Valverde admits Barcelona ‘lacked brilliance’

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has spoken about his team after they clinched the double on Sunday and amongst the plaudits he did concede they “lacked brilliance” at times.

Sunday’s win over Deportivo La Coruna saw Barcelona win La Liga with four games to spare and follows on from last weekend’s Copa del Rey final win over Sevilla.

However, the disappointment of the defeat to Roma in the Champions League is still hard to forget and many supporters have been unimpressed with Valverde’s style of play.

“When you chase it all season, you say ‘finally’. The league is very long. It is not decided only in a match. From the beginning, we have been in the lead. In the end, we were the best. The hard part is winning and winning.

“I have not invented anything, in the end these players have already won titles and leagues with other coaches. It’s more of them than the coach.

“We have been a competitive, compact team and we have overcome many difficulties, and in moments I know it has lacked brilliance.”

“The team deserved it, with a good advantage over the second [team]. Each competition has its difficulty and its value and that is what we have to stay with. Great season and next year to try to improve what has not been done well.

“They are really indescribable sensations on a personal level and as an athlete when you receive so much affection from people. I have tried to be a good athlete and a great person, surrounding myself with unique people.”

Source | Sky Sports

Barcelona have just four games left, including the Clasico against Real Madrid at the weekend. They also still have the chance to go through the entire season unbeaten which would be pretty brilliant.

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The Matches that Defined Barcelona’s 25th La Liga Title

Five breathtaking games

Getafe 1-2 Barcelona

September 16. 2017

AKA the Paulinho game. Barcelona went into the half down 1-0 as Gaku put Geta in the lead in the 39th minute. Ernesto Valverde made a curious substitution at the half: Denis Suárez on for Andrés Iniesta. Crazy, right? But Denis scored a wonderful goal just 16 minutes after coming on. After that, with the game tied 1-1. Valverde took off Ivan Rakitić and put in the much-reviled new signing, Paulinho. But seven minutes later, the Brazilian had used his raw power to bully himself past defenders and whack the ball into Vicente Guaita’s net. Barcelona would go on to win 1-2, Paulinho showed he wasn’t just a meme, and Valverde showed a good reading of the match.

Valencia 1-1 Barcelona

November 26. 2017

AKA the ghost goal game. Barcelona were first in the table but Valencia were right behind them, and in their home ground. Still, Barça played a blinder of a first half, and Lionel Messi scored the opening goal. Only... he didn’t. The ball crossed the line, slowly, and obviously, but the ref didn’t give it. Jordi Alba probably could have tapped in the rebound had he not already wheeled away to celebrate. And Valencia would not let the moment pass them by, with Rodrigo Moreno scoring in the 60th minute after a cutback from José Gayá. With the league lead slipping away, Messi clipped in a perfect pass for Alba to put in the net eight minutes from time. A 1-1 draw was enough to keep Barcelona at the top of the table, their blood boiling after the refereeing mistake.

Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona

December 23, 2017

Real Madrid had embarrassed Barça in the Spanish Supercup, and this was a test of how far the team had gone. Barcelona were without Samuel Umtiti, and Thomas Vermaelen was thrust into his first-ever Clásico. He was brilliant in defense, and a tense opening half ended 0-0. But in the second, Barcelona played arguably their best half in the entire season. Zinedine Zidane instructed Mateo Kovacić to man-mark Messi, but all he did was leave Ivan Rakitić acres of space to waltz through midfield and find Sergi Roberto, who expertly found Luis Suárez to score the first. Paulinho should have had the second goal, but Dani Carvajal stopped the goal-bound shot with an obvious handball. A red card later, Messi scored from the ensuing penalty. And with time running out, Messi danced by Marcelo, lost one of his boots, and assisted Aleix Vidal’s goal with his lone remaining boot. Madrid were blitzed, powerless once again at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Barcelona 1-0 Atlético Madrid

March 4, 2018

Atlético were Barcelona’s biggest challengers to the throne, and they had gotten to within touching distance after Barça drew 1-1 with Las Palmas. With a win here, Atlético would blow the title race wide open. It was a tense affair once again, neither side wanting to risk too much. Atléti are always naturally prone to defending, while Barcelona were secure in the knowledge that a 0-0 draw would suit their title ambitions just fine. It probably would have ended 0-0 were it not for a magical free kick from Messi, who fired it past, perhaps, the best keeper in the world, Jan Oblak. Atléti’s coach, Diego Simeone, memorably said after the match that it was really all about one guy - and had Messi worn a red-and-white shirt that day, Atléti would have won.

Sevilla 2-2 Barcelona

March 31, 2018

FC Barcelona’s unbeaten streak was moments away from expiring. Franco Vázquez and Luis Muriel had fired Sevilla into a 2-0 lead over a Messi-less Barcelona. The all-time Spanish record, held by Real Sociedad, stood at 38 games unbeaten. Barça had 36, and were about to fumble the 37th. But the unthinkable happened, first Luis Suárez acrobatically turned in a corner to make it 2-1, and then, just a minute later, Messi scored a brilliant last-gasp outside-the-box goal to finish the match level, and Barça would go onto break the record.

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Barcelona celebrate double triumph with open top bus parade

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Barcelona would consider Dembele loan should Griezmann arrive

Antoine Griezmann is such an appealing player to Barcelona that the club would be willing to loan out Ousmane Dembélé according to Mundo Deportivo. The loan would likely be for a short time allowing for Griezmann to move into his role and give Dembélé time to get some solid minutes on the pitch.

There are a few sides that are interested in Dembélé. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid are all in on the Dembélé loan train.

While logistically the move makes some sense on the pitch, it’s also purely insane. Barcelona paid £96.8 million for Dembélé just last year, and that’s not the type of money you pay for someone you’re just going to loan out to make room for someone that’s even more expensive.

The conversation itself doesn’t mean its going to happen, but the fact that it’s a conversation at all is strange.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 April 2018

Deportivo 2-4 FC Barcelona: Liga champions! | FC Barcelona
Needing just one point from the last five games, the title was as good as sewn up already, but it’s always better get things done sooner than later and that’s just what Barça did in the far northwest of the peninsula on Saturday night. And although the three points were not secured until late in the second half, it was a stylish finale with Leo Messi banging in a hat-trick to spark celebrations among supporters worldwide.

7th La Liga title in 10 seasons for FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
This latest title, as it stands, is even more impressive than any before it. That’s because Barça’s has yet to lose a single game this season, with the 4-2 win against Deportivo extending this season’s league unbeaten start to 34 games, now putting its overall La Liga undefeated streak at a record-extending 41 games, dating back to last season.

The key moments from the 2017/18 season | FC Barcelona
Following 10 years without seeing victory at Real Sociedad’s haunted ground, Barça once again fell behind on the scoreboard, this time 2–0. But something changed for Barça, and a second-half tidal wave of four goals broke the decade-long winless stretch and gave Barça a 4–2 victory.

