Barca cannot afford tiredness against Valladolid

Barcelona’s players return to Catalunya after international duty and will need to be on their toes as they face a Valladolid side this weekend looking to take advantage of any jetlag.
Pep Guardiola’s team have lost three out of four of their games following internationals this season and they cannot afford to do so again as with 30 points still to play for in the league there is a long way to go. They have a five point lead but still competing in three competitions it is going to be very tough to keep fresh for each game and it will also take some good luck.
Toure Yaya has been one of the unsung heroes of the team this season, working hard in midfield while the forwards take the plaudits and he is well aware that Barca cannot take anything for granted.
“It is not going to be easy, but I have confidence in the players and our style of football – our aim is simply to entertain people and I do not mind doing the dirty work so that the strikers can entertain the public, our philosophy is beautiful football,” he said, “but we are still going to have to play against a lot of good sides if we are going to achieve our aims.”
Toure performances have led to many comparisons with Patrick Vieira but the azulgrana player modestly played down the link: “Vieira is clearly better and I will have to work in order to reach his level.”
Sports director Txiki Beguiristain disagrees though: “he gives us security and allows us to play the ball at pace. He is strong, wins possession and opens play extremely well.”