Dembele has been in great form in 2022 and appears to be thriving under Xavi. He has reportedly told his team-mates he wants to stay but finding an agreement with Barca may not be easy given the club’s financial situation and need to cut costs.
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Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has been asked about Raphinha amid speculation the winger is wanted at Barcelona at the end of the season.
Marsch says he’s well aware of the rumors that are flying about and admits he wants the Brazilian to stay for “as long as possible.”
Here’s what he’s had to say:
“Despite what’s said on the outside, I’ve not said a word to him about Deco or Barcelona, but everyone knows it’s out there,” he said.
“He’s a massive talent. I just want him to become the player I know he can be.
“Everyone here wants to enjoy the football he can play and, of course, we want him to stay as long as possible. He’s a fantastic player and very good person.”
Barcelona appear keen to bring in Raphinha as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, although recent rumors have suggested the Frenchman does want to stay at the Camp Nou.
Yet whether Barca and Dembele can agree a deal this time around remains to be seen. If not then the Catalan giants may well be in the market for another forward in the summer transfer window.
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Strong words from the defender
Gerard Pique has had a pop at Josep Maria Bartomeu and accused the former Barcelona president of lying to him and Lionel Messi over the Barcagate scandal.
The defender did not hold back when talking about Bartomeu and said the 59-year-old denied all knowledge of the scandal when he asked him about it.
“Why am I cross with Bartomeu? When he lied to my face with Barçagate. The club hired some services to criticize players. He lied to Leo and my faces at the training ground, he told us he knew nothing about Barçagate,” he said.
“We told him that we accepted that he didn’t know anything and that we hoped he would take the appropriate measures. And then I found out that he did know. That he lied to my face in such a serious incident... at least he shows his face and asks for forgiveness. I went out like an idiot to defend him.”
Bartomeu was one of several officials arrested in the wake of Barcagate scandal. The former chief was accused of hiring company I3 Ventures to run disparaging stories against players including Messi and Pique.
The ex-president ended up resigning in October 2020 after coming under increasing pressure at the club. Bartomeu was due to step down in March but was facing a vote of no confidence at the Camp Nou.
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The duo have come in for some big praise
Miralem Pjanic has been talking about Barcelona and has been full of praise for young midfielders Gavi and Pedri.
The two teenagers are already regulars at the Camp Nou and Pjanic says he has not been surprised to see Gavi break into the first team.
“The first time I saw him in training I thought: Wow, this boy is going to be special,” he said about the 17-year-old Spain international.
Pjanic also made it clear just how highly he rates Pedri saying, “I love Pedri, he dances with the ball like Iniesta.”
The former Juventus man is currently on loan at Besiktas but his deal does not include a purchase option. There’s been talk of another loan with the Turkish side but Pjanic says he’s keen to return to Itay.
“Istanbul is so nice, except for the traffic, but I haven’t lost sight of Italy, it’s my second home,” he added. “I miss it and honestly, I’d be happy to return. Italy’s World Cup elimination hit me as I were Italian.”
It’s not clear what will happen next with Pjanic, although the midfielder does admit Barca have made a great decision by replacing Ronald Koeman with Xavi.
“I could not continue with him. He was disrespectful. Laporta took a great decision by hiring Xavi. Now the group is strong and united and everyone knows what to do,” he said.
“There were a few contacts [with Juventus], but in the end nothing happened because of economic reasons. To me, it wasn’t about the money. I’d like to be important in a project and win the Scudetto. I have hunger, experience, almost 700 games. I can aim at big targets, no?”
Pjanic has played 22 times for Besiktas so far this season. The team are currently down in eighth place in the Turkish Super Lig.
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Barcelona are being tipped to sign 16-year-old midfielder Kenan Yildiz from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Sky in Germany are reporting there are “concrete” talks between the two sides and the Catalans are “very close” to completing a deal.
Yildiz is represented by the same agency that looks after Ferran Torres and Pedri, which is likely to help, and could now join the duo at the Camp Nou.
The midfielder is available on a free transfer at the end of the season and would initially join Barcelona B ahead of the new campaign.
Yildiz has made 14 appearances so far this campaign for Bayern’s youth sides and has contributed six goals and eight assists.
The report reckons Bayern do want to keep Yildiz but may his contract status means they are at risk of losing him when his current deal expires.
Yildiz is an attacking midfielder who joined Bayern from SSV Jahn Regensburg in July 2012 and has played an international level for Turkey’s Under-17 side.
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The coach was at the Camp Nou to watch the Clasico win
Xavi hailed Barcelona Femeni after watching the team beat Real Madrid 5-2 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League.
The men’s coach was part of the record 91,553 crowd that packed out the Camp Nou to watch the Clasico on Wednesday evening.
Xavi had a pretty good view from the looks of things and offered his thoughts on another sensational night for Barca Femeni. He wrote, “historic day for football and society.”
Goals from Mapi Leon, Aitana Bonmati, Claudia Pina, Alexia Putellas, and Carolina Graham Hansen sealed the win for Barca and a great night for women’s football.
An emotional Hansen spoke about what it meant for her and the team after the final whistle.
