Lenglet: Break has been good for Messi & Griezmann

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The champions return on June 13 at Real Mallorca

Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet says the break from football has been a big help to stars such as Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.

The Catalan giants are preparing to return to action on June 13 against Real Mallorca, and Lenglet feels the two forwards will be refreshed from a rare time out.

“We are fine, we have had many weeks without being able to train normally, but we have been able to train at home. We have not had many vacations in recent years.

“This break has been good for us to work, and we have had more time to recover or rest. Players like Leo Messi or Antoine Griezmann never have vacations, between World Cups, Euro Cups or the Copa América ... This break has been especially good for them so they can rest.”

Source | Partidazo de Movistar

Messi looked particularly hungry in training last week, while reports in the Spanish press have described the Barcelona attackers as being in great shape and “like motorbikes.”

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3ewv5pE

Read More

Ronaldo Nazario: Of course Lionel Messi is No. 1

Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images

The Brazilian has been talking GOATs

Ronaldo Nazario has been asked for his opinion about the best players in the world currently and made it clear that Lionel Messi is his top choice.

Of course the Brazilian knows a thing or two about being a world-beater. He enjoyed a glittering career winning a host of trophies for club and country.

Ronaldo also remains the youngest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or, scooping the prize as a 21-year-old in 1996.

Messi picked up the award for a record sixth time in December, and Ronaldo thinks we’ll have to wait a long time to see a player of the Argentine’s quality again.

“Messi, of course. He is number one, he is a talent that will take 20 or 30 years to see something similar.

“I also like Salah, Hazard, Neymar, I love watching him play, and of course Mbappé.”

Source | AS

Ronaldo also spoke about comparisons between himself and Mbappe and said: “We have similar things, but I never liked comparisons, especially between players of different generations, because the situations are different.”

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2Xj89V1

Read More

Barcelona to restart at Real Mallorca on June 13

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Time to get excited....

Barcelona will finally return to La Liga action on June 13 at 10pm CET at Real Mallorca and will follow that up with a home game against Leganes on Tuesday, June 16 at 10pm CET.

@LaLigaEN is back!

Barça will play on June 13 against Mallorca

— FC Barcelona (from ) (@FCBarcelona) May 31, 2020

La Liga have confirmed the dates of the first two rounds of fixtures as top-flight football in Spain returns after a near three-month suspension.

And here they are...

Kick-off times (CET) for Matchday 28 of #LaLigaSantander 2019/20. ⏰⚽️

#BackToWin pic.twitter.com/5iGvR6BQ6j

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) May 31, 2020

Kick-off times (CET) for Matchday 29 of #LaLigaSantander 2019/20. ⏰⚽️

#BackToWin pic.twitter.com/CHHDhuxYpg

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) May 31, 2020

Barcelona will resume top of the table as they seek to successfully defend their title. All teams still have 11 games left to play.

The Catalan giants have already played both teams this season and emerged victorious.

Barca beat Real Mallorca 5-2 at Camp Nou in December with Lionel Messi grabbing a hat-trick, while Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann were also on target.

The champions had to come from behind to overcome Leganes 2-1 in November in La Liga but hammered Los Peperinos 5-0 in the Copa del Rey in January.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2zN5SbU

Read More

Messi thinks football ‘will never be the same’ after Covid-19

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The Barcelona captain has offered his thoughts

Lionel Messi has been talking about the coronavirus pandemic and thinks football, and life in general, will never be quite the same as before.

The Barcelona captain is preparing for a return to La Liga action after a break of nearly three months because of the virus.

Messi knows it has been a tough time for many across the world and offered some insight into his thoughts on recent events.

“I don’t think football, like life in general, will be the same,” he said. “Nearly all of us have the doubt about how the world will be after everything that has happened.

“Beyond the lockdown and the situation that caught us by surprise, many people have had a really bad time because the situation has affected them in some way, like with those that lost friends and family without even being able to say goodbye.

“I think there have been many negatives in this crisis, but there cannot be anything worse than losing the people you love the most, that frustrates me hugely and seems unfair on everyone.”

Source | El País Semanal

La Liga will return on June 11 with games played behind closed doors for the foreseeable future. Messi has said previously playing in empty stadiums is “spooky,” while president Javier Tebas has said supporters could be offered the choice of virtual crowd noise during matches.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2XPY0hE

Read More

Papers: Barca’s new plans for Lautaro and Pjanic

Photo by Andrea Staccioli/LightRocket via Getty Images

A look at the top headlines

Barcelona’s summer transfer plans continue to be front page news on Sunday with Mundo Deportivo bringing a fresh update on their swap plans with Juventus and Inter Milan.

The Catalan giants remain committed to bringing in Lautaro Martinez and Miralem Pjanic, but their financial situation means they will have to include players in the deals.

MD reckon that Junior Firpo is the most likely player to be included in the Lautaro transfer and would be pretty keen on a move to the San Siro.

The Pjanic deal is a bit more complicated because of Arthur’s refusal to leave. Juve aren’t too interested in Nelson Semedo but they do like Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele.

Juve are also keen on Barca’s youngsters Carles Alena, Riqui Puig, Pedri, Trincao and even Ilaix Moriba, although the Catalans will refuse to allow Ansu Fati to leave.

The report reckons the most likely to join Juve currently is Alena, but it seems that negotiations between the two clubs still have a long way to go.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2zLxDS9

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 31 May 2020

Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Starting next week, full group training - FC Barcelona
The league has informed the clubs of access to phase 4, including full group training sessions and where the use of changing rooms is allowed.

Last session of the week - FC Barcelona
The players worked out this Saturday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper

Vidal: 'There are 11 finals left' - FC Barcelona
The Chilean midfielder noted that 'it has been an incredible joy to return to training and the team is doing very well'

Thiago considered Barça return but will commit to Bayern - SPORT
Thiago Alcántara planned a return to FC Barcelona or the Spanish league in recent weeks. According to Bild, the midfielder asked Bayern Munich for time when they offered him a new contract and, during that time, he spoke with his family about returning home. However, the German club's sporting project ended up convincing him and he's close to renewing his terms with the Bundesliga leaders.

