On Paulinho
"I like to watch football and I’ve seen Paulinho playing for Brazil, where he’s demonstrated what he is. He’s a physical player who gives us a lot on a defensive level because he’s so strong. And going forward he adds a lot, too, because he makes those runs into the box, as we saw against Getafe. And then he’s an animal at set plays, he’s incredible. He’s been unfairly criticised, above all because of the moment he arrives, which was just after Neymar left, but anyone who’s seen the Brazil national team knows he’s not a mediocre player. I don’t think it was necessary for him to shut any mouths. He’s proving the level he’s at and the importance he can have on the team.”
On staying at Barca despite other clubs reportedly wanted to sign him past summer
"I never thought about leaving and although it is true that I had two offers, I did not consider either. I didn't want to move from here, I know that I have the confidence of the coaching staff, of the players, and I believe I'll get opportunities and hope to make the most of them. My goal is to be important here and I will not stop fighting until I achieve that. Perhaps so far this season it has (been better than last season) - I have started games and have been important," he said."I can't stop there, I have to fight for more game time and more starts."
On Valverde and Barça's position in Liga
"I think things are going better than last year. Not just in terms of concepts and how we've changed our way of playing, but training is different as well. Valverde has a completely different personality to Luis Enrique. He is a clear thinker and is relaxed, which he has transmitted to the players from the first day."
"We've started La Liga well and we're getting better all the time. It was unthinkable that we would be seven points clear [of Real Madrid in La Liga] after six games, but we have to focus on ourselves. The season's a long one and when you drop points, doubts can emerge. The dynamic is good, though, and not just in terms of results; I think the way we're playing is really good, too. It's been the perfect start to the season."
http://www.sport-english.com/en/new...animal-and-doesnt-need-to-shut-mouths-6310737
http://www.espnfc.com/barcelona/sto...offers-to-leave-to-fight-for-barcelona-chance
http://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/09/26/59c9824a468aeb321c8b45c3.html