Barça boss Valverde: Umtiti must work hard to win place back

Barça boss Valverde: Umtiti must work hard to win place back

Valverde habló de Umtiti en rueda de prensa / | Laia Cervelló

"He's been out of action for a long time and the defensive line is playing at a really great level"

Samuel Umtiti is not having his best season at Barcelona. After missing large parts of the campaign injured, he's returned to see his place in the team taken by Clement Lenglet. 

Barça coach Ernesto Valverde talked about the French defender's situation on Friday. Umtiti is likely to come into the team for this weekend's game at Huesca. 

"I think he's doing fine," Valverde said. "He's been out of action for a long time and the defensive line is playing at a really great level. 

"What Umtiti has to do is work hard and focus on getting back to his best. He's keen to contribute." 

Todibo chance 

Valverde also spoke about Jean Clair Todibo, the young defender signed in January who has only played in the Catalan Super Cup so far. 

"I see him as a centre-back," Valverde responded when asked if he was more of a defender or a defensive midfielder. "He hasn't played a lot but the only way to get back [in rhythm] is by playing. We will see about [the Huesca game] but it's a possibility."