LaLiga could start with stadiums 30 percent full in September - SPORT
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has said the plan is for the 2020-21 season to start on Sept. 12 and it's now been revealed the objective is to allow some fans, gradually, back into stadiums when the new campaign kicks off.

Tottenham are prepared to pay Coutinho's Barça salary - SPORT
The Brazilian didn't pass his exam at Camp Nou and has also come up short in Germany, where he's on loan at Bayern Munich, so a return to England, where he was a success, seems the most likely option.

Monchu suffers thigh injury - MARCA
Barcelona youngster Monchu has suffered a thigh injury, which comes as a blow for the youngster who had been training with the first team.

Barcelona not backing down over Lautaro signing - MARCA
Barcelona are remaining calm after negative comments coming out of Inter regarding the transfer of Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine is one of the Blaugrana's top targets for the next transfer window, but he has a release clause of 111 million euros.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2TUAxea

Read More

The build-up story: How Barca have progressed the ball over the years

Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

A look at how Barcelona’s play has evolved

For the longest time, statistics in football were heavily skewed towards end product. Goals and assists were the only tangibles available to the regular viewer of football. Over the past few years, however, the statistical landscape within football has undergone a revolution. Companies such as Opta, Statsbomb and Wyscout have led the charge in this regard, utilising events data to create advanced metrics that shine a light on aspects of the game that are easy to miss otherwise. Metrics such as xG, xA, key passes, etc have as a consequence become a part of common football discourse and occupy an important space in player analysis.

With the availability of these metrics, analysts have attempted to find ways to reward deeper players for their contributions to earlier parts of play. Enter xGBuildup; as the name suggests, this metric rewards players by tracing xG back to the first link in that chain of possession and dividing the end xG value equitably. In other words, xGBuildup is the total xG a player is involved in minus shots and key passes. Sounds confusing? Well, just a minute. When put into action, the metric begins to make a lot more sense. “Contextualise”, as they say.

Here’s a look at Barça’s xGBuildup distribution in 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2019/20.

2014/15

2015/16

Here, you can clearly see the playmakers stand out. Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta expectedly, but Mascherano, Alba and Alves too. This statistic helps map out a team’s build-up patterns. For instance, Barça became more reliant on the full-backs for ball-progression in 15/16 as compared to the previous season. Moreover, Neymar’s heightened deep contributions in 15/16 really stand out in this map.

In both graphics, Barça’s xGBuildup distribution isn’t too lopsided. That indicates a well-rounded arsenal in terms of build-up options. A quick look at the 2019/20 graphic indicates that things have changed.

Barça’s xGBuildup distribution, 19/20.

Here, things look slightly more grim. Most of Barça’s xGBuildup is split between Busquets and Alba, who are the focal points of ball progression. Arthur and de Jong don’t rank very highly here, which is in line with the way they’ve been deployed. In contrast to his role at Ajax, Frenkie has not been in charge of progression at Barcelona and has instead been played in a variety of more advanced roles. Arthur too has been taking up higher positions on the field than he did last season. Consequently, his xGBuildup per 90 has come down to 0.4 from 0.65.

Currently, Barça are dealing with a rapidly declining full-back and one who is inept in the opposite half. Therefore their progression through wider channels has been massively curtailed. This leads to balance problems, especially since Barça practically play with three central attackers. This is an area that needs work.

So, xGBuildup. As a stat it has several upsides. However it is lacking in some ways. For one, it merely divides the xG equally between all those involved beforehand instead of weighing specific contributions differently. For instance, a pass by Busquets may have carried more value to the run of play than an earlier one by Lenglet yet the xGBuildup model would reward them equally. This is why other metrics such as xT (expected threat) are being developed. They seek to proportionally reward players for their contribution to build-up.

In all, statistics tend to be somewhat divisive in the football world. Critics point to the fact that they take away pleasure from the game and reduce it to numbers. Perhaps a better way to look at them is as an enhancement to that very viewing experience, a method of solidifying opinion, of ascertaining and challenging one’s own beliefs. After all, credible statistics are seldom misleading.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2AjRYhj

Read More

Vidal ready for ‘11 finals’ when La Liga returns

Photo by Eric Alonso/MB Media/Getty Images

The midfielder is thrilled to be back

Arturo Vidal has been talking about Barcelona’s return to La Liga action and how the team are facing ‘11 finals’ when they get back out on the pitch.

The defending champions will resume two points clear of the rest with 11 games left to play, and Vidal thinks it’s going to be an intense end to the season.

Vidal also spoke about the importance of Luis Suarez coming back from injury to feature in the run-in.

“These 11 games are going to be 11 finals, we are all clear about that, and that they will be very difficult. We have to trust ourselves, we have to think about winning and also doing it in the best way.

“For us it is very important that Luis and the other injured players recover, because it will be two intense months with many games to play in a short space of time. We need to be at 100% for the two competitions we have left.”

“I know the players are all well and have a great desire to win. We have all come back to training in very good physical condition, having prepared at home. We can’t all be together yet, but hopefully soon.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Suarez’s last appearance was in the Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid in January which led to Ernesto Valverde’s departure. However, he’s still in third place in the Pichichi standings, behind Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, with 11 La Liga goals.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2ZNrVd8

Read More

Rumors: Ousmane Dembele, Fabian Ruiz and Arthur latest

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

A look at the top gossip

Ousmane Dembele is Liverpool’s Plan B

Today’s rumors start with news that Liverpool will turn to Ousmane Dembele if they miss out on top target Timo Werner.

Mundo Deportivo report that manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the French forward and wanted to sign him before he moved to Barcelona from Dortmund.

Quique Setien is said to like Dembele but he could be deemed surplus to requirements given Trincao and Pedri will add to Barca’s attacking options this summer.

Barca will go for Fabian if Pjanic doesn’t arrive

Sticking with MD who are also reporting that Barcelona will move for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz if they fail in their efforts to land Miralem Pjanic.

