Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
The defender looks set to come home
Eric Garcia is moving closer to a Barcelona return after reportedly agreeing personal terms on a five-year deal with his former side.
The 19-year-old looks set to return at the end of the season when his Manchester City contract expires, according to Fabrizio Romano.
There’s still a chance Garcia could arrive in January but Barca would have to agree a fee with City and, given the club’s financial situation, it seems more likely the club will wait.
The move isn’t completely a done deal yet either. Barca’s new president will need to sign off on the transfer after being installed at the end of January.
Yet all the signs point to Garcia being a Barcelona player again come the summer. The youngster has turned down the chance of a contract extension at City and seems keen to return.
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Beware presidential candidates and their promises
Erling Braut Haaland’s agent has hit back at claims from presidential candidate Emili Rousaud that the striker could move to Barcelona.
Rousaud’s adviser, Josep Maria Minguella, said if Rousaud was elected he’d get on the phone to Raiola to complete a deal for Haaland.
Yet Raiola insists he has not been in contact with Rousaud or any other Barcelona presidential candidates.
“It’s fake news. I’ve never spoken with any candidate about Haaland and I won’t. When a new president is elected, they can call me.”
Source | Sport1
It’s not clear how Barcelona would finance a deal for Haaland in any case. The Dortmund striker is one of Europe’s hottest properties after his performances for the Bundesliga side.
Haaland was named the winner of the 2020 Golden Boy Award, finishing ahead of Ansu Fati, and it’s been reported clubs would have to start the bidding at €75m if they wanted to prise the youngster away from Dortmund.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors
Injury update on Philippe Coutinho - FC Barcelona
The tests carried out on the first team player Philippe Coutinho have shown that the midfielder has an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. Treatment will necessitate arthroscopic surgery which will take place in the coming days.
Dembélé on fire in front of goal - FC Barcelona
Despite not having been able to finish the year with a win, one positive to take from the draw against Eibar (1-1) was the return of Dembélé, who came on as a second-half sub.
Getafe president admits interest in Barcelona midfielder - Football Espana
Carles Alena is said to be one of the players set to leave Barcelona this winter transfer market when the window opens on January fourth according to Mundo Deportivo. Alena has featured for just 46 minutes in La Liga so far this season, playing 23 against Osasuna and 23 at Real Sociedad.
Barcelona star set to miss four months through knee injury - Football Espana
Philippe Coutinho could be set to miss up to four months of action for Barcelona after sustaining a knee injury against Eibar on Tuesday, according to a report. The injury was sustained in last night’s draw against Eibar and is focused on the external meniscus of the player’s left knee.
Barcelona have not given up hope on signing Memphis Depay - Football Espana
Barcelona have not given up hope on signing Lyon forward Memphis Depay this January due to his contractual situation, say reports. The Dutchman is out of contract at the Ligue 1 leaders this summer, meaning that there is a degree of urgency on the French club either renewing his deal or agreeing to a sale.
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Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena could be on his way out on loan in January with Getafe a potential destination for the 22-year-old.
President Angel Torres has spoken about his club’s transfer targets and confirmed that Takefusa Kubo and Alena are two players that could arrive this winter.
“Kubo wants to come. Yes, the other reinforcement may be Alena. But we are not going to go crazy.”
Alena was handed the No. 6 shirt at the start of the season but has struggled for game time under Ronald Koeman. The midfielder has only managed 46 minutes in La Liga and his only start came in the Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev.
The youngster spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis, and it seems another temporary move could well be on the cards if he wants to play regularly between now and the end of the campaign.
Getafe slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their final fixture of 2020 on Wednesday. The defeat leaves the team just two points off the relegation zone after 15 games.
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Change is coming starting with a new club president, but what else can we expect in 2021?
A new year means hope for a better future. For Barcelona, that hope will rest on the results of the presidential election on January 24th.
For supporters, the reality of new leadership is one bright spot to appreciate, no matter who is elected.
2020 was a disaster, but it was years in the making. 2021 is a new chapter, and important decisions will face the new president right away.
One of the most anticipated decisions will be around the future of the manager, so January will be a critical month of fixtures.
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Ronald Koeman is in the hotseat and needs to find a way to get results domestically. The Dutchman has admitted that winning La Liga, realistically, will be difficult. But the upcoming schedule is modest, and it will be a chance to get his team into the top four, and keep them there before panic sinks in.
It won’t be easy. There’s fierce competition at the top of the table, and every opponent seems to smell blood in the water when Barca is around.
For that reason, the new year will need to be about establishing a winning culture, one that emphasizes grit. Against Eibar, one of the bright spots was that the team fought hard until the end. With the young players, and even a group of veterans whose confidence is alarmingly low, there will continue to be mistakes. Mistakes, however, can be overcome with intensity from start to finish, and concentration in front of goal.
The players are already creating plenty of chances. Being clinical is the next step, and once it starts it could be contagious. Against Eibar, there were impressive performances from Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, and Martin Braithwaite, but all three missed crucial opportunities to win the game. If the team starts converting at a higher rate, momentum could build and help turn things around.