Lionel Messi: ‘Andrés Iniesta deserves to leave like this’ | FC Barcelona
“Iniesta deserves to leave like this. He goes with a double that is more than merited, even though we would have liked him to depart with the treble. We wish him all the best.” Words from Leo Messi, the best player in the world, following his hat trick in Riazor in which he dedicated Barça’s 25th league title, seventh in the last 10 seasons, to his team mate Andrés Iniesta.

Iniesta and Messi break Club record for most La Liga titles won | FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi continue to set new records. Barça’s first two captains now have nine La Liga titles each, which is a new, all-time Club record. The two had been tied with Xavi Hernández, who won the La Liga eight times while playing for Barça.

Lionel Messi retakes Golden Shoe lead! | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi scored three goals in Sunday night’s La Liga clincher at Deportivo La Coruña, moving him past Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and back into first place in the race for the European Golden Shoe. Messi’s hat trick gives him 32 goals in La Liga this season, one more than Salah has scored in the Premier League.

Ernesto Valverde: ‘We’ve been extraordinary’ | FC Barcelona
Barça boss Ernesto Valverde could only be happy after his side secured a league and cup double in his first season in charge, and that joy was reflected in his post-match comments to the press. Here are some of the highlights: “I’m delighted because this has been a very long competition that we have been chasing since the moment we went to the top of the table. At last we’ve taken that final step towards becoming champions.”

Valverde, the 14th coach to win the league with Barça | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona has won a new League title - the 25th in its history - and one which represents the first for Ernesto Valverde as Barça coach. With this championship, he becomes the 14th coach in the history of the Club to win a League, and thus joins an elite group.

These were the FC Barcelona celebrations at Riazor | FC Barcelona
Absolute joy. These were the scenes after the final whistle blew at Riazor and Barça were confirmed league champions for the seventh time in ten years, and the twenty-fifth time in total. The players immediately gathered in the centre of the pitch to form a group and sing and dance in a shared outburst of emotion.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Who has the better Clasico record? | Goal
This weekend, Barcelona and Real Madrid will lock horns for the 176th time in La Liga and it will be their 237th competitive meeting in all competitions. The Catalan side won the last meeting in December 2017 and have already wrapped up the Primera Division title, meaning only pride is at stake.

Real Madrid should give La Liga winners Barcelona a guard of honour – Alba | Goal
“It’s not a decision we take, everyone has respect for those who want to,” Spain international Alba told reporters. ”The Club World Cup was a competition we didn’t play in. At the [Santiago] Bernabeu, in the league, we have previously performed a guard of honour.

Victory parade on Monday to celebrate league and Copa success in Barcelona | FC Barcelona
The tour to mark FC Barcelona 30th Copa trophy and 25th league title will begin at the World Trade Center in the city and will last around one and a half hours, passing through Drassanes square, Paral·lel avenue, Ronda de Sant Pau, Comte d’Urgell street and Sarrià avenue before ending at the Doctor Ignasi Barraquer square.

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Five talking points as Barcelona win La Liga at Depor

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How the papers reacted to Barcelona’s La Liga win

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Messi tells Barca to appreciate, enjoy and celebrate La Liga success

Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to victory on Sunday with yet another hat-trick as Ernesto Valverde’s side clinched the league title at Deportivo La Coruna.

The team have now completed a domestic double although there’s no doubt the failure in the Champions League is still casting a shadow over the team’s achievements this season.

Speaking after the match Messi mentioned the Champions League loss but also said the team’s achievements deserve celebrating, enjoying and appreciating.

“We have to appreciate it, enjoy it and celebrate it with all our fans. They deserve it,” he said.

“We‘ve been very superior to our rivals. We practically didn’t lose a game, one in the Copa and, unfortunately, in the Champions League, which was unexpected because of how it came about.

“The truth is that we deserve a lot of credit. Doing what we’ve done is very difficult. Iniesta? It’s a shame about Andres.

“Masche left, Xavi left, both of whom were symbolic for the club, and this year it’s his turn.

“It’s a shame for us too, but he deserves to bow out like this. We have regrets about the Champions League and him not leaving with a treble, but I still think he’s leaving in an impressive manner.

“He more than deserves this double for what he is and everything he’s given to the club. We wish him all the best.”

Source | Football Espana

There’s no doubting it’s a huge achievement to complete the double. Let’s not forget the team still remain unbeaten and could also go through the entire season without tasting defeat.

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Alba: Valverde deserves title win more than anyone

Jordi Alba defended Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde after Barcelona completed a league and cup double on Sunday.

Valverde may have won the double in his first season in charge of the club but he has come under fire for Barcelona’s Champions League exit at the hands of Roma.

Alba was not too happy with the criticism Valverde has received and praised his management of the players.

“It’s an embarrassment, the players have to show our faces, we all make mistakes,” added Alba.

”Valverde deserves it more than anyone, he’s the sixth coach to have won a double. He’s managed the dressing room perfectly.”

Source | Marca

Valverde finds himself in a bit of an odd position as he nears the end of his first full season in charge of the club.

He’s led the team to a league and cup double yet he remains deeply unpopular with large sections of the support due to the team’s style of play and their Champions League exit.

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Barcelona star celebrate title win

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Lionel Messi Becomes Foreign Player With Most La Liga Titles

He surpassed Alfredo Di Stéfano

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick as FC Barcelona won La Liga with a 4-2 triumph over Deportivo La Coruña. This latest title is Messi’s ninth in his career, and it’s put him one ahead of Real Madrid legend and fellow Argentine Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Andrés Iniesta has also won his ninth title, which will be his last. The all-time record for Spanish players is held by Paco Gento.

Barcelona have won their seventh La Liga title in 10 years. For comparison, Juventus would win their seventh Serie A title in 10 years if they win it this season.

Barcelona also won their 8th domestic double ever by winning the Copa del Rey alongside La Liga this year, a Spanish record.

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Depor 2-4 Barça: CAMPEONES!

A CHAMPION’S PERFORMANCE!!!

Barcelona have won La Liga! Needing just one draw to clinch the league title against Deportivo La Coruña, the Blaugrana showed their strength and won 4-2 to make a statement and celebrate. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, and the undisputed best team in Spain this season has been crowned as such with the domestic double. Next mission? Go the entire league season without a single loss.

FIRST HALF

The Blaugrana made a strong start to the match, controlling possession and not allowing Deportivo to have an early blitz as the home team. Barça took control of the game and scored quickly, with Philippe Coutinho finishing off a great team move with a lovely strike to the top corner.

Deportivo needed a win to avoid relegation, so they naturally went forward in search of a desperate equalizer, and they got it with Lucas Pérez, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside. Depor’s efforts to attack more didn’t trouble Barça that much, and Lionel Messi doubled the visitors’ lead with a fantastic volley to finish off a killer counter attack.

But Lucas Pérez finally was able to score a legal goal right after Barça’s second, and we went into halftime with just a little bit of doubt about whether or not the leaders could hold on to the lead and become champions.

