الخميس، 31 يوليو 2014

Video: Gerard Deulofeu Videoblog

By  5:43 م  No comments

He's young and he's having a good time.


Gerard Deulofeu is now part of FC Barcelona, and he promises to be one of the future Blaugrana stars. He's been training with the team at St. George's Park in England, and he is enjoying all the work as he comes back home. The videoblog above shows a little of Deulofeu's day in training, as he comments on his experience as a youngster and playing at Everton last season. He also talks about how great his teammates are.




"When you are a Young lad in the under 11s and so on, you don't know what will happen because there's still a long way to go, but when you make it to the Youth side and it's all a bit more serious, you start to think about the dream of playing in the first team alongside all these great players. Now I really want to make the most of it. I grew up at the Club, but it's still surprising to see how great these players are. You are with the best in the world and the only thing you can do is learn from them.


It's good to be training here, we're working hard on our fitness. We have to be ready for the new season. We're really happy with the facilities here and with how we're working. It's the first time I've been here and we have all been really impressed with the place.


Last year [at Everton] was special for me, but I'm happy to be back here. I always had this as my goal and I've achieved it. Now I have to work harder to achieve my new goals here. We've been training twice a day, but when we have free time we just try to relax, playing pool or table tennis. We're all friends and we're having a great time together."



Let's hope he gets some opportunities to show how happy and good he is.







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"Thank you, Galo!" - Ronaldinho Makes Farewell Video to Atlético Mineiro

By  4:04 م  No comments

Beautiful.


Ronaldinho, one of Barcelona's biggest stars of all time, has recently rescinded his contract, leaving Brazil's Atlético Mineiro. Just like he did as a Blaugrana, Ronnie became one of the team's biggest idols ever. He led Atlético to their most important title: the 2013 Copa Libertadores. He also won the 2013 Minas Gerais State Championship and the 2014 America SuperCup, scoring a total of 27 goals in 85 games.


R10 is now a free agent, and early rumors say that he could join Major League Soccer starting next season.






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Claudio Bravo: 'Ter Stegen has surprised me a lot'

By  3:53 م  No comments

He's happy with the competition.


Claudio Bravo is happy after his first week of training with Barcelona's squad. In an interview with Catalunya Radio, he talked about his feelings about the squad, the competition at his position and what he expects for the new team next season.


Ter Stegen and the GK competition:




"Ter Stegen has surprised me a lot. Not only his quality, but the fact that he's already speaking Spanish. I'm also impressed with Jordi [Masip]. He's doing great at training and he also has the advantage of knowing the team's philosophy.


I was never in the bench in my career, mainly because the competition was not all that good. Here, it's different. It's a better competition, so you need to be at your best. I think we all have the same chances of becoming the starter. I don't know who's starting, but I believe everyone has good chances and we all need to be ready."




Training details:




"We've been practicing a lot with the team to get used to the tactical strategies. I know that Lucho wants a GK that is comfortable with his feet so we can have a quality ball possession from box to box. It's important to have a keeper like that.


Personally, I'm very comfortable with the ball in my feet. At Real [Sociedad], they used me a lot because of my long ball. Obviously, that won't happen here because of Barça's style, so I need to focus on the short passes as well. Everyone will be involved in the passing, including the goalkeeper. So I need to get ready to help keep the ball possession."




BRAVO, Bravo!





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FC Barcelona: Third Highest Attendance in Football

By  1:05 م  No comments

In average, Barça is way better than average.


FC Barcelona matches are events. People from all over the world dream to be in the Camp Nou. The loyal fan-base is always there, going to Barça's home to root for the Culés. The stadium is a gigantic one, and the attendance is huge for most games.


In fact, in average, Barcelona's matches at the Camp Nou registered the third-highest attendance in the world last season, according to data published by Mundo Deportivo on Thursday. With 72,116 spectators, the matches at Camp Nou ranked only behind Manchester United (75,207) and Borussia Dortmund (80,297).


Barcelona, obviously, leads the attendance numbers in Spain. Real Madrid comes second in the domestic ranking, but just a bit behind, with an average of 71,558 people in Santiago Bernabéu.


Despite the great numbers, they are a little misleading. United, Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Schalke 04, for instance, get attendance averages that equal almost 100% of the stadium's capacity. The Camp Nou has officially 98,787 available seats, which means that Barça's occupancy rate is only 73%, way behind the German and English clubs, for example.


It's not easy to fill a 99-thousand seat stadium anymore. The bigger games still sell the Camp Nou out, but in the other matches, it becomes too expensive to have only 70% of the stadium occupied. Doesn't matter. Barcelona will build the Espai Barça, that involves expanding the stadium capacity to 106 thousand seats, among other improvements to make the Camp Nou the most modern stadium in Europe.


Will the attendance increase along with the stadium's capacity? It's hard to say.





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Gerard Piqué: 'I'm not the best anymore'

By  10:55 ص  No comments

But he's confident he will be again.


Gerard Piqué is very critical of himself. And he wants to get better.