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Koeman himself is slowly showing willingness to try new ideas. The variety of formations from game to game has been encouraging. Certain players, like Braithwaite and Miralem Pjanic, who were not used in the beginning of the season, are now being given chances.
This willingness to experiment and see what works best should continue. When in doubt, he should go with the youth. If this is a year of transition, he will be forgiven for dropping points if it comes as a result of the next generation learning and growing.
The draw with Eibar was frustrating because the quality of play was actually quite good, and a better outcome was deserved, especially considering that Messi wasn’t available. Ronald Araujo has been commendable this season, and one moment of horror doesn’t change that. Combine that with the maturity and fearlessness of Pedri, Sergino Dest, and Oscar Mingueza, and you get an inspiring example of what the future could look like.
Going into 2021, regardless of the new president and possible new manager, much will depend on the health and performances of the biggest players.
Dembele is pure class when fit. He’s one of the best weapons the team has, and it’s worth designing tactics to leverage his unique talents. Aside from being an exciting player to watch, Dembele’s impact on games is becoming undeniable. Unlike Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho, he’s proven his value this season when given a chance.
The biggest storyline of 2021, however, will of course be the future of Messi. Based on his recent interviews, it’s clear that his decision to remain at the club could go either way. He loves Barcelona, and in his heart doesn’t want to leave. But a vision for the future off the field matters, and results matter too in the short term.
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
On the field, one opportunity to turn things around will be the Spanish Super Cup, with a semi-final game against Real Sociedad scheduled for January 13th. Winning a trophy there would be a good boost for the team’s psyche.
The Champions League will be a massive challenge. But also a great opportunity to get past the trauma of recent years, and surprise everyone if they can beat PSG and make a run in the tournament. It may be the best chance to persuade Messi that there’s something to stick around for.
Off the field, much will depend on the new president, and the decisions he will make and be responsible for.
What does he think of Ronald Koeman?
How motivated is he to keep Messi?
What approach will he take to buying and selling players?
The future is uncertain at Barcelona. There are many paths, but no way of knowing where they lead.
As the motto goes, Barcelona is more than a club, and it’s worth rallying around as the team moves forward.
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The forward is training on his days off to get back to full sharpness
Lionel Messi used his day off today to go for more treatment at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí for his ankle injury that has kept him from being available.
The Argentine came back from Rosario, where he celebrated Christmas, to Catalonia on Tuesday, where he saw Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Eibar from the stands.
Manager Ronald Koeman gave the players two days off, but evidently, Messi will not use them. Instead, he is reportedly going for treatment today and going to train tomorrow.
The group will get back together starting the first of day of the new year, and Messi is said to be targeting the match against Huesca, on the third of January, as his first game back.
The hope is Messi will be fit to begin training normally alongside his teammates on the first.
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Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
The candidate for the FC Barcelona presidency is ramping up his push
Victor Font, one of the leading candidates to become FC Barcelona’s new president, has released a chart detailing how his administration will be organized should he win the upcoming election.
Former Barcelona captain Xavi would be at the highest rung for Barça’s footballing section, with the title of general manager. Jordi Cruyff, a former Barcelona player and son of the legendary Johann Cruyff, would be right under him, as sporting director.
Further down, Tito Blanco and a yet-to-be-named second person would serve as technical secretaries. Blanco would also serve as the coordinator of youth football. Ronald Koeman would remain as first team manager, at least for the time being, with Francisco García Pimienta as the B team manager. Joan Vilà and Albert Benaiges would be co-directors of youth football.
Font had previously indicated he would make Xavi the first team coach and relieve Koeman of those duties, a stance which at the time was criticized as casting premature judgement on Koeman’s reign. Another organizational shake-up is not out of the cards, however, if popular opinion turns against keeping Koeman as manager.
Five other areas were also highlighted, which were: medical services, physical preparation and physiotherapy. behavior and psychology (with Inma Puig and Toni Nadal named as leaders), methodology (with Joan Vilà and Paco Seirul·lo), and talent management (with Emili Ricart.)
Juli Lopez would be named director general of sports, which would oversee the club’s five different sports sections (football, basketball, handball, hockey, and indoor football) across both male and female divisions, and also, the club’s amateur teams.
A yet-to-be-named CEO would oversee the business side, and both would answer to the club’s board. Font has pledged that under him, the board would stay out of day-to-day sports decisions. He has criticized previous boards for stepping over experts, and says his board would only look at whether recommendations were feasible economically or for other reasons.
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Barcelona’s draw against Eibar felt like a fitting end to what has been a troubled year at the Camp Nou both on and off the pitch.
The team were without captain Lionel Messi and it showed, while there were plenty of familiar problems on display once again.
The Barca defence generously gave up another goal, the attack missed too many chances, and big-money buys such as Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho and Frenkie de Jong offered very little.
The draw also means that Barca’s hopes of winning the title now look a distant dream. Even Koeman admitted after the match it will be “very difficult”now for his team to catch Atletico.
Time to practice penalties?
