"Today's match was key because it's a derby and because we know how Girona play, as they're an intense and great team, but now we'll recover tomorrow and start thinking about Wednesday," he said in his post-match press conference, according to Marca.

"Our hope is to go through. We made changes the other day (leaving out the likes of Messi and Sergio Busquets) with respect to today's line-up.

"We have three matches in six days this week and there's also a very important one against Valencia (on Saturday), but it's true that what matters to us right now is the Copa del Rey.

"I don't want another result like the other day."

Valverde also defended Philippe Coutinho, who has scored just once in the last 15 matches and failed to sparkle again against Girona, who had Bernardo Espinosa sent off before Messi made the game safe.

"What I like about him is that he always tries things and takes on his man," the Barca boss added about Coutinho.

"It might work or it might not. He had chances today, but didn't score because their goalkeeper is excellent.

"He'll convert other chances soon."

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