Valverde denies rumours of Neymar's possible return have affected Barca squad

Though speculation linking the club to a reunion with the Brazil star has been constant, the head coach believes his squad are used to the talk

Ernesto Valverde has denied the rumours of a possible Neymar return to Barcelona have affected his squad, saying they are used to such speculation.

But Valverde has dismissed talk of distraction ahead their home game against Real Betis, saying that while Neymar’s presence on the transfer market has raised hopes and expectations, the club are used to such rumours.

"Every time a market window gets open there's a big expectation and players like Neymar awake a big expectation as well,” Valverde told reporters. “What is happening is anything but boring, but he is a PSG player and we must focus on the game.

"We are used to living with these rumours. If they affected us, it would be impossible to play the games.

“This is a habitual thing here and it doesn't look extraordinary to me. We are used to it and we must live with that."

"Compared to a friend who is doing his holidays in Ibiza I am worse than him,” Valverde said. “But compared to another one who is living with adversity while saving migrant people in the Mediterranean Sea, I am so good.

“We are so lucky to be here."