Athletic coach challenges Barca as he 'counts on Williams'

On Thursday, Athletic coach Valverde spoke at a press conference ahead of his team's pre-season training camp. The head of his medical services a day earlier updated the state of the squad and confirmed that Simon and Agirrezabala, will not be available for the start of the season.  The Spanish coach's press conference attracted more interest as he discussed the possible signing of Nico Williams by Barcelona.

"I'm happy with the way things have gone for the national team. They have been the best and it was only right that they won the title. I'm also happy for our players. Nico is not the only one affected by the rumours. We are in the middle of the transfer window. We know he is a great player and that he may have clubs interested, but he is with us and we are counting on him for the return. He is happy with us," he said.

"We aim to retain our players. If we could improve the team, we would. It has been proven that being at Athletic, you can go to the national team and be one of the best. The challenges ahead of us? Nico loves them. I texted him to congratulate him and he asked for more holidays. They always try to ask for an extra day," added the Athletic boss.

"It is clear that there is always noise, but in the dressing room, we are very calm. We are not worried about this. We see it as something normal in the world of football", he insisted. On a more general level, he recalled that the transfer window is open until the 31st and that there could be news even hours before it closes. 

 

July 18, 2024