Valverde touches on Neymar and Rakitic ahead of Barcelona-Valencia

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde spoke at a press conference ahead of the match with Valencia. The Catalan club's manager answered questions pertaining to the transfer market, namely on Neymar, an interview of Lionel Messi and the current status of Ivan Rakitic. Here is what he had to say: "I didn't read Messi's interview, but you hear things. There is no crack between the club and Leo. His words were exaggerated. I don't need to give it any importance. Each person decides their future, just like the club decides."

"Neymar is a great player that plays in another team. To speak of these things today when the market is closed only hurts the club. I don't like it. As far as Rakitic, instead, I don't see any problem. We have many midfielders. If he doesn't play it's news, just like with Arthur or Arturo Vidal o Alena when they don't play. This year there will be a lot of rotation amongst the midfielders. De Jong has arrived and Sergi Roberto has changed roles."