Robert Fernandez on Semedo arrival, new signings and Verratti
The sporting director is delighted with the signing of the Portuguese right-back
However, he would not be drawn into giving updates on the latest on Verratti
Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez accompanied Nelson Semedo in his official presentaton as a Barcelona player.
On the proplems that ocurred earlier in the day, when Benfica said negotiations were still ongoing, he explained: "We wanted to make the presentation at midday, but sometimes you get difficulties when signings players from abroad. We were able to solve them. We sorted it out quickly, it was just a paper work issue, really."
Robert would not say, though, if Semedo was Barça's first choice right-back signing: "I don’t like talking about first options. When we looked to the market we wanted to improve the squad. I’ve never looked at things as plan A, plan B… Nelson’s name came up very early because he has the physical and technical attributes we need. I don’t think he will have any problems adapting to the club.
"Yes, we did look at other players, but Nelson was a player we’d watched for a long time and finally we decided that he was the one we wanted."
BUSINESS TO DO
Robert said that Semedo's arrival will not lead to the departure of Aleix Vidal and said that there will be more signings, but there's no rush.
He added: "Rushing is never good, there’s plenty of time and we’ve got many days ahead. I don’t think there have been many big signings in Spanish football so far.
"We know what we’re doing, what our position is and what we want. We always try to improve, but it’s not easy. Sometimes we forget what we’ve got though, and I can say we’ve got a fantastic team, a top quality squad."
NO JOB CHANGE
Barça's sporting director also said that Semedo is his signing and when asked if Pep Segura's appointment as general manager would change his role at the club, he said: "I think next week the club will release the new structure, but nothing really changes [for me]. It’s the same job as ever. It’s the job I have and I will continue to do the same thing."
VERRATTI AND PSG
With regards to updating the Marco Verratti situation, Fernandez said: "We’re speaking about a player who has a contract [with PSG], so there is not much I can say. The first thing you have to do is reach an agreement with the club."