SECOND HALF

Deportivo sensed that the Barça defense was vulnerable and ready to concede an equalizer at any moment, so they sent even more bodies forward looking for a miracle win to keep them alive in the relegation fight. They did get the equalizer with Emre Çolak, but there were 25 minutes left in the match and Barça took full advantage of Depor’s desperation.

And also, Lionel Messi was Lionel Messi, with two fantastic goals in the final 10 minutes to complete his hat-trick and guarantee the win for Barça. There was still time to honor Andrés Iniesta, who came on in the 85th minute and got a standing ovation from the entire stadium, filled with fans who were watching their team get relegated. That’s how much Iniesta means.

The final whistle came, and Barça were mathematically crowned champions. It wasn’t the most exciting title campaign, but it was certainly deserved. We might go the whole season unbeaten, which would be just unbelievable.

Unbelievable. That’s a good word to describe this Barcelona season.

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Deportivo: Rubén; Juanfran, Schär, Albentosa, Luisinho; Borges, Guilherme, Krohn-Dehli; Çolak; Lucas, Valle

Goals: Lucas (40’), Çolak (64’)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Umtiti, Alba; Dembélé (Denis), Rakitic (Iniesta), Busquets, Coutinho (Paulinho); Messi, Suárez

Goals: Coutinho (7’), Messi (38’, 82’, 85’)

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Incredible Messi makes more La Liga history

Lionel Messi is used to breaking records left, right and centre and the Barcelona legend was at it again on Sunday night at Deportivo La Coruna.

Messi scored a quite brilliant second goal, after a superb pass from Luis Suarez, to notch his 30th La Liga goal of the season.

That’s now seven different seasons that Messi has scored 30 or more goals in La Liga, the first person ever to achieve such a feat.

7 - Lionel Messi is the first player in La Liga history to score 30+ goals in seven different seasons. Stellar. pic.twitter.com/JyQFKnm4ie

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 29, 2018

And here’s how they breakdown:

Seven. Times. pic.twitter.com/MVjpFp69W0

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 29, 2018

Messi looks set to win the Pichichi again and is still in with a shout of claiming the European Golden Boot.

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Depor vs Barça: LIVE BLOG!

Join us for what could be a title night!

Welcome to what could be a title night! Barcelona are one point away from winning La Liga today, and they face Deportivo La Coruña who will be mathematically relegated if they don’t win this one. Ernesto Valverde has already said he wants to win the title at the Riazor so we can celebrate in El Clásico next week, so expect the team to attack and score goals tonight.

So join us for the LIVE BLOG! We might be celebrating after the final whistle so let’s hang out!

(Editor’s note: Because of the size of our community, the comments could max out pretty quickly, especially on championship nights. So the comments will stay closed until about an hour before kickoff, when the lineups officially come out. Join us then!)

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MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2017-18 La Liga, Matchday 35

Date/Time: Sunday, April 29, 2018, 8.45pm CET (Barcelona), 7.45pm GMT/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 2.45pm EST, 11.45am PST (USA), 12.15am IST (India, next day)

Venue: Estadio Abanca-Riazor, A Coruña, Spain

Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA

How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), Sky Sports Football (UK), SuperSport 7 (Nigeria), SONY TEN 2 (India), others

How to stream: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), Sky GO (UK), FuboTV (7-day free trial, click here to sign up)

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Matchday Thread Rules

We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:

Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, no swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do will be warned, and those who post links will be banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.

Have fun with the game! VISCA EL BARÇA!

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FC Barcelona News: 29 April 2018

MATCH PREVIEW: Deportivo La Coruña vs FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is in full control of its own destiny and can mathematically clinch the La Liga title on Sunday night with a win or draw at 18th-place Deportivo. That’s all it will take for Barça to secure its 7th La Liga crown in the last 10 seasons and firmly establish this era as one of the great dynasties of all-time.

Valverde unveils squad for Depor clash | FC Barcelona
Just over one week after winning the 30th Copa del Rey in Barça history, the Catalans head to Galicia to take on Deportivo La Coruña with a chance to mathematically clinch the La Liga title and cement a new domestic double.

Ernesto Valverde: ‘We want to win the title at Riazor’ | FC Barccelona
Ernesto Valverde was excited at the prospect of winning the League title against Deportivo this Sunday, and as such, his press conference on Saturday had an upbeat tone. A victory can give Barça the 25th League title in their history. “We are very excited about winning the League this Sunday. When you win it, I guess it seems easy, but behind you there are many difficult moments,” he said.

UD Almeria - FC Barcelona B: An unfortunate loss (1-0) | FC Barcelona
In his first game as coach of Barça B, Garcia Pimienta couldn’t oversee a win, despite his team’s dominance in all facets of the game against Almeria (1-0). Carles Perez, Aleñá and Nahuel inspired the Barça attack but without reward.

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Barça squad named for La Coruña trip

Everybody is traveling for a celebration!

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana will travel to A Coruña for what could be a La Liga title clincher against Deportivo La Coruña, and Ernesto Valverde has called up his entire squad for what will probably be a Sunday night celebration.

This is the full list:

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Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Jasper Cillessen

Defenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 18. Jordi Alba, 19. Lucas Digne, 20. Sergi Roberto, 23. Samuel Umtiti, 24. Yerry Mina, 25. Thomas Vermaelen

Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 6. Denis Suarez, 8. Andrés Iniesta, 14. Philippe Coutinho, 15. Paulinho Bezerra, 21. André Gomes, 22. Aleix Vidal

Forwards: 9. Luis Suárez, 10. Lionel Messi, 11. Ousmane Dembélé, 17. Paco Alcácer

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Even though he’s traveling with the squad, Sergi Roberto will not take part having been sent off against Celta Vigo 10 days ago. He’s the only absence, however, with the rest of the first team fully healthy and ready to play this one.

Predicted starting XI (4-4-2):

Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Umtiti, Alba; Coutinho, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suárez

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The match kicks off at 8.45pm CET (Barcelona), 7.45pm GMT/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 2.45pm EST, 11.45am PST (USA), 12.15am IST (India, next day), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

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Golden Boot Race Wide Open: Mohamed Salah Fails to Score

Lionel Messi and Ciro Immobile have every chance to catch the Egyptian

Mohamed Salah played the full 90 but Liverpool did not score in a 0-0 draw with Stoke City, which sets the Golden Boot race for a photo finish. Salah is in the lead with 31 goals, but he only has two Premier League games left - against Chelsea and Brighton. Tied for second are Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and Ciro Immobile (Lazio), who both have 29.

Messi has five games left, while Immobile has four. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandwoski has 28 goals but would need at least 3 goals in his last two Bundesliga games to have a chance of winning the trophy. The Polish striker was rested as Bayern Munich won 4-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Barcelona have games against Deportivo, Real Madrid, Villarreal, Levante, and Real Sociedad left on the schedule.

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FC Barcelona Can Win La Liga Tomorrow

But they must do it themselves.

FC Barcelona can win La Liga tomorrow by earning at least one point against Deportivo La Coruña. It would have been possible for Barcelona to become champions before playing, had both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid struggled to win this week. But with Real’s 2-1 win over Leganés, it won’t matter if Atléti lose as well. Regardless of Atlético’s outcome tomorrow, the only way for Barcelona to become champions is by earning at least a draw.