The Serie A side are said to be expecting offers from Barca and Real Madrid and want €60 million for the 24-year-old.

Barcelona have already been in touch about a move, while contact has stopped for now they will look to reignite their interest if the Pjanic deal falls through.

Arthur future still uncertain

Over at AS the word is that Arthur’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain despite the Brazilian making it crystal clear he really does not want to leave.

The report quotes a club source as saying “we are not ruling anything out. We’ll see what he thinks in the summer.”

AS reckon Arthur has a pretty cold relationship with Barcelona and report the club feel he’s “stuttered too many times to be a success.”

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3gBSBn9

Read More

Todibo struggles as Schalke are beaten again

Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

His had a role in Werder Bremen’s winner

Jean-Clair Todibo had a tough afternoon on Saturday as Schalke were beaten 1-0 at home to Werder Bremen.

The Frenchman was forced off with injury last weekend but did recover in time to go straight back into the starting XI.

However, it was a game he won’t remember with too much fondness. The defender was caught in possession on the halfway line which led to Bremen scoring the winner.

Todibo had brought the ball out of defence but was dispossessed far too easily by Davy Klaassen.

Werder went on to break quickly, leading to Leonardo Bittencourt smashing a brilliant effort into the top corner.

Leonardo Bittencourt, that is special

A massive goal for Werder Bremen's battle to avoid the drop!

Schalke are in free fall... pic.twitter.com/bT4wFpWdAh

— Ja! Watch the Bundesliga live on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 30, 2020

The Barcelona loanee had already been booked for a poor challenge on Joshua Sargent, and his afternoon was over at half-time when he was subbed by manager David Wagner.

On a slightly more positive note, Juan Miranda was handed just his third Bundesliga start, and his first in 2020, for Schalke and put in a pretty good display.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2McN5t7

Read More

Getting to Know: Nelson Semedo

Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

A look into Semedo’s career

Full name: Nélson Cabral Semedo
Squad No: 2
Position: Right-Back
Date of birth: 16 November 1993
Place of birth: Lisbon, Portugal
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight: 67 kg (148 lbs)

Club career

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Nelson Semedo started playing organized football roughly 30 minutes north-west of his hometown, in Sintra, with Sport União Sintrense. Impressive through his youth journey, Semedo made his professional debut in 2011, aged 17, in the Terceira Divisão. Not only did the youngster shine in his early season appearances, he showed enough to stick with the team, making 26 appearances and scoring an impressive five goals.

That was enough for Portuguese powerhouse Benfica to come calling, and Semedo joined the club on a free transfer. He was quickly loaned out to Fátima, in the Segunda Divisão. The right back missed just a single game, suiting up 29 times in the third level of Portuguese football. Even though his scoring touch didn’t translate to the higher league, the youngster did enough to earn a spot with Benfica B for the 2013-14 season. He made his debut in the Segunda Liga on 10 August 2013. After an up-and-down first season, Semedo took a big step in the right direction in his development the next year, putting himself on the radar of the first team.

Semedo started the 2015-16 season as the first choice right back for the Benfica senior side. But after an impressive start to the campaign, Semedo suffered a knee injury that required surgery, leaving him sidelined for three months. The injury put a big dent in the right-back’s development, and he wasn’t the same player after completing the recovery. His playing time with the team dropped, as did his form, leading to a demotion to the B team to end the season. After finish the year with the reserve side, Semedo closed his account with Benfica B at 63 appearances, five goals and nine assists.

Starting the 2016-17 campaign fresh, Semedo reasserted himself as the first-choice right back, and the results were impressive. Playing exclusively at right-back, he put together a very strong season and put himself on the map of bigger clubs, playing over 4200 minutes, missing just a handful of games the entire season. Semedo really put it all together, and as a result Barcelona came calling and a transfer of €35.7 million (+ incentives) was agreed - after 65 games played, three goals and twelve assists for Benfica.

Semedo arrived in Barcelona to fill large shoes that had been left unfilled since Dani Alves’ departure. Whether it was the pressure, mismanagement from the manager, or some misfortune with untimely injuries, but the right-back’s career in Catalonia never really kicked off. There had been glimpses of a bright future since his Blaugrana debut on 16 August 2017 against Real Madrid, but the consistency has been lacking. 111 times has Semedo donned the Blaugrana colors, scoring a goal and adding ten assists, but his time in Catalonia might be running out if he can’t impress ‎Quique Setién.

International career

About a month before his 22nd birthday, Semedo was called up by the national side to start in a Euro Qualifier against Serbia on 11 October 2015. It was supposed to mark the start of a bright international career, but over two of the next four seasons, Semedo didn’t make a single appearance for Portugal. Still, including his winning debut performance in 2015, Semedo made 13 appearances for the senior side, but hasn’t been officially credited with an assist or a goal.

Profile

Semedo is a speedy right back with some versatility as he is capable of playing on the left side, though he is much more comfortable on the right, which plays to his stronger foot. Semedo is very comfortable in attack and is capable of swinging a good ball into the danger area, but accuracy and decision making have been known to be an issue, though he can provide good play-making with his strong short passing game. Defensively he is positionally sound, but can get caught out on the counter attack. Defending one-on-ones is also not his strong point.

Honors

Benfica

· Primeria Liga (2): 2015-16, 2016-17

· Taça de Portugal (1): 2016-17

· Taça da Liga (1): 2015-16

· Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (1): 2016

Barcelona

· La Liga (2): 2017-18, 2018-19

· Copa del Rey (1): 2017-18

· Supercopa de España (1): 2018

Portugal

· UEFA Nations League (1): 2018-19

Individual

· LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year (1): 2016-17

· UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI (1): 2017

Contract Status

The Portugal international has a contract agreement with Barcelona until 30 June 2022, with a buyout clause of €100 million written in.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2AsBCTt

Read More

Barcelona to return to full training on Monday

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

Another step closer...

Barcelona will return to full training on Monday as they continue to step up their preparations for La Liga’s return.

