Barcelona head coach Xavi has poured a lot of cold water on the transfer links between midfielder Franck Kessie and Inter.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of his team’s La Liga match against Valencia, as reported by FCInterNews, the Blaugranas coach made clear that he still sees the Ivorian as an important player for the future at the Camp Nou.
Kessie’s name has been persistently linked with Inter over the past few weeks, first in the January transfer window and now in view of a potential summer move.
Part of the reason that the links have emerged is the former AC Milan and Atalanta midfielder has found playing time hard to come by over the first half of the season since joining Barcelona in the summer.
However, over the past few matches, the 26-year-old has gotten on the pitch more, including in the starting eleven, and for his part, Xavi feels that he is still part of the plans and won’t be going anywhere any time soon.
“We’re very happy with him, he’s putting in some excellent performances,” Xavi said of Kessie.
“He rarely loses the ball, and the timing of his runs into the box is good,” the coach continued.
“He works hard for the team and is generous with his teammates.”
Xavi noted that “The matches that he’s been playing are giving him confidence, he’s patient and he’ll be important for us.”
“I’m very happy with Frank,” the coach concluded.