Should Barcelona lose, a few interesting, but remote scenarios exist for the Madrid clubs to still snatch the title away. But interestingly, should the Catalans get at least one point, the next match would be El Clásico. Zinedine Zidane has gone on record saying he will not give his rivals a guard of honor as is tradition, but even then, the non-event would be quite interesting to watch.

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Valverde talks his Barca future and replacing Iniesta

Ernesto Valverde faced the press on Saturday ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga trip to Deportivo La Coruna.

The club are expected to be crowned champions this weekend and Valverde answered questions on that, his future and the departing Andres Iniesta.

Here are the best bits:

Valverde on how to replace Iniesta

Let’s not kid ourselves, Iniesta is irreplaceable. He’s one of a kind. He gives you things you can’t get from any other player. So when you have a player of that level you have to try to find other balance in the team. We know that Barcelona have a very set style of football. It’s very clear how we play but what Iniesta gives you is what you can’t get from any other player. We need to find the right balance in the squad.

Valverde on what he’s learned from Iniesta

Coaches learn from the players. We have a certain idea of things. We have ideas of tactics but it’s the players who contribute everything in every sense. Great players like Andres teach you that there are other things, which they seem to understand very naturally. It makes you think of other ways. You learn every day.

Valverde on his Barcelona future

I have no doubt that people will talk about this over the season, they always talk about the coach. You are quite right it’s just speculation I have nothing to say about this. I have a contract for next season and I am very happy here.

Valverde on Deportivo’s guard of honour

A lot of people are talking about these guard of honours, they spoke about it when we went to the Bernabeu. I think it’s something each team has to decide on but I think the guard of honour is a way of paying tribute to the opposing players. I think some of the virtue has gone from it, especially with Real Madrid and Barcelona, it’s seen as humiliation, it’s something I’d rather avoid.

Valverde on winning the league

We want to be the best. We’ve worked all season long and now there’s one step remaining. We’ll try to clinch the title tomorrow.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 April 2018

Andrés Iniesta announces his Barça goodbye | FC Barcelona
It’s official. Andrés Iniesta, one of the greatest players in the Club’s history, will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season. The Barça number 8 announced his departure this Friday in a press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva. “This press conference is to announce publicly my decision that this season will be my last here,” he revealed.

Andres Iniesta’s best Barcelona moments: Goals, assists and class since 1996 | ESPN
If Iniesta’s Barca career had to be remembered in one moment, it would be this one. Teed up by Lionel Messi, the midfielder scored a spectacular strike from the edge of the box deep into stoppage time to send the Catalans into the Champions League final at the expense of Chelsea in 2009.

8 things that will make you love Andrés Iniesta | FC Barcelona
The legendary midfielder has won a grand total of 31 titles at Barça, more than any other player in the history of the club (alongside Leo Messi). His impressive list includes 8 league titles, 7 Spanish Super Cups, 4 Champions Leagues, 6 Copa Del Reys, 3 European Super Cups and 3 Club World Cups.

Eight quotes from the Barça number 8 | FC Barcelona
“I’ve been very lucky with the coaches and team-mates that I’ve had throughout my career. They’ve always been good to me and that’s made me a better player and person”

INTERVIEW: Andrés Iniesta, a life at Barça | FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta is a true Barça legend. He’s leaving the club after 16 seasons in the first team (and 22 years in total). A few months ago he gave an interview to the club media, which following the announcement of his departure makes for especially poignant listening.

Josep Maria Bartomeu: ‘It’s a see you soon’ | FC Barcelona
There were only good words and wishes for Iniesta regarding the new stage of his career: “We wish you great luck and success in this new professional stage,” the president added. “We hope that the youngsters of La Masia will have you as a point of reference. You arrived here at 12 years of age to succeed and you have achieved it.”

What did sporting and football personalities say about Andrés Iniesta’s goodbye? | FC Barcelona
Test yourself in this #QuizFCB about the reactions to the captain of Barça confirming he will leave at the end of the season.

Every one of Iniesta’s 57 goals for Barça | FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta is a symbol of Barça history after playing a total of 669 matches with FC Barcelona over 16 seasons, putting him second in the ranking of players with most games in the history of the club. He is only surpassed by his former midfield colleague, Xavi Hernández (767 matches).

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How will Barcelona line up against Deportivo?

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Neymar says he fell in love with Iniesta’s football

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Andrés Iniesta’s Departure Marks the End of an Era

Barcelona’s midfield will never be the same

Andrés Iniesta is leaving. It’s not a rumor anymore, but fact. The FC Barcelona legend will leave behind a glorious career in his home country to settle down in the Chinese Super League. He will leave massive shoes to fill, and doubly so given that his frequent partner in crime, Xavi, had left Barça a few years earlier.

The Xavi-Iniesta connection is legendary, and it set the tone of what FC Barcelona was about for many years. Barcelona has had many stars over the duo’s reign, but ultimately the team was founded on two small, but wildly technical midfielders with amazing control and passing skills.

With Xavi leaving, the transition had started, but now with Iniesta leaving, it’s confirmed. Barcelona have not exactly replaced Xavi, and the possible purchase of Arthur Melo this summer is arguably intended to do just that.

But the board was proactive in finding Iniesta’s replacement: Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian joined from Liverpool this past transfer window, potentially sacrificing a UEFA Champions League final in the process. Regardless, he’s already won the Copa del Rey and seems dead set to win La Liga, and his contributions have been pretty good, although of course, many would argue Barça would have won both without him anyway.

In any case, Barcelona could become a team founded, primarily, on Sergio Busquets, as the team’s pivot. His passing skills are very much in the mould of Xavi and Iniesta, although he plays a role much further back than the two.

It’s probable that Barça will always be a possession-based team (at least for the foreseeable future) but without Xavi, and now without Iniesta, it just won’t be the same. The magic the two achieved cannot be replicated, but hopefully, we will still see magic of another variety with Coutinho, and maybe, Arthur, in the side.

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Xavi, David Villa and Pedro lead Iniesta tributes

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Pep thanks Iniesta for helping him ‘understand the game better’

Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Andres Iniesta on Friday following the midfielder’s announcement that this season will be his last at Barcelona.

An emotional Iniesta held a press conference to confirm he will be departing Camp Nou at the end of the season and Pep was quick to offer his thanks to the Barca legend.

“I want to thank him. People think managers help the players but he helped me understand the game better, just watching how he plays the game,” he told reporters.

“Hopefully he comes back to Barcelona to teach young players, or professional players, what he showed on the pitch.”

Iniesta is expected to feature for Barcelona on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna when the club need just a point to secure another La Liga title.

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Gràcies Iniesta

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FC Barcelona News: 27 April 2018

Andrés Iniesta news conference at 1.30pm CET | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona captain Andrés Iniesta will appear at a news conference on Friday at 1.30pm CET at the team’s training center. Iniesta’s appearance will be streamed live in English on fcbarcelona.com and YouTube.com/fcbarcelona.