The team have been training in two groups this week but will be allowed to mix altogether for the first team next week.

Here’s Barca’s statement:

“Following the publication of the BOE this Saturday, the league has reported that, from this Monday, June 1, the teams will return to training in phase 4. In this phase, training with the whole group is allowed, whereas up until now, training has been in two groups of up to 14 players.

“Also, the league has reported that from Monday the use of dressing rooms is allowed. The corresponding prevention, protection and hygiene measures established by the health authorities must continue to be complied with, as well as the disinfection and periodic cleaning of the facilities.”

Source | FC Barcelona

It’s already been confirmed that La Liga will resume on June 11 with Real Betis vs Sevilla, although there’s been no confirmation yet of when Barcelona’s first game back will be.

It’s been rumored they could play Real Mallorca on June 14, but we should get more details on the fixture list next week.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/36IeOeN

Read More

More transfer window woe ahead for Barcelona?

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

Things aren’t looking great already

With the return of La Liga on the horizon, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Football will indeed be back soon. Thank goodness!

Barcelona are sitting pretty atop the table, and seeing just how hungry the players appear in training bodes well for the final 11 league games as well as those in the Champions League.

Domestically, in little over a month’s time, it will all be over until September, all being well, and during the hiatus will come, quite possibly, the strangest recent summer transfer window we’ve known.

And therein lies a potential issue for Josep Maria Bartomeu and Co.

We’ve performed badly even when the goalposts hadn’t been shifted, but thanks to Covid-19, our backs are already against the wall.

To summarise what we know already...

Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Inter via Getty Images

Inter Milan are insisting that we pay the full €111m release clause for Lautaro Martinez. Barca simply don’t have the money, hence the fire sale of just about anyone who will generate enough cash to make this purchase a possibility.

Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal will have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of the club.

Neither has any intention of leaving, and why would they when the money they’ll get elsewhere won’t be anywhere near as favourable as the terms they enjoy at the Camp Nou.

The basic upshot of neither being moved on is that’s two squad places taken in midfield already, stifling the promotion of Puig et al. Not to mention the financial outlay.

Arthur Melo has no intention of playing ball either, and I pray that the club don’t exert so much pressure on him that in the end, the Brazilian decides that he’s better off elsewhere. He is integral to the immediate and long-term future of this team.

Photo by UEFA - Handout/UEFA via Getty Images

Neymar... where do we even start?!

It seems abundantly clear that the senior members of the first-team squad want to get the band back together.

Potentially, he’s the game changer to put Barcelona back on the European map again, however, the money simply isn’t there.

Bartomeu going all-in to try and curry favour amongst Messi, Pique, Suarez and cules generally, for one last hurrah is, frankly, pathetic.

With Espai Barca, supposed to have been finished shortly, also eating in funds, these next few years are critical for the club.

We cannot jeopardise or gamble the future of our great institution on another disastrous transfer window, purely for silverware’s sake.

Any right-minded Barca supporter would surely forego short-term success for longer-term benefit.

This next few months really is a disaster waiting to happen...

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3cgdNM5

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 30 May 2020

Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Back to work at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
Quique Setién's men returned to training on Friday after a rest day on Thursday with a session on pitches 2 and 3 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper as preparations continue for the return to competition.

Ronald Koeman: I realise I'm lucky after heart scare - SPORT
The coach had a heart attack but is in good shape after the incident

Luis Suarez is over his injury and good to go - SPORT
Not a lot of images get out of the Barcelona training ground these days, but one of them is a game of seven against seven. Suarez receives the ball with his back to goal, he turns, he looks at Neto and with the outside of his boot he finishes. Goal. The Brazilian looks at the floor. The rest of his team-mates applaud. Suarez is back!

Barca preparing a 15,000 shirt mosaic for Atletico clash - SPORT
The club are reopening their museum too from June 8

Frenkie de Jong working on signing De Ligt for Barca - SPORT
Frenkie De Jong is working on bringing his friend Matthijs de Ligt to Barcelona one day. The duo were part of the great Ajax team that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Setien: Having five substitutes will harm Barcelona, we often win games late on - MARCA
Quique Setien believes the updated laws concerning substitutes will have a negative impact on Barcelona. LaLiga Santander clubs will be able to use five substitutes per match when the season resumes in order to reduce the strain on players' fitness.

Barcelona: Tata Martino: My year at Barcelona was the worst of my career - MARCA
Gerardo 'Tata' Martino doesn't have fond memories of his year in charge of Barcelona. The current boss of the Mexican national team spent the 2013/14 season as the Blaugrana head coach, winning just the Supercopa de Espana.

Messi's back! La Liga to restart on June 11 - ESPN
La Liga will restart on June 11, Spain's National Sports Council (CSD) has confirmed, three months after the coronavirus pandemic forced its suspension. The announcement comes after Spain's government authorised the return of competitive sport in the country beginning June 8.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2TR3gkb

Read More

Papers: Barca’s Pjanic deal in danger

Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

A look at the top headlines

Barcelona’s move for Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic is once again headline news on Saturday, with the latest report claiming the deal is in danger.

Sport report that Arthur’s refusal to go to Juve has really slowed the transfer down and allowed Paris Saint-Germain to decide they want a piece of the action.

The problem seems to be that Juventus don’t really want any of the other players Barca are offering which means the Catalans might have to try and change Arthur’s mind.

Pjanic is still really keen on moving to the Camp Nou, while Juve are happy for him to leave and fancy bringing in Jorginho, a favourite of Maurizio Sarri.

Yet Pjanic doesn’t want to go to England and instead is being tipped to head to PSG, particularly if Massimiliano Allegri replaces Thomas Tuchel at the helm.

Allegri was able to get the best out of Pjanic at Juve, and the midfielder would be happy to play for his old boss again.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3evrYyg

Read More

Setien explains why new substitutes rule could hurt Barca

Photo by Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images

Teams will be allowed to make five changes

Barcelona manager Quique Setien has been talking about the return of La Liga and the new rule that will allow teams to make up to five substitutions per match.