The 27-year-old center-back has spoken in a press conference on Thursday after Barcelona's practice at St. George's Park, site of the team's pre-season training this week. Piqué is not satisfied with his performances from last season, and he believes the arrival of Luis Enrique will help him get back to world-class status. He also talked about his new dance partner, Jeremy Mathieu, among other topics.


Here's a few highlights of his answers:


His performances and Luis Enrique:




"I'm not the best center-back in the world anymore. I was once, but last season and also in the World Cup, that was definitely not the case.


To play and win at Barça you have to be one of three best players in your position, and I haven't been lately. But I think Luis Enrique will help him get back to that. I know I can get back to being one of the best in the world and I'm working for it. I'm confident in it. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here anymore"




Expectations for the season:




"Anytime you don't win an important title, it's a failure. We failed, but we were close both in La Liga and in the Copa del Rey. It is clear that if we get to our best again, we can win those titles back, as long as we're all humble and work hard towards that goal. We have all the ingredients to perform well and have a great year."




Mathieu:




"I think it's great that he is here. He'll adapt well. He knows how the Spanish League is, so it won't be a problem. His skills will help us a lot. He's tall and very fast at the same time. He is tough, but has no problem to pass the ball. Also, being left-footed can help us tremendously."



Good luck, Shakiro.







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Luis Suárez to Testify at Court of Arbitration for Sport; Four-month Ban Can be Reduced

By  10:04 ص  No comments

His suspension can go down to only two months.


Luis Suárez could be a part of FC Barcelona's squad ealier than expected.


According to Spanish news agency EFE, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has called the 27-year-old striker to testify and give his side of the story that led him to receive a ban from any football-related activity, given by FIFA after his latest biting incident, when Suárez attacked Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup match between Italy and Uruguay.


Luisito received a nine-game suspension from the national team, along with a four-month ban that prohibited him from even being presented as the new Barcelona signing. Suárez cannot also train with the team, and he has been practicing by himself with a personal trainer while his case has been analyzed.


On Thursday, Mundo Deportivo reported that Suárez's ban can be reduced to only two months, which would expire at the end of August. If it happens, he would be eligible to debut as a Blaugrana on the second La Liga match, against Villarreal. MD has received the information that the judges are inclined to decide in the favor of Suárez, considering the decision is unprecedented and possibily too harsh.


The hearing will be held on August 8, in Lausanne, Switzerland. If everything goes as expected, Suárez could be a Blaugrana sooner than we thought.





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FC Barcelona News: 31 July 2014; Training Continues in England, Gamper Trophy Game Kickoff Time Changed

By  5:04 ص  No comments

Day of intesity and rest in St. George's Park | FC Barcelona

Under an overcast sky, the team trained on St. George’s Park main training pitch. Patric didn’t take part in the session, but Sergio Roberto did. It was an intense session, and it was closely watched by England’s national women’s team. After the session, Pedro remarked: "Luis Enrique knows what I can offer."


Inside view: Single-session day in Birmingham, day 3 | FC Barcelona

Barça’s third day at St. George’s Park was marked by a single session, which took place in the morning. The session saw a very active Luis Enrique intensely manage the team.


Luis Enrique talks about Sir Bobby Robson on the 5th anniversary of his death | FC Barcelona

"He meant a lot to me, in my first year at the club, in 96/97. It was his first, and his last, year at the club, alongside Mourinho. I played in lots of positions for him, and many games, and I have great memories of that year, and I only have positive things to say about that time".


Gamper kick off time brought forward | FC Barcelona

The Trofeu Joan Gamper will kick off at the revised time of half past eight local time and will be the first chance for the Camp Nou faithful to cast an eye over Luis Enrique’s new side after their intensive pre-season, as they take on Rafa Márquez’s Club León side, with the ex-Barça man making his return to the Stadium.


Messi offers Grandona condolences | Football Espana

Lionel Messi has offered his condolences on the death of the President of the Argentine Football Association Julio Grandona. It was announced yesterday that Grandona has passed away at the age of 82 and the Argentina captain used Facebook to pay tribute to the veteran administrator.


Pedro: "Luis Enrique knows what I can bring" | FC Barcelona

Pedro Rodríguez is starting his sixth season in the first team squad and after he spoke earlier this summer to Andoni Zubizarreta to clarify his future at the Club, he’s excited about the prospects for life under new boss Luis Enrique: "the Club has confidence and faith in me. I’ve worked under Luis Enrique before, he knows me and he knows what I can bring. That was important in keeping me at the Club which has given me everything".


Rafa 'Rafinha' Alcántara's videoblog | FC Barcelona

One of Barça’s new players this season is Rafa Alcántara, who returns to the team after a one-year loan with Celta. The player was under the orders of Luis Enrique at Barça B and in Vigo. The midfielder believes that the team’s training camp in St. George’s Park is a positive experience.


PSG reject Barca’s Maquinhos bid | Football Espana

Paris Saint-Germain are unwilling to let Marquinhos join Barcelona and have turned down a €43m offer, it has been claimed. AS cite reports from the Brazilian Press that say Barca made the offer, only for it to be summarily dismissed by the French club.


