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Barcelona new signings have adapted well - Pinto
MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona's new signings have adapted well to life at the Camp Nou, the Spanish club's reserve goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto said Sunday.
"What I have noticed is that the new signings have adapted really quickly. It seems as though they've been with us for ages," the 32-year-old told the club's web site.
"This is good as in football you need team work and the more we are united the better," he added.
After finishing third in La Liga last season and being knocked out of the Champions League in the semi-final stage, Barcelona have been one of Europe's busiest club's in the summer transfer period.
The midfield has also been bolstered with the signings of Seville's Seydou Keita of Mali and Arsenal's Belarus international Alexander Hleb.
The defence has been strengthened with the addition of Sevilla's Brazilian right-back Daniel Alves, promising Uruguay centre-back Martin Caceres from Villareal and former Barcelona youth product Gerard Pique from Manchester United.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta also promoted Pep Guardiola, the coach of the club's B team, as a replacement to Frank Rijkaard as coach after two years without silverware.
"I see a strong, secure defensive line. It only needs to be polished up a little like all the lines of play. That's what pre-seasons are for," added Pinto.
Barcelona in May paid second tier Spanish side Celta Vigo 500,000 euros (750,000 dollars) to keep the keeper on a one-year contract. Pinto arrived during the winter transfer period after an injury to regular backup Albert Jorquera.
The Catalan side's first choice goalkeeper is Victor Valdes.
Barcelona face Poland's Wisla Krakow on Wednesday at home in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.
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