Berizzo: I don't think that Nolito will join Barcelona

Berizzo: I don't think that Nolito will join Barcelona

Celta Vigo manager Eduardo 'Toto' Berizzo, has confirmed this Thursday that Nolito is going to stay with his team this season.

"I have the feeling that Nolito is going to stay. The option of Barcelona is very attractive for the player, but I am confident that he will stay with us," the Argentine coach stated in a press conference.

Berizzo went on to confirm that the player did not look "affected" by the rumours circulating that he could be the replacement for Pedro Rodriguez, should he choose to leave the Blaugrana.

"He is a player with a special character, he is charismatic, very close with his teammates, I don't believe that all this is affecting him. I consider him to be a respected player, the club have told him that he is very valuable for us, so we will wait and see."

However, the coach admitted that Nolito's departure would be a "very important" loss for Celta, as he is a player "that causes very important danger in attack."

"His absence would weaken us, but this team has an certain identity away from the big names," explained Berizzo, who also confirmed that youth player Borja Iglesias will be the third striker in the squad, but he will usually play in the B side, who compete in the Segunda B.

Berizzo showed his desire to look for a loan deal for some of his players - David Costas, Yelko Pino and Levy Madinda - to clear up "as soon as possible" which players will leave or stay in the squad.

"We have to start next week with a closed squad, knowing who is going to be here and who isn't," the Celeste coach reasoned, confirming that Danish midfielder Pione Sisto and Serbian player Srnic are two players that they are following - though "they are on a list of 100 or more."

Berizzo believes that a friendly this Friday against Serie A outfit Genoa will be "a very good test" in order to draw first conclusions ahead of the start of the Liga BBVA.

"I will choose an 11 similar to the one that will start the league, although this isn't to say that those who don't play don't have a chance. We are going to go up against an opposition that plays very good football, that have had a great season. It will be a very good test."

The Argentine manager is happy to had into his final friendly without injuries, and has asked his players to approach the game "as if it was an official one."

"It is very good news to be able to pick from everyone, because I see them as very similar and with possibilities to be starting players. Whatever formation we use, it will be strong and it will include our idea of playing."

Berizzo also spoke about Serbian U20 midfielder Dejan Drazic, who is currently the most recent signing for Celta, and that he will get his first minutes in this friendly.

"He has come in good shape, he had already started the league season with his previous club and I see he's capable of playing. I see him working in three offensive positions, behind the number nine," the coach explained, defining the player as "very fast, with acceleration, very good one-on-one."

When asked about the development of his squad for this season, Berizzo responded, "we are heading upwards, physically the squad is very strong, is very generous with its physical efforts, but we can still improving on circulating the ball. When this happens, we will be a very fluid team in attack."