American man sues Ronaldo in ‘CR7′ trademark battle | Eurosport

In a complaint filed Monday in Rhode Island federal court, 43-year-old fitness enthusiast Christopher Renzi said he had received letters from lawyers for the Danish company JBS Textile Group demanding he give up the trademark because it had "imminent plans" to enter the U.S. market with Ronaldo's CR7 underwear.






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الثلاثاء، 29 يوليو 2014

Report: Marco Reus Still Part of FC Barcelona Plans; Borussia Dormtund to Increase Buyout Clause

By  3:57 م  No comments

Barça loves him so much.


Marco Reus is one of the biggest football stars in Europe. And Barcelona hasn't given up on him.


According to multiple reports from Spain and as sources told Barça Blaugranes, the Catalans still plan to having Reus join the Blaugrana for the 2015/16 season. The 25-year-old is a Barça fan and a club target since forever, and the rumors of a possible transfer intensified after last season; but with his injury, and the signing of Luis Suárez, Barcelona decided to engage transfer talks in 12 months time.


Borussia Dortmund, Reus' current club, is aware of that. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also interested in Reus, and the Germans want to secure that he'll stay and not become the newest Mario Götze and Robert Lewandowski. Both left Dortmund and joined Bayern after their contracts ended.


To assure that Reus is not leaving next season, Dortmund plans to buy him out. His current exit fee, of €35 million, is considered low for current market standards. Borussia will likely increase his clause to about €70 million, something that should probably make his negotiations a little harder.


Still, after paying more than that for Neymar and Luis Suárez in consecutive seasons, Barcelona would have no problem paying that much. Anyway, Dortmund wants to make it expensive. It's a certainty that Reus will not leave this season. After that, who knows.






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FC Barcelona News: 29 July 2014; 25 Player Take Part in First Training Session, Claudio Bravo Joins Group

By  4:52 ص  No comments

25 players train in the team's first session in Saint George’s Park | FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona completed their first training session in St. George’s Park. A total of 25 players trained this Monday afternoon, it was the first of many seeing that the team will remain in England until Saturday. Only Alex Song, who travelled with the team to England, didn’t train. The Cameroonian left the training camp for familial reasons.


Inside view: Training camp in Birmingham, day 1 | FC Barcelona

Barça completed their first day at the training camp in England. It was an intense day, which saw the team depart from Barcelona and arrive in Birmingham two hours later. The team then trained in St. George’s Park. It was the first session with all three of the new keepers for the 2014/15 season: Ter Stegen, Bravo and Masip.


Break from usual routine | FC Barcelona

Barça’s first day in England was long and intense. After every session so far this season has been at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Monday marked a pleasant break from their usual routine.


Alex Song leaves the stage for familial reasons | FC Barcelona

Alex Song left the training tour at St. George’s Park for familial reasons. As soon as the team’s plane touched down, the Cameroonian player caught a flight back home and thus will miss out on the opening days of training in England.


The team discovers St. George’s Park | FC Barcelona

Barça are in St. George’s Park, where the team will stay until Saturday. Located near Birmingham, on a 330-hectare lot in the English national forest, the center offers up large and modern training areas designed specifically for elite teams. The English national team trains at St. George’s Park as do other international teams.


Bravo, Ter Stegen and Masip are ready for prime time | FC Barcelona

The training camp in St. George’s Park will allow Luis Enrique to train with all three of his keepers. In fact, the goalkeeper position is the one that presents many of the new additions to the team. Valdés, Pinto and Oier ceded their places to Ter Stegen, Bravo and Masip.


Barcelona training in England: Guillem Balague expects tough double sessions | Football News | Sky Sports

"Luis Enrique is a fanatic of physical training," he told Sky Sports News. "Barcelona have come from two years where the training has been more relaxed and less intense, which showed in the way they were playing. But Enrique wants discipline, hard work, and for guys to recover pressure high and be fit.They are saying privately that it’s hard to finish the sessions. So far what he has been doing back in Barcelona is difficult training sessions."


Mathieu: "I'm ready for the pressure" | FC Barcelona

Jérémy Mathieu gave his first interview as an FC Barcelona player after he was officially presented on Thursday. Barça TV and fcbarcelona.com picked up the defender’s first statements as a Culé: "I will give 100% of myself and I hope everything goes well on the pitch." The Frenchman is aware that joining FC Barcelona is a step forward in his career, and he accepts that challenge: "It’s difficult to join a team after someone like Carles Puyol leaves, but I will show Barça that they made a good choice in signing me."


Lionel Messi to be prosecuted for alleged tax evasion | The Guardian

A Spanish court will push ahead with prosecuting the Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for alleged tax evasion despite a recommendation from the public prosecutor the charges be dismissed. The prosecutor argued in June that Messi’s father Jorge was responsible for the family’s finances and not the four-times World Player of the Year.


