Zubi: Not everyone wants Barca…

Andoni Zubizarreta reflected on Barcelona’s failure to sign a centre-back this summer, but assured confidence in the squad available.

The club’s primary objective heading into the summer market was believed to be another option in defence, but despite a public chase for Thiago Silva and then rumoured bids for David Luiz, the club close the market with no additions to the back-line.

“We did not get a centre-back, which was our goal, but we have the squad that we want. I am delighted with it. The signing of a centre-back is Puyol,” commented sporting director Zubizarreta to reporters this week.

“We have had a complicated summer, difficult and long, with complex situations. But within it, we have the team that we want. I know that is debatable. Puyol’s recovery has been very good and we have reflected on the position of centre-back. We had a primary target [Thiago Silva] and we could not get him. We have [Marc] Bartra and other options.

“Thiago Silva? We did our best. He chose PSG and that is the situation. Everyone does not get up every morning thinking about how wonderful it is at Barca, although most are happy to come here. The latest being Neymar.

“Our options? With Puyol and Pique injured last year, we managed the best first round of results in the League ever. We have not forgotten our versatility. And Bartra has great prospects. Risk comes in other activities, this is football.

“If Bartra is in the squad the it is because we have him. Of the rest, I have said that it was a priority and we have fallen short. Then, Tata [Martino] arrived.”

Tags Agger Bartra Luiz Puyol Thiago Silva Zubizarreta
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