Posted on October 19, 2021 at 11:30 am by Th.B. updated October 19, 2021 at 11:31 am
Back in shape and fit to play as the Cadena SER has recently assured and especially as the main interested party underlined during an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Samuel Umtiti returned to his sporting summer to return to the best of its form and Ronald Koeman's position on his situation.
FC Barcelona made a strong choice in June 2018 by choosing to extend the contract of Samuel Umtiti which then ended in the summer of 2021. However, this decision seems to have been accelerated because of the threat Manchester United which at the time seemed ready to lift the clause release fixed at 60M € for the one who would break the approach against Belgium in the semi-final of the World Cup and would be an essential element of the success of the Blues at the World Cup in Russia. Crowned with the status of world champion on his return to Catalonia where he is contractually bound until June 2023 from now on, Samuel Umtiti inevitably plunged, his knee having been in delicacy even before the start of the World Cup. Since then, the defender of FC Barcelona has been a pale copy of the player he was before, chaining physical problems and not having regained his rhythm of yesteryear. Nevertheless, in recent weeks, Umtiti received the green light from the medical staff as the Cadena SER assured him, allowing him again to have the opportunity to play at the highest level with FC Barcelona where he does not intend to leave in January as he has indicated at Mundo Deportivo this Tuesday. “I don't see myself playing for another club, no, it's impossible. So far, it's very clear to me. I want to prove that I have the level to play here. The most important thing is to get well and show everyone that Samu is okay. A departure in January not in the plans? Clearly the most important thing now is to play here because this is my club, I love this club. I want to succeed here, to play, to win with my teammates, with the team. I see myself here, I am waiting for this moment to play ”.
Samuel Umtiti has given up on his holidays to respect his word to the leaders!
And this desert crossing was not easy like Samuel Umtiti assured him to MD, returning in particular to this pre-season where he felt good feelings. “I didn't go on vacation working hard because I haven't been physically well lately. And in double session. My body needed it and the truth is, now I'm fine. I had to get to the pre-season, ready to show that I have the level. I think I did well. (…) Yes, I think that during these two or three friendlies, I played well, but I know that I have to continue and train every day ”. confided Samuel Umtiti before engaging in the work to be done in order to find a regular playing time at FC Barcelona . “We can train every day but I lack the pace of the match. Rhythm, rhythm, which I hope to obtain ”.
Umtiti claims to have spoken with Koeman, but not to ask him for playing time
However, that he feels physically ready and to help the team, the final decision will be made to Ronald Koeman , his coach, who has still not played a minute in an official match since the resumption of the season. Not in the group against Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in mid-August, Samuel < strong> Umtiti has been in the squad since constantly, but has to be content with the sidelines. “There is a coach who makes decisions and I have to accept that. If I don't play, I have to train more than the others and show that I have the level to do it. If Koeman is right with me? I hope so. The truth is that with everything I have done and with everything I do ….. Everyone has seen that I have trained hard, that I have changed a bit. I'm waiting for a chance to show that I'm fine ”.
Always for Mundo Deportivo, Samuel Umtiti has nevertheless admitted not having exceeded his rights as a player by clearly claiming playing time from his coach Ronald Koeman , who must retain full powers according to him. “I can't ask for anything because it's the coach who makes the decisions and I have to accept them. I have to train and show that I'm okay. Ask for something ? I won't and I don't think it should be. I have to prove it on the ground ”. Journalist for the Catalan daily, Gabriel Sans subsequently questioned Umtiti regarding a potential one-to-one discussion with the Dutch technician regarding the situation in which he finds himself. A meeting which took place, according to the principal concerned. “Yes, yes, because I came back from the holidays with a lot of desire, I was fine and I wanted to know how the coach saw me in training.” Finally, Umtiti admitted not having chosen the easy way in deciding to stay at FC Barcelona and to fight for a place of holder as the competition is raging in this area of play. “We are six central defenders and I knew it would be difficult for me to play but I'm like that, if I have something in my head and I'm sure to have the level, I intend to prove it ”. It remains to be seen whether the world champion will have the opportunity to prove his resolve in the weeks to come.