Valdes: Rijkaard is the key to Barcelona’s success

Valdes said: “The players were very happy when he said publicly that he would continue with us.

“The coach is the key in our success. He has the ability to motivate and lift footballers.

“The dressing room has great respect for him because of his record as a player.”

Valdes added, on the controversy last week: “The episode is over. I have always liked Samuel Eto’o because we have similar characters. Everything is now calm.”