"We're not close to announcing anyone"

Barcelona welcomed Galatasaray to the Camp Nou for the first leg of their last 16 tie in the Europa League. Ahead of the game, Mateu Alemany faced the cameras to answer some burning questions.

The sporting director mentioned how the transfer window has helped Xavi Hernandez in being able to make more squad rotations. He has had "important players and this helps".

"You have to keep going. It's obvious that we're far behind in the league and we had to do something to turn the tide. The signings are working and Xavi's work is proving itself", he continued. 

Alemany took the opportunity to thank the Barca fans: "I can't say anything but thank you. When things are going badly, they're still here supporting the team patiently". 

In terms of the Haaland and Christensen rumours. Concerning the Norwegian, he affirmed that he never speaks about "players who play for another team". In Christensen's case, he insisted that "we're not close to announcing anyone".