Andres Iniesta: The story of how Barcelona signed one of the greats | Goal
Had it not been for a trip to a water park, Andres Iniesta may never have signed for Barcelona. More than 20 years on from that trip to PortAventura World, history has been written, with the midfielder have placed himself in the annals of the game as one of the all-time greats in his position and one of the lucky few to net a winning goal in a World Cup final.

Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta deserved to win two Ballon d’Ors - Sergio Ramos | ESPN
Sergio Ramos says Andres Iniesta would have won two Ballon d’Ors if he was called “Andresinho” after France Football apologised for never giving the Barcelona midfielder the prestigious award. The Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the world at the end of each calendar year, has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the last decade.

Five challenges left in La Liga | FC Barcelona
Barça have gone 33 games without defeat in the 2017/18 season and are just five games away from going a whole Liga campaign without losing a match. That is something that hasn’t been done for 86 years and never in the modern era when teams play well over 30 games a season.

With Cup in hand, Barça turns focus towards La Liga title | FC Barcelona
With that, FC Barcelona, having rested for four days and four nights after hoisting the 30th Copa del Rey in team history, went henceforth onto the training pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and took the first steps toward fulfilling their commandment.

When and where to watch Deportivo-FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
The League returns. After winning the Copa del Rey with a superb 0-5 result against Sevilla in the final at the Wanda Metropolitano, the team returns to league competition visiting Riazor. Barça face Deportivo La Coruña (Sunday, 8.45pm CEST) in the match corresponding to the 35th day of the championship.

Barcelona want Samuel Umtiti stay but not at any cost - club chief | ESPN
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club is keen to renew Samuel Umtiti’s contract but suggested they will not pay above and beyond to keep hold of him. France international Umtiti is in the second year of a five-year deal but his relatively low release clause of €60 million has led to fears he could leave Camp Nou this summer.

Pinto: ‘I’m worried that the Cup and the League are not seen as valuable’ | FC Barcelona
José Manuel Pinto played for Barça for five and a half seasons, and he returned to the Camp Nou on Thursday for a commercial event. “I had many offers to continue playing but I refused and dedicated myself to music,” he said, thanking the three Clubs where he developed his career: Betis, Celta and Barça. He thanked Barça particularly for the opportunity they gave him, and with whom he won a total of 16 titles.

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Valverde’s job was never in danger, says Bartomeu

Josep Maria Bartomeu has said Ernesto Valverde’s job was never in danger despite recent reports the club were considering sacking him.

Reports have claimed the board leaked a story to the press on the eve of the Copa del Rey final saying that Valverde could be fired if he did not beat Sevilla.

The club were said to still be furious about their Champions League exit at the hands of Roma but Bartomeu has denied any of this is true when talking to Cadena Ser’s radio show ‘El Larguero’.

“It’s false that Valverde’s position was in any danger. He is in his first year and has just started a project, his project. We are very happy with him and we speak to him regularly.

”We haven’t talked about this at all, it only appeared in the press. It is absolutely false. These types of things often come out. Someone must have said it, but it wasn’t anyone on the board or the club.”

“After what happened last summer [with Neymar leaving] no-one on the board had any doubts about Valverde. We were all disappointed by what happened in Rome, but you have to look at how we reacted to the defeat.

”No-one on the board had any doubts after Rome. No-one. The team’s success in this project is guaranteed. If we win the double, it will have been an excellent season. It’s not perfect, but it’s the club’s eighth double in our history. And it has nothing to do with what Real Madrid might win.”

Bartomeu | Source

It’s no surprise to hear Bartomeu’s denials but leaking that kind of story right before the Copa del Rey final, reflects so poorly on the board.

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Barcelona confirm Iniesta to announce future today

It’s really happening folks, Barcelona have confirmed that Andres Iniesta will hold a press conference today where it’s expected he’ll annouce his departure from the club.

The midfielder will appear at 1.30pm CET and you can watch it all via the club’s official website.

Follow @andresiniesta8's appearance today, LIVE!https://t.co/6AoRoOb4t9

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 27, 2018

The whole first-team squad is expected to be in attendance and be warned, it might all get a bit emotional.

We’ll bring you all the latest from the conference as and when it happens, stay tuned!

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Deportivo will give Barcelona a guard of honour

Barcelona may well be La Liga champions on Sunday but whether they win the league or not they will be given a guard of honour at Deportivo La Coruna.

Deportivo forward Adrian Lopez said his side have agreed to give Barca a pasillo for winning the Copa del Rey against Sevilla on Saturday.

“Barcelona is a great team and we agreed to give them a guard of honour,” he said.

”We have to focus on us, play four good games and have the strength to leave everything on the pitch. It’s a pity that the results came too late.”

Source | Marca

Barcelona could be champions by the time the game kicks off at the Riazor if Real Madrid and Atletico both fail to win.

If they both win then Barcelona will need just a point against Deportivo to confirm the title.

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Barcelona’s La Liga Title-Clinching Scenarios

Barça could be champions this weekend

FC Barcelona could mathematically seal the La Liga title this week, and they have a few ways of doing so. Atlético’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis yesterday nearly eliminated them from contention, and Real Madrid only have the faintest of hopes as it is.

Scenario #1

Barcelona win the title if both Real Madrid and Atléti fail to win. Keep in mind, they both play before Barcelona, so Barça can win the title before playing Deportivo La Coruña this Sunday. This is the earliest possible time for the Blaugrana to officially win La Liga.

Scenario #2

Barcelona can win the title following the end of their match against Deportivo if both Madrid clubs win, but Barcelona also draw or win.

Scenario #3

Real or Atlético, or both teams, can remain alive in the title race for at least one more week if they win their respective game and Barça loses. For Atlético to win the title, they need to win every one of their next three remaining matches and hope Barcelona lose all four of theirs. For Real to win the title, they need to win every remaining match, hope Barça lose every remaining match, and win the direct matchup tiebreaker (most likely, this would mean beating Barcelona by at least four goals.)

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Iniesta’s China move stalls or does it?

Conflicting reports are flying about

There’s been some pretty interesting developments on Thursday with regards Andres Iniesta’s future and his expected move to China.

Marca have reported that a deal to take him to the Chinese Super League has stalled for financial reasons, which was swiftly followed by Sport denying the report was true.

So where to start? Well, it had been expected that Iniesta would announce he’s leaving Barcelona at a press conference tomorrow. Not so, say Marca who report he’s failed to reach agreement with Chongqing.

Iniesta was hoping to seal a deal worth an eye-watering €20 million a year, but the club’s president has not signed off the transfer and as it stands there is no agreement.

The 33-year-old now has to decide whether to announce his departure anyway, and hope a deal can be reached in the future, or scrap the announcement altogether.

The report also says there is a bit of pressure because according to his contract he has to make a decision on his future by the 30th of April which is next Monday.

And so over to Sport who say they’ve been in touch with sources close to Iniesta who say the deal has not broken down.

