Eduardo Berizzo is “hopeful” Nolito will still be a Celta Vigo player on Tuesday but revealed a “Plan B” if the forward did leave before then.
The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona throughout January, with reports claiming a deal could be struck on Monday – the final day of the transfer window – but the Coach was confident of keeping his star man.
“I’m very calm. Hopefully Nolito is still here on Tuesday,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Las Palmas in La Liga.
“It’s my desire on both a sporting and personal level. I hope his departure doesn’t happen because he’s a fantastic player.
“On Tuesday, the sun will rise, we’ll train and find solutions [for what needs improving].
“This also applies to the market. We must be realistic, act quickly and think about what could happen. We also have a Plan B [if Nolito leaves].
“[On why Nolito would not face Las Palmas, despite being fit], he’s not in his best shape yet.
“His injury has put him behind on a physical level, but he should find his best shape [soon].
“He’s training with the team again, but he needs a few more days under his belt to be considered [for selection].”
