Valverde: "a left-back could arrive still"

Ernesto Valverde confirmed a new left-back is on Barcelona's wishlist and said the door would remain open for new arrivals until the transfer window closes.

LaLiga champions Barca want to find support for Jordi Alba and are reportedly moving closer to signing Junior Firpo from Real Betis.

Philipp Max of Augsburg is said to be an alternative, while Bayern Munich star David Alaba figured in rumours as a less realistic option.

Neto, Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann have all joined since the end of the 2018-19 season and Barca's business appears unlikely to end there.

"It is true that we had some problems on the left side [of defence] and it is possible that somebody may arrive," head coach Valverde said.

"But we are open to the market until the last day and we will see what happens."

Valverde faced media in Japan ahead of a pre-season friendly against local outfit Vissel Kobe, home to former Barca players Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper. 

The FC Barcelona coach also took the time to thank his hosts for the invitation: "thank you for the possibility of being here in Japan, inviting us to this city [Kobe], there are many things which unite us with Vissel Kobe. The fact there are three of our former players [Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper] here just makes this relationship closer."

Additionally, he confirmed Gerard Pique will not be involved after feeling discomfort in his thigh in the wake of the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

"Tomorrow is an opportunity," Valverde said of the match. "There are things that must be improved and adapted. We always have to improve. We will leave out Pique, who has a problem, as a precaution."

There is better news on the fitness front back in Spain, where Luis Suarez has started a personalised pre-season programme.

The striker, who was given an extended break following the Copa America, is scheduled to return to full training alongside his Barcelona team-mates on July 31.

Then it was Busquets' turn to speak. He was asked about the competition now that Barça has been strengthened. The footballer believes that the only issue will be for Valverde to pick out a starting line-up in a team full of stars. 

"Griezmann's arrival is good for everyone. It makes us better as a team and will give a plus for the competition. The problem will be the coach, who has to decide ...," he said when asked about the signing of the striker.

He also talked about another of the big 'culés' signings, De Jong. "He's a great player, he can play both midfield and indoor. Competition between us is good because it makes us better" said the Spaniard. 

Incidentally, he gave his opinion on Dembele's progress, whom he thinks is much more focused than in the past. "We see Dembele better, better integrated, hopefully, this year everything will be better," he said.

Finally, he spoke about the emotional reunion with Iniesta. "Andres means a lot to the players who have gone through the academy, having at that time the support of players like Iniesta makes everything easier. In addition, he is a great friend and it will be special to play against him," he said.