Tag: Barcelona

11Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

‘Hope the right thing will be done’ – Barca send message to Spain about Yamal

Head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has sent out a strong message to the Spain national team about Lamine Yamal ahead of Nations League fixtures. Yamal missed Sunday’s defeat to Real Sociedad with an ankle problem but had been named in the Spain squad before the match. Flick says he’s hoping that commonsense will now prevail and Yamal will be allowed to remain at Barcelona and recover over the international break. “I think the doctors will ask Lamine not to play for the national team,” he told reporters. “We will speak to the RFEF. If he could have played, he would have, but there was no other option. I hope that the right thi...

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7Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Jules Kounde hopes to improve despite ‘fantastic’ Barcelona performance

Felicio Milson (L) of Crvena Zvezda in action against Jules Kounde of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FK Crvena Zvezda and FC Barcelona at Stadium Rajko Mitic on November 6, 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia. Jules Kounde impressed during Barcelona's 5-2 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, registering three second-half assists. The Catalan giants cruised to a comfortable victory in Serbia, cementing their position as one of Europe's most feared outfits this season. French defender Kounde ran the show at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, setting up three stunning goals for his teammates. An early Inigo Martinez strike, followed by a Robert Lewandowski brace and two further efforts from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez secured ...

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5Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Report: Barcelona, Inter Milan set to rival Real Madrid for Chelsea midfielder

Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid-linked Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.Fernandez has made 75 competitive appearances since joining Chelsea in a £106.8m transfer from Benfica in January 2023. LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on April 1, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) The 23-year-old has been a regular starter for the majority of his Chelsea, but he has recently lost his place in the side to Belgium international Romeo Lavia. As a result, Fernandez has had to settle for substitute appearances in Chelsea's last three matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United. Having lost his ...

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4Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad forced to train indoors

La Liga giants Barcelona were on Monday left with no choice but to carry out their day’s training sessions inside the club’s facilities.This comes as the intense weather patterns continue to wreak havoc across Spain. The after effects of the DANA which last week left over 200 dead in the Valencia region are ongoing, with the heavy rainfall and serious winds having today reached Catalunya. As per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s stars were already in attendance at the club’s training base when confirmation was forthcoming that a public warning had been put in place in the region. Hansi Flick and his staff, in turn, made the call to alter their plans, moving the session from outside on the grass to inside the gym at The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. This comes amid ongoing preparatio...

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4Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Dani Olmo brace guides Barcelona to city derby win over Espanyol

Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Marc Casado during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 03, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Dani Olmo made the most out of his return as a starter with Barcelona, scoring twice to lead the Catalan club to a 3-1 win over Espanyol in the city derby on Sunday in the Spanish league. Raphinha also scored for Barcelona, which a week ago had routed Real Madrid 4-0 in the clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Barcelona is now nine points ahead of Madrid, whose game at Valencia on Saturday was postponed because of the deadly floods that killed more than 200 people in southern Spain last week. The game between Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano also ...

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1Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona defender’s availability for Espanyol clash remains in doubt

Eric Garcia warms up prior to the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. After their two amazing victories over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in their last two matches, FC Barcelona are set to return to action on Sunday with another big match, the Barcelona derby, in which they will face Espanyol. The Blaugranes are already preparing for this game, and their latest training session ahead of this match took place today. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the 23-year-old defender Eric Garcia continued to work away from the group during this session, and thus he is highly unlikely to be available for this upcoming game. The Spaniard suffered from a muscular overload right before the game against Se...

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1Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Pep Guardiola reveals the reason behind his departure from Barcelona

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) FC Barcelona has had the privilege of being able to count on several extraordinary managers throughout the club’s history. This included the likes of Johan Cruyff and now includes German head coach Hansi Flick as well. However, for almost every Barcelona fan and even for neutrals, the most successful coach at the club is a rather obvious name.Pep Guardiola, the current head coach of a dominant Manchester City side over in the Premier League, was formerly the head coach of FC Barcelona. However, while that may have been ...

