Ernesto Valverde talks Moussa Wague, Riqui Puig and Gerard Pique ahead of Leganes

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde spoke to the press on Friday ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against Leganes.

The 55-year-old discussed Moussa Wague’s chances of being involved, Riqui Puig’s future at the club and Gerard Pique and Ousmane Dembele.

Here are the best bits:

Valverde on Leganes

Javier Aguirre has a great capacity to motivate his teams. Last year we had a bad experience there but this time we have to win. We have complicated, difficult matches coming. We have to be focused because from January onwards, we will depend a lot on the results from this month.

Valverde on Moussa Wague

We have two possibilities, either we play with Wague, or we change the system. He is prepared, of course, because he played some games last season. If he’s with us then it’s because he can play.

Valverde on Riui Puig going out on loan

His future is between him and the club. We want him close to the first team. But there’s a lot of players in his position. It’s something that the player and the club have to decide. We’re going to wait until January and see what happens.

Valverde on Gerard Pique

If I think Pique is focused he will play. If not, he won’t. I’ve spoken with him and I see him as being focussed. He has interests outside of football and many players are criticised for only knowing football. We’ll see if he has permission to attend the Davis Cup or not. We have to leave him alone for now, as we have an important game.

Valverde on Ousmane Dembele

It’s essential that he has continuity. The injuries have prevented that from happening. Various muscle injuries have not allowed him to perform as we would have expected. We are on top of him.