Navas' future in limbo | Football Espana

The Costa Rica goalkeeper has an agreement in principle with the European champions, but according to AS, has been left in limbo. Carlo Ancelotti’s men want to get the Costa Rica international in training as soon as possible, with Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane and James Rodriguez returning to Valdebebas on Friday. The club is trying to get the shot-stopper to join them, but before they can do that, one of their current goalkeepers has to go.


Official: Granero leaves QPR for Real Sociedad - Goal.com

QPR have confirmed that midfielder Esteban Granero has joined Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee. The Spaniard moved to Loftus Road from Real Madrid in 2012 but suffered relegation from the Premier League in his first season with the London club.






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الاثنين، 28 يوليو 2014

Report: FC Barcelona and Daniel Agger Get Close to Deal

By  4:00 م  No comments

One more CB on the way.


One more CB on the way to Barcelona, allegedly. Here we go.


According to a report from Diario Sport, FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC center-back Daniel Agger are close to reaching a transfer deal, that could become official in the next couple of days. The 29-year-old Danish defender is a long-time starter for the Reds, and his signing would be the alternative to Cuadrado and Marquinhos, that have become too expensive for the Blaugrana.


Also according to the rumor, Barça would pay Liverpool a fee of €15 million, and Agger would sign a five-year contract with Barcelona. An official announcement could happen as soon as Thursday. Sport claims that the talks have advanced a lot over the weekend.


Liverpool have announced the signing of another center-back, former Southampton Dejan Lovren, on Sunday. Could this be a sign of Agger's departure?






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Jeremy Mathieu: "I will show why my signing is a good decision"

By  3:19 م  No comments

Jeremy Mathieu has recently spoken in an interview to Barça TV. And the 30-year-old French defender is confident that he'll do well as a Blaugrana.


Mathieu talks about him growing up in France, his experience, and guaranteed doing his best at Barça. Here are a few highlights of his talk:




"I'll give 100% of myself out there and I hope my hard work pays off on the pitch. Hopefully everything goes well. I'm here to win every championship possible, since the team didn't win any last year. I know we can do it.


There's a lot of pressure to play in the place of Puyol after all he did for this club, but I'm ready to accept the challenge and I will show everyone why Barça made a good decision when they signed me.


I started playing when I was 5 in France, and at 17 I made my debut in the senior team at Sochaux. I might look old but I think my age gives me an important experience and it gets easier to deal with the press and everything else. I'm ready for the pressure.


I don't think I'll have any issues with adapting to the club. I've always wanted to be here and playing at Valencia for so long helped me learn the language. The only thing that matters is the pitch, and how I can help the team.


For sure, having [Jordi] Alba here is a great thing. We're really close, we've had three great seasons together and I'm sure he'll help me interact with the group.


Abidal is a great player. He has left his mark on this team and he deserves all the love and admiration from the club and the fans. I understand the comparisons, and I feel confident that I can play as well as he did here."




Nice guy.





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Tax Evasion Case Against FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi Continues

By  8:53 ص  No comments

The Spanish Court has decided to continue with the alleged tax evasion case against Lionel Messi


In a surprise decision the Spanish court in Barcelona rejected the prosecutors notion to dismiss the case against FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. Messi and his father have been accused of alleged tax evasion, but because the prosecutor argued that Lionel was not aware of any wrongdoing and would only look to push forward with the case against Messi's father, Jorge.


But the court today ruled that Lionel could've known about his father's plans and could've even approved the creation of a web of shell companies in order to evade taxes due on income from image rights. Both Lionel and Jorge have denied any wrongdoing, but the case will continue against both of them. The whole process started last year when the two were accused of defrauding the Spanish state of more than €4 million.


Even though the court has decided to pursue the case against the four time Ballon d'Or winner, disregarding the prosecutors notion, it remains highly unlikely that Lionel Messi will be found guilty in the matter. Considering the prosecutors opinion it is clear that he does not want to continue with the case against Lionel and would rather focus on the father. But for now Lionel will have to continue to endure the silliness of these affairs.






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FC Barcelona News: 28 July 2014; Barcelona Travel to Training Camp in England, Jan Vertonghen not Joining Barça

By  5:06 ص  No comments

FC Barcelona depart for England | FC Barcelona

Luis Enrique and his Barça squad left on Monday morning for their six-day training camp at St George’s Park, the FA’s facility on the outskirts of the English city of Birmingham. With 18 members of the first team and eight from the reserves, the flight is due to land at Birmingham Airport at around 11.50 AM GMT.


Barcelona to train at St George's Park - ESPN FC

Barcelona arrive in England on Monday as their preseason preparations continue with a training camp at St George's Park. Barca, who finished second in the Primera Division last term behind Atletico Madrid, will have sessions at the complex in Burton upon Trent each day from Monday to Friday before flying to France on Saturday.


Seven familiar faces for Luis Enrique | FC Barcelona

Before becoming Barça first team coach, Luis Enrique had previously managed Barca B, a team that included seven players who will now be working with him at the top level. The seven players are Deulofeu, Rafinha, Masip, Pedro, Sergi Roberto, Marc Bartra and Martin Montoya. Let’s take a look at their time under Luis Enrique’s guidance.