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27Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Five talking points as Barca beat Real Madrid in El Clasico

Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, interacts with Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. ( Hansi Flick has Barcelona dreaming Hansi Flick simply can’t put a foot wrong as Barcelona boss. The German was at it again on Saturday night, overseeing an incredible 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu to round off a magical week. The German once again named a young side, starting six players under the age of 22 years for the first time in 108 years of Clasico history. The kids did alright too. Pau Cubarsi continues to astound, Marc Casado put in another unreal performance and Lamine Yamal made more history with his goal. Flick also made a key change at half-t...

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26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona announce squad for Real Madrid clash in La Liga

Robert Lewandowski does not celebrate his goal during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, corresponding to week 3 of the League Stage of the UEFA Champions League, played at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on October 23, 2024. Following their crushing victory over Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona have another blockbuster tie awaiting them as they are set to face Real Madrid in their upcoming La Liga game at Santiago Bernabéu. The Blaugranes were able to exact some revenge over the Bavarians, who had beaten Barcelona several times over the last few years. Now, they will be looking to do the same by dealing a defeat to the Merengues, who are coming into this game having won the last four El Clasicos. For this purpose, Hansi Flick will have quite a strong squad av...

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24Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern

Raphinha of FC Barcelona competes during the UEFA Champions League day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain on October 23, 2024. In the most star-studded game on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, one star wasted little time shining brighter than the rest – Raphinha. Barcelona's 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday was chiefly a showcase for the Brazilian's skillset as he scored a hattrick, skillfully finding the back of the net on each occasion. He set the tone in the first minute, receiving a slick pass from Fermin Lopez deep in the opposition half before darting towards goal without a defender in sight. The finish, which came from close range after running around goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, was the e...

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21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona star Gavi returns after 11-month absence

Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the reception given to Gavi gave him goosebumps as the midfielder returned from an 11-month injury layoff during Sunday's 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga. Gavi has not played since tearing his ACL while playing for Spain last November but came off the bench for the final 10 minutes against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium. The 20-year-old replaced Pedri, taking the captain's armband in the process, and he was given a an incredible ovation on his return to action from the Barça supporters. "I am happy for this result...

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15Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ansu Fati in line for first Barcelona start in 17 months

It’s been a tough start to life back at Barcelona for Ansu Fati. Despite showing promise during pre-season, a foot injury saw him lose prominence in the eyes of head coach Hansi Flick. However, things could begin to start looking up for the 21-year-old winger. Fati has yet to start for Barcelona since recovery from injury, and he has been reduced to only three cameo appearances (vs Monaco, Young Boys and Alaves). However, with Ferran Torres out for the next 4-6 weeks, his time could be now. Sport say that it will be between Fati and Pau Victor to start on the left wing against Sevilla this weekend. In fact, both could start if Lamine Yamal is unable to feature after suffering discomfort whilst playing for Spain on Saturday. Flick should be able to call upon Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez thi...

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14Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sergiño Dest: Ex-Barça coach Xavi was dishonest

Sergiño Dest has said former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández was not honest with him after leaving the club for PSV Eindhoven on a permanent deal earlier this year. The 23-year-old joined Barça from Ajax in 2020 when Ronald Koeman was still the manager but found first-team opportunities hard to come by after Xavi was appointed in 2021. The United States full-back said Xavi didn't give him enough opportunities to prove himself, restricted his playing style and went back on promises he had made to him. "I wouldn't say regrets, because how it ended didn't depend on me, but I don't feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi," Dest told Diario Sport of his four years as a Barça player. "I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my bigg...

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13Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Barcelona continues to monitor €18m Arsenal player to reinforce pivot positon

FC Barcelona has dominated the free-agent market in recent years. Driven partly by financial constraints and partly by the remarkable opportunities available, the club has managed to secure several high-profile signings in recent seasons. Players like Andreas Christensen, Ilkay Gundogan, and Inigo Martinez have made a significant impact at Barcelona. Franck Kessie even generated a profit for the club from his sale after just one season with the team. The jury is still out on Eric Garcia, while there have also been some misses, such as Marcos Alonso. The Catalans are once again targeting the free-agent market and have been linked with several high-profile players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season. One notable name that emerged last month is Thomas Partey. Now, as hi...