“At the end of the match I had to hold my tears back because this is just too crazy. This place is full, we are winning 5-2 in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The fans aren’t leaving, they are staying to celebrate with us. I didn’t imagine anything like it. Just goosebumps all over the place,” she said.
“It’s not only 91,553 here tonight. It’s 91,553 Barcelona fans tonight. They’ve been singing all game. It’s amazing. It’s something I never dreamed of happening but tonight we did it and I hope it’s not the last time we do it.”
The defending European champions now go on to play either Arsenal or Wolfsburg for a place in the final.
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Barcelona first-team coach Xavi and former captain Carles Puyol were both in the crowd to see the all-conquering Femeni team continue their superb form.
— Women's International Champions Cup (@iccwomen) March 30, 2022
The new record beats the one previously held for a club game by Atletico Madrid. A crowd of 60,739 saw Barca beat Atleti Femeni 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano in 2019.
Wednesday’s match also eclipses the previous record of 90,185 fans who watched the 1999 World Cup final.
It’s also a bigger attendance than the men’s Clasico earlier this season at the Camp Nou which attracted a crowd of 86,422.
Amazing.
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A historic night for women’s football, and an amazing win for the world’s best team
Barcelona have advanced to the Women’s Champions League semi-finals thanks to a memorable 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie, in front of almost 92,000 fans at Camp Nou in a historic night for women’s football. The largest crowd ever for a women’s match saw an amazing game, with both sides playing very well and Barça showing their superiority with four second half goals to get the victory in a truly unforgettable night at the Greatest Stadium on Earth.
FIRST HALF
Barça made a sensational start, dominating possession and playing their usual brand of attacking football full of quick passing and great movement. They scored an early goal thanks to Mapi León who tried a cross into the box that went over the keeper and into the net, and it seemed as though the home team were going to destroy Madrid.
But Las Blancas found a way to stay in the game, and scored an equalizer less than 10 mintues later through Olga Carmona. Madrid didn’t play as well as last week but still remained organized at the back, and avoided conceding more goals despite Barça’s good play.
Femení weren’t clinical in front of goal, which is why they didn’t score a second and as the first half ended the tie was still up for grabs, and Barça needed a strong second half to avoid the upset and give the crowd a reason to smile and celebrate.
SECOND HALF
The second half was quite simply a spectacle: it all started with a Goal of the Season contender by Real Madrid’s Claudia Zornoza, who saw Sandra Paños off her line and lobbed the Barça keeper with a 50-yard strike. It was an incredible goal, and for a moment Madrid were very much alive in the tie and needed just one goal to take the second leg to extra-time.
But the Barça Femení we had been waiting for the entire tie finally came to life: the home team played some truly breathtaking stuff and scored four goals in 18 minutes, with Aitana Bonmatí, Claudia Pina (with a Goal of the Season contender of her own), captain Alexia Putellas and Caroline Graham Hansen all finding the back of the net to clinch the victory and a spot in the semi-finals.
The final minutes didn’t have a lot of action on the pitch, but it was a party for the fans who celebrated the home team as well as the announcement of the attendance of 91,553, the world record for a women’s match. The final whistle came, and Barça put on a show on what will go down as one of the greatest nights in women’s footbal. Well done, ladies!
Join us for a historic Barcelona Femení adventure!
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth is the site of a historic match tonight as Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the second leg of their Women’s Champions League quarterfinal tie. This is the first-ever women’s El Clásico at Barça’s home, and the first Barça Femení game in front of fans at Camp Nou. This could also be the largest crowd ever for a women’s game, and we are in for a memorable night. Barça won the first leg last and are favorites to advance, and it’s truly a must-watch game. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
(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: UEFA Women’s Champions League, Quarterfinals, Leg 2
First Leg Result: Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 30, 2022, 6.45pm CET (Barcelona), 5.45pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 12.45pm ET, 9.45am PT (USA), 10.15pm IST (India)
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, watch the 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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The coach is set to get involved
Barcelona coach Xavi will reportedly speak to Gavi’s agent shortly in a bid to seal the youngster’s new contract at the Camp Nou.
The Catalans are trying to secure the futures of both Gavi and Ronald Araujo but haven’t yet managed to agree an extension with either player.
Diario Sport bring word that Xavi will speak to Ivan de la Pena, Gavi’s agent, to try and get everything wrapped up as soon as possible.
The two men apparently have a good relationship and Xavi will tell De La Pena that Gavi is set to play a big role in his new project.
Xavi seems to be having quite an influence when it comes to contract renewals and trying to lure players to the Camp Nou.
The coach admitted earlier this season that he’s spoken to a few players about the possibility of moving to Barca and hasn’t been turned down yet.
He told a press conference at the start of March, “For me, this is the best club in the world. And, honestly, not a single player has said no to Barcelona since I have been here.”
Let’s hope Xavi can continue his good work and get Gavi to finally put pen to paper on his new Barcelona contract.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Second session of the week - FC Barcelona
After Monday's afternoon session, Xavi Hernández's squad trained on Tuesday morning local time at the Ciutat Esportiva with all the available players from the first team as well as U19A goalkeeper Ander Astralaga.