Experienced signings | FC Barcelona

It’s said that experience is a virtue, and if that’s the case then FC Barcelona have made some very astute signings this summer. The new additions all know what it’s like to play football at the very highest level, and several of them captained their previous clubs.


Vertonghen not joining Barca | Football Espana

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has said that while he is flattered to be linked with Barcelona, he’s staying at Spurs. Vertonghen’s name has been mentioned as a candidate to move to Camp Nou as Barca search for a second defensive signing of the summer, but he has told Belgian radio he will remain at White Hart Lane.


Neymar to play in 2016 Olympics? | Football Espana

Barcelona forward Neymar could play for Brazil in the 2016 Olympics, to be hosted by Rio de Janeiro. The Olympic team Coach, Alexandre Gallo, has suggested that Neymar should be called up in an effort to win gold, the set target of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).


René Victor Fenouillère, the first French player in FC Barcelona history | FC Barcelona

René Victor Fenouillère was the first French player to wear the FC Barcelona shirt, and he did it at the beginning of the twentieth century. He was born in Portbail (Lower Normandy) on 22nd of October 1882, and after playing for US Avranches, he spent some time in England, where he devoted himself exclusively to the sport of rugby.


Top stories of the week at FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona

The signing of Jérémy Mathieu and his presentation as a new FC Barcelona player, the return of the eight internationals to training after the World Cup, the 2014/15 La Liga schedule, and the agreement to transfer Bojan Krkic to Stoke City are a few of the most relevant stories of the week at FC Barcelona.


Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Real Madrid training in U.S. - ESPN FC

Cristiano Ronaldo completed his first post-2014 World Cup training session with Real Madrid as the Portugal international stepped up his preseason preparations. Ronaldo was not involved against Inter Milan on Saturday but completed a gym programme before taking part in a separate session away from the rest of the Real Madrid group at UCLA on Sunday.


Atletico Madrid agree deal to sign Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad | Sky Sports

Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal to sign France international winger Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad. The 23-year-old was linked with a big-money move to a host of clubs but Primera Division champions Atletico have won the race for the France international.


QPR midfielder Esteban Granero is close to finalising a move to Real Sociedad | Football News | Sky Sports

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Esteban Granero is in Spain to finalise a permanent move to Real Sociedad, according to Sky sources. The former Real Madrid player was loaned to Sociedad last season, but only made seven appearances due to a knee injury.






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الأحد، 27 يوليو 2014

Report: Atlético Madrid's João Miranda Contacts FC Barcelona Regarding Transfer

By  9:42 م  No comments

According to a report from Sport, he wants it.


João Miranda is a great defender. He is not that expensive. And he wants to move to Barcelona.


At least that's what a report from Diario Sport claims. According to the rumor, Miranda's agents have contacted Barcelona's sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, regarding a possible transfer. The conversation allegedly went well, with the player expressing his wish of moving to the Camp Nou next season, and his willingness to help Barça negotiate his exit from Atlético Madrid.


The problem for Barcelona is that Atlético has the same position Valencia had with Jeremy Mathieu, which made the talks difficult at the time. The colchoneros will not, under any circumstance, let any team buy Miranda for less than €30 million, his current buyout fee. Nothing Barça or any other team (like Manchester United, that has reportedly expressed interested, just because they're United) tries will change Atlético's minds. According to the report, Zubi doesn't want to be in that position anymore.


If Miranda really wants a move, he could force it. That would help Barcelona's efforts. It's all speculation, but he has been linked with a transfer to the Blaugrana, and his addition would be a great one.


Diego Simeone wouldn't want it, since he already lost left-back Filipe Luís to Chelsea. Miranda's loss will certainly be terrible for his plans. If the rumors are accurate, he better wish Barça doesn't want to pay the full clause.





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Is Neymar Jr.'s Status as a Starter in Jeopardy?

By  1:19 م  No comments

Will the coaching change mean the bench for Neymar?


With the arrival of Luis Enrique as Barcelona's manager, many believed and expected a change of direction moving forward. Not only in the squad, but in the scheme. Lucho wanted new guys who can play different ways that will allow him to put more versatility into Barça's tiki-taka.


And then there's Neymar. The Brazilian had a decent season last year, that earned him a starter status under Tata Martino. It's undeniable, though, that Neymar's best tenure as a Blaugrana came in the two months Lionel Messi was injured. It was only the first season, but the two clearly needed to figure out how to work together. Now, with Enrique as the boss, is Neymar's status as a starter in trouble?


Consider Javier Mascherano's spectacular World Cup performance as a defensive midfielder. Lucho has already said he wants to use the Argentine in that position -- that's why he wanted a center-back so much. It's unclear whether he plans to use Masche as a backup to Sergio Busquets or as a starter alongside him, in a double-DM formation. If you imagine Barça's starting lineup with Andrés Iniesta, Rakitic, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez up front, the most logical guy to come out for Mascherano is Neymar. Barça would play in a more standard, balanced 4-4-2 scheme, that would make the team stronger defensively -- while not losing the aggressive passing identity.