FIFA have accepted a proposal from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to use five subs in competitions. The rule is temporary and aims to protect players’ welfare.

The Barcelona coach does not appear to be a big fan of the rule and thinks it could end up hurting his team during the run-in.

Here’s what he’s had to say:

“Five substitutions per team? I do not know if it will harm us or benefit us. I think it will harm us, because of our way of playing.

“We know that many games we will resolve in the final minutes. If you give an opponent the option of fresh players coming out in that time, the weakness that is generated with tired players will not occur.”

Source | Sport

Setien also said that Barcelona would have liked a bit more time before restarting the 2019-20 campaign, although he did admit the players were feeling refreshing after their lengthy lay-off.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3ck8KKu

Read More

Inter Milan ‘not working to sign’ Vidal, says sporting director

Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Vidal has been linked with a move to Italy to play for Antonio Conte, but it looks as though Inter are not interested

Barcelona are in for a busy summer fo transfer activity if all the rumors are to be believed, and one of the players constantly linked with a move away from Camp Nou is midfielder Arturo Vidal, who appears to be on the list of first team stars Barça really want to sell after the end of this season.

Vidal has been strongly linked with a return to Italy, with his former club Juventus at the top of the list along with Inter Milan, but the Nerazzurri don’t seem to be that interested. At least that’s what their sporting director, Piero Ausilio, told Italian TV this week.

Ausilio discussed the Lautaro Martínez rumors at length, but he also took some time to address the Vidal rumors:

Ausilio - Inter sport director - to @SkySport: “If Barça contacted Lautaro... they know they must pay his release clause or he’ll not leave Inter. We didn’t spoke with Lautaro about Barça because we want to keep him.

Arturo Vidal? We’re not working to get him”. #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2020

“We’re not working to get him” is as clear as it gets. Selling Vidal will not be easy due to his age and salary, and the Chilean himself has said he’s happy and comfortable at Barça and does not plan to move away. Looks like King Arturo is sticking around for one more year.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/36GZuim

Read More

Ansu misses training with knee trouble

Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images

The youngster has felt some discomfort

Ansu Fati sat out training Friday due to a knee issue which has reportedly been bothering him for the last few days.

The 17-year-old has instead been doing “specific work” after feeling discomfort in his knee, something that happened earlier in the season too, according to ESPN.

It’s not clear yet if it’s a serious problem, although Marca report that manager Quique Setien is being cautious and does not want to risk making the problem worse.

AS are also reporting the injury and reckon he’s been in the gym all week but could be back with the rest of the team next week.

Barcelona are currently training in two groups, as per La Liga protocols, and will be back again on Saturday morning for the last session of the week.

The club are gearing up for a return to action in early June. La Liga confirmed on Friday the season will start on June 11 when Real Betis take on Sevilla.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3ewDVnh

Read More

Costacurta: I played against Messi and Maradona, and Messi is the more exciting player

Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images for Lega Serie A

The former Italy and Milan defender admitted Messi ran rings around him even at 16

Alessandro Costacurta, a legendary defender for Italy and AC Milan, has spoken about being one of the few players to face both Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

“I have been lucky to play against both Messi and Diego,” Costacurta was quoted as saying.

The defender won the UEFA Champions League / European Cup five times, and was a FIFA World Cup runner up once.

He admitted that Maradona played at a time when defenders could get away with more.

“Maradona could be fouled 66 times before [the opposition player would be] warned,” he said.

“With Leo it is different, it is something else now.”

However, Costacurta said that it was Messi who was the more exciting player.

“They are similar in genius terms and in the way they express themselves on the pitch, but Messi is cooler than Maradona.” he said.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3guOMQF

Read More

Suarez feeling ‘really happy’ ahead of Barcelona return

Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

The striker’s made a quick return from injury

Luis Suarez has been making waves as of late. Seeing him back in training, looking healthy, has been a sight for tired Barca fan eyes.

The return of La Liga next month, combined with a Suarez return, is going to be a lovely sight. A Barcelona attack back and healthy will be highlighted by the Uruguayan, and he’s feeling good.

“It’s been a very rare situation but we’re taking it on well with Juanjo (Barca fitness coach) and working from home via mobile, with the exercises he sends me and on video call. I’m really happy,” he said. “At first I did some days with Juanjo and then bit by bit I got back into the group. Now I have been working for a few days with the group.”

”In part the coronavirus helped me gain time in my recovery, I will be able to play in games in which I wasn’t able to play, I’m very happy for that but there’s the negative side too with the situation that many people are living in today.”

Suarez | Source

Suarez is expected to be passed fit in time for Barcelona’s first game back, away at Real Mallorca.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2ZOMRAr

Read More

Inter reportedly keen on Clement Lenglet

Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The Barcelona defender has emerged as a target

Inter Milan are reportedly interested in Clement Lenglet. The Italian side has been peeking around multiple Barcelona players as the two sides attempt to get a Lautaro Martinez transfer done.

The biggest thing for Inter has been to be able to sell a top player like Lautaro and still remain a contender. What that has meant in the transfer discussions has been a player plus cash deal. There have been plenty of players included in rumored transfers with the two clubs. Including Arturo Vidal, Nelson Semedo, and Philippe Coutinho.

It really doesn’t seem clear what players will go in return for Lautaro. If I had to guess now what the total package would be for Lautaro, I wouldn’t

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3dgUZxo

Read More

BB podcast: La Liga’s return and Neymar rumors

Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

All the latest Barcelona chat

This week on the Barca Blaugranes podcast, I discuss the return of La Liga and what it means to play every three days. Then I discuss the Neymar guy because why not, then talk about Juventus, Lautaro Martinez, and more. And yes, I realize I said Premier League instead of La Liga twice. We’re all a bit rusty.

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more here.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3cggVrl

Read More

Javier Tebas planning to start next season on September 12

Photo by Irina R. H. / AFP7 / Europa Press Sports via Getty Images

The president has given an update

La Liga president Javier Tebas has been talking about the future once again and says he is planning for next season to start on September 12.