Hola Camp Nou! - FC Barcelona
The Barça Women squad trained on Tuesday at Camp Nou, the venue for their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday, kick off 6.45pm CEST. It was the final session prior to the Clásico in the Champions League and coach Jonatan Giráldez had all of his available players plus Meritxell Muñoz, Esther Laborde, Ona Baradad and María Pérez from the B squad.
Barcelona have 'upped' their offer for Leeds winger Raphinha - Football Espana
Barcelona are said to have upped their offer to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha. The Blaugrana are said to be one of a number of clubs in the race to sign the Brazilian. Raphinha has caught the eye since arriving at Elland Road in 2020, scoring 15 times in in 57 league appearances from out wide.
Azpilicueta has not been renewed by Chelsea just yet amid Barcelona links - Football Espana
Barcelona are still in limbo in their bid to land Cesar Azpilicueta this summer. The Blaugrana are hoping to land the experienced Spain international on a free contract this summer. Azpilicueta is out of contract with Chelsea and headed for the exit door as things stand, with the West London club under UK government sanctions.
Following a win over Madrid CFF at the weekend to continue their perfect campaign, Barcelona’s all-conquering women’s team returns to action for the most anticipated match of the season: the second leg of the Women’s Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid, in front of what is expected to be a packed Camp Nou with over 90,000 fans.
This is a historic match in many ways: it’ll be Barça Femení’s first game at the Greatest Stadium on Earth in front of fans, it’s the first women’s El Clásico at Camp Nou and, more importantly, this game could set the all-time record for attendance in a women’s match.
It’s a gigantic night for the sport, and one that everyone who supports women’s football has been looking forward to for months. After last week’s hard-fought first leg in Madrid, there is the expectation of another good match, with Real Madrid proving they cannot be taken for granted.
Las Blancas played a high-intensity, bold attacking style that caught Barça by surprise and made the reigning Treble winners look like a mediocre team for the first time in a long time last week. But a big reaction and three goals in the second half secured the victory for Femení, and now they get to play at home with a giant home field advantage to confirm their place in the semi-finals.
Captain Alexia Putellas was the star of the show last week and will once again look to lead Barça to the victory. This is the type of occasion the world’s best player lives for, and Alexia knows that she has the chance to show the entire world in women’s football biggest stage what she’s all about.
Barça are huge favorites to advance, and they not only want to win on Wednesday but also create a memory that will last a lifetime for those who get to watch it in the stadium. This team is too good to get caught off guard again, and Real Madrid might regret poking the bear.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Misa; Lucía, Peter, Rocío, Svava; Teresa, Zornoza; Athenea, Maite, Olga; Esther
PREDICTION
Femení won’t make the same mistake as last week and will be at it from the start. I’m confident we’ll see them at their very best, and Camp Nou will witness a masterpiece: 5-0 Barça.
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Leeds United’s director of football, Victor Orta, has been talking about Raphinha’s release clause amid speculation the winger is wanted at Barcelona.
There have been reports that Raphinha has a €75m clause in his contract that drops to €25m if Leeds are relegated from the Premier League.
However, Orta, says that’s not quite the case and has clarified the situation if the Whites do end up staying in the English top flight.
“Fortunately, Raphinha’s career-management is led by a top-level player – Deco. He knows how to handle it. I have had several conversations with Deco. He helps, Deco, there are others who don’t, Deco has helped.
“Deco knows that the goal of the player is to save the team and stay in the Premier League. Everything that is of the future will come.
“Raphinha has no clause if we stay in the Premier League, by the way. In that sense, the player and I have looked each other in the face and we have now said there is only one goal – that is to save Leeds United.”
Orta also looked to the future and said that Raphinha is focused on helping the team stay up for now but hinted the Brazilian’s future would then be discussed in the summer.
‘The player walked through the door of Leeds United and I said, ‘You will invite me to the World Cup in Qatar, won’t you?’, and he was left with a foolish face, he didn’t believe it.”
“And now we have been meeting those objectives. Now he knows that Leeds and the coaching staff have helped his image grow, and he has responded to us with a lot of quality and being a difference-maker in the league.
“He has to remain the same and then when summer arrives, when the time comes, there will be time for everything.”
Source | Radio Marca
President Joan Laporta confirmed Barca’s interest in Raphinha in an interview with RAC1 this week. The club chief admitted that the Catalans have had “good reports” on the Leeds attacker.
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The saga continues....
The Ousmane Dembele transfer saga could be about to take yet another twist with reports emerging that Barcelona want to restart contract negotiations with the Frenchman’s agent.
Diario Sport are reporting the Catalans have been in touch with Moussa Sissoko and want to talk about keeping hold of Dembele once again. Cope add that Dembele is open to talks and feels good at the club right now.
The two parties couldn’t reach an agreement in the winter but Barca look as though they are hoping they can find a way forward, although it remains to be seen if a solution can actually be found.
Yet much has changed since January for Dembele. The forward is fit and flying for Barca, notching seven assists in his last eight games and becoming a key player under Xavi.
Perhaps most importantly of all, he also looks like he’s enjoying life at the Camp Nou.
Xavi has regularly praised Dembele this season, while Rafa Yuste recently opened the door for Dembele to stay by saying he wasn’t ruling out future contract talks.
