Valverde set to change Messi’s role to accomodate Deulofeu

New Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde is planning to use Lionel Messi as a central midfielder to allow summer signing Gerard Deulofeu function from the right flank.

Gerard Pique said he hopes the club will adapt with the new style this season.

The manager is likely to employ a 3-4-3 formation, which will see Messi playing as a playmaker, and Pique is sure they will be able to make a smooth transition.

He told Goal, “We all get older and our physical qualities go down, is something that happens to every player when time goes on, there are players who feel it more than others but we all try to adapt our style.”

The Spanish defender said that Valverde’s history as a Barca player will stand him in good stead.

He added, “He is a coach with a consolidated career, he has worked with many teams in Spanish championship, he was a Barcelona player and I think he has all the possible requirements for doing a great job.

“In the sports world… you depend on results. If they are positive it is OK, but if not, there are always things you can change: players, coaches… the future has to be seen in a maximum lapse of two months because you can never predict it.

“We can be challenging for the Champions League or be out of all competitions, for example, so you must think day by day”