Valverde talks his Barca future, Umtiti and January transfers

The latest from the boss

Ernesto Valverde faced the press for the first time in 2019 as he talked about Barcelona’s first game of the year against Getafe on Sunday.

The boss spoke about his future at the club, Samuel Umtiti’s fitness, as well as the possibility of Barcelona bringing in more players in the current transfer window.

Here are the best bits...

Valverde on Samuel Umtiti

We think that in a couple of weeks he might be able to start training again with the team, we’ll see how things are going. I always try to be optimistic and I would like that to happen. I think he has positive feelings. We’ll see.

Valverde on his future at Barcelona

I have a contract with the club which was two years plus an option and at the end of the season we have to decide whether I continue or not. We will postpone that decision for further down the line, depending on how the season goes.

We are not yet halfway through the season but if things go well I’d be happy to stay, although it’s not only my decision. We all know how management works. If you don’t win things, as has happened before, people start to call for your head. But I feel good here, as I have since the start.

Valverde on January signings

We are always open to improving but we will have to see if any players come in. But, in principle, we are happy with what we have and I am focused on the players we have here.

Valverde on Jeison Murillo

Our idea was that Jeison would be available as soon as possible and he knows the league. He’s going to have to play and we hope to see the best of him.

Valverde on Real Madrid

We still consider Madrid a candidate for the title. Sometimes the gaps seem great but they are not so much, just two and a half games, and we see them as one of our rivals. This year La Liga is tighter, everything is more compressed. But always it is better if we are first.

Valverde on Getafe

They’re a tough side to start the year against. They create intense pressure and are convincing. They’re battling for a spot in European play and will be a difficult opponent.

Source: barcablaugranes.com