Bar_a1_medium Bar_a2_medium


Putting Mascherano in the starting lineup would give Busquets more freedom to help Rakitic and Iniesta in the creation department. Sergio is already a great passer away from the box. With Masche behind him, he could get closer to the goal and help the team's passing and shooting.


We could actually see that formation even with Neymar, since Luis Suárez won't play until November. But if that scheme works well, what happens when Luisito enters the squad? Who's coming off, Neymar or Mascherano?


Luis Enrique has some interesting decisions to make tactically. At least he has more options and better cards to play with, something that Barça didn't have before. It remains to be seen whether or not Neymar's starting job is in trouble. The August friendlies will give us a more clear idea.





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السبت، 26 يوليو 2014

Luis Suárez is Having His Own Pre-Season

By  2:37 م  No comments

With his own coach and everything!


Luis Suárez is still banned from any football-related activity by FIFA. Even though the case isn't really closed, and there's a remote chance the ban might be cancelled, it's most likely that the Uruguay striker will miss the first two months of Barcelona's season. The ban also prohibits him of training with the club, have any contact with Barça's staff, and so on. Suárez hasn't even been publicly presented yet.


That doesn't stop him from doing his own work. According to reports from Spain, Luisito is doing his own pre-season workouts daily, with a personal trainer who doesn't work with any club and doesn't have any affiliation with Barcelona. It's said that the 27-year-old has been taking care of his body well during this "sabbatical period", watching his diet and exercising regularly. Now, since last Tuesday, he's been doing real football-like workouts, just like he would if he was part of the team now.


Suárez wants to be ready to join the Blaugrana at any moment, as close to 100% as possible. His main focus is physical strength and conditioning, and contacts with the ball are rare, according to the reports.


His ban will be adressed again next month. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to join the team earlier than expected. All Suárez wants is to be ready.





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Assessing Barcelona’s Pre-Season

By  9:34 ص  No comments

A look at Barcelona's warm up to the new season and how it compares to their rivals.


Barcelona started their pre-season with a trip to Huelva, a small city in the South of Spain, 568 miles away from the Camp Nou. This trip was largely made up of B-teamers and non-World Cup playing staff who came away with a 1-0 win. The team returned to Barcelona and continued training before soon being joined by the internationals who did not progress past the group stages of the tournament in Brazil.


This near full strength squad, minus the likes of Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, will shortly travel to the North of England for a couple of days training at St George's Park, the facility used by the English National Team. Their time here will consist of two truing sessions per day with one press conference but no matches. This adds a further 808 miles to their travel.


From England they will travel to Nice, a 751 mile trip to the south of France were they will face Ligue 1 side OGC Nice. This will be Luís Enrique's second game in charge and his first outside of Spain. The team will then return home, taking 302 mile flight back to the Catalan capital.


After this game, the final four remaining internationals, Dani Alves, Neymar, Mascherano and Messi will be expected back at training. Neymar will continue to work on his rehabilitation but the other three will be expected to be fit for the game against Rafa Benítez's Napoli.


The game will take place in Switzerland's second most populous city, Geneva, and in the Stade de Genève which is Servette FC's home ground. This trip will add 384 miles to the pre-season journey meaning Barcelona will have racked up a total of 3,381 miles by early August.


Then comes the furthest fixture of Barca's pre-season, a game against HJK Hèlsinki in their home stadium, 1,233 miles away from Geneva. Barcelona will then travel back to the Camp Nou for their last pre-season game, the Joan Gamper Trophy against Club León.


This adds 1,617 miles to the trip and means Barcelona finish pre-season having clocked up 6,231 miles in total.


Now we will turn our eyes to Barcelona's biggest rival, Real Madrid. Los Blancos started their pre-season in rather different style to Barcelona, swapping the South of Spain for the West of the USA. The reigning European Champions trained at University of California, Los Angeles in a similar pattern to Barça with just the B-teamers and non-World Cup players there. Slowly the likes of Iker Casillas and Luka Modric joined. With the college coming at a total of 5,831 miles away from the Santiago Bernabéu, Real have almost dwarfed Barcelona's distance before a ball has been kicked.


That ball, will first be kicked at the California Memorial Stadium where they will face Inter Milan. This game is Madrid's opener of the International Champions Cup, which pits them against the likes of Manchester United and Roma. The first game comes 339 miles away from their college base.


Their next flight will be to Dallas and the Cotton Bowl stadium where they will face the Italian side Roma. This stadium is 1,501 miles away from their previous game and will be a stop-off point for their trip to the University of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Here they will play their potentially final game against Manchester United. After this 2,043 mile trip they may make the 1,158 mile trip South to Miami should they reach the final of the competition.


After the competition of this tournament, Real Madrid could potentially have covered 10,872 miles after just five games. They will then travel back to Madrid before playing their first game in Europe. The game will be hosted in Warsaw and will see Madrid play Fiorentina. Madrid's final game comes at the Bernabéu against River Plate. This puts the grand total at 16,706 miles, over 2.5 times further then the ground covered by the Catalans.


