Ernesto Valverde responded to Santiago Solari when asked if the Argentine's complaint that the calendar favoured Barcelona has any legitimacy.
Real Madrid coach Solari said it was "curious" that Barça had more rest than his side for the two-legged Copa del Rey semifinal Clasico.
Barca played on the Saturday going into Wednesday's game, while Madrid played on Sunday. It's the same for the second leg, which will be played at the Bernabeu on Feb. 27.
"The schedule is tough for everyone," Valverde said. "Sometimes you rest more, sometimes less. I don't see anything strange or special.
"Against Sevilla, we had one day less [rest]. Tomorrow, it's Madrid [with one less day], then it could be Valencia, Atletico, us..."
Related：
Real Madrid
Barcelona
Santiago Solari
Ernesto Valverde
kouilp
72
hahaha is he afraid???? is he trying to bring excuse while the game did not play yet?? even if u rest full month and Barcelona rest a day you can't escape the beating.... FORCA BARCAR
ENZOROMARIO77
37
Solari's observation isn't significant in respect to El Classico matches. They possess a good squad debt and shouldn't worry about a day difference to their arc rival's favour, otherwise it's going to be regarded as being paranoid ahead of the match. Whoever it favours or didn't favours, a team will definitely emerge as the winner of the dog fight, no excuses.