And just seven minutes into the second half the Argentine got his wish as Valverde made a double substitution.
Roberto and Alba helped turn things around as they inspired their side to an impressive comeback with Lionel Messi’s free-kick four minutes from time proving decisive.
Valverde admitted after the match his team had ‘dodged a bullet’ with their victory over Alaves.
"Without a doubt," he said when asked if Barca had rode their luck at times.
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Ernesto Valverde admits Barcelona were lucky to come away with victory over Alaves
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"We're in a tough phase of the season, with a lot of games close together, midweek, weekend, and that leads to lots of wear and tear.
"We just played a really tense game on Thursday [against Espanyol] and are straight back at it tonight. If you get the first goal and are in front, it's easier but if not ... I have the feeling that we have dodged a bullet."
Barcelona sit 11 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid in La Liga but now turn their attentions to their Copa del Rey class with Valencia on Thursday night (8.30pm).