Finally we will look at Madrid's cross-town rivals, Atlético. The reigning league Champions started their pre-season with a memorial game to Jesús Gil II, ex-President of the club. The game was played in El Burgo de Osma, 89 miles north of Madrid.


Atleti then followed a similar pattern to their neighbours and flew out to America and likewise they arrived in the West of the country, in Calafornia. A total of 5,800 miles separates Madrid and their destination where they will face the San José Earthquakes.


They will then be crossing the border to Mexico and arriving at the Estadio Azteca. This 1,854 mile trip will see them play Club América on the 31st of July. The team's next game will come back In Europe, this time at the İzmir Atatürk Stadium in Turkey. Diego Simeone's men will be playing Galatasaray, who finished second in their league last season.


Four days later, they will travel to the Volkswagen Arena to play German side Wolfsburg. Situated 1,247 miles away from the Turkish ground. Atleti's final pre-season game comes away to Cádiz CF in the South West of Spain. This final 604 round trip takes Atletico's total milage up to 18,054 miles, 1,348 more then Real and 11,823 more then Barça.


Screen_shot_2014-07-26_at_17.00.06_medium


This table shows just how big the gap is between Barça's mileage covered and it's rivals. While this conservative approach may not bring in some of the financial benefits as a tour of America does, it should help Barcelona's players avoiding running out of steam towards the latter ends of the season.





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Gerard Piqué, on Jeremy Mathieu: 'We needed him'

By  9:05 ص  No comments

Sure you did.


For the last few years, Gerard Piqué has been Barcelona's only reliable option at center-back. With Carles Puyol limping his way to retirement and Javier Mascherano being forced to play as a CB when he clearly didn't have the size to do it -- even though he was awesome at it --, Piqué was the only true quality option for that position.


Now, Barcelona has finally given him a buddy. It's Jeremy Mathieu. The 30-year-old French defender is Barça's newest acquisition, and the boyfriend of Shakira is very happy with it, as an interview with La Sexta Deportes, a Spanish newspaper, made it clear. He also commented on other topics, like Xavi and Cesc Fábregas:



"We needed someone like him to cover that position. When Mathieu played as a center-back at Valencia, you could tell how good he was at it. I'm extremely happy with the signing. I think that signing makes us a very quality squad, and I'm sure we'll be able to compete. We are candidates to win it all."


"I love that Xavi's staying. There were all these rumors saying he was leaving, but I'm glad it didn't happen that way. I was always confident he would stay. He's a great leader."


"I'm a friend of Cesc Fábregas, and it was tough to see him leave. But I think it's beneficial for both parties. Barça wanted the money, Cesc wanted to feel more important. I'm happy for him, and I wish him the best."



Let's be honest, Piqué. You had no choice but to be happy with Mathieu on the team.






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Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos is Main Option; FC Barcelona Has Alternatives

By  8:22 ص  No comments

We need a center-back!!! Yeah, one more. Please.


With the arrival of Jeremy Mathieu earlier this week, it seemed all was fine and well and Barcelona's search for a new defender was over. No more signings and this was the squad to go with for next season. But with a (very) likely transfer window ban coming Barça's way in the upcoming months, it looks like Andoni Zubizarreta has changed his mind and decided to sign at least one more defender. And he has one name in mind.


It's Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos. He is a target since last summer, but Barça lost the battle when the French bought the Brazilian from AS Roma for €32 million. Unable to submit a higher bid, mainly because of the signing of Neymar, Barcelona gave up and let Marquinhos go to Paris. Now, after one year playing mostly garbage minutes in non-meaningful matches, the 20-year-old wants to move to Camp Nou, and PSG knows it.


But the rich people from France's capital made it clear that they don't plan on selling Marquinhos now, even though they have bought another Brazilian, David Luiz, to play alongside Thiago Silva. That will make Marcos sit on the bench a lot more than he might have expected. Doesn't matter to PSG. They won't sell.


Well, they might have no choice but to sell, then. The club is already facing UEFA's penalties for disrespecting Financial Fair Play. Right now, those penalties are not exactly harsh, but if PSG doesn't win the Champions League after spending big again this summer -- they bought Ángel Di María from Real Madrid --, the punishment coming their way will be harder than ever.


They're considering selling Edinson Cavani, but that seems unlikely. The next logical step would be saying goodbye to Marquinhos, since his spot on the squad is too unimportant for such an expensive signing.


That's what Barcelona counts on. And they believe strongly that they'll be able to convince PSG to sell -- they have a €40 million offer from Barça on the table. Zubi has the remaining 40 days of transfer window activities to do so.


Just in case he doesn't, the board has alternatives to Plan A in mind. According to sources, Plan B is indeed Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen, who is also a target from Manchester United. Zubi and Luis Enrique like his leadership skills -- he's the Gunners captain -- and his defending skills, too.


