LALIGA – Page 16 – Football Flame

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Hansi Flick to become Barcelona coach if Xavi leaves

 Sports director of the German Football Federation (DFB) Hansi Flick addresses the media during a press conference in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on December 16, 2014. The DFB aims to organise the UEFA European Football Championship in the year 2024. For months, speculation about the FC Barcelona head coach position persisted. Then came the news that it was indeed Xavi Hernandez who retained the faith of the higher-ups at the club. However, yet again there came confusion, and the coach’s position at Barcelona is no longer a guarantee.That, consequently, made many ask about the possible alternatives that could arrive. Several names from Germany seemed to be in the loop, as well as some from Italy, England, and other places as well. Even names from within FC Barcelona itsel...
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Sevilla in fresh Sergio Ramos contract push

 Sergio Ramos of Sevilla FC celebrates after winning the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Atletico Madrid at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 11, 2024 in Seville, Spain. The powers that be at La Liga outfit Sevilla have initiated a fresh push to tie defensive stalwart Sergio Ramos down to a new contract.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards the possibility of the parties extending their relationship as all of a sudden looking altogether more likely.Recent weeks had seen it widely reported that Ramos’ Sevilla exit had already been decided upon, with the club’s financial constraints making a renewal to his expiring terms all but impossible.The 38-year-old, in turn, initiated talks with clubs in MLS, over a potential summer switch to the United...
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Real Madrid player Toni Kroos to retire after EURO 2024

 Toni Kroos of Germany reacts during the international friendly match between France and Germany at Groupama Stadium on March 23, 2024 in Lyon, France. Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos will retire after this summer's European Championship largely known as the UEFA EURO 2024, the player confirmed on Tuesday."This decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship," Kroos said on Instagram."As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," he added.The 34-year-old previously announced his retirement from the Germ...
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Barcelona pre-season 2024/25: Fixtures and schedule

Head Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona celebrates with Marc-André ter Stegen of FC Barcelona outside the dressing room after their victory during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona seemed to be heading into a prosperous new era with Xavi at the helm, but the relinquishing of their La Liga crown has left the Spaniard with an uncertain future.The manager's U-turn after deciding to step down at the end of the season means he's expected to be in charge for the start of pre-season this summer, but there are no guarantees in Catalonia.Xavi's future is seeped in doubt, although there's little room for speculation regarding Barca's pre-season plans.Her...
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Real Madrid pre-season 2024/25: Fixtures and schedule

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates with teammate Jude Bellingham after scoring their team's first goal during the Super Copa de España Final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on January 14, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid could end 2023/24 with three trophies in their back pocket and there's no overlooking the club's summer preparations in their success.The addition of Jude Bellingham helped mitigate the void left by Karim Benzema, while under-the-radar acquisition Joselu inspired the club into yet another Champions League final by scoring a late brace against Bayern Munich.A productive pre-season in the United States doubtlessly contributed to an impressively unified Madrid dressing room despite the litany of superstars and that collective cohesion is set to...
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Barcelona players feel ‘mistreated’ by Xavi – report

Xavi Hernandez head coach of Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium on May 4, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Journalist Fernando Polo has reported via Mundo Deportivo that some players within the Barcelona squad feel mistreated by their manager, Xavi. It is no secret that Xavi is currently facing a crucial period as the club decides on his future. Reports have surfaced suggesting that certain squad members are unhappy with Xavi’s management and would not mind seeing him leave. Interestingly enough, they have communicated this sentiment to club president Joan Laporta before his meeting with Xavi.In recent days, Xavi’s future has been intensely scrutinised, especially after his comments about Barcelona’s financial difficulti...
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Antoine Griezmann scores hat-trick as Atletico Madrid defeat Getafe 3-0 in Spanish league

Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid taking a taking a corner kick during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Atletico Madrid at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on May 15, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. Antoine Griezmann scored a hat-trick as Atletico Madrid defeated Getafe 3-0 in the Spanish league on Wednesday to secure a Champions League spot next season.The France international scored twice in the first half and again in the second to give Atletico their 12th straight appearance in Europe’s top club competition.The victory at Getafe moved Atletico Madrid 11 points clear of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao with two rounds remaining. Athletic’s hopes of making it to the Champions League ended with a 2-1 loss at Celta Vigo.Griezmann hadn’t scored since a brace in Atletico’s 3-1 win agains...
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Barcelona closer to securing second in Spanish league

