Sergio Busquets Speaks On Barcelona-Napoli Champions Clash, Setien-Messi Meeting And Arthur Return

Despite being suspended, Sergio Busquets was chosen by FC Barcelona to hold a press conference prior to their last 16 clash with Napoli in the Champions League tomorrow.

Asked how the team was dealing with the challenge, Busquets answered: “With great optimism. We have had [some] days to prepare for the game and we know that anything can happen. It is the return [leg], with a [1-1] draw in the first leg, but we will go for [it in] the game and [stay] true to our philosophy.”

On whether he thought a meeting between coach Quique Setien and captain Lionel Messi, following the loss of the league title to Real Madrid, had been a “turning point” for the squad, Busquets responded: “Everything that is talked about to improve is welcome. These weeks of training have been good for us and we hope they will bear fruit tomorrow. We really want to continue in this competition and play the Final 8, but first [we must beat] a very difficult opponent, with great players.”

“It is a decision of the club, we have to focus on [what happens on] the pitch,” Busquets remarked, on the continuation of the manager. “If Setien continues it will be a good sign, but now we are [only] worried about Napoli.”

Regarding Arthur, who has been sold to Juventus but then visited and stayed in Brazil without permission before returning to Barcelona this weekend, Busquets said: “It has been a difficult situation, but the only ones who know the truth are the club and the player. We know that he did not come [back] and it seems that he has returned, but what we want is that this noise is as little as possible, and that they [the club and the player] agree.”

“It was a surprise for everyone [when he stayed in Brazil] since it is normal for him to return. For the good of the club and the dressing room, that they reach an agreement is the best for all,” Busquets added later on the same topic.

“We have focused on training more days than we are used to, and we are only focused on the Napoli game, without thinking about the past,” said Busquets, when drawn on whether Barcelona had unfinished business in the competition owing to the traumas of Rome and Anfield. “This game is going to be unique … we are excited to be able to go through and play the Final 8.”

Commenting on Riqui Puig and his potential debut in Europe’s elite club soccer tournament, Busquets said: “Although he is 20 years old, he is more than prepared. He must support [his teammates], be a team player and gain experience to be much better and to settle within the first team.”

Concluding on the Blaugrana’s preparation, Busquets finished by saying: “We have been able to train much more, [which is] impossible during the season, and that has benefited us. Playing always gives you the extra pace, but other things can be improved. The game is going to be complicated. We aspire to [deliver] much more, to control the game and attack and score goals. In the end the goals count.”