After Levante spoiled Barcelona's hopes of an undefeated LaLiga Santander season last year, Ernesto Valverde has admitted that they will be out for a spot of revenge this weekend. Under his watch, the Blaugrana went an incredible 36 games without tasting defeat but in their penultimate game of the campaign, were beaten 5-4 in a thriller. A Philippe Coutinho goal in the final game against Real Sociedad meant that they ended the campaign with just one loss to their name and return to the scene of the crime on Sunday night.
"They are a team with a clear identity. They are doing well and getting great results," he told reporters. "Their good form is a continuation of last season, when we suffered a lot when we went there and they were the only opponent who beat us. "It won't be hard to motivate the team though because we are playing for top spot. "Maybe it isn't a game like the derby [last weekend] but we know what happened there last season and that has to serve as an incentive for us."
The Ousmane Dembele situation has also been an interesting one for Valverde to deal with but on this occasion, he was only concerned with discussing the Frenchman's playing talents.
"I have always considered him one of the best in the world, as I also believe Coutinho to be too," he added. "We also have plenty more in the team of that profile and that's why they are here. "He is coming off the back of two beautiful goals and we all hope that he will continue like this."
The former Athletic Club boss also touched on the Azulgrana's January transfer market plans, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding defender Samuel Umtiti and his fitness.
"Umtiti could recover and that would be great news for us and would mean that we would have four centre-backs for the rest of the season, although three are left-footed," he explained. "We will know more about what happens with him in a little while but we are Barcelona and want to have a team who can respond. "As I said, we'll see what happens but I'm happy to manage with what I have."

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