Teams are currently preparing for the resumption of the 2019-20 campaign in June, and Tebas also offered a bit more detail on how things are looking.

“We’ll restart, if God allows, on June 11,” he said.

“We’re hoping that Madrid and Barcelona pass into Phase Two [of the lockdown de-escalation plan], which is where we can play.

“There are more than 130 people at LaLiga working so that everything can be done in a new way. Travel, organisation, everything.

“We’re prepared and the important thing will be the day we finish the league. We’ll start next season on September 12.”

Source | Marca

Reports have suggested Barca’s first game back could be on June 14. The defending champions will return to action away at Real Mallorca.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3gvFgwy

Read More

Barca forwards looking sharp ahead of La Liga return

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The players are said to be in great shape already

Barcelona’s attackers are reportedly looking in top form in training ahead of next month’s return to La Liga action.

Mundo Deportivo describes them as looking like ‘motorbikes’ and has Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez plasted all over the front page on Friday.

The Catalan daily brings a report from the training ground and says Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Ansu Fati and Suarez have all been impressing.

Messi is said to have “fresh legs and fine aim” and has already shown us what he can do with a brilliant effort that went viral.

Football isn't ready. pic.twitter.com/4nmNnqJErr

— FC Barcelona (from ) (@FCBarcelona) May 26, 2020

Suarez has also shown he’s looking in fine shape by finishing off a neat move with a pretty impressive strike.

Una caricia al estilo del Barcelona, a puro toque, con el broche de oro de Lucho Suárez. Tres dedos y... ¡GOLAZO! pic.twitter.com/U1jEjIxqWA

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) May 27, 2020

Meanwhile, MD bring news that Griezmann has lost weight and gained muscle mass over the last few months. Ansu and Martin Braithwaite are also said to be looking good with Barcelona only a few weeks away now from getting back out on to the pitch.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3etS98p

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 29 May 2020

Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Barcelona keen on Miralem Pjanic and refuse to give up on Lautaro Martínez | Guardian

Barcelona are refusing to give up on signing Lautaro Martinez even though they have been told they must pay his buyout clause. They also want Miralem Pjanic still too.

Jordi Alba: Without fans, lots of things are going to change | Marca

Jordi Alba has been talking about how different football will be without fans. La Liga is set to resume next months after almost three months.

Barcelona want to create mosaic for Atlético Madrid game | AS

Barcelona want to sell 15,000 jerseys and create a mosaic for their clash against Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou which will be played behind closed doors.

Victor Valdes to become head coach of Unio Atletica d’Horta | Marca

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is set to become the head coach of Unio Atletica d’Horta. The club are in the fourth tier of Spanish football.

Barcelona to cut scouting department in half as part of major restructuring - sources | ESPN

Barcelona will cut the club’s scouting department in half as part of a major restructure. Only about 15-20 of the 40 jobs currently in place are expected to remain.

“My year at Barça was the worst of my career” | Mundo Deportivo

Tata Martinez has been talking about his brief spell in charge of Barcelona and says it was the worst time of his career.

André Gomes: “Being at Barça was the peak of my career” | Sport

Former Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes says his time at the Camp Nou was the peak of his career so far. He said: “Playing with all those players gave me lessons that I take with me for the future.”

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2TQ1Jus

Read More

Messi tipped to take a Xavi role at Barca in the future

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

The skipper has the intelligence to drop deeper

Lionel Messi could end up playing a role similar to that of Xavi in the future at Barcelona, according to Pep Guardiola’s former assistant Domenec Torrent.

The GOAT is heading towards the end of his career and turns 33 next month, although Xavi has said he reckons his former team-mate still has “five or seven very good years left.”

Torrent has been talking about Messi and thinks he has the intelligence to play in a deeper role at the Camp Nou and succeed.

“He’s a very intelligent player. Often, he drops deep to receive the ball. In a few years, he could play like Xavi if he wanted to. He doesn’t lose the ball, he gives assists, he has taken care of his body throughout his career...

“If he plays in a deeper position when he logically starts losing pace, he could play as a central midfielder or wherever he wants to and he would do well.”

Source | Ole

Messi and Barcelona are preparing to return to La Liga action next month. Barcelona will resume top of the table, while Messi tops the goals and assists charts in Spain in 2019-20.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2ZJXncd

Read More

Lionel Messi: “We will return to the pitch, and give it everything”

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

Messi stars in new Gatorade ad

Lionel Messi has just posted a defiant message on his Instagram account as part of a Gatorade ad which promotes the return of sports after football took a pause once the outbreak of coronavirus shook the world.

“Let’s take the opportunity to continue training, to refuel, to continue striving, and give our best. We will return to the pitch, and give it everything,” Messi wrote.

His message is part of the popular sports drink’s #MakeDaysCount campaign, which included a linked video of Messi playing and training, with a voice over saying he would return to the pitch stronger and more motivated than ever.

View this post on Instagram

Seguimos entrenando, para recargarnos, para seguir esforzándonos y dar lo mejor. Volveremos a la cancha a dejarlo todo. #HazQueLosDíasCuenten Let's take the opportunity to continue training, to refuel, to continue striving, and give our best. We will return to the pitch, and give it everything. #MakeDaysCount

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on May 28, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3c9oZKt

Read More

Juve ask for Dembele and Vidal, say no to Todibo - report

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Talks between the two clubs continue

Barcelona remain keen on bringing Miralem Pjanic to the Camp Nou, despite Arthur’s refusal to move the other way, and remain in negotiations with Juventus over a possible swap deal.

According to RAC1, Barca would like Mattia De Sciglio as well as Pjanic, while the Serie A champions have asked about Ousmane Dembele and Arturo Vidal.

Barcelona did offer defender Jean-Clair Todibo to Juve instead of, Vidal but Juventus turned down the chance to bring in the Frenchman who is currently on loan at Schalke.

Vidal may take some convincing to make the switch too. He’s said recently he’s “very happy and wants to continue” at the Camp Nou despite rumors over his future.

