BARCELONA: Victor Valdes believes Barcelona must win all 18 of its remaining fixtures if the club is to have any chance of holding on to its La Liga crown.
The Catalans are now seven points behind Real Madrid after a dismal 0-0 draw with Villarreal at El Madrigal and the Spain goalkeeper admits that Pep Guardiola’s men are now in a precarious position.
“We have no more room for error,” Valdes is quoted as saying by Sport. “We have dropped two important points against Villarreal. We have to win all the points that remain.
“And that’s what you get. If we want to fight for the league, we can not fail anymore because there is a rival in front of us that is very strong.”
Trying to work out the reasons behind Barca’s inconsistent form of late, particularly on the road, Valdes believes that fatigue has become an issue for a side which traveled to Japan for the Club World Cup in December.
“Injuries can never be used as excuses,” he argued. “That would be small team that does that. There is enough [strength in depth] to deal with all of the games.
“[But] I have the feeling that we are tired. But we are facing opponents who are also playing a lot and nobody here ever said that this would be easy. I cannot say exactly what is happening, really. The important thing is that the team is working hard but we must continue giving our all – and more if necessary.”
Barcelona returns to La Liga action against Valencia at the Mestalla next weekend, while Madrid is away to Getafe. (Agencies)