Barcelona boss Quique Setien has conceded that speculation linking Arthur with Juventus is ‘certainly affecting him’.
Amidst reports he is coming around to the idea of joining Juve in exchange for Miralem Pjanic, Arthur was the first to be replaced during Barca’s 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao yesterday.
“If the rumours about Arthur and Juve are true, they’re certainly affecting him,” Setien said after the game.
Barcelona boss Quique Setien has conceded that speculation linking Arthur with Juventus is ‘certainly affecting him’.
Amidst reports he is coming around to the idea of joining Juve in exchange for Miralem Pjanic, Arthur was the first to be replaced during Barca’s 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao yesterday.
“If the rumours about Arthur and Juve are true, they’re certainly affecting him,” Setien said after the game.
“I’m trying to get the most out of him and we’re trying to isolate ourselves from this situation, but it’s beyond our control: we’ll talk to the player to tell him to focus on the things he needs to focus on.
“I appreciate that it’s complicated for him, but he must overcome these obstacles.”
The Brazilian is a deep-lying midfielder best known for his ball retention, but his coach admits he would like to see more from him ‘further afield’.
“What we’re asking from Arthur is different to what he was doing before. Now we’re asking him to play further afield, to move between the lines, but sometimes it’s difficult.
“On the other hand, he gives us other things. For example, he gives us safety with the ball.
“More or less, it seems as if he isn’t standing out, especially given what someone like him can give us, but I’m more on his side because the situation is complicated.
“He must move around when surrounded by opponents in tight spaces.”