SPORT Exclusive: Valverde wants the squad finalised before the Gamper trophy
The manager would like all deals completed by 7 August
He wants to be able to prepare properly for the Spanish Super Cup and the start of La Liga
Ernesto Valverde is a manager who does not like to intervene too much, who likes dialogue, has clear ideas and does not like excesses. The new Barça manager is surprising everyone with his ability to manage a crisis, despite how new he is to the job.
His way of dealing with the Neymar saga exemplary. No fuss, no complaints, pragmatic, Valverde is showing that being true to themselves and calm is the best way for the squad to move forward, despite the media storm surrounding the club.
This capacity to downplay conflicts is not to say the ex-Athletic manager is not a strong character and an experienced hand. In fact, Valverde has asked – and asked is the right word, it was not a demand – Barça’s directors one thing: that the summer’s transfer dealings are completed before the Joan Gamper trophy.
Valverde would like to have all his players by 7 August, in time for the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid, the first leg of which is on 13 August. However, the market situation and the numerous deals the club has open means this is more a wish than realistic thinking.
The club is still working on the departures of Munir, Samper, Vermaelen andDouglas and the signings of Coutinho or Paulinho. And of course, the Neymar saga has to be resolved once and for all.
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