Marcelino: Nobody can show that I had a personal problem with Murillo Valencia Denied issues with the Colombian

Following Barcelona's swoop for defender Jeison Murillo, Valencia coach Marcelino insisted that he had no personal issues with the player.

After undergoing treatment for a hernia last season, the former Inter man struggled to force his way back into Marcelino's plans upon his return.

That led to him putting in a transfer request this season amid reports of a breakdown in relations with his coach, something that the man in charge denied.

"A footballer has a role in a team and Murillo didn't play much this season because in that area of the field we haven't had many injuries," he explained.

"Mouctar Diakhaby has played at a high level, as have the rest of the defence so it has been hard to give minutes.

"Another team had a situation where they needed a defender and we had a player who wasn't comfortable so, looking at it for the benefit of all parties, an agreement was reached.

"Options were limited here so we had no problem in sending him to another team as the best thing for him is the best thing for Valencia.

"I don't know why it has been said that there is a personal problem with him and if it was him that said it then they are his words.

"I can guarantee that I haven't had any problems with him and I have a super calm conscience, having always given him information about his situation.

"There have been no personal problems.

"We opted for other players in his position and our defence has been excellent in all competitions.

"I've had nothing against him and nobody can show that I have."

Given the fact that the centre-back didn't feature regularly in his own plans, Marcelino would be surprised to see him start at the Camp Nou.

"It is not for me to say if he will be a starter, but right or wrongly I didn't view him as a starter at Valencia," he added.

"However, that is for the Barcelona coach to decide."

Murillo will be available for selection by Barcelona from January.