Valverde talks Riqui Puig, Dembele and Luis Suarez

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The latest from the Barcelona boss

Ernesto Valverde spoke at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League tie with Slavia Prague.

The Barcelona boss discussed Riqui Puig’s future, Luis Suarez’s injury and offered his thoughts on Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Slavia Prague.

Here are the best bits:

Valverde on Riqui Puig

We have a lot of players in midfield and every time I’m asked about the ones who aren’t in the squad. Riqui Puig is a talent and it’s clear he is going to play at Barca. We just don’t know when. He is in a period of development and the period is in at Barca B is helping him.

Valverde on Ousmane Dembele

Everyone always has to earn their place. When he plays, he can stay in that position. As it happens to Ansu, Luis, Griezmann or Pique. When you have your chance, you will have to try and stay in the team.

Valverde on Luis Suarez

It’s not a big injury, tomorrow is unlikely but maybe he will be with us soon.

Valverde on Antoine Griezmann

He has to add attacking level to his defensive work. But not leave the latter. He does incredible work for us. He has the ability to go forward and to score lots of goals. We hope he can score more.

Valverde on Levante defeat

When you lose you always look at the coach. That is the case and I assume it. The other day Levante scored against us with their first shot. We controlled the game until we lost it, we were not good in attack and we have to improve.

Valverde on Slavia Prague

We expect a match similar to the one in Prague or the way they played at Iner. Slavia always remain faithful to their identity wherever they play. They nearly beat Inter and had good games against Borussia and us. They are very physical and and look to get players into the box.

Source: barcablaugranes.com