Yet it could all have been so different if Martin Braithwaite had scored an early spot-kick after Ronald Araujo was fouled in the penalty area in the opening minutes.
With Messi missing the Denmark international stepped up and promptly dragged a poor effort wide of Marko Dmitrović’s post.
Barca’s penalty record this season now makes for pretty poor reading.
3 - Barcelona have missed more penalties than any other team in LaLiga this season (3), all three by different players: Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi and Martin Braithwaite. Strange. pic.twitter.com/MXbwlDQ2Hj
An early goal could have changed the whole complexion of the game. Barca did still create enough chances to win but they really can’t afford to be passing up opportunities like this.
Another defensive mistake costs Barca
It was certainly an eventful night for Araujo who handed Eibar the opening goal on a plate after yet another defensive mistake.
It was an unfortunate moment for Araujo who has looked good so far this season and clearly has a big future ahead of him. Young players will make mistakes, and learn from them, but there’s no doubt individual errors continue to cost Barca this season.
4 - Barcelona have made more errors leading to goals than any other team in LaLiga this season (4), all four made by different players: Neto Murara, Marc-André ter Stegen, Clément Lenglet and Ronald Araujo. Nerves. pic.twitter.com/bEiURObrxj
Araujo does deserve credit for not letting the mistake affect him afterwards and also for fronting up after the game. The defender faced the media afterwards and swiftly took responsibility for the goal.
Dembele offers hope
There were few positives to take from Tuesday’s performance but the main one was the sight of Ousmane Dembele back in action for Barcelona once again.
The Frenchman came off the bench at half-time to replace Sergino Dest and certainly made a difference to the Barcelona attack.
Dembele missed a pretty good chance before he equalized with a well-taken goal, his fifth of the season, and also caught the eye with a rabona cross
Of course question marks remain over whether he can stay injury-free this season, but this was certainly another encouraging performance from the 23-year-old on his return to the side after several weeks out.
More injury misery for Coutinho
Yet it was another difficult night for Coutinho who started on the bench again for Barcelona but did came on for the final part of the game. However, the Brazilian did not last the 90 minutes after picking up a knee injury.
Barca have since confirmed he will be go under the knife, and Coutinho looks set for a lengthy spell out. AS say four months, Mundo Deportivo go for 8-10 weeks and ESPN say “months.”
[INJURY UPDATE]@Phil_Coutinho has an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee
It’s not clear exactly how long Coutinho will be out for but it’s certainly a bad blow for the 28-year-old who has already missed a chunk of the season with a hamstring problem and has fallen out of favor after a bright start to the 2020-21 campaign. Might Coutinho’s injury offer Riqui Puig the chance of more game time?
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Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that Philippe Coutinho needs knee surgery after picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw against Eibar.
The Brazil international came off the bench in the second half but was forced off late on after picking up a problem.
Coutinho has since undergone tests which have revealed the 28-year-old requires surgery.
“The tests carried out on the first team player Philippe Coutinho have shown that the midfielder has an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. Treatment will necessitate arthroscopic surgery which will take place in the coming days.
“The Brazilian came on in the 66th minute of the draw against Eibar in place of Miralem Pjanic but was unable to complete the game due to his injury which he picked up in injury time in the second half, leaving Barça with 10 men as they had already used their five permitted substitutes.”
Ronald Araujo fronted up after Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Eibar and admitted being at fault for Eibar’s goal which gifted the visitors a shock lead at the Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are planning to play together again but not before 2022, according to Catalunya Radio. The duo are keen on a move to Inter Miami.
This year has ended for Barcelona as it had begun - with everyone scratching their heads.
Ernesto Valverde being sacked with the team at the top of the table at the start of 2020 set the tone for our annus horribilis, and Eibar earning a point at the Camp Nou, only their second-ever point against us and first in Barcelona, neatly book-ended it.
What happened in between over the past 12 months is worthy of a movie all of its own.
In any event, the game itself against the Basques was flat and boring, something we’ve come to expect from a Ronald Koeman side.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
The shape and tactics were much the same as we’ve seen from the Dutchman throughout this season, and you can set your watch to the time when he chooses to bring on his subs. The same subs for the most part.
No wonder Eibar, just like many other teams in 2020/21 have found playing against us one of their easier assignments of the campaign.
Hating on Ronald Araujo for what was a basic error won’t soothe the furrowed brow either, however. He was excellent apart from that one moment, and he will learn from that mistake. A mistake he needs to make too it should be said.
Pedri, Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele were other bright spots on a disappointing night, and on another day, the Dane could’ve conceivably had a hat-trick if his penalty had gone in, VAR hadn’t ruled out a fine finish and the deflection off his chest had dropped the right side of the post.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
It’s often those small margins that are forgotten about when the result doesn’t go the way expected, but those green shoots are positive aspects nonetheless.
Though a La Liga title would’ve been desired before the beginning of the season, realistically the best that we can hope for now is Champions League qualification, and woe betide Koeman if he’s unable to provide that.
With the financial situation at the club at a critical point, and of which more will be known once the new president is in place, Barca can ill-afford to have to play for a season in the Europa League.
