LALIGA

13Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Girona captain Aleix Garcia headed to Bayer Leverkusen but first two signings over the line

Aleix Garcia of Girona FC runs with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Cadiz CF at Montilivi Stadium on April 20, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Girona are set to lose captain Aleix Garcia this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen his destination. The Spain international will join his compatriot Xabi Alonso, after two stellar seasons in North Catalonia.Garcia, 26, was heavily linked to Barcelona in the winter, and West Ham had emerged as competition for Leverkusen, but it looks as if die Werkself have got the deal over the line. MD report that Leverkusen will pay €18m for him, although it could end up being slightly more depending on variables.It will be the record sale for Girona, but his loss will be enormous for Michel Sanchez to compensate. Garcia was the orch...

13Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Christensen looking forward to Flick’s ‘German discipline’ at Barca

FC Barcelona's new Danish defender Andreas Christensen poses for pictures with his new jersey during his presentation ceremony at the Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona on July 7, 2022. Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen says he’s looking forward to working under new manager Hansi Flick and the “German discipline” the new coach will bring to the club.Flick has arrived at the club this week after being announced as Xavi’s successor, and Christensen has spoken a little bit about the appointment while on international duty at Euro 2024.“I only hear good things from people who have had it. It’s probably a bit different now. A bit of German discipline... I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t spoken to him yet, though,” he told reporters.“From the outsid...

11Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona could see a helping hand arrive from Saudi Arabia

Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024 in Naples, Italy. There are some massive economic hurdles that FC Barcelona will need to overcome in the summer. La Blaugrana hope to recruit some players and improve their team, but they need to make sales for it too. However, Barcelona have often found a lot of difficulty in finding the right offers for their players.That is because the Catalan giants are normally looking to offload players that are out of form or simply do not have too many suitors in the market. However, for Barcelona to return to the 1:1 rule and possibly make some big si...

9Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Pedri loving playing with Nico Williams and Yamal for Spain

Pedri of Spain celebrates scoring his team´s first goal during the international friendly match between Spain and Northern Ireland at Estadi de Son Moix on June 08, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain.Barcelona midfielder Pedri admitted he is loving playing with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams for Spain after Saturday’s win over Athletic Club.Pedri scored twice in the game, while Lamine Yamal grabbed two assists and departed to a standing ovation.Nico also shone in the win, at a time when he’s being linked with a move to Barcelona, and it seems Pedri would love it if the Catalans were able to swoop for the Athletic man.“It’s spectacular, especially today with Nico and Lamine, they give us that verticality. You know that a ball into space is going to arrive and it is very comfortable to play with ...

29May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Official: Barcelona appoint Hansi Flick as new manager

Sports director of the German Football Federation (DFB) Hansi Flick attends 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.Confirming what was known for a while now, FC Barcelona have officially announced Hansi Flick as their new manager.The Blaugrana posted a video welcoming their new manager, in which Flick can be seen saying: “Culers, it’s our moment.”The 59-year-old German tactician will replace club legend Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach.“FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to be the coach of the men’s first team until June 30, 2026,” the statement from the club read.“The new coach signed a contract at the Club’s offices in an event ...

27May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Xavi leaves Barcelona with his head held high

Xavi Hernandez head coach of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Xavi is right. Good luck to Hansi Flick.Being the manager of FC Barcelona is not glamorous. It’s packed with pressure.You could have a fantastic tactical mind, and come with a history of success, as Flick does, and still find it hard to triumph at the Camp Nou.For all intents and purposes, Xavi’s strength for his two and half years in charge was his ability to not crumble in the face of media sensationalism, and under the thumb a mercurial president.One day you’re a hero, the next day you’re on the chopping block.Xavi was making plans for another year in charge, after an impressive display in th...

27May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

FC Barcelona Offer Rejected By Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Bayern München and Arsenal FC at Allianz Arena on April 17, 2024 in Munich, Germany.Joshua Kimmich has rejected an offer from FC Barcelona to join the Catalans this summer according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.Kimmich was among Xavi Hernandez's main transfer targets last year and seen as the perfect successor to his former captain Sergio Busquets after he left Camp Nou to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Milan following a 2022/2023 La Liga title win.As it turned out, however, Barca couldn't afford an approach for the German or Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, and Xavi instead had to settle for a cut-rate Oriol Romeu who cost a fe...

24May

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona official meets Laporta to talk about Hansi Flick meeting in London

Hansi Flick, Head Coach, of Germany throws a ball during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Iceland and Germany at on September 08, 2021 in Reykjavik, Iceland. According to Carlos Monfort, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, had a meeting with club president Joan Laporta after his journey to London, where he crossed paths with Hansi Flick, who is seen as the probable successor to Xavi at the club.In their extensive discussion last afternoon, Deco shared the emotions stirred by his encounter with Flick in London. It is to be noted that a sheer silence has enveloped the Barcelona board since last Wednesday. Laporta’s frustration was palpable during the press conference that reshaped Xavi’s future.The recurring quiet from Laporta and Deco speaks volumes as the former, ...

23May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

23May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

21May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

21May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

21May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

18May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

17May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

16May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

16May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

‘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...

15May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

15May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...

11May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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...