Xavi Hernandez head coach of Barcelona prior the LaLiga EA Sports match between UD Almeria and FC Barcelona at Juegos Mediterraneos on May 16, 2024 in Almeria, Spain. Barcelona have strengthened their grip on second place in LaLiga with a double from Fermin Lopez seeing off bottom club Almeria.Barca boss Xavi was taking charge of his 100th league match at the club and Lopez made sure there was something worth celebrating as he delivered a 2-0 win.Lopez scored a goal in each half for Barcelona, who opened a four-point gap to third-place Girona with two rounds to go. Second place guarantees a spot in the lucrative Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.Barcelona close their league campaign by hosting Rayo Vallecano and visiting Sevilla, while Girona travel to Valencia and are at home to Gran...
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‘Great striker but…’ – Barcelona legend talks Lewandowski, Roque, Pedri, de Jong

 Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 13, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona boasts an abundance of Brazilian stars who have played for the club, but none quite match the flair and goalscoring instincts of Rivaldo.The club legend contributed considerably to the Catalans during his time at Barcelona, even winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999.Now, speaking to SPORT Rivaldo has assessed the current Barcelona team, suggesting some potential exits and taking a look at players who warrant more faith.On Lewandowski’s futureThe Polish talisman is not getting any younger and will enjoy a much higher salary next season, which has given rise to rumors of a potential exit.Talki...
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Ancelotti Tips Real Madrid Squad To ‘Define An Era’ And Be At Full Strength For UCL Final

 Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, gestures during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti agreed with Alaves opposite number Luis Garcia Plaza after beating his side 5-0 on Tuesday.The visiting manager to the Bernabeu voiced a belief that this is a generational Los Blancos side we are witnessing, and Ancelotti answered "I think so" when pushed to give his thoughts on the remark."This squad has a lot of talent, a lot of quality. Yes, I think they can define an era, given the value of the young players in the squad," Ancelotti added.With a record-extending 36th La Liga title having been wrapped up some time ago, Madrid's latest outing was of lit...
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Real Madrid defender names who should win Ballon d’Or between Vinicius and Bellingham

 Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and UD Almeria at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has said that Vinicius Jr should win the Ballon d’Or ahead of his teammate Jude Bellingham.Militao caused a bit of worry during Real Madrid’s recent match against Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu when he got into a tussle with Samu Omorodion, resulting in a hurt to his right knee. However, the Brazilian player, both on the field and later in the mixed zone, assured everyone that it wasn’t a serious issue.“My feelings are good, the knee thing was nothing,” he was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.Thoughts on Vinicius JrSpeaking about one of the goalsco...
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Brahim scores brace to fire Real Madrid to dominant win over relegated Granada

 Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Fran Garcia during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Granada CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on May 11, 2024 in Granada, Spain.Brahim Diaz netted a second-half brace to guide Real Madrid to a dominant 4-0 victory over relegated Granada at Nuevo Los Carmenes.Despite having their relegation confirmed before kick-off, Granada made an encouraging start to proceedings, forcing Thibaut Courtois to make a couple of important stops.However, their promising start was quickly forgotten when left-back Fran Garcia produced a side-foot finish to give Real Madrid a 38th-minute lead.The newly-crowned champions then added a second through Arda Guler to head into the half-time break with a comforta...
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Madrid must ‘improve’ to overcome Bayern in Champions League

Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, applauds the fans at full-time following the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Real Madrid CF and RB Leipzig at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 06, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is searching for the formula to take his team's performance up several notches to get past Bayern Munich on Wednesday and reach the Champions League final.The Italian admitted after the 2-2 semi-final first leg draw last week in Bavaria that Real failed to find their consistent best despite earning a decent result, with the German giants largely on top."Bayern are very dangerous, they were at their best and we weren't -- we have time to improve for Wednesday," Ancelotti told reporter...
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Barcelona to have serious consequences of the loss to Girona

