Setien keen on Neymar return
Barcelona coach Quique Setien says he would love to coach Neymar and would be “delighted” if the Brazilian returns to the club from Paris Saint-Germain.
NAMPA/AFP
Barcelona coach Quique Setien tried to re-sign Neymar last year, but they were unable to agree on a deal with French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The Brazilian joined PSG for a world record fee of 222 million euro (N$4.3 billion) in 2017.
An agreement may be even harder to strike this summer, given the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, although Barcelona could reportedly offer players in exchange.
“I would love to be able to coach him some day,” said Setien, speaking to beIN Sport on Friday night.
'Would be delighted'
“We are talking about an exceptional level. Fortunately, I have already fulfilled one of my dreams, which was to coach (Lionel) Messi, but I would be delighted if Neymar comes,” Setien said.
Neymar previously formed a successful attacking trio with Luis Suarez and Messi at Barcelona, but Suarez's future is uncertain.
The 33-year-old has not played since January, when he underwent surgery on an injury to his right knee, and Setien admitted he needs more time to regain full fitness, with La Liga due to restart from its coronavirus enforced suspension in the middle of next month.
Suarez lacks confidence
Asked if Suarez was fully fit, Setien said: “No, I think he's in a good condition and has been working with the group. But we see that he lacks a bit of confidence. “He underwent an operation and after two months I would say he's still recovering. But it's clear that soon [he will be ready]; I don't know whether it will be two, three or four weeks.”
Barcelona sit at the top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has said the preferred date for the season to resume is 12 June, but the restart will depend on Spanish health authorities.
Barcelona coach Quique Setien tried to re-sign Neymar last year, but they were unable to agree on a deal with French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The Brazilian joined PSG for a world record fee of 222 million euro (N$4.3 billion) in 2017.
An agreement may be even harder to strike this summer, given the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, although Barcelona could reportedly offer players in exchange.
“I would love to be able to coach him some day,” said Setien, speaking to beIN Sport on Friday night.
'Would be delighted'
“We are talking about an exceptional level. Fortunately, I have already fulfilled one of my dreams, which was to coach (Lionel) Messi, but I would be delighted if Neymar comes,” Setien said.
Neymar previously formed a successful attacking trio with Luis Suarez and Messi at Barcelona, but Suarez's future is uncertain.
The 33-year-old has not played since January, when he underwent surgery on an injury to his right knee, and Setien admitted he needs more time to regain full fitness, with La Liga due to restart from its coronavirus enforced suspension in the middle of next month.
Suarez lacks confidence
Asked if Suarez was fully fit, Setien said: “No, I think he's in a good condition and has been working with the group. But we see that he lacks a bit of confidence. “He underwent an operation and after two months I would say he's still recovering. But it's clear that soon [he will be ready]; I don't know whether it will be two, three or four weeks.”
Barcelona sit at the top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has said the preferred date for the season to resume is 12 June, but the restart will depend on Spanish health authorities.
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