Joan Laporta also spoke about Dembele in his recent interview with RAC1 but insisted the attacker would have to compromise if he is to continue at the Camp Nou.
Barça president Laporta: “I really like Dembélé, he’s amazing - we made him a proposal expired on December 20, then if he wants to stay, he has to accept our salary limits”. #FCB
What will actually happen next is anybody’s guess. Barca continue to be linked with a move for Raphinha, while there have also been suggestions Dembele has already agreed a move to PSG.
Dembele had appeared almost certain to leave on a free transfer earlier this season, but the arrival of Xavi and the team’s subsequent upturn in form make Barca a very attractive proposition even if the club can’t offer as much financially as their rivals right now.
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Joan Laporta has confirmed what we all sort of knew. The Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland transfer sweepstakes doesn’t really involve Barcelona.
The two darlings of the summer transfer window have been linked with Barcelona, more so in the case of Haaland. However, we all knew that it was unlikely. The financial situation of Barcelona makes things a bit tough when it comes to making moves for high-profile players that aren’t out of contract quite difficult.
Laporta was asked which players he’d preferred to sign and come out with the following:
“The one that has it clear that they want to play for Barcelona. The one who wants to come here. At the moment, none of the two has expressed that to me,” he said.
“What I have received are certain economic conditions that we wouldn’t accept under any circumstances.”
In the case of Mbappe, despite being out of contract this summer, a move to Barcelona doesn’t really seem in the cards. He’s been a Real Madrid fan and target for years, and that deal seems all but wrapped up.
Plus, who needs Mbappe and Haaland when you have the best goal-scoring machine in the world in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?
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The president wanted a swap with Antoine Griezmann
If there’s one thing I enjoy, it's a nice retrospective transfer topic. This time around, we get none other than Joan Laporta confirming that Barcelona indeed targeted Joao Felix in the summer.
“I really like Joao Felix. It’s a pleasure to see him playing football. Last summer we were working to complete a swap deal with Atletico [Madrid] between Joao Felix and [Antoine] Griezmann, then it collapsed.”
The Atletico Madrid attacker has had a strange spell at the club wherein we see flashes of greatness followed by periods where you forget he’s on the pitch. He would have been an interesting Barcelona player, although the club does have a strange history when it comes to signing high-profile Atletico attackers.
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Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for Leeds United attacker Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window.
The latest update on the Brazilian comes from Mundo Deportivo who reckon Francisco Trincao could be used as part of the deal.
Raphinha is thought to be keen to come to Barca but Leeds won’t sell him cheaply and apparently think he’s worth around the same as Ferran Torres.
Barca landed Ferran for €55 million in the winter transfer window but won’t want, and probably can’t afford, to pay anything like that for Raphinha.
And that’s where Trincao comes in. MD reckon that if Leeds stay up then Trincao could be a possible option to be included in the deal which could interest Leeds.
Obviously if Leeds go down then it will be far easier for Barca to acquire Raphina, particularly as it’s been reported his release clause will drop to just €25m.
Trincao is currently on loan in the Premier League with Wolves but the latest reports have suggested the Black Country side won’t be taking up the winger’s purchase option.
Meanwhile, Joan Laporta confirmed Barca’s interest in Raphinha in his interview with RAC1 on Monday.
“Raphinha is a player we really like and it’s true that Deco’s his agent. We’ve very good relationships,” he said. “I want to clarify that Deco’s not paid by the club. He will just help us because he dominates the Brazilian market.”
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
The week ahead for FC Barcelona - FC Barcelona
The players on international duty are returning to Xavi's squad little by little as the team get ready for the weekend's visit of Sevilla in La Liga
Ansu Fati back training with the squad - FC Barcelona
The first team squad returned to training on Monday evening, albeit without the internationals still away with their national sides. There was good news as Ansu Fati rejoined the squad for training as he continues to gradually work his way back from injury.
Pedri says being relaxed 'comes from my family' - FC Barcelona
Relaxed, modest and honest - Barça midfielder Pedri appeared before the press whilst on international duty with the Spain squad and answered questions on his role at Barça amongst other topics.
Barcelonap resident Joan Laporta has pretty much ruled out the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the Camp Nou in the summer.
There have been a few whispers recently that Messi isn’t happy at Paris Saint-Germain and wants to come home after just a year in the French capital.
Laporta has now addressed the rumors and says it’s not something the club are thinking about because they are busy building a new team.
“I’ve received no message from Messi or his camp over a possibility of returning to Barcelona. As of today, we are not going to be raising this issue,” he said.
“I no longer have a fluid communication with Messi like I did before he left. His departure almost made me feel more bad for personal and family reasons rather than just strictly sporting ones.
“We’re not considering [Messi’s return]. We are building a new team, with a mix of young players and experience - the symbiosis is working. But Leo is Leo and he’ll always be a winner.
“For me it sure wasn’t easy [for him to go], but, as it happened, I thought about the club [finances], I couldn’t put it at more risk. I think we did what we had to do.”
Messi signed a two-year contract with the option for one more when he left Barca last summer but it’s not clear if he will see out his deal. It still seems likely the GOAT will return to Barca in the future and take up a non-playing role when he’s finally hung up his boots.