For now, however, let’s try and remain upbeat and give the manager and the players the benefit of the doubt.
Five games unbeaten heading into 2021... a year that offers new hope and a new dawn under a new president.
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Philippe Coutinho is set to undergo tests on a knee injury after limping out of Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Eibar on Tuesday.
The Brazil international only came on in the second half to replace Miralem Pjanic but couldn’t complete the 90 minutes after picking up a problem.
Coutinho limped out of the match in the final minutes and may now be set for another spell out of the team.
Ronald Koeman confirmed after the match Coutinho “has discomfort in his knee and we’ll have to do some more tests to see what the problem is.”
It’s not clear yet if it’s a serious injury or if Coutinho is set to add to Barca’s injury list that already includes Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto.
Coutinho has struggled to impress recently and has found himself on the bench in Barca’s last few games with Pedri seemingly ahead of the former Liverpool man in the pecking order.
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The Dutchman was not happy with more dropped points
Ronald Koeman felt his Barcelona side were hard done by against Eibar and deserved all three points at the Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants had to settle for a point after coming from behind to draw 1-1 thanks to a second-half equalizer from substitute Ousmane Dembele.
Barca saw Martin Braithwaite miss an early penalty and then have a goal ruled out for a tight offside, and Koeman felt his team had done enough to take the victory.
“Again tonight we did well. We worked really hard. We did everything, we changed the team, we played one against one in the last 10 minutes. We did enough to win the game but finally we don’t win and that’s happened often.
“We deserved to win. We did enough, we created enough chances to score, we did not score the penalty and then a big mistake in defense and it was one shot on goal from Eibar and it’s 0-1.”
The result means scrutiny will be back on Koeman as Barca’s disappointing start to the season continues, while the team’s hopes of mounting a title challenge continue to look slim at best.
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The young defender was said to want to talk to the press right away to apologize
Ronald Araújo wasted no time in assuming responsibility for his mistake in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Eibar. The young defender was at fault as Kike García gave Eibar an early lead.
“It’s really a shame that we couldn’t win three points, which was the important thing, the ideal thing... the truth is the goal we conceded was s—t,” Araújo told cameras after the match.
“We can’t concede like that. It’s a shame.“
The Uruguayan reportedly asked to speak to the press after the match was done, as he wanted to own up to his mistake publicly.
Al finalizar el partido, Araujo ha pedido hablar en TV. No se esconde. Asume su error y da la cara. Jugador comprometido. Aprenderá de ello. Central para muchos años #fcblivepic.twitter.com/5OYWFwNI1m
Barcelona’s draw put the Catalans further away from the top of the table, with expectations adjusting after finishing second last season. At the moment, the team is not even in position to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
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Good enough performance to win, but this team is just too inconsistent.
Barcelona’s final game of 2020 was a reflection of this entire year for the Catalan giants: wasted chances, wasted talents and bad defending as the Blaugrana drew 1-1 with Eibar at Camp Nou. Barça played well without Lionel Messi, but missed chances and a terrible mistake at the back cost Barça two big points at home.
FIRST HALF
Barça played pretty well in the first half hour of the first half considering the absences, with some very nice passing patterns and good movement in the final third, with both full-backs constantly overlapping and the front three looking for each other to create chances.
The Blaugrana had a big chance just seven minutes in when Ronald Araujo was brought down in the box, but Martin Braithwaite missed the penalty. Braithwaite seemingly redeemed himself 20 minutes later after finishing an excellent cross from Junior Firpo, but the goal was called off after VAR spotted an offside by Braithwaite.
Barça struggled to create good chances in the final 15 minutes thanks to a nice defensive structure by a solid Eibar team, and at halftime the game was goalless, even though the home team was playing well and deserving of a lead.
SECOND HALF
Despite Barça’s solid first half, Ronald Koeman made a bold susbtitution at halftime as Ousmane Dembélé replaced Sergiño Dest on the right side of the formation, and the Frenchman was on fire to start the second half, bring his speed and creativity and wreaking havoc on the left with shots, smart runs and dangerous crosses.
Just as Barça looked ready to finally take the lead, a terrible mistake by Araujo put Kike García all alone through on goal, and the Eibar striker showed poise in front of Ter Stegen and gave the visitors a shocking lead.
Koeman made two more changes with Philippe Coutinho and Francisco Trincão coming on, and the two immediately created a beautiful move down the left that found Firpo all alone and the full-back’s cross gave Dembélé a tap-in and Barça were back in business with 25 minutes to go.
Barça continued to put on the pressure but as time went on the creativity became desperation and it was hard to find clear-cut chances against a well-organized Eibar defense. The closest Barça came was on a shot by Trincão that went just wide in injury time, but there was no winner scored and the final whistle came.
