Ernesto Valverde happy with Barcelona squad ahead of 2019/20 season

Sport360 staff 19:23 10/08/2019
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  • Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says he is happy with the squad at his disposal going into the 2019/20 season.

    The Spanish giants were very active in the transfer market and are expected to remain so, as they attempt to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Neymar.

    The coach, however, provided no clarity on the club’s pursuit of the Brazilian when he addressed the media ahead of Barcelona’s final pre-season friendly against Napoli on Saturday night.

    “That’s just an assumption,” Valverde responded when asked if Neymar’s arrival would distort the balance at the club.

    “We’ll see what happens, but you already know the usual answer which is that he’s a player of another team and so on.

    “I know what I have, what I’m working with and who I’m counting on.

    “What happens, we’ll see. We don’t know what’ll happen and I’m not thinking about it. I’ll think about it tomorrow.”

    The Basque coach reiterated that he is happy with the team and will work with all the players in the squad.

    “I’m always happy with the players I have,” Valverde explained.

    “They’re very good. Even last year we almost had a perfect season.

    “Now we’ve made four important additions and we have to try to improve.”

    Ivan Rakitic has been linked with a move away from the club, with Inter Milan emerging as favourites. The manager admitted that he is unsure of the player’s future at the club but confirmed that there is nothing to suggest that he will be departing yet.

    “He’s very important for us,” Valverde said.

    “His work is there. Right now I don’t know if he’ll stay, but I’m counting on him, as I am with everyone we have.

    “In principle, nothing makes me think I won’t have him.”

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