Setien talks Semedo, Umtiti and Arthur ahead of Mallorca

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The latest from the Barcelona boss

Quique Setien was back on press conference duty on Friday ahead of Barcelona’s first game back tomorrow at Real Mallorca.

The Barcelona boss spoke about Nelson Semedo’s protocol breach, the fitness of Samuel Umtiti and Luis Suarez and those rumors about Arthur’s future at Barcelona.

So, for the first time in a while, here are the best bits:

Setien on Semedo

He was very concerned, it was an oversight as he was not completely aware of the situation, he has made a mistake and he knows it. I have spoken to him and he has apologized, he is sorry. I have not decided if he is going to play or not but it will not depend on what happened.

Setien on Umtiti

He was practically the only player who has gone a while without training with the group due to the muscle problem he suffered. He is doing well but obviously lacks the rhythm of his team-mates.

Setien on Luis Suarez

Luis Suárez will surely be a starter. Maybe he won’t play the entire match, we won’t take the risk. He is fit but obviously after five months, he will need some matches to find his best form.

Setien on the Champions League being played in Lisbon

They are still assumptions, we will see if it happens. It would hurt us a bit to play against Napoli on a neutral field when they played at home. But if so, we will accept it. In La Liga we depend on ourselves. In the Champions we have many options since we have the best player in the world and that can tip the scales in our favour.

Setien on Arthur rumors

We’ve talked about something, but not too much. It’s clear I count on all the players I have on the squad and I don’t want to get into speculation.

Setien on Arthur’s fitness

He had a problem that has resolved. The rest was good for him because of his ankle problem. He has returned well, he has trained well and he is like the rest. He is a great player.

Setien on Messi

Messi is one hundred per cent. He has trained well with his teammates and is very good. There will be no problem. He knows how to measure himself perfectly and rest when necessary. If there is a risk, he will be the first to say it. I always trust my players.

Source: barcablaugranes.com