When Messi Doesn't Play, Barcelona Are Different - Valdés

Barcelona have only gone one weekend without Lionel Messi, but already there is talk that without him, the Catalan side are a different team.

A draw with Getafe didn't help things, and speaking to AS today, Barça 'keeper, Victor Valdés, acknowledged that it is noted when Messi doesn't play.

"When Messi does not play there is no doubt that the team is different," he said.

"Any player has the quality to contribute to the group though and it is better not to think about whether there is any individual dependence or not."

The experienced goalkeeper didn't confirm that they missed him for the Getafe match, but rather praised Barca's opponents on the night.

"We played against a well-organised team who took advantage of any mistakes with good counter-attacks," he mused.

"We didn't achieve our objective of winning and adding three points, but we should continue."

The draw means that Barcelona are three points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table, but Valdés brushed aside rumours of Los Blancos being in turmoil.

"A team who are second in the league and are just three points from top are not in crisis," he stressed.


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