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The midfielder has talked up his teammate
Pedri has been talking about his Barcelona team-mate and fellow midfielder Gavi while on international duty with Spain.
The 19-year-old says he has a great relationship with Gavi and also responded to comparisons with Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
“Let’s hope we can be a duo like Xavi and Iniesta but it will tough to repeat what they did,” he said. “I have a special relationship with him and I really appreciate him, he has great potential.”
Pedri is regularly compared with Iniesta and once again offered a pretty mature response when asked about the former Barcelona midfielder.
“I am aware of the importance I have at Barça and I can deal with it calmly. The team is more important than the player,” he added. “It’s flattering to be compared to your hero because you are doing things right. Iniesta was crazy brilliant and I take it as motivation.”
The 19-year-old played all 90 minutes of Spain’s win over Albania last time out and could feature again on Tuesday when Luis Enrique’s side take on Iceland.
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The former captain is a big fan of the women’s team
Carles Puyol was back at Barcelona on Monday and dropped in to have a chat with the women’s team ahead of their Champions League Clasico second leg against Real Madrid.
Barca Femeni will welcome their fierce rivals to a sold out Camp Nou on Wednesday for the second leg of their quarter-final, leading 3-1 from the first fixture in the Spanish capital.
Puyol, who knows a thing or two about playing against Real Madrid, spoke to the players about the match and offered some words of motivation.
“This is sacred and I thank you for letting me be here, It’s an honor, I am a faithful follower of yours, I enjoy it very much. All of us culés are super proud of what you are doing,” he said.
“The first thing I want to do is congratulate you for everything you’re doing and how you’re doing it. It’s difficult to win after winning. Rivals go after you and it’s more complicated.
“Don’t let this pass you by. Football happens very very quickly and when you realise it, you won’t have the chance to play anymore and it’s the things that I miss most.
“Those of you who are culés and those of us who are culés know that this is the greatest rival. It is a special game. We always want to play it and win it. The only thing I would ask of you is to continue like this, not to change.
“Don’t stop doing the little things because in the end, it’s the little things that make the difference, keep enjoying it.”
Victory for Barca Femeni would keep the team on course for another treble. The league title has already been retained, while the team are also into the semi-finals of the Copa de la Reina.
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Barcelona are reportedly closing in on securing Gavi’s long-term future by agreeing a contract extension with the 17-year-old.
The latest update comes from Fabrizio Romano who reckons it’s only a matter of time before the Catalans confirm Gavi’s new deal.
Here’s what he’s had to say in his transfer update on YouTube.
“For Araujo we need to wait, but for Gavi, Barca are really optimistic. The contract is at the final stages, they need the final meeting to complete everything,” he said.
“For now Barca is in a moment where salaries are important because they are signing players on free transfers, Kessie, Christensen, so this is why the salary structure is really important for Barcelona.
“Since November, since December they have had everything in place for Gavi to sign a new contract but it’s not completed yet because of the salaries balance situation.
“It seems to be a matter of time from the player’s side and on Barca’s side the feeling is the same, optimistic.
“Gavi wants to continue with Barca, he’s a Barca fan, he’s super happy with the club, and so a work in progress to the final stages for Gavi’s new contract with Barca.”
It seems as though Gavi will be the next youngster to commit his long-term future to the club, while fans will be hoping that Ronald Araujo is the next to put pen to paper on a new long contract.
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Barcelona received a huge boost on Monday as Ansu Fati made his long-awaited return to first-team training after injury.
The teenager has been in Madrid recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in January but is now back home and closing in on a return to action.
Fati reportedly undertook a serious of medical checks at the club earlier today before being given the green light to get back to work on the training ground.
The striker then received a warm welcome from his team-mates at the Ciutat Esportiva.
There’s already plenty of speculation about when Ansu could get back out on the pitch but it seems pretty certain Barca won’t take any risks at all with the youngster.
Cope are reporting that Fati could be back in two weeks’ time providing everything goes well and there are no setbacks during training.
In any case, it’s great to see Ansu getting back to work. Let’s hope he can finally stay injury-free and get back to doing what he does best.
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The defender would be happy to return to Spain
It’s no secret that Barcelona want and need to bring in some more depth at the full-back position this summer. The lack of depth and aging quality they have will eventually lead to more injury problems as competition increases again next year.
One of the players that has been linked with a potential move is Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso. The Spanish international has been getting quality time with Chelsea due to Reece James’ injury, but it's clear he’s Tuchel’s number two when everyone is healthy. That’s led him to perhaps become interested in a move back to Spain.
“Barcelona? I have a contract and at the moment I’m still at Chelsea,” he said.
“I am happy, although I would always be delighted to return to Spain . That’s what I can say today.”
Alonso is contracted to Chelsea until 2023 but the Blues face an intriguing summer. The club can’t currently buy or sell players because of sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich but groups are currently bidding to buy the Premier League side.
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Big praise from the midfielder
There are plenty of players who have made a massive impact on the Barcelona resurgence over the last few months. Two of the most exciting players to leave their mark are Pedri and Ousmane Dembele.