If none of those two work, there's Plan C and Plan D. Juan Cuadrado, the right-winger-that-Barça-insists-on-calling-right-back is always around. Plan D is Daley Blind, who impressed everyone in the World Cup, and who can play as a center-back, a left-back or a midfielder, which gives Luis Enrique the tactical alternatives he loves so much.


Those are the four options. It would be a gigantic surprise if Barça's final signing was a player out of this group.





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FC Barcelona News: 26 July 2014; 26 Players to Travel to England, Lionel Messi Shines in Deco Testimonial Game

By  5:52 ص  No comments

Full details of England trip | FC Barcelona

The details of FC Barcelona’s trip to St George’s Park, England from July 28 to August 2 have been announced. The team will be leaving the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday morning at 9.45 AM CET for a flight to Birmingham, which is due to land at around 11.50 AM GMT. Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is due to start work that same day, and will joining the players on the flight, and for the first training session in England, which is scheduled for 6.00 PM GMT.


26 players to go to England | FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona are taking 26 players on the trip to St George’s Park in England, 18 from the first team and 8 from Barça B. They leave this Monday 28 July, and the group will include Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who is due to start work on the very same morning that the team departs for the UK.


Last double session of the week at the Ciutat Esportiva | FC Barcelona

The same 24 players participated this evening as did earlier on in the day, of which 16 were from the first team and the other eight from Barça B. Adriano and Montoya exercised separately from the others. This was the second time that new French signing Mathieu was able to train with his new team-mates.


FC Barcelona well represented at Deco testimonial | FC Barcelona

The Do Dragao Stadium in Porto was the venue on Friday evening for a testimonial to one of Europe’s most decorated players, Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’. More than 50,000 people were there to enjoy a match between representative teams of the two clubs with which the man with 75 international caps for Portugal won the most honours during his glittering career: Barça and Porto.


Friday's friendlies - Eto'o and Messi shine in Deco's testimonial - ESPN FC

In a flashback to years past, Barcelona played to a 4-4 draw at Porto in a testimonial for Deco, who played one half for each club. Barca's squad was made up mostly of players from their 2006 Champions League triumph, while Porto had players from their 2004 European championship.


Luis Suarez's biting ban to be fast-tracked by Court of Arbitration for Sport | Football News | Sky Sports

The Court of Arbitration for Sport may rule on Luis Suarez's appeal over his ban for biting before the start of the season. Suarez, the Uruguay Federation and his new club Barcelona, filed requests that the case be fast-tracked - almost exactly a month after FIFA banned the 27-year-old striker for nine competitive international matches and from any football-related activities for four months.


Iniesta looking forward to a wonderful year | FC Barcelona

Andrés Iniesta gave his first press conference of the 2014/15 season on Friday morning. He spoke of his high hopes for the season ahead, saying that "the challenges are the same as they are every season – to win titles. And to do that it’s important to get things right from the start".


Xavi and Barça - the contract, the coach and the crossroads | Graham Hunter

Thus, I reckon, we can understand this week’s article in El Pais by the exceptional Luis Martín in which he announced that the conversation between the two men consisted of the new coach saying: "You are welcome to be part of this, I see your importance, but if you stay then don’t be complaining to me if you’re not playing as much as you’d like to." Rules laid out firmly and clearly.


Exclusive images of Mathieu's presentation | FC Barcelona

Thursday was a very busy day for Jérémy Mathieu, the latest addition to Luis Enrique’s Barça 2014/15 squad. He started his first day at the club with a medical test at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, and was shown around the facilities by his former Valencia team-mate Jordi Alba.


'Mathieu is Abidal's spiritual successor at Barcelona' - Goal.com

Giuly - who played for Barcelona between 2004 and 2007 - insisted that Mathieu will be a strong addition at the heart of the club’s back line next term, filling the void left by fellow Frenchman Abidal in 2013. "Mathieu is a good player. I played against him in France and Spain," Giuly told Mundo Deportivo. "He’s a strong player that can provide pace for Barca in defence.


Valdes to reunite with Guardiola? | Football Espana

Victor Valdes could reunite with Pep Guardiola and sign for Bayern Munich, it has been claimed this afternoon. The Spanish shot-stopper was release by Barcelona this summer after his contract at Camp Nou expired. A deal with Monaco was thought to be in place, but with the goalkeeper suffering a severe knee injury, the French club decided to opt out of that agreement.


Atleti close to Griezmann deal - report | Football Espana

Atletico Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann, it has emerged. The France international was sensational for La Real last term, leading them to fifth in the table and earning a spot in Les Bleus’ World Cup squad. As such, several of Europe’s top club sides have been linked with a switch for the 23-year-old.


Benfica sign Malaga's Eliseu | Football Espana

Benfica have confirmed the signing of Eliseu from Malaga for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal. Reports in Spain earlier this week suggested that the Portuguese champions were looking at the experienced full-back. And after those rumours, Jorge Jesus’ men have announced the deal, with the 30-year-old admitting that now was the right time to return to his homeland.






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الجمعة، 25 يوليو 2014

Andrés Iniesta: 'It feels a lot like 2008'

By  8:04 ص