Barcelona had a lot of time to figure things out after their last clash, which took place nearly a week ago. Even so, rumors linking the team to a new high-profile transfer had to be clarified by none other than their coach, Ernesto Valverde.
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the game between Los Culés and Real Valladolid, Valverde admitted that hiring Mexican star Carlos Vela was in the team's recent plans, but not anymore.
"I remember that something about that came up last year. The winter transfer window is not open yet, but I believe that we are happy with what we've got right now," Valverde said.
Vela, currently playing for Los Angeles FC in the MLS, has been praised for his skills with the American club. Furthermore, some fans can't understand why the club was not able to hire him on loan last season and chose Kevin Prince-Boateng as Luis Suárez's replacement. Having heard Valverde's words, it seems that the ship has sailed for Vela, who will try to lead LAFC to their first-ever MLS title in the next few weeks.
"We'll figure things out inside the locker room" - Valverde on Ter Stegen's words.
The game between Slavia and Barcelona left some Blaugrana players quite unhappy with the team's performance, especially Marc André Ter Stegen, who had no problem voicing his thoughts on how the team almost dropped the ball against the Czech minnows. Speaking of which, coach Valverde admitted that it's up to Ter Stegen to discuss this with his team-mates, rather than venting his thoughts through the press.
"When the games end, every player has a different sensation. Marc's words come as a reply of something that took place during a specific moment of the game, and I remember that we suffered during the final minutes because they were all over us. We failed to solve the game and we had to defend our lead. If we need to change something we will do it from within," Valverde added.