Pedri has been a known commodity since before Xavi arrived, but Dembele struggled to find a place. Injuries and a failure to put pen to paper on a new contract added up to a tough first half of the season. However, that’s changed drastically. Dembele has been putting in marvelous shift after shift in 2022, and has caught Pedri’s attention.
“I have a very good relationship with him and he’s a crazily good player, he’s surprised me a lot. You don’t know if he’ll go by on the left or the right, he goes where he wants and it’s amazing to have him.”
On Dembele’s future, Pedri said: “Sometimes I joke with him about it but it’s a decision that he has to take.”
Personally, I hope Dembele is able to stay at Barcelona under Xavi. As someone who gets to watch him on a daily basis, I’m sure Pedri feels the same way.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Adama, 'La Fletxa' - FC Barcelona
The winger returns to Barça just as quick and as strong as ever and now with the experience of having played in England to help as he is back at his boyhood club
Betis Deportivo 1-2 Barça B: Second win in a row - FC Barcelona
After the 2-1 win against UE Cornellà at Estadio Johan Cruyff, Barça B won again, this time away at the Ciudad Deportiva Luís del Sol (1-2). A good first half saw Ferran Jutglà and Fabio Blanco score to settle the nerves and ensure the three points go back to Barcelona. They are now 12th in the league with 39 points.
Premier League pair linked with Ronald Araujo swoop - Football Espana
Barcelona defensive lynchpin Ronald Araujo is attracting transfer interest from Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea. The Uruguayan international has become a mainstay of the La Blaugrana back line in the last 12 months with urgent talks now planned for his contract renewal.
Pedri hails Xavi's impact on Barcelona form - Football Espana
Spanish international Pedri missed the majority of La Blaugrana’s opening months in the 2021/22 season, due to injury, but he has immediately re-established himself in Xavi’s plans on his return.
Barcelona and Raphinha agree personal terms - Football Espana
Barcelona seem keen to get their summer business done early this year and the latest piece of that puzzle appears to Brazilian winger Raphinha. Recently becoming a regular in the Brazilian national squads, Raphinha has three goals in his seven Selecao caps.
Lewandowski and Barcelona have an agreement - Football Espana
After constant rumours surrounding Erling Braut Haaland were cooled by Joan Laporta due to the potential financial cost, the most recent world class forward the Catalans have been linked with is his Bundesliga rival.
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Franck Kessie is expected to join Barcelona in the summer on a free transfer after reportedly agreeing a move to the Camp Nou on a four-year deal.
The midfielder’s former coach, Massimo Drago, has spoken out about the midfielder and told Barcelona what they can expect from the Ivorian.
“Although he can also play pivot, Kessié does it even better as an 8. He is a box-to-box midfielder, who can defend and attack with the same results for 90 minutes,” he said.
“Despite his great physicality, he has the technical ability to free himself and play in a few meters of space. He is a true wild card.
“In Xavi’s 1-4-3-3 I see him better next to Busquets (or another pivot). Playing in this position, Franck with Barcelona could score 8-9 goals per season.”
Drago worked with Kessie at Cesena and also spoke out about his personality and is confident he can force his way into the starting XI at Barca.
“I always say that Franck has the level, quality and experience to be a starter at Barça, as well as at all the other top clubs in the world,” he added.
“He has a monstrous personality and it is no coincidence that at Milan he is the one who takes penalties before a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The ‘rossoneri call him ‘The President’….”
Kessie will certainly add to Xavi’s options if he does make the move and will ensure there is intense competition for places in midfield with Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi, and Nico also around.
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Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard came up against Barcelona at the weekend in the legends match between the two sides.
The Aston Villa boss scored in the game which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Catalans thanks to goals from Giovanni Silva and Rivaldo.
Gerrard spoke about Barcelona after the match and was full of admiration for the club’s decision to appoint Xavi as the team’s coach.
“I think the appointment of Xavi was a masterstroke by Barcelona to appoint someone who has Barcelona in his DNA and who was a world-class player for so many years,” he said.
“He obviously knows the style that everyone around Barcelona wants to see. After some challenging times it looks like as if they are getting back to where they need to be.
“It was obviously a huge result against Real Madrid. As a Barcelona fan from afar, it’s really good to see them back doing well.”
The 41-year-old is currently in his second managerial role, having swapped Rangers for Aston Villa in November 2021. Gerrard’s side are currently ninth in the Premier League after 29 games played.
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Another weapon on the way for Xavi to integrate
Ansu Fati has been given the green light to return to training after being out three months with a hamstring injury, and Barcelona fans will be asking themselves what they did to deserve so much happiness.
Just in time to chase a Europa League trophy, and apply proper pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the league table.
This will be the third time this season that Ansu has returned from injury, but the first time he’s joining a team that’s enjoying its football. The clouds have parted, and we’re not looking for a hero anymore.
That could work to his and the club’s benefit, as Xavi will be prudent in how he uses his most promising attacking talent, taking no risks in case of another injury relapse.
Still the circumstances are intriguing with so many questions surrounding the club going into the summer.
One of the biggest influences on the Barcelona turnaround has been Ousmane Dembele, but with his future at the club in doubt, Xavi will already be thinking of solutions for how to replace such an important part of his current system.
