Valverde's vision for Barça should become clearer next week

Up until this point, Ernesto Valverde hasn't given any hints as to his players or supporters for what are his plans for next season. At least, he hasn't done that publicly. Preseason isn't a time to draw conclusions as, with international tournaments causing players to arrive at different times, a lot of the lineups chosen so far have been experimental. Yet the season opener is just around the corner and then everything should become much clearer.

In a week's time the coach will need to pick his first official squad list. This will give an indication of the players he sees as important for the team going forward and those he feels need to move on. The current squad is in the United States, aside from Lionel Messi, and the futures of Riqui Puig, Abel Ruiz and Carles Perez appear to be with Barça B. That leaves the squad with 24 players to choose from. Valverde needs to bring that number down to 18, which means 6 must leave or face spending time in the stands.

'OVERBOOKING' in the centre of midfield

It's clear that Barça still need to move on players before the transfer window closes with the centre of midfield being the biggest concern. Rafinha is expected to join Valencia but that still leaves eight players for three positions. Valverde wants a more streamlined squad and would prefer youngsters to cover any injuries. At least two should leave in order to make it a more manageable situation. 

Valverde doesn't like to go public on his intentions but he knows that he must some tough decisions going forward. Once that first squad sheet is in, those plans should become much clearer.