Barça drop two points at home again in a game they should have won, and a chance to put pressure on the teams above them is wasted. Consistent inconsistency.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet (Busquets 82’); Dest (Dembélé 46’), Pjanic (Coutinho 66’), De Jong, Firpo; Griezmann (Trincão 66’), Braithwaite, Pedri (Puig 88’)
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth opens its doors for the last time in 2020 as Barcelona return to La Liga action to face Eibar on Tuesday night. Barça come into this one in a good run of results and could join the title race with a big win against an Eibar team that has struggled this season but can still make this a tough game for the Blaugrana. This should be a fun one, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. LET’S LIVE BLOG!!!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2020-21 La Liga, Matchday 16
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 7.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 6.15pm GMT (UK), 1.15pm ET, 10.15am PT (USA), 11.45pm IST (India)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
VAR: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA
How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), LaLigaTV (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), Not Available (India), others
How to stream: FuboTV (USA), Premier Player (UK), Facebook Live (India), Movistar+ (Spain), others
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 it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly 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! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
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Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Ronald Koeman has called up 21 players for the last game of 2020
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana are back in action in La Liga after a short Christmas break for the last game of 2020 at home against Eibar, and Ronald Koeman has called up the following 21 players for Tuesday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Neto, 26. Iñaki Peña
Defenders: 2. Sergiño Dest, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Clément Lenglet, 23. Samuel Umtiti, 24. Junior Firpo, 28. Óscar Mingueza
Midfielders: 5. Sergio Busquets, 6. Carles Aleñá, 8. Miralem Pjanic, 12. Riqui Puig, 14. Philippe Coutinho, 16. Pedri, 19. Matheus Fernandes, 21. Frenkie De Jong
Forwards: 7. Antoine Griezmann, 9. Martin Braithwaite, 11. Ousmane Dembélé, 17. Francisco Trincão
There are good and bad news for Barça ahead of this one: the good news is the return of Ousmane Dembélé, back after missing around a month with a hamstring injury. The Frenchman’s comeback is important for the attack since Lionel Messi is missing with an ankle problem, and he’ll be joined in the stands by the suspended Jordi Alba. Also out are Ansu Fati (knee), Gerard Piqué (knee) and Sergi Roberto (thigh) due to injury.
Predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Firpo; Busquets, De Jong; Dembélé, Griezmann, Pedri; Braithwaite
The match kicks off at 7.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 6.15pm GMT (UK), 1.15pm ET, 10.15am PT (USA), 11.45pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors
Training continues at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
Training continues at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper after the return to action on Sunday with Ronald Koeman's squad getting ready for their final fixture of 2020, a home game in La Liga on Tuesday at Camp Nou against Eibar.
PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Eibar - FC Barcelona
Ronald Koeman’s side head into their final game of 2020 looking for another three points to end the year on a high. Eibar have never beaten Barça since their first fixture in 2014. Since then, of the 12 times the two sides have played each other, Barça have won 11 and drawn the other.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Eibar - FC Barcelona
The final league game of 2020 for FC Barcelona as they face Eibar at Camp Nou just a few days after the short Christmas break. The objective is none other than to continue with the excellent form they showed in the win away from home at Valladolid only a week ago in La Liga.
Messi: 'Barça is my life' - FC Barcelona
Messi speaks and everyone listens. In an interview with La Sexta, the Argentine footballer reviewed the past and present of his time at Barça. He has also had time to talk about other topics such as his children and the pandemic.
Four possible Barcelona exits in January 2021 - Football Espana
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is looking to offload up to four first team stars in January in order to fund new arrivals at the Camp Nou. Koeman has been linked with moves for Gini Wijnaldum, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay during the mid-season transfer window.
Quique Setien doesn't regret "extraordinary" experience at Barcelona - Football Espana
Quique Setien, speaking at an event held by the Galician Football Federation with comments carried by Marca, has spoken about his experience in charge of Barcelona. The Cantabrian insisted he held no regrets from his time in charge of the Catalan giants and has instead used the experience as a valuable learning period.
Milan ask Barcelona for Riqui Puig loan deal - Football Espana
Serie A leaders Milan are said to be interested in trying to secure a loan deal for Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig this January according to Football Italia. Citing a report by Sky Sport Italia’s Carlo Pellegatti, they assert that the Rossoneri have made an initial approach to secure the services of the 21 year-old Catalan until season’s end.
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 7.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 6.15pm GMT (UK), 1.15pm ET, 10.15am PT (USA), 11.45pm IST (India)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
VAR: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva
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Following a week-long Christmas break, Barcelona are back in action in La Liga for the final game of 2020 against Eibar at the Greatest Stadium on Earth. Barça are on a good run of results with three wins and a draw in their last four games, a consistency they hadn’t yet achieved in the league this season.
In order to continue that run Barça will have to defeat a struggling Eibar team that has just one win in six, but they did manage to draw games against Real Sociedad and Valencia proving they can still cause troubles to the best teams in the country.
If you don’t look at the results and see the actualy games, Eibar usually play Barça pretty tough both home and away until Lionel Messi happens and Barça end up winning by a comfortable margin thanks to two or three goals from the GOAT.
Messi’s treatment of Eibar is almost cruel, so it’s safe to say they were pretty relieved to learn that the captain will miss Tuesday’s match with an ankle injury that actually sounds like Messi wanting to rest just a couple more days after Christmas and come back fresh for the New Year.