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Ansu Fati is the obvious choice. Unless there’s a big summer surprise, next season you’re likely to see him joined by Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the starting forwards.
If everyone is healthy, that is a strong attacking threat.
But swapping in Ansu for Dembele is far from a like for like change. It would require moving Ferran to the right, his preferred position as it turns out, and giving Ansu the spot on the left.
It would also completely change the style of play, as Dembele and Adama Traore are the only wingers, save for maybe Ez Abde, who provide a vertical threat. The success over the past few months has really started and ended with having wingers who can play high and wide, and take defenders on in isolation.
Let’s assume that Adama and Dembele’s Blaugrana futures are coming to a close, although that’s far from a guarantee, and I for one hope that Joan Laporta makes an effort to keep the band together for another go around.
If that’s the case, the return of Ansu Fati in April will give Xavi a chance to look to the future. What’s working now, will not work the same way with new personnel.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
With Ansu in the lineup instead of Dembele, you’re getting a natural goalscorer, but giving up a creator who manufactures opportunities.
That will put more pressure on the likes of Pedri, Frenkie, and Gavi to be playmakers in the midfield, and it will take pressure off them to make runs forward and contribute inside the box.
You can still play with a 4-3-3. In the best-case scenario, it’s a dominant possession-based system, resembling Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and his Barcelona of old.
In the worst-case scenario, the team loses that forward thinking, direct mindset that fast wingers engender. In that scenario, the team resorts to more of a side-to-side and backwards, possession without as much penetration on the ball. Think of the current Spanish national team under Luis Enrique. In my opinion, kind of boring and uninspiring, but it can still be effective.
The good news about Xavi is that he is intense and demanding. That leads me to believe, that like Guardiola, he’ll find a way to motivate his team to have a winning mindset, and won’t tolerate complacency or playing it safe.
But you still have to concede that with the players Barcelona are likely to lose, and with the return of Ansu Fati, the team will have to continue to adapt, and find new solutions that play to the strengths of the new players you are calling on.
Ansu Fati is just 19 years old, and as devastating as the last year has been for him, he has all the time he needs to learn his adult body, and work with the new and improved medical staff at Barcelona, to develop into one of the next generation of footballing superstars the world expects him to be.
For the cynics out there that need a reminder, recall this picture that is worth a million words. When you think of the future of Barcelona, you can’t do it without seeing Ansu Fati.
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During some of the darkest years in recent Blaugrana history, Ansu has been one of the brightest lights showing a way forward.
It will be exciting to see what he and Xavi can do together.
Imagine what this squad can accomplish over the next decade when you throw in the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo.
This time, let’s hope this is the real Ansu comeback free of setbacks.
The good times are rolling again at the Camp Nou, and the party isn’t stopping any time soon.
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Barcelona’s interest in Leeds United attacker Raphinha appears to be getting pretty serious with the latest reports suggesting personal terms have been agreed.
Diario Sport have the latest update and reckon Barca have agreed a salary with the Brazilian and terms on a five-year contract.
Raphinha has decided he wants to move to the Camp Nou and isn’t interested in listening to offers from any other clubs.
Xavi has backed the signing and Raphinha also knows he has the chance to be a regular with Ousmane Dembele expected to leave on a free transfer.
Barca still have to reach an agreement with Leeds, and Sport reckon Oscar Mingueza could even be used as part of the deal, but agreeing a price will be the tricky part.
However, if the Whites end up being relegated from the Premier League then it could get a whole lot easier for Barcelona.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Raphinha has a €75 million release clause in his contract which drops to just €25m if Leeds go down.
Raphinha's contract includes two release clauses: 75 million in case Leeds will stay in PL, 25 million if relegated. That's why Barcelona are waiting to make their opening bid. #FCB
Personal terms not an issue. Barça are in advanced talks with his agent Deco since February.
Jesse Marsch’s side are currently in 16th place in the table, and seven points off the bottom three, but have played more games than their relegation rivals.
Leeds return to action after the international break against Southampton and then play Watford away in a game which looks to be a huge fixture in the race against the drop.
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The rumor mill has already claimed that Barcelona have pretty much completed deals for Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen to arrive on free transfers.
Barca are also thought to want to bring in another full-back and an attacker, although it’s not clear who may arrive at the Camp Nou and how much the club have to spend.
Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha have all been talked about recently as possible additions to strengthen the attack.
Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nicolas Tagliafico, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jose Luis Gaya have been mentioned as potential defensive recruits.
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A crucial win in a relegation six-pointer before another big game at the bottom
In what has become a predictably depressing season filled with bad result after another, Barcelona B have one job now: not get relegated. It’s certainly not what they were hoping for at the start of the season, but it’s the only task ahead of them.
When you’re fighting for relegation, winning the games against your direct competitors at home is the most important key to success. Such a game happened last Saturday when Barça welcomed Cornellá to the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
The teams were separated by a point and two positions, and a loss would most likely put Barça B in the relegation zone for the first time all season. But Sergi Barjuan’s young troops did the job: a huge 2-1 win, with the first two goals of January signing Fabio Blanco’s Barça B career.