They do concede that everything is not quite “100%” but that he’s still on track to announce his departure on Friday.

I guess we’ll learn more tomorrow.

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Rumors: Griezmann latest, Cillessen not for sale plus Digne, Iniesta & Deulofeu

Barcelona players tell Griezmann to move to Camp Nou

Today’s rumors start with an update on the Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona saga.

According to Sport, Barcelona’s “heavyweights” have been messaging Griezmann on WhatsApp to tell him to come to Barca.

French team-mates Lucas Digne, Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele have already told him he’s wanted at the Camp Nou, and he now has to decide between moving on or staying at Atletico.

Barcelona will only sell Cillessen for €60 million

Over at Mundo Deportivo they’re talking about the future of back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

The Dutch international is attracting interest from several top European clubs, Liverpool, Napoli and Atletico Madrid, but Barcelona really don’t want to sell his summer.

They’ve not had an offer yet but the only way Cillessen will depart this summer is if a club is willing to meet his €60 million release clause.

Digne set for Juventus move

Another player who is being linked with an exit is Lucas Digne would could be set for a move to Juventus.

Sport reckon that Barcelona could be willing to sell him for just €16 million, which is the same amount they paid Paris Saint-Germain for him in 2016.

Juventus are likely to be pretty happy with that fee, particularly as he has a €100 million release clause.

Iniesta to announce Barcelona departure on Friday

We all know it’s coming so get your tissues ready because tomorrow is the day Andres Iniesta is to announce he’s leaving Barcelona, sniff.

Marca say he’ll start to tell his team-mates about the decision and will then inform the world afterwards.

He’s expected to sign a three-year deal with Chongqing Dangdai Lifan and has also signed a sales and distribution deal for his family’s vineyard in China.

Watford want to keep Deulofeu

And finally today we end with news that Watford have so enjoyed having Gerard Deulofeu around the place that they want to keep hold of him on a permanent basis.

Mundo Deportivo reckon Watford want to try and negotiate a deal with Barcelona but know that much will depend on where Deulofeu sees his future.

Barcelona, meanwhile, want to up his €25 million release clause and, if a new deal is agreed, Watford will then look for a loan in the first instance.

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FC Barcelona News: 26 April 2018

How Barça can win LaLiga this weekend | FC Barcelona
Barça have the LaLiga title in their sights, and could mathematically be confirmed as champions as early as this weekend. Ernesto Valverde’s men hold their fate in their own hands, as a win against Deportivo La Coruña would give them the title irregardless of results for their rivals. They could even kick off the game at Riazor as champions, should Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid fail to win their respective games.

How has FC Barcelona fared at Riazor? | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona could win the 25th La Liga title in Club history this weekend, when they face Deportivo La Coruña at Riazor, a stadium that has been historically difficult to play at for most teams. But while Barça has garnered some very impressive results there in recent seasons, there have also been some less-than-optimal results.

Five challenges left in La Liga | FC Barcelona
Barça only need one point to be confirmed champions, and the first ‘match point’ is away to Deportivo this Sunday (8.45pm CET). But they could even clinch the trophy without playing if neither Real Madrid nor Atlético Madrid win their own games.

Barça v Villarreal on May 9 | FC Barcelona
It was announced today Wednesday that the Barça v Villarreal league fixture that was originally scheduled to be played last weekend but was postponed due to Barça’s participation in the Copa del Rey Final, will now be played on Wednesday 9 May at 8.00pm CET.

Lionel Messi wins trademark court case | Sky Sports
The EU’s second-highest court ruled on Thursday he was famous enough to overcome phonetic similarities with Spanish bicycle clothing brand Massi. The case reached the EU General Court after the brand successfully complained to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta gets Ballon d’Or apology from France Football | ESPN
Iniesta, 33, is widely expected to bid European football farewell at the end of the season and head to China after 16 wildly successful years at the top of the world game that have seen him amass 34 major winners’ medals, a tally he is poised to add to with a final La Liga title.

Report: Barca doubt on Arthur deal | Football Espana
Barcelona are unsure on whether or not to complete the signing of Gremio midfielder Arthur despite paying a €4m deposit, say reports in Spain. Last month, the Catalan giants confirmed the deal was in place for the 21-year-old which would see them pay a release clause of €30m, which would rise to €39m including bonuses.

Barca’s Digne set for Juve move | Football Espana
Juventus are hopeful of completing a deal for Barcelona defender Lucas Digne this summer, according to reports in the Spanish press. The French full-back’s contract at the Camp Nou runs through to 2021 and contains a €100m release clause but Diario Sport report the club would sanction a sale in the region of €16m.

Garcia Pimienta: ‘I believe strongly in the Barça way of playing’ | FC Barcelona
His appointment comes after predecessor Gerard López’s contract recision was announced in the morning. Garcia Pimienta comes into the job having recently won the UEFA Youth League, beating Chelsea 0-3 in the final. He previously spent more than two seasons as assistant coach for Barça B.

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Can Barca’s UEFA Youth League champions make the step up?

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Iniesta would have won two Ballon d’Ors if he was called Andresinho, says Ramos

Sergio Ramos reckons Andres Iniesta should have won the Ballon d’Or twice in his career and that the reason he hasn’t is all because of his name.

The closest Iniesta came to being crowned the world’s best player was in 2010 when he finished second to Lionel Messi, despite scoring the winner in the World Cup final.

He also finished third in 2012, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ramos says it’s all down to his name.

“If he was called Andresinho instead of Iniesta, he would have won two Ballon d’Ors,” he said.

Sergio Ramos | Marca

Iniesta is expected to announce he will be leaving Barcelona for China this week and will leave on a high with the club set to seal another league and cup double.

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Barcelona Considering Not Completing Arthur Transfer

It would be quite the dramatic reversal

FC Barcelona’s technical staff is having an internal debate whether to complete the purchase of Arthur Melo from Grêmio, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Barça have already paid 4 million euro towards his purchase, but they could decide to forgo spending the additional 26 million that would complete the move. Nine more million could be added to the total in variables.

Some members of Barcelona’s hierarchy want him because they say he can play like Xavi once did, whereas others want a player who blends touch and technique with pure physicality

Barcelona are said to be looking at a few alternatives such as Real Betis’s Fabián, as well as two kids from Ajax: Frenkie De Jong and Donnie van de Beek.

Robert is said to be one of Arthur’s biggest fans, and losing four million euros would be seen as a big mistake, but Barça apparently are trying to make absolutely sure that Arthur is their main before pulling the trigger.

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Bakero says 75% of youngsters leave Barcelona for the money

Jose Mari Bakero talked about Barcelona’s youngsters on Wednesday as the club presented Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta as the new coach of the Barcelona B team.

Garcia Pimienta replaces Gerard Lopez and his first job will be to try and save Barcelona B from relegation after a tough season.

Barcelona will also be hoping that Garcia Pimienta can help develop the club’s youngsters with a view to breaking into first team.

The club have seen some talented youngsters depart in recent months and Bakero reckons money is one big reason some of the players have opted to leave.