Even without Messi and the suspended Jordi Alba the Blaugrana should be able to dominate at home and continue the good run of results. Four wins in five would be a massive improvement for this team, and maybe, just maybe, they can’t compete for the title. Gotta win, though.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Firpo; Busquets, De Jong; Dembélé, Griezmann, Pedri; Braithwaite
Barça usually do well at home against struggling teams, and they’ve been pretty good this season without Messi and that run continues: 4-1 to the good guys.
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Eibar boss Jose Luis Mendilibar has offered his thoughts on Barcelona ahead of Tuesday’s trip to the Camp Nou in La Liga.
The visitors head into the match just three points off the bottom of the table and without a win in their last four league matches.
Barca will be without captain Lionel Messi for the match and have not enjoyed the best start to the season but Mendilibar is still wary of the threat offered by Ronald Koeman’s men.
“It’s good news [Messi is out] because he is the best player in the world. [But this could lead to] other players having more freedom and playing more as a team.
“It may be the most average Barcelona in recent years, but in the last game they played very well. They moved the ball at speed and won easily, created many chances and hardly conceded [any chances].
“They played with three central defenders and two wing-backs on the outside, with a lot of speed and they did a lot of damage. When they lost the ball they ran fast to get it back, and that is important. It’s important to catch them off guard when we rob [the ball].”
Source | Marca
Mendilibar saw his team hammered 5-0 on their last visit to the Camp Nou in La Liga, and anything other than a home win will be seen as a disappointment for the Catalan giants.
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The club claim the Brazilian legend scored 1,091 for them
While most of the football world was celebrating Lionel Messi’s 644th goal for FC Barcelona as the moment the Argentine surpassed the record held by Pelé for most goals for a single club, the Brazilian club Santos was issuing a formal dispute.
Santos FC claim Pelé scored 1,091 goals for them, putting him far beyond the reach of the Argentine, who would need 448 to surpass him in that case.
The number comes from counting goals scored in friendly matches, which Santos maintains are nonetheless official games.
“The matches were played in official uniforms, with the official rules of the game and with a score sheet,” says Santos’ statement.
“A goal against Transvaal (from Suriname) has the same value as a goal scored at Real Madrid, in the middle of the Santiago Bernabéu.”
However, modern convention holds that goalscoring records count competitive games for clubs only. International friendlies are also counted, apart from competitive internationals, but of course, that does not come into play in this particular record.
Interestingly, Pelé himself recognized that Messi had surpassed him.
“Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at FC Barcelona,” the Brazilian legend wrote.
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The youngster took part in Monday’s session
Ronald Koeman called up Barcelona B midfielder Ilaix Moriba for first-team training on Monday as the team continued their preparations for their final La Liga game of the season against Eibar.
It’s not the first time that Ilaix has trained with the senior squad but it’s been a while since he’s been called up and the 17-year-old’s presence was the main talking point from Barca’s session.
Ilaix Moriba s’ha exercitat aquest dilluns amb el primer equip
Ilaix Moriba se ha ejercitado este lunes con el primer equipo
The team are due to train again on Tuesday before Koeman announces his squad for the match at the Camp Nou. It would be a surprise if Ilaix was included in the squad, but his appearance in training suggests he is in Koeman’s thoughts.
Ousmane Dembele is expected to be passed fit before the match, while Sergi Roberto, Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi are on the injured list and Jordi Alba is suspended.
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The latest from the Barcelona boss
Ronald Koeman spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Eibar in La Liga at the Camp Nou tomorrow.
The game is Barca’s last match of a rollercoaster year and they will have to make do without Lionel Messi due to an anke problem.
Koeman spoke about his captain’s fitness, and his recent interview, and also offered his thoughts on Tuesday’s opponents, Pedri and players potentially leaving in January.
Here are the best bits:
Koeman on Eibar
They are a very competitive team. They try to create pressure and go on the counter. We have to play well, like we did in our last game. We have to be able to find space when the opposition creates pressure. If we don’t play well it will be a very difficult match.
Koeman on Messi
He was a bit banged up, his ankle, and that’s why he hasn’t trained. He’s not ready to play tomorrow’s match. That’s why we gave him two extra days off. He’ll be back after the Eibar match. The doctor said a week without training would make him fit to return after the match.
Koeman on Messi interview
I have not seen the interview. I didn’t see it live. It came out today in the media and I think it’s great that he gives an interview to exhibit his opinions. It’s OK that he says he wants to decide his future at the end of the season. What we need to do is to get the best out of Leo in the matches and try to convince him to continue. He’s important to the club and we’ll see what happens.
Koeman on Messi praise
I don’t know if it makes me more calm but I’m thankful for him saying that. Any person likes it when they say good things about you. I’m still the same manager. I’m trying to get the team to perform well. It’s a transition year, there are a lot of changes, and he’s still a very important piece. If we can improve through the season I think we should be happy.
Koeman on Pochettino persuading Messi to join PSG?
