Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen: "We can improve and we will"

Critical in the past, Marc ter Stegen wanted to send a message of optimism after Barcelona went down to their first defeat of the Quique Setien era at Valencia on Saturday. 

The German goalkeeper admitted that "we have to improve in quite a few areas" but sought to take importance away from the Mestalla loss: "These situations happen every season. We have to keep on working hard on what the coach asks of us. We can improve and we will. I am optimistic." 

Ter Stegen bemoaned the first goal, which came after Maxi Gomez's shot deflected off Jordi Alba: "We started the second half well, but the score from a deflection and that did damage because you have possession and you're trying to stop them creating chances. It was a strange situation to go behind and the game becomes more difficult." 

He added: "After these games, you have to look at what you have done well and what you have done badly." 

Prior to the opening goal, Ter Stegen had saved a penalty from Gomes. It was his sixth penalty stop in Barça colours and the German said: "I had a good feeling and it allowed us to keep the score goalless."