullet ...Barcelona the Gun.
SpunKyRaMan
117
Valverde should realize that his team isn't perfect without MESSI
KajiNijesh
74
One thing is clear! No messi no barca! Everyone could see how barca Played in first half without messi and how it was when messi was on pitch! No doubt messi was only player who changed the game although minor scored the goal but messi made a huge assist. I m so pity for Argentina national team that this genius is no more in the national team! They must think twice ! Otherwise they will never win the worldcup ever because you will not get second messi ever!