Todibo has also attracted interest from Premier League club Everton, while the defender has said he could see himself staying at Schalke for a while longer.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2yM5jyC

Read More

Neymar starting to force PSG exit - report

Photo by UEFA - Handout/UEFA via Getty Images

The player’s refusal to lower his salary would be seen as a sign he’s hoping to leave

Neymar is refusing to accept a salary cut related to the coronavirus crisis, in a move that some say is the beginning of an exit for the Brazilian, according to a new report.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi reportedly has asked for a 70% salary reduction, which is said to be supported by the likes of Kylian Mbappé. But others, such as Neymar, Thiago Silva, Edinson Cavani, Juan Bernat, and Ander Herrera are rumored to be opposed.

Neymar’s refusal to accept the terms, it is said, is a signal that he’s ready to pack his bags and try to force a move back to Barcelona.

The player was close to joining his old club last summer, although PSG and Barcelona failed to come to an agreement.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/36FxQm3

Read More

“Market Clásico“ as Barcelona and Real Madrid set to battle for Fabián Ruiz

Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Napoli midfielder is a hot commodity

El Clásico is heating up, but in the transfer market - as Barcelona and Real Madrid are both in for Napoli’s Fabián Ruiz, according to rumor.

While the transfer saga was put on hold after the coronavirus crisis hit the football world, it seems things are back on now. And the report claims Napoli are well aware the two La Liga giants will be doing battle for the midfielder.

Both clubs will open up their wallets and try to pry him from club president Aurelio de Laurentiis’s hands. Ruiz has a contract until 2023, and Napoli wants to extend it until 2025 to keep him in Italy for a bit longer.

The player was signed from Real Betis in 2018, where he was given his big break by Barça’s current manager, Quique Setién. Rumor has it that Setién is enthused about reuniting with his former pupil.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2ZL7VrB

Read More

Barca’s future first team must come from La Masia, says director

Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

The club’s director of youth football has had his say

Barcelona’s youth football director Xavi Vilajoana has been talking about the club’s future and wants La Masia to play a leading role.

Vilajoana wants to see more homegrown players making the breakthrough into the starting XI at the Camp Nou and says the club still have a lot of faith in the academy.

“We, at least on my part, have an obsession to improve our players and make them grow here,” he said.

“The incorporations that can be considered are very specific, who can improve what we have here at home, but for us it is key to work with the people from the academy.

“Personally, and on the Board’s part, we believe in [the academy] a lot. Barcelona’s future first team must come from La Masia.”

La Masia is renowned for produced some top talent but has come under scrutiny in recent years with youngsters struggling to make the breakthrough at Barca.

Youngsters Carles Perez and Abel Ruiz both left the club in the winter, while Carles Alena moved on loan in search of game time. Ansu Fati has made a spectacular impact this season, although Riqui Puig has only managed two substitute appearances in La Liga.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3dop1Q9

Read More

WATCH: Luis Suárez scores trademark goal in training

Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

He’s back!

Luis Suárez is back in training after recovering incredibly quickly from knee surgery which originally was thought to put him out of action until the end of the season. His fast recovery, along with the coronavirus crisis putting football on pause, means he is set to miss only a relatively small modest amount of matches.

We went from “out for the season,” to “possibly only able to play the latter stages of the season,” to now, “Suárez is back!”

Watch the Uruguayan strike the ball in training with precision in this clip.

Luis Suárez trademark finish (plus Riqui Puig's little flick) pic.twitter.com/QcvUPK8m0z

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) May 27, 2020

The Uruguayan has not played since the Spanish Supercup loss to Atlético Madrid back in January. Barcelona’s last match was back in March. It is expected La Liga will return next month.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3c5XlxH

Read More

La Liga would be over if Real Madrid were top, says Gaspart

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The competition is set to resume in June

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart says he thinks La Liga would have been marked as complete had Real Madrid been on top. The current La Liga standings see Barcelona up by two points in the table.

“If Madrid had been the league leader before the suspension of football, La Liga would have ended.”

Gaspart | Source

I think this just keeps pouring on the whole “La Liga loves Madrid and shrugs at Barca” sentiment that’s been going around. Granted, there’s history there. However, the last couple weeks between the referees loving Madrid to now Gaspart’s comments are all stirring up “us against the world” sentiment. Which, if that helps Barca fans, go for it.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/36BCd1g

Read More

OTD: Barca serve up UCL masterclass against Man Utd

Photo by Vi-Images/VI-Images via Getty Images

An unforgettable performance at Wembley

Barcelona were busy humiliating Manchester United at Wembley on this day nine years ago to lift the European Cup for the fourth time in their history.

Pep Guardiola’s side put on a masterclass to blow the Red Devils away and seal their place as the champions of Europe.

Xavi slipped Pedro in to fire Barcelona in front just before the half-hour mark, although Wayne Rooney managed to level for United seven minutes later.

Yet Barca ran away with it in the second half. Lionel Messi rifled them back in front with a low shot before David Villa found the top corner from the edge of the box.

Sir Alex Ferguson has since said “no one has given us a hiding like that,” while defender Rio Ferdinand says Messi “took liberties” and left him feeling embarrassed. They’re not wrong.

Time to check out the highlights:

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2AijBam

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 28 May 2020

Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

The first team squad continue their preparations - FC Barcelona
The third week of training continues and on Wednesday Quique Setién's squad went through their paces at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on pitches 2 and 3. The players were divided into two groups, as they have been all week, in accordance with the protocols laid down by the health authorities.

The players using the new Barça masks - FC Barcelona
Two days after they went on sale, the first team players are spotted at the Ciutat Esportiva wearing the new protective masks

Messi: 'When we play again, it will be like starting over' - FC Barcelona
Leo Messi gave an interview to Adidas' website this week, answering questions about how he has spent the lockdown in Spain and what he expects from the return to action.

