Valverde gives Barça the 'OK' to sign both Neymar and Griezmann
The coach is ready to welcome the players to the club and is up for the task of finding places in the XI for them both
Barça are working on the idea of having both Neymar and Antoine Griezmann in the squad next season. Alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, they will create one of the greatest attacks in the history of football. Ernesto Valverde needed some time to consider how he could make it work and has finally given his 'OK' to the deal. The task at hand for the coach will be to balance the playing time amongst four major, world class stars throughout a season without any falling outs. It must also be balanced enough to not leave the club exposed in defence.
Valverde headed off on his holidays safe in the knowledge Griezmann would be added to the squad next season. The coach has always been a huge admirer of the French forward and was disappointed when a deal wasn't struck a year ago. He believes Griezmann can add goals and hard work in attack, offering something different to the options at his disposal currently.
The big surprise was finding out at the beginning of June that Neymar was a realistic option too. The board heard from the player's entourage that he would like to return to the club. Barça didn't think twice and began negotiations with PSG. Valverde gave the thumbs up to the deal as well. The coach thinks adding the best players in the world to your squad is never a bad option. He's aware that it will take a balancing act to keep all four major stars happy though.
Valverde loves the versatility Griezmann will bring to the side, being able to play up front or further back in midfield. Neymar could slot into the left-hand side of the attack without a problem also.
One thing Valverde has asked for next season is to have a smaller squad. Right now, and with those two likely to join, there's 'overbooking' in attacking roles. Coutinho, Dembele and Malcom are all available for the right price and ideally, none of those three will join up for preseason training. The coach believes the only way to give La Masia stars a chance in the first team is to keep the squad down to around 20-21 members.
Valverde plans to rotate a lot more than in previous years due to the wealth of attacking stars at the club. In time, he believes all four will be able to start in the same XI. It's a risk but one Barça feel they must take if they are to continue winning titles. The only two positions that Valverde wants strengthening ahead of the new season is a left back to challenge Jordi Alba and a replacement midfielder if Ivan Rakitic leaves.