“Money is 75% of the reason behind the kids’ departure,” he said.

”The other 25% is that they are given guaranteed presence in the first team.

”We had promised some of them to do the preseason with Barcelona B and they didn’t accept it.”

Source | Marca

Barcelona celebrated winning the Youth League final on Monday which shows there is plenty of talent in the youth ranks. However, keeping hold of them and nurturing them until they are ready for first-team action is the real difficulty.

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Who should replace Iniesta as captain?

Replacing Andres Iniesta as captain of Barcelona is no small task. The shoes to fill in terms of leadership both in the locker room, on the pitch, and in the public eye is a pretty large responsibility. There are a few candidates that are obvious picks and an underdog that may have a shot of replacing the Spaniard as captain of FC Barcelona.

Lionel Messi

The favorite to replace Iniesta is certainly Lionel Messi. He has the tenure, experience and composure, as well as being the best player on the planet. So he has that going for him. But adding to those obvious qualifications is how well he connects with fans of the club and the players themselves. This isn’t a strange situation where the best player has a strange presence within the team, Messi is well liked and it shows. He’s certainly the favorite and would make a fine Barcelona skipper.

Gerard Pique

One of the more stereotypical moves would be to give Pique the captaincy. The defender shows the grit and grind to be a very solid captain. He has the looks (not that it matters but it’s certainly worth mentioning), experience, and he’s a defender; so who doesn’t love a good centre-back captain.

Sergio Busquets

In my mind, Busquets is the least likely of the four to get picked. There are better reasons to pick the other three on the list and Busquets is the simplest choice on the list.

So maybe that makes him the favorite, who really knows. I certainly don’t.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

The underdog. Ter Stegen really has a shot in my mind. He’s certainly an outside pick, but has shown support of team-mates when he certainly doesn’t have to in the media, made clear his feelings for the club, and is a great young part of Barcelona’s future. If you’re a betting individual, it’s worth a bit of an underdog bet.

I find Ter Stegen the most fun pick. Having a strong German goalkeeper be the captain of Barcelona would be fascinating and fun to watch. He’s one of my favorite players to watch at Barcelona and seeing him take the mantle of captain would be fascinating.

---

What do you guys think?

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García Pimienta: I don’t understand any other style than Barcelona’s

Javier García Pimienta has been talking for the first time since replacing Gerard Lopez as Barcelona B coach.

He said he only understands how to play the Barcelona way and hopes he can develop players so they can make the step up into the first team.

“Homegrown players will always be important, we have very good footballers at Barça B and Juvenil A,” he said.

“I want to keep on training them so that they can become important players at the first team in the future.

“I really wanted to coach the B team, it’s a major challenge. My role is to form and train players, and this will not change.

“I have been at Barça for many years, and I don’t understand the game in any other way than our style. We have players with the right profile.

“The results haven’t been good, but if we do things right, we will have a chance to avoid relegation.”

Source | FC Barcelona

García Pimienta has his work cut out to keep Barcelona B from relegation and will take charge of the team for the first team on Saturday when they face Almeria.

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FC Barcelona News: 25 April 2018

Ernesto Valverde is 6th blaugrana to win Copa del Rey both as player and coach | FC Barcelona
Valverde won the Copa del Rey as a player back in 1990, when Barça’s coach was Johan Cruyff. Interestingly, that win for Cruyff put him into the same group, some 12 years after the Dutchman had led the team to the 1978 Copa del Rey as its star player.

Ivan Rakitic, Barça’s all-time leader in single-game finals played without having lost | FC Barccelona
Since he arrived at the Club ahead of the 2014/15 season, Barça have played in seven single-game finals: four in the Copa del Rey, one in the UEFA Champions League, one in the UEFA Super Cup, and one in the FIFA Club World Cup. In each and every one of them, the Croatian midfielder has been an integral element in the team’s lineups, while Barça has gone on to win the championship every single time.

Barcelona eyeing Chelsea star Alonso as long-term Pique replacement | Goal
Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is being considered by Barcelona as a possible long-term replacement for Gerard Pique, Goal understands. The World Cup winner at Camp Nou is set to turn 32 in February 2019 and the Blaugrana believe a man currently at Stamford Bridge is capable of one day filling a void at the heart of their defence.

Gerard López’s contract rescinded | FC Barcelona
The Club is holding a press conference on Wednesday at 1 PM central European time at the Ciutat Esportiva, to announce the appointment of the new coach, Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta. The presentation will be made by Jose Mari Bakero and Guillermo Amor, the Club’s heads of professional youth football.

VIDEO: Top 5 La Masia goals from April 21-22, 2018 | FC Barcelona
As we pick up some steam heading into mid-spring, it seems our La Masia players have done the same, continuing to keep their feet on the gas pedal to provide us with a plethora of mouthwatering goals bearing the trademark stamp: Made in La Masia.

Barcelona U19s win UEFA Youth League: Five players to watch | ESPN
For the second time in the tournament’s five-year existence, Barca won the UEFA Youth League, beating Chelsea 3-0 on Monday. They had beaten another English side, Manchester City, in a nine-goal thriller on Friday to make the final, before an Alejandro Marques brace and a late Abel Ruiz effort propelled them to the trophy over the Blues.

Coach Barça to success with the new mobile video game ‘Kings of Soccer’ | FC Barcelona
The new ‘Kings of Soccer’ video game for mobile devices is now available. The multiplayer experience, officially licensed by FC Barcelona, allows you to be the Barça coach and gives you the chance to create your own dream team to compete against your friends and other players from all around the world.

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Rumors: Martial, Alonso, Fabian wanted, Arthur deal in doubt

Barca, Juve and Bayern battle for Martial

Today’s rumours start in Italy with Tuttosport who reckon that Anthony Martial is definitely leaving Manchester United this summer and Barca, Juve and Bayern all want him.

The Frenchman has failed to force his way into the team on a regular basis and Jose Mourinho is open to offers.

Juventus will push hard for his signature but it looks as though Martial will have his pick of top clubs.

Barcelona change their minds on Arthur?

Over at Mundo Deportivo they report that there is some debate at Barcelona over whether to actually sign Arthur or not.

The club have already paid Gremio €4 million for their option on Arthur and must decide by mid-July whether to spend another €26m to bring him in.

Apparently the club are now having doubts about Arthur because they want a tall, physical player in midfield and feel someone like Frenkie de Jong or Donny van de Beek may be a better bet.

Marcos Alonso to replace Pique?

Barcelona are reportedly considering Marcos Alonso as a possible replacement for Gerard Pique, according to Goal.

The Spain international has had a pretty good time at Chelsea under Antonio Conte, although he’s been mainly used as a wing-back rather than a centre-back.

Pique turns 32 next year although he signed a new deal back in January that will keep him at the club until 2022.

Barcelona step up interest in Fabian

And finally today we end with news that Barcelona have stepped up their interest in Real Betis midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

Mundo Deportivo reckon that Barcelona have been interested for a while but any move may need a few departures first. Andres Iniesta is expected to go to China while Denis Suarez and Andres Gomes could also be off.

