Three things we learned from the defeat of the Copa del Rey in Valencia

Valverde might not last much longer at Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde entered the match on Saturday under pressure after the club's exit from the Champions League in Liverpool and this will only increase after another defeat in cup.

Once again, the Barcelona boss was deceived in his starting training and, although he made some changes at half-time, the damage had already been caused.

Goals from Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo allowed Valencia to score 2-0 at the break and be in charge of the match. In fact, they could have had more.

It was a performance that was not a complete surprise either. Valverde has not managed to get his team to get rid of his current gloom and compete with Valencia. There was a complete lack of speed in the attack and Barca seemed to hope that Lionel Messi could win everything.

Photo of Denis Doyle / Getty Images

The holders of Copa del Rey were also far too easy to face, Valencia has recovered during the break and allowed them to get started.

The boss of Barcelona must assume the responsibility of it, even if it must be recognized that there was poor performance all over the field, only Messi, Gerard Pique and the substitute of Malcom in the second period seemed interested.

Valverde was born before and after this match by President Josep Maria Bartomeu and his players, but his future at the club has never been so uncertain.

Even Messi can not save Barca

Captain Messi spoke of the importance of winning the Copa del Rey before the match. "If we do not win, we will be much worse than we are now," but even he could not lead a revival.

The Argentine was found isolated in attack, especially in the first half, but still managed to score and set a new record.

He could have had another one too, but woodworking prevented him from making a daring effort outside the boot from inside the penalty area.

The absence of Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele in attack was strongly felt, while Philippe Coutinho performed another anonymous performance after returning to the team after his injury.

Messi's excellence has masked many of Barcelona's weaknesses this season, but this defeat serves to underscore once again the need for the club to help him strengthen his attack.

Changes are needed during the summer

Barcelona's bad end of the season will spark a lot of debate over the direction the club has taken despite its comfortable victory in La Liga and should see some changes over the summer.

It remains to be seen if Valverde will continue in the club, but a change of mentality is necessary if the team wants to put aside the disappointments of this season and progress.

While Valverde has won two league titles and the Copa del Rey during his two seasons in Barcelona, ​​he has stopped attracting critics as social media is currently overwhelmed by calls for his dismissal. .

Photo of Denis Doyle / Getty Images

The players continued to support their boss, but his unpopular playing style, the perceived preference of some players, the predictable replacements and the failures of the Champions League make his position far from secure. Nevertheless, there is no obvious candidate to replace Valverde.

In addition to the manager, there will also be changes in the team. Frenkie de Jong will arrive in July, he could even take Matthijs de Ligt with him, while Antoine Griezmann could also introduce himself after announcing that he was leaving Atletico Madrid.

In the meantime, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba will have to be called upon, and Barcelona will have to be smart about the transfer market to ensure that players who can rejuvenate and improve are brought in. l & # 39; team.

There are also a number of players about to leave. Philippe Coutinho is the most influential after a difficult second season, while the name of Ivan Rakitic continues to appear when it comes to transferring rumors, despite his insistence on wanting to stay.

Barcelona has great decisions to make this summer with regards to stays, departures and arrivals, which should make intriguing months at Camp Nou.