Barcelona are in crisis. Here's how Valverde can turn Messi, Suarez & Co. around
It's clear that something is wrong with Spanish champions Barcelona, but there are some easy fixes to get them quickly back on track.
Messi: There's no secret to my success (0:44)
Africans Abroad: Riyad Mahrez takes centre stage
Ed Dove wraps the best individual African performances across Europe over the weekend.
Will Barcelona bounce back against Villarreal? (1:55)
Why Barcelona will have to wait until summer for Napoli duo (1:28)
Valverde: Barca must respond to crisis with wins
Ernesto Valverde said Barcelona must respond on the pitch this week to emerge from the crisis which has enveloped them since defeat to Granada.
Barcelona open to signing USWNT star Rapinoe
Barcelona have opened the door to the possibility of signing the United States World Cup star Megan Rapinoe.
Real Madrid's bounce-back win a sign of things to come? (1:31)
Benzema rescues Real Madrid in win at Sevilla
Karim Benzema scored in the 64th minute as Real Madrid earned an away victory at Sevilla on Sunday.
Valencia struggle with draw against Leganes
Troubled Valencia's joy at beating Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek was punctured by a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Leganes.
Sources: Barca stars lose confidence in Valverde
A number of players have begun to lose confidence in Ernesto Valverde following Barca's disappointing start to the season, sources have told ESPN.
Who's to blame for Barcelona's loss to Granada? (1:27)
Suarez eyes difficult season after 'worrying' loss
Luis Suarez said Barcelona are anticipating a "long and complicated" season after their "worrying" loss to newly promoted Granada on Saturday.
Luis Suarez looks lost in 4/10 showing as Barca's road woes continue in loss at Granada
Maybe it's because it's early in the season, or maybe it's because he's coming off an injury, but Luis Suarez was woeful in Barca's loss at Granada.
Promoted Granada shock Barcelona to go top
Promoted Granada moved into first place in La Liga after a convincing 2-0 win over Barcelona on Saturday took them to 10 points.
Atletico struggle to break down Celta in draw
Atletico Madrid missed the chance to go clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday when they were held to a frustrating goalless draw at home to Celta
Kieran Darcy ESPN Staff Writer
Arthur and Sergio Busquets are both on the bench for Barcelona against Granada. I'm switching to Joan Jordan as my La Liga fantasy Tier 2 midfielder. Jordan has two goals in his first four games for Sevilla, eight chances created, and is sixth in the league in passes completed, averaging 61.8 per game.
Kieran Darcy ESPN Staff Writer
Lionel Messi is on the bench for Barcelona against Granada on Saturday. I'm switching to teammate Luis Suarez as my La Liga fantasy Tier 1 forward and captain. Suarez scored two goals off the bench in his return from injury against Valencia last weekend.
Zidane on Mourinho talk: 'I'm not interested'
Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has said he is not bothered by rumours linking Jose Mourinho with his job.
How long does Zidane have to fix Real Madrid? (1:20)
Valencia are in chaos, again, following Marcelino sacking. Will victory at Chelsea be a turning point?
One of Spain's biggest but most dysfunctional clubs is in disarray again following the surprise sacking of the manager who'd fixed them.
Sources: Zidane under pressure at Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane is under pressure at Real Madrid following the 3-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, according to ESPN FC sources.
'Setback' if Fati gets Spain call-up - Barca boss
Spain's desire to call up teenager Ansu Fati for next month's Under-17 World Cup has not gone down well with Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde.
Robson: Mourinho has to evolve to be a world-class manager (1:29)
Is Zidane in danger of the sack at Real Madrid? (1:34)
La Liga Ladder
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Bilbao | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | +5 | 11 |
| Real Madrid | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | +4 | 11 |
| Granada | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +6 | 10 |
| Real Sociedad | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +3 | 10 |
| Sevilla FC | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +3 | 10 |
| Atletico Madrid | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +1 | 10 |
| Villarreal | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | +4 | 8 |
| Barcelona | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | +3 | 7 |
| Levante | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | +1 | 7 |
| Osasuna | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | +1 | 7 |
| Getafe | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| Valencia | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -2 | 5 |
| Alavés | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -2 | 5 |
| Real Betis | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 5 |
| Real Valladolid | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 5 |
| Celta Vigo | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 5 |
| Mallorca | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | 4 |
| Espanyol | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -6 | 4 |
| Eibar | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -3 | 2 |
| Leganes | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -6 | 1 |