Barcelona scouted Fabian in Sunday’s draw with Atletico Madrid and quite like his price tag too. He signed a new deal in January which raised his release clause from €15m to €30m.

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Garcia Pimienta replaces Gerard Lopez as Barcelona B boss

Barcelona have confirmed that Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta will take over from Gerard Lopez as Barcelona B boss.

The club will present Garcia Pimienta this afternoon in a press conference with Jose Mari Bakero and Guillermo Amor.

It’s no surprise to see Lopez leave with Barcelona B currently in the relegation spots in the Segunda División and having lost their last five games in a row.

[ÚLTIMA HORA] Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta agafa el relleu de Gerard López i és el nou tècnic del Barça B https://t.co/gz9tySd6tA

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) April 25, 2018

Garcia Pimienta arrives fresh from guiding Juvenil A to victory in the UEFA League final against Chelsea on Monday and will now try to help Barcelona B beat the drop.

The 43-year-old is pretty highly-rated and obviously knows the academy well. Let’s hope he can do a good job at Barca B and get the best out of the club’s youngsters.

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How did Barcelona lose so badly to Roma?

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Is Iniesta the best player never to have won the Ballon d’Or?

In case you hadn’t heard Andres Iniesta received an apology from France Football on Tuesday.

Editor Pascal Ferre wrote a column entitled “Perdon Andres” (Forive us Andres) praising the midfielder and trying to explain why he’d never been awarded the Ballon d’Or.

“For us, [Iniesta] wasn’t just a player, he was the player.

“His generosity, team play and altruism has certainly deprived him of an even more majestic recognition [the Ballon d’Or].

“He has proven that the brain is definitely the most important thing when it comes to being a champion.

“Iniesta is one of the great absences when it comes to Ballon D’or winners. This is painful to us.

”We can only hope that a divine performance at the World Cup helps us to repair this democratic anomaly.”

Source | France Football

The closest Iniesta came to the prize was in 2010 when even scoring the winner in the World Cup final was not enough as he finished second behind Lionel Messi.

He’s not alone though, there are plenty of legends who have never scooped the prestigious award, not least former team-mate Xavi, then there’s Thierry Henry, Paolo Maldini, Frank Rijkaard, Gianluigi Buffon and Diego Maradona too.

Individual awards in a team sport are always pretty contentious things which generate plenty of debate and being the kind of person he is Iniesta probably won’t care. He’s won everything there is to win in a glittering career, but it’s difficult to think of anyone who deserved it more.

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Pep trying to tempt Iniesta to City - report

Premier League champion and former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly interested in bringing Andrés Iniesta to England in order to bolster the Manchester City midfield.

The rumors have been pointing to an Iniesta exit to China in order to finish out his career and cash a few checks, but the temptation of teaming up with Guardiola one last time might be enough to sway Iniesta’s decision making.

The decision, whatever it may be, is in Iniesta’s hands. Amidst his last contract renegotiation a reportedly key part of the deal was Iniesta’s agreement with the club that his exit would be on his terms and to the team he desired.

Now that it seems that both PSG and Manchester City have both entered the fray for the midfielder, it’ll be interesting to see if they can change Iniesta’s mind.

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FC Barcelona News: 24 April 2018

Rafael Nadal praises Andres Iniesta | Sport

Rafael Nadal may be a Real Madrid fan but he took time out to praise Andres Iniesta as he prepares to leave Spain for China. He said: “Iniesta has brought us joy, he’s helped us be happy, enjoy ourselves and he has always behaved with respect, naturalness and normality, which is the most important thing.”

Iniesta, Messi, Sergio and Piqué match the six Copas of Segarra | FC Barcelona

Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win on Saturday was the sixth time Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique had lifted the trophy. They draw level with legendary defender Segarra as the players with the most Copa wins in the club’s history.

Hernandez Hernandez will referee El Clasico | Marca

El Clasico is just a couple of weeks away and it’s been confirmed that Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez will referee the match at the Camp Nou. The ref was in charge of last season’s match between the two sides at the Santiago Bernabeu, which Barca won 3-2.

Lieke Martens: ‘Ronaldinho was my idol. Long hair, great dribbles … I loved him’ | The Guardian

Barcelona midfielder Lieke Martens has spoken about how Ronaldinho was her idol growing up. The regining women’s FIFA and UEFA player of the year also says she is hoping to pip Atletico Madrid to the league title in her first season at the Camp Nou.

Ter Stegen congratulates Barcelona youngsters on Uefa Youth League Final win | Sport

Marc-Andre ter Stegen took to Twitter to pass on his congratulations to Barcelona’s youngsters after they won beat Chelsea 3-0 in the Youth League final on Monday. He said: “We start this week how we ended the last, with another trophy! Well done boys, a great achievement for La Masia.”

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Messi tops football’s highest earners list

And Gerard Pique does alright too

Lionel Messi is not just the greatest footballer on the planet he’s also the best paid, according to figures released by France Football.

The Argentina has moved ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and has a gross salary of €126 million, while Gerard Pique also makes the top five. Here’s the list:

1. Lionel Messi: €126 million
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: €94 million
3. Neymar: €81.5 million
4. Gareth Bale: €44 million
5. Gerard Pique: €29 million

Source | France Football

The figures are for earnings over the 2017-18 season and apparently do not take into account tax, bonuses and publicity and sponsorship earnings.

Messi’s the first player to break the €100 million mark and while it’s no surprise to see Ronaldo and Neymar next on the list Gerard Pique making the top five is a bit unexpected.

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Barcelona starlet Abel Ruiz says contract renewal is close

Abel Ruiz says he wants to stay at Barcelona and is hoping to renew his contract with the club soon after starring in the UEFA Youth League final win over Chelsea.

There has been speculation over his future with clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City having been linked with the 18-year-old.

However, Ruiz says his future lies at the Camp Nou and it could all be made official pretty soon.

“We are talking about my renewal and it’s possible that in the next few days it’s sealed, for now I don’t see myself anywhere else but Barcelona,” he said.

Source | Sport

Ruiz is a pretty exciting talent, he has starred for Spain’s Under-17 side and let’s hope he can step up and make the grade at Barcelona.

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Barcelona Want to Renew Munir El Haddadi’s Contract

The player has made a huge impression on loan

Munir El Haddadi is enjoying a breakout season on loan at Deportivo Alavés, and FC Barcelona is fully aware of it. In a new report from Diario SPORT, we are told that Barça want to renew the forward, for at least one more year, in order to maximize the profit from his sale.

They reckon he’ll continue improving next season and continue to drive up his price, but it’s not known if Munir will agree to this deal or try to leave as soon as possible to a team where he has a permanent future in.

Munir has nine goals and six assists this season, making him first in both categories for 13th-placed Alavés. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Valencia.

Barcelona have Luis Suárez and Paco Alcácer in the forward spots, and with Antoine Griezmann possibly coming in from Atlético Madrid during the summer, there may be no place for Munir.

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