Setien keen on Neymar Barca return
24 May, 2020
Barcelona coach Quique Setien says he'd wish to coach Neymar and will be “delighted” if the Brazilian returns to the club from Paris Saint-Germain.
Barca tried to re-sign Neymar this past year but were not able to agree a manage French champions PSG, whom he joined for a world-record charge of 222 million euros ($264 million at the time) in 2017.
An agreement could even harder to strike come early july given the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, although reportedly Barcelona could offer players in exchange.
“I would wish to have the ability to coach him some day,” said Setien, speaking to beIN Sport on Friday night. “We are talking about a fantastic level. Fortunately I've already fulfilled among my dreams, which was to teach (Lionel) Messi but I'd be delighted if Neymar comes.”
Neymar previously formed an effective attacking trio with Luis Suarez and Messi at Barcelona however the future of Suarez is uncertain.
The 33-year-old hasn't played since January when he underwent surgery on a personal injury to his right knee, and Setien admitted he needs more time to regain full fitness with La Liga because of restart from its coronavirus-enforced suspension in the middle of next month.
Asked if Suarez was fully fit, Setien said: “No, I believe he’s in an excellent condition and has been working with the group. But we see that he lacks a bit of confidence.
“He underwent an procedure and after 8 weeks I would say he’s still recovering. But it’s clear that soon (he'll be ready), I don’t know whether it will be two, three or four weeks.”
Barcelona sit top of the table, two points before Real Madrid.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has said the favored date for the growing season to resume is June 12 however the restart will rely upon the Spanish health authorities.
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