No I can’t talk about that topic. I’ve seen some stuff in the press. The fact we face each other two months from now, I don’t think is an influence. I don’t think Messi deciding his future depends on a certain manager or a certain country. These are decisions you must take with your family. I don’t think a manager can influence a player’s destination.
Koeman on Dembele
The squad list we will give tomorrow after the session. He’s been training with the team for the last few days. He was training well before Real Valladolid so in principle yes he will be in the squad tomorrow.
Koeman on 3-5-2
You can talk a lot about a system but I think the most important thing is the energy, the hard work of the players. Any system could be used to attack but another system can be used to defend so it depends on the attitude of the team. I think it depends on the players you have and the moment of the match which system you use. It also depends on who we are playing against. I think my players are capable of doing different things.
Koeman on Messi absence
Not having Messi is an important loss because of his quality and his effectiveness in attack, we are losing a great player. But it’s not a system for him, he’s part of a system and we have enough players to play in his position and I hope that we are as effective as we have been when Leo has played.
Koeman on Pedri
From what I’ve seen up to now, his personality and his character, I think he is an example of someone who is doing well, especially for his age and at a club as big as this. My staff and I are helping him and supporting him, giving him advice and playing time. But I think Pedri is a kid from a humble family, he knows what he has to do to improve and what he has to do to avoid thinking he has it all figured out. He has a great future but that only exists if you keep on working hard.
Koeman on players leaving after elections?
It’s about being ready, being prepared. If there’s something that we like or if there is an opportunity for a youngster to play half a year at another club we’ll talk about that. Each player makes a decision but we will offer advice. We have to be ready and I hope one week will be enough to make those decisions.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors
Return to training - FC Barcelona
After a few days off, Ronald Koeman's men returned to training this Sunday morning on the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva. Leo Messi was absent but is expected to rejoin the group after the FC Barcelona v SD Eibar match, whilst Ousmane Dembélé continued his recovery process.
Medical communique: Leo Messi - FC Barcelona
First team player, Lionel Messi, is completing the treatment for his right ankle, and is expected to return to training after the FC Barcelona v SD Eibar match.
Gerard Piqué, given the 'Player Career Award' by 'Globe Soccer' - FC Barcelona
Gerard Piqué has won another award, this time at the Globe Soccer Awards gala held on Sunday 27 December in Dubai. On Saturday, December 19, the centre-back received recognition for Catalan Sports Merit, and on this occasion it was the 'Player Career Award,' one that highlights his success over the years.
Gerard Pique reveals he intends on playing for "three or four more years" - Football Espana
Gerard Pique has revealed he seems himself playing football for at least “three or four more years” in comments carried by Marca. The 33 year-old Barcelona centre-back was speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards gala in Dubai, where he was receiving recognition for his career.
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Ronald Koeman’s men play their final fixture of 2020
Barcelona sign off 2020 at home to Eibar on Tuesday and will be without captain Lionel Messi for the clash.
The captain netted a record 644th goal for the club last time out against Real Valladolid but will sit this one out due to an ankle problem.
Ronald Koeman’s men will still be overwhelming favorites to win the game, so let’s look at how they might line up.
Defence
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The big question at the back is whether Koeman will line up with three center-backs again like he did last time out at Real Valladolid.
The experiment saw Barca run out 3-0 winners but it remains to be seen if Koeman will stick with the formation or revert back his usual four-man defence.
One player who will definitely sit this game out is left-back Jordi Alba. The defender is suspended after a fifth booking of the season last time out, meaning Junior Firpo could come into the team.
Midfield
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Miralem Pjanic was handed a rare La Liga start in midfield last time out and put in the sort of performance that may be enough to convince Koeman to keep him in the starting XI alongside Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutchman has also impressed in the last couple of weeks after seeing his position tweaked a little, with improved results, and it would be a surprise if De Jong did not continue against Eibar.
Sergio Busquets had to settle for a place on the bench last time out and it could be more of the same for the 32-year-old on Tuesday night.
Attack
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
There’s no Messi against Eibar but Koeman doesn’t lack for options when it comes to his attack. Ousman Dembele should be passed fit and could make his return, while Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho will both be hoping for a recall.
Martin Braithwaite was in the goals again versus Real Valladolid and could keep his place, while Pedri looks guaranteed a start after yet another impressive display in a Barcelona shirt last time out.
Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Junior; De Jong, Pjanic; Dembele, Griezman, Pedri; Braithwaite.
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Eibar? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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The captain has spoken at length in a new interview
Lionel Messi’s interview with La Sexta’s Jordi Evole was broadcast on Sunday and, unsurprisingly, saw the Barcelona captain offer his thoughts on a whole range of topics.
The 33-year-old spoke at length about his family and his life in Barcelona but also opened up on his desire to leave the club last summer and his thoughts on the future.
Messi also spoke about Luis Suarez’s Barcelona exit, the prospect of playing alongside Neymar again and new coach Ronald Koeman.
Here are the main talking points.
