Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde, who faces FC Barcelona this Wednesday (8 p.m.), spoke about the Catalan club’s struggles to register their player Dani Olmo, currently without a contract.
The probable absence of Dani Olmo, at the heart of an imbroglio between FC Barcelona and La Liga, for the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup would suit Athletic Bilbao, said Tuesday the coach of the Basque club, Ernesto Valverde .
«Olmo is an extraordinary player and if he doesn’t play tomorrow (Wednesday), for us, what do you want me to say?, I’m sorry for the situation he’s in (…) but if he doesn’t don’t play against us, it suits us», Declared the Basque coach at a press conference on the eve of the semi-final.
FC Barcelona, in financial difficulties and subject to spending restrictions, recruited Olmo last summer as a medical wild card to replace Danish defender Andreas Christensen, injured in the first half of the season. The 26-year-old playmaker’s contract ran until December 31. Arguing for the return of Christensen, the Spanish League refused to extend his registration in the squad of the Catalan club.
The Spanish player is, however, in the Blaugrana group who left for Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), which is hosting the Spanish Super Cup. Barça management has contacted the Superior Sports Council but, as it stands, Olmo will not be able to play against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday (8:00 p.m.).
The second semi-final will pit Spanish champions Real Madrid against Mallorca on Thursday.
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