Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has said that he wants to see defender Junior Firpo take “more risks”.
Firpo has seen game-time at the Camp Nou limited this season, starting just three league games, but could well see an increase in minutes due to the recent hamstring injury to first-choice left-back Jordi Alba.
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However, according to Marca, Valverde wants to see the 23-year-old demonstrate the same form as he did for Real Betis last season; the very form that earned him a £16m move to the Nou Camp during the summer.
Apparently Firpo is too overly cautious in training, scared to make a mistake and risks “next to nothing“.
The Spaniard did not help himself on his debut, either. He made a costly mistake in the opening stages of the contest against Granada – a match the Blaugrana ended up losing 2-0 – resulting in Barcelona conceding the opener, which led to his substitution at half-time.
Since that game, Firpo has featured just twice for the Spanish champions. Barca fans have been quick to defend the 23-year-old, though; here’s what some had to say in response to Valverde’s recent comments:
When you get dropped for 1 month or 2 months (Malcom, Alena, Firpo…) for no reason or small mistake how can he be making risks?
— evija87 (@evija87) November 8, 2019
How can he see that if he’s not playing pic.twitter.com/Nc5bG6RhKa
— 3plem – Trini Barcafan (@3plem1) November 8, 2019
He should play they have to use him because they bought him to replace Alba in the future
— CJM (@Carlo34192851) November 8, 2019
No matter what… Only injuries to Alba will give him a chance… His debut was not funny.. But subbing him at halftime after a mistake is even more disastrous.. Kills confidence and morals… Another big obstacle is Messi likeness for Alba
— IStandWithBaba’s#NextLevel (@moj968) November 8, 2019
😂 😂 😂
More daring what now 🤣He wants Firpo to join the Army? I mean he’s not picking him even when Alba is injured…
— Some Guy (@ReadyToBottle) November 8, 2019
playing him would be a good start
— Cameron (@fcbcam_) November 8, 2019
Barca fans, what do you make of Valverde’s comments? Let us know below!