Messi on Barca
I feel everything for this shirt. Barça is my life. I have been here since I was 13 years old, I have lived more in Barcelona than in Argentina and the club gave me everything as a person. I have a love relationship for what I have lived since I arrived here. My children were born here too. For this reason, it is a difficult time for the club, as it is for everyone, but from what we know The club is really bad (financially), really bad ... it’s going to be difficult to return where we were.
Messi on talking to clubs in January
I have nothing clear until the end of the year, I will wait for the end of the season, if I would not be breaking what I told you now, the important thing is to think about the team, finish the year, think about trying to get titles and not be distracted by other things.
Messi on wanting to leave
I felt like a cycle was over. My kids were saying they didn’t want to leave, but I felt like it was the best for me. Bartomeu didn’t let me leave and he tried to hurt me by leaking things about me. He tried to make me look like the bad guy in the movie.
Messi on the burofax
It was a way of making it official. I had been saying for six months to the president that I wanted to go. That was my way to say it seriously, for everyone to know. I knew that if we went to court, we would have won. Not just one lawyer told me that, many did. But I didn’t want to leave in that way
Messi on Suarez
What happened with Luis Suarez to Atléti was... crazy! He left for free, paying the remaining years of his contract and he joined a team that fight for the same objectives as us. Unbelievable
Messi on Pep Guardiola
I don’t know how long my last chat with Pep Guardiola was, but we do talk. We don’t talk about whether we are going to meet again. For me Pep is the best, he has something special.
Messi on Bartomeu
A lot of reasons that I would prefer not to get into because don’t like to get into private things ... But I can say he lied to me about a lot of things over many years
Messi on Koeman
Koeman’s doing a good job. It is difficult because there are a lot of young players, but little by little we are growing.
Messi on elections
I am not sure if I’ll vote in the forthcoming presidential elections. Whoever comes in will find the club in a tricky state and will have to work hard to put the club back where it was. As yet none of the candidates have called me. Let’s wait and see what happens and I’ll make my mind up in the summer. The club are going through a tough period financially so it will be complicated to bring Neymar in
Messi on Neymar
It will be difficult to bring players. There is no money. You have to bring important players. Bringing Neymar would be very expensive. It will be a difficult situation for the new president, he must be intelligent
Messi on Griezmann
The relationship is good, I already said it, I never had problems with him and I never did everything that was said, that I did not want his signing and all that. I have no problems , The relationship is good and sometimes we drink mate together in the dressing room and on trips, there is no kind of anything.
Messi in MLS
I’ve always had the dream of playing in another league, in United States. Maybe it will happen, doesn’t have to be right away. Today I am just focused on these next six months.
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Gerard Pique has admitted it will be tough to take if Lionel Messi does decide to end his stay with Barcelona at the end of the season.
Messi’s out of contract and there’s a fair bit of speculation about whether he will decide to stay at the Camp Nou or not.
The captain wanted out last summer but ended up staying because he didn’t want to end up in court, and Pique is crossing his fingers that Messi has changed his mind.
“I think it is a decision that he will make based on the feelings he will have during the year. We know how much he is important as a player and as a person, many of us have a very good relationship with him, as we have been playing together for so many years. It would be very difficult if he left. We hope he can stay, but it’s a decision he has to make.”
The defender also spoke about own future and said he hoped he could keep on playing for “two, three or four more years.” Pique is currently out with a pretty serious knee injury and is not expected back for another few months.
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The captain is expected back after Eibar
Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi is having treatment on an ankle problem but the captain is expected back in training after Tuesday’s La Liga match against Eibar.
Ronald Koeman’s men were back in training on Sunday after a brief Christmas break, but Messi was conspicuous by his absence at the training ground.
It was initially thought the captain was having an extended break after returning to Argentina over Christmas, but Barca have now confirmed he’s been having treatment on an injury problem.
“First team player, Lionel Messi, is completing the treatment for his right ankle, and is expected to return to training after the FC Barcelona v SD Eibar match.”
The statement suggest it’s not a serious injury and Messi could even return in Barca’s next game away at Huesca on January 3. Barca then play Athletic Bilbao and Granada in La Liga before heading to Andalusia for the Spanish Super Cup.
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The club legend knows a reunion will happen at some point
Andres Iniesta has been talking about the prospect of Xavi returning to Barcelona and remains convinced his former team-mate will take charge of the club at some point.
Xavi’s already admitted he turned down an approach from Barca after Ernesto Valverde had been sacked in January, saying it came “too soon” in his managerial career.
Yet it seems almost certain Barca will come back for Xavi at some point, although Iniesta isn’t sure when that might be.
“This depends on Xavi and Barcelona, one day Xavi and Barcelona will meet, I don’t know when, but I have faith that this will happen.
“Xavi has the potential required to do it with Barca. I hope that everything improves and that the stability of the club recovers with the next elections because things are not going well at the moment.
“Of course, Barcelona is always called to win titles. The club members will choose who to see as the best president for the club. Regardless of who it is, I wish Barcelona that everything returns to normal, this is what every Barcelona player wants.”
Ronald Koeman took charge of the club in August on a two-year deal but has endured a tough start to his time in charge. Meanwhile, presidential elections will take place at the end of January which could see more changes at the Camp Nou.
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