Valverde praises Dembélé and moves on from Neymar

Ousmane Dembélé was the main subject of discussion at Ernesto Valverde’s press conference before tomorrow’s game against Alavés. Barça announced the signing a few minutes before the press conference started and the manager responded to several questions on the club’s record signing.

Valverde was happy with the signing of the Frenchman and wanted to move on from Neymar: “Dembélé is a player who can carry the ball forward, which is something we’ve missed and we need. He can play on both sides, and has also played as a centre forward before. He gives us a lot of options, he’s quick, direct, technical. We hope he gives us a lot of things because we have a lot of hopes for the player”.

When asked how the player was different to Neymar, Valverde pointed out “the difference is Dembélé is here with us and Neymar’s not here. We loved Neymar before and now… what are we going to do!”

Regarding the high fee, Valverde said “fees have gone up a lot due to Neymar’s release fee being paid. At the end of the day, when a player is on the pitch, you don’t think about whether a player has cost more or less. He’s a player that generates excitement and hope and we expect the best from him. We’re looking forward to knowing him personally but we think he is ready”. On the player’s fitness, he said “I imagine he’s been training” and that he is very fit.

Valverde said the transfer was supported by a lot of people at the club: “It’s the club’s signing, not a signing by anyone in particular. I’m the manager, they ask me because I’m on the inside and see the problems in a position”. He also ruled out bringing in new defenders because “we do not need more players at the back”.