The three points brought some temporary relief: Barça B are now 13th in the table, three spots and two points clear of the relegation zone. The distance is still very small, so they have to keep winning the games that they should win.
Another one of those happens this Sunday when they travel to Seville to face Real Betis B, who are bottom of the table and virtually relegated to the Fourth Division. Even though this is an away game, it’s against the worst team in the league by a wide margin. Barça must win a second in a row and hope that the teams around them drop points, so they can create a real gap to the relegation spots.
And there’s some very good news for this one: left-back Alejandro Balde, who missed the last three months with an ankle injury, has finally been cleared to return to action. Balde was part of the first team picture and playing very well for Barça B before getting hurt, so his return is a huge boost at the right time.
It’s another big game this Sunday, and an unexpected loss would mean trouble once again. It’s time to step up.
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— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) March 26, 2022
Gavi was also in the starting XI but was replaced just after the hour, while Jordi Alba came on for the final 30 minutes.
Spain dominated the game but had to wait until the 75th minute for Torres to break the deadlock. The forward nipped onto a pass from Yeremi Pino and squeezed the ball past the goalkeeper.
12 - Ferran Torres has been directly involved in 12 goals in his 15 appearances in 2022 between @FCBarcelona and Spain in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting in five. Comfortable. pic.twitter.com/c4gsF4pllM
Albania somehow managed to equalize 10 minutes later in bizarre style with their first effort on target. A hopefull ball forward saw Pau Torres head the ball, which hit Uzuni and rolled into the back of the net.
Spain looked set to be held to a draw but managed to grab a winner in the 90th minute. Pedri and Alba combined superbly to find Dani Olmo in the penalty area. The RB Leipzig man then turned and curled a brilliant effort into the top corner to secure a late win.
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“At the moment this is in the hands of the representatives. Sergi Roberto is a player that we have a lot of appreciation for, personally, he has given many years of glory and a lot of football to Barça, now he is recovering from an injury and his contract is ending. He was offered the renewal at the time, I even intervened so that there were conditions in consensus with the two parties and they did not want to sign that renewal.
“So we understand that since they didn’t want to sign and now his contract is ending... We’ll see, because he is a player that we have to have special consideration and deference to because he has been part of a glorious stage in Barça’s history. That will focus on talking to him and making things clear for both parties.”
It appears increasingly likely that Roberto’s time at the club could soon be up, particularly with AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie also expected to arrive in the summer.
There have been reports of interest in Roberto from Atletico Madrid, Premier League clubs and speculation about a possible move to the MLS, but it’s still not completely clear where he’ll play next season.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been discussingRonald Araujo and Gavi and says contract renewals for both players are on the right track.
There have been plenty of conflicting reports flying about regarding negotiations with both players over the last few weeks.
It’s thought that both Araujo and Gavi are keen to stay but aren’t completely happy with the terms they have been offered so far.
Laporta offered a typically upbeat assessment of how things are going and insists there are no problems with either player.
“Well, this is on the right track. Yes, they are players that we want to continue, within these salary levels that we are establishing. We would like them to continue for many years,” he said.
“Negotiations are underway and everything is going perfectly normally with Araujo and Gavi.”
Araujo has reportedly been offered a new deal worth €5 million a year but has more lucrative offers from Manchester United and Liverpool. The Uruguayan’s current deal expires in 2023.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has praised Ousmane Dembele but says he has not heard from the Frenchman regarding whether he wants to stay at the club.
It’s been confirmed Barcelona will take on Cadiz in La Liga on Monday, 18 April at 9pm CEST at Camp Nou and will face Real Sociedad on Thursday 21 April at 9.30pm.
US youth international Adrian Gill has signed a three-year contract at Barcelona. The midfielder has been at the club since 2018 and will play with the U19s next season.
Jordi Alba is expecting a “spectacular” atmosphere when he leads the Spain team out at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday against Albania in an international friendly.
Barcelona have tried to distance themselves from rumors claiming they are keen on Kylian Mbappe. The Catalans believe the striker will move to Real Madrid this summer.
Lionel Messi has offered a cryptic update on his future while on international duty with Argentina. He said, “After the World Cup, I’m going to rethink a lot of things.”
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The left-back was asked about Pedri and Gavi
Jordi Alba has been talking about Barcelona’s young players ahead of Spain’s friendly against Albania on Saturday.
The Barcelona left-back will captain the Spain side in the absence of Sergio Busquets and could line up alongside team-mates such as Gavi, Pedri, Eric Garcia, and Ferran Torres.
Alba has spoken about what it’s like to play with the likes of Pedri and Gavi and how he’s been surprised by just how good they are.
“They are very mature for their age. When I was their age, I was lucky that experienced people helped me adapt, whether it was to the national team, Valencia or Barcelona. I try to do the same,” he said.
“We are lucky that many high-level players have come from Barcelona and that they are Spanish. Their quality surprises us. At their age, I was playing at Cornella and they are playing European Championships and the World Cup. It’s wonderful to watch them play.”
Pedri has become a key player for club and country already despite only being 19, while Gavi became the youngest player ever to feature for La Roja when he made his debut against Italy in the Nations League at the age of 17.
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