League’s example and shut the window before the games begin.
“It's inconvenient, there's no logic to it,” the Basque said. “It's not normal that we start the season with the
transfer window still open. This fortnight of uncertainty isn't good.”
Valverde's attacking plans do remain very much up in the air. Suarez's calf injury is likely to keep him out
for around a month. It is unclear whether Messi will be back for next Sunday’s game at home to Real Betis -
the only team to win at the Camp Nou last season.
It is fair to add that the last time Barca lost on opening day, they recovered to win the title. And that
Coutinho had to be moved on in whatever way possible. But the real lack of logic has come in how the chase
for Neymar has upset all previous transfer planning. So the Catalan club have only themselves to blame for
starting 2019/20 on the wrong foot.