Iniesta: 'The final in Rome was one of my best games' - FC Barcelona
The former Barça captain looks back at the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United in an interview with UEFA.com

Juve go all out for Arthur but the Brazilian resists their advances - SPORT
Negotiations between Barcelona and Juventus over an exchange deal have reached a key moment. The Italian side have gone all out for Arthur Melo, putting pressure on him even though his intention is to stay at Camp Nou.

'Braithwaite more a Barca type of player than many believe' - SPORT
Michael Pedersen has warned against writing Barcelona's Martin Braithwaite off as LaLiga prepares to restart next month from a three-month stoppage due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Barcelona declare teenage star Ansu Fati 'not for sale' - SPORT
Barcelona want to kill the debate on Ansu Fati before it started and have made it clear to his people that they will not listen to any offers for the winger -- not to leave on loan or be sold.

LIVE Transfer Talk: Arsenal want Dembele in Aubameyang deal - ESPN
Arsenal have been linked with a host of players in recent days including Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho and Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser. But, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, they are willing to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in order to land Ousmane Dembele.

Premier League clubs battle for Barcelona's Coutinho - Football Espana
Chelsea, Manchester United, Leicester City Arsenal and Newcastle United are all said to be in the hunt for the Brazilian, as outlined by the front page of Thursday’s edition of El Mundo Deportivo.

Arsenal boss Arteta prioritises Coutinho signing - Football Espana
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona this summer and views him as a ‘fundamental pillar to his project’ at the club.

Barcelona willing to sell Dembele for €50m - Football Espana
Barcelona will consider selling forward Ousmane Dembele should they receive an offer of €50m for his transfer, say El Mundo Deportivo.

Arturo Vidal rejected Chelsea transfer multiple times - Football Espana
Current Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal rejected the opportunity to join Chelsea multiple times when Antonio Conte was Blues boss. The details are outlined in the Chilean version of Diario AS, which makes the claims in relation to Inter – now coached by Conte – being interested in signing the central midfielder.

Everton lead the chase for Barcelona defender Todibo - Football Espana
It appears increasingly likely that Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo will join Everton this summer, according to reports. Diario Sport draw upon reports in Britain and from Sky Sports in Germany that the central defender is now closer to Everton than others who are interested in his signature.

Barcelona: Newcastle make official Coutinho approach - Football Espana
Philippe Coutinho looks certain to leave Barcelona this summer and Newcastle have already spoken to him regarding a summer move. A report in El Mundo Deportivo outlines how the Magpies have already officially opened negotiations to land the Brazilian from the Blaugrana.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2zDkURs

Read More

Trincao caught the eye from an early age, says Braga coach

Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The youngster will join Barca in the summer

Francisco Trincao’s former coach at Braga, José Carvalho Araújo, has been talking about the youngster who is set to move to Barcelona in the summer after agreeing a deal earlier in the season.

The forward is not too well-known and only turned 20 in December, but Barca were still willing to shell out €31 million to secure his signature.

Araujo says that Trincao caught the eye from a young age with the Portuguese club and offered a bit of insight into what to expect from the youngster.

“Trincão is one of those who we noticed was different from an early age. Now it’s easy to talk, but I trained him in the under-13s (!), And for six years, so I know what I’m saying. He always showed an enormous capacity for work, what set him apart was the way he faced things. For him, playing football is a pleasure, a joy, and that is fundamental. For Trincão, it’s like playing with friends on the street or with Barcelona ...

“Barcelona has always been his goal, so, also knowing his childhood story, it is a huge pride to have contributed to achieved a kid’s dream. I am very happy to have been part of this process and to have helped the club to have a fantastic financial return.”

Source | Maisfutebol

Trincao is due to arrive at Barcelona in July and has a buyout clause of €500m. There have been rumors he could be sent out on loan initially with Real Betis reportedly keen.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2Ba5fcO

Read More

Messi on Copa América postponement: ‘Huge disappointment’

Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Messi was looking forward to playing in his country this summer, but will have to wait at least a year

Lionel Messi is getting ready to return to action with Barcelona for the conclusion of the European season with his club. In a normal 2020, his Barça season would be followed with the Copa América, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the South American Cup to be postponed for next year.

Messi spoke about the issue in an interview this week and revealed he was disappointed to learn he would not play for Argentina this summer, but that is all in the past and the Barça captain is ready to play again.

“Pushing back the Copa America was a huge disappointment, but of course it was to be expected and was the reasonable thing to do. The Copa was going to be a big occasion for me this year, and I was extremely excited to compete in it again. It hit me hard when I learned it would be postponed, but I completely understood.

“We can’t dwell on what we’re leaving behind this year. It’s better to look to the future. To getting back to the daily training routine, to seeing team-mates, to playing the first games. I’m sure it will be strange at first, but I’m very eager to start competing again!”

Source: adidas via Yahoo Sports

If his efforts in training are anything to go by, Messi is in pretty good shape already.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2M4oGpz

Read More

Inter sporting director warns Barça: ‘If you want Lautaro, pay the clause’

Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Inter via Getty Images

The Italians have set the record straight on the never-ending rumors

There’s a new Lautaro Martínez story every day. The Inter Milan striker is Barcelona’s number one target for the upcoming transfer window, and we have one rumor after another with complicated swap deals and dozens of players allegedly being offered by Barça to lower the price and convince Inter.

But the Italian club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, went on TV to set the record straight: the only way Barcelona can sign Lautaro is by paying the full, €111 million release clause in the player’s contract.

“In reality, as far as Martinez is concerned, there is only one road that can take him away from Inter and that is the payment of a clause. It is the only possibility that exists to see Lautaro Martinez away from Inter today.

“We have a friendly and cordial relationship with [Barcelona]. I don’t hide this. And I know that Barcelona knows exactly what our intentions are. Inter have no intention of selling Lautaro Martínez. Then I repeat, there is a clause.”

Source: Gianluca Di Marzio

Because of Barça’s alarming financial situation it is hard to see them finding 111 million euros to pay the clause, and if Inter aren’t willing to do business any other way, we might not see Lautaro at Camp Nou next season.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2ZLbQoe

Read More