 New FC Barcelona Head Coach Xavi Hernandez (L) and Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona walk across the pitch during a press conference at Camp Nou on November 08, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain.The defeat to Girona has caused more than just a few headaches for FC Barcelona. La Blaugrana know that their league aspirations for this season hang on by a thread, but the consequences will go beyond this campaign. For now, Barcelona are already looking at the ways they must make things right.Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, was particularly furious after the loss to Girona. His exclamations have already been reported by several outlets, but the repercussions do not just stop at simple cries of frustration. Instead, there will be legitimately gruesome consequences of this game.Hailed a...
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Ancelotti hails Real Madrid ‘commitment’ after sealing record-extending 36th La Liga title

Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, congratulates Federico Valverde of Real Madrid at the final whistle during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Cadiz CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 04, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti credited Real Madrid's La Liga title triumph to the "commitment and attitude" of his players after the Spanish giants sealed a record-extending 36th championship on Saturday night.After beating Cadiz 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, with second-half goals from Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, and Joselu, Real needed Barcelona to drop points to Girona in the later game to clinch the title with four games remaining.Girona duly delivered, twice fighting back to secure their second 4-2 victory over Barca this season, and in the process qualify ...
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Real Madrid boss Ancelotti ‘the best coach in history’ says former goalkeeper

 Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, gestures during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Mestalla on March 02, 2024 in Valencia, Spain. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has said that Carlo Ancelotti is the best manager in the history of the sport, adding that the kind of freedom he gives to his team is formidable.“I think Ancelotti is the best coach in history who manages great teams and players,” said the former keeper as quoted by AS. “His way of communicating with the players and giving them freedom on the field is surprising and unusual, but it works,” he added. Dudek, who played 12 games for the team across four seasons, added that while winning the league title is normal, being the contender for the Champio...
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Dest confirms he’s torn his ACL and will undergo surgery

 Sergino Dest of PSV during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV and Vitesse at Philips Stadion on April 13, 2024 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.Barcelona loanee Sergino Dest has confirmed he’s suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is set to undergo an operation.PSV had already confirmed that Dest is out of action with a “serious” knee injury, and the American has now opened up on the nature of the problem.“Hey fans. Sergino here. I wanted to let you guys know about my injury. Unfortunately I have torn my ACL,” he said in a post on X.“I will have an operation soon and will try to come back as soon as possible to my top level. It will be a difficult time for me but I know these times will only make me stronger. So, I will come back to make you all proud. See you all soon.”Want to...
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Valencia forward praised for treatment of Barcelona veteran

Hugo Duro of Valencia CF runs with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 29, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Valencia forward Hugo Duro won himself some fans in Catalonia on Monday night, after he comforted Marc-Andre ter Stegen, following the German’s error for his goal.Ter Stegen came out to cut off a ball in behind, and looked to lift the ball over the onrushing Duro. Misjudging it, Duro managed to get a touch on the ball, and would go on to roll it into an empty net, leaving the German red-faced.After the celebrations, Duro was seen encouraging ter Stegen before he made his way back to the halfway line, something he was asked about in his post-match interview with DAZN (carried by MD).“I don’t know how l...
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Antonio Rüdiger: ‘If we face Kylian Mbappé in the final, we’ll beat him’

Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Speaking to Le Media Carré, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger (31) has revealed that he has no fears about the prospect of facing Kylian Mbappé (25) in the Champions League final. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain might be on opposite sides of the semi-final but that has not stopped the German international from pouring fuel on the fire in what could be a tantalising affair if the Spanish and French teams manage to collide on the 1st of June. Not least because of the status of Mbappé’s future coming once more into the spotlight if the two teams were to meet. The PSG winger has long been rumoured and l...
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Which Barca players have a point to prove during the last six games?

Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Barcelona’s season is effectively over ahead of the final six games of the campaign but there are still a host of players with something to prove before the end of the season.Let’s have a look at who will be eagerly hoping for minutes, starting on Monday against Valencia.Vitor RoqueThe Brazilian’s lack of game time since arriving in January has been a little bemusing to say the least. He’s made only two starts, playing less than 300 minutes, which begs the question why make such an effort to bring him in during the winter when funds were so tight?That aside, Vitor Roque is one player ...
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