Ernesto Valverde says he has no intention of resigning as Barcelona manager after Saturday’s shock loss at Levante.
The Catalan giants dominated the first half and appeared on course for a routine win when Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 38 minutes.
However, Levante fought back after the restart and claimed a famous 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Jose Campana, Borja Mayoral and Nemanja Radoja.
Barca remain top of La Liga as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid failed to capitalise on their defeat, with the two capital clubs drawing with Sevilla and Real Betis respectively, but the pressure is on Valverde regardless.
The Blaugrana have lost three of their 11 La Liga games so far this season and it has been suggested the club could decide a change in manager is required or Valverde may walk, although he says he intends to remain in the Camp Nou hot-seat. “Of course I’m not thinking about resigning, it’s just a defeat,” Valverde told reporters after the 3-1 loss at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. “The players have responded and we have to continue [working]. “We have lost a match and that’s it; we always react and this time won’t be any different.”
Barcelona have a chance to respond on Tuesday when they entertain Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
The Spanish champions will guarantee their place in the knockout stages if they pick up all three points, having managed seven points from three games so far.
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