In addition, Abidal points out that he would have chosen Mauricio Pochettino to replace Ernesto Valverde
This Monday, Eric Abidal gave his first interview since joining the BarcelonaThe former French player said Antoine Griezmann’s signing was decided by club president Josep María Bartomeu, a decision preventing Neymar’s return mid-2019.
“Ten days before the market closed, I was in Paris talking to Leonardo (sports director PSG). We needed a forward and when Neymar was in Barcelona his level was incredible. It’s not about saying which player is better, but about the position we needed to strengthen. However, the president decided to hire Griezmann, ”Abidal told the English newspaper The Telegraph
The former player also confessed that he would have hired Mauricio Pochettino after the resignation of Ernesto Valverde.
“I spoke to Pochettino, but he was not the only one at the club. I thought we should bring the best coach on the market. I had to do my job and not think about the rivalry during his time at Espanyol. I wanted the best and he’s one of the best, ”he said.
The one chosen by the Barça leadership was Quique Setién, who was a failure at the Camp Nou.