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12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona loses court case to get bonus from Zenit

FC Barcelona has lost a court case that would have resulted in a payment from Zenit St. Petersburg of almost half a million euro. Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed an appeal against a FIFA ruling last year in a dispute over the transfer of Malcom to the Russian club. Zenit bought him in 2019 and agreed to pay 490,000 euros every time it qualified for the UEFA Champions League in a season where Malcom played at least half the domestic league games. Zenit won the Russian league title in the 2021-22 season, which would’ve normally qualified them for the Champions League. However, UEFA banned them and all Russian teams from playing in UEFA competitions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. FIFA ruled that Zenit did not have to pay the bonus since they were never granted Champions League ...

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10Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Wojciech Szczesny refuses to quit smoking after he signs for Barcalona

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has struck a defiant tone about his smoking habit, saying 'it's nobody else's business' but his own. Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) The Polish keeper has recently made a shock return to football having signed for Barcelona as a free agent following an injury to long-term No1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen,The 34-year-old had announced his retirement from football at the end of last season, having spent seven years at Serie A giants, Juventus. Now, Szczesny's private life has been brought into renewed focus after he was spotted smok...

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9Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lamine Yamal tips €15m Barcelona teammate to win Pichichi

FC Barcelona have had an excellent start to life under Hansi Flick. The German coach has revitalized the team and made them play a brand of football that is exciting. After a couple of seasons of pragmatism under Xavi, this feels like a breath of fresh air. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Flick has managed to recapture the best of Robert Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Polish striker. He now has 12 goals from 11 games across all competitions, which puts him ahead of Manchester City star Erling Haaland on the European level. Lewandowski has been ...

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8Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Torres sends out message after being ruled out through injury

Ferran Torres has posted a motivational message after being ruled out of action with an injury picked up in Sunday’s La Liga win over Alaves. The Barcelona forward only lasted a few minutes before having to go off with a hamstring problem that is set to keep him sidelined for several weeks. There’s no doubt it’s a blow for Ferran but he’s in positive mood as he focuses on his recovery. He wrote on Instagram: “Wins, joy and motivation are all I need to work and come back stronger. From today, more than ever, #FerrantheShark mode modo ” Ferran had featured in all but one of Barca’s La Liga games under Hansi Flick so far this season, making five starts and three appearances off the bench. He’s bagged one goal and two assists but hasn’t managed to shine as brightly as fellow attackers Lamine ...

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6Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

First-half hat trick for Lewandowski as Barcelona top ahead of international break

Robert Lewandowski continued his impressive start to the season on Sunday, scoring a 25-minute hat trick as Barcelona beat Alaves 3-0 and went into the international break top of the Spanish league. Lewandowski scored in the seventh, 22nd and 32nd minutes to take his league tally to 10 goals in nine matches. He has a total of 12 goals in 11 games in all competitions, and has scored eight times in his last five matches. The Poland striker was coming off a brace in Barcelona's 5-0 rout of Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday. "We played a very good match from the first minute," Lewandowski said. "When you score three goals in the first half, it gives you the ability to be a lot more in control in the second." The victory moved Barcelona three points back in front of Real Madrid ahea...

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4Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona star slowly ‘winning over’ Hansi Flick

Barcelona youngster Héctor Fort has begun to earn the trust of new head coach Hansi Flick. That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Friday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital. Defender Fort, for his part, emerged as one of the most promising young talents at Barcelona last season. Under the watch of then-boss Xavi, the full-back, who can play on either side, racked up ten first-team appearances, chipping in with a trio of assists along the way. In turn, it came as something of a blow for Fort when, over this season’s early weeks, he failed to see the pitch even once under Hansi Flick. The 18-year-old failed to even get off the bench in any of Barcelona’s first four outings, giving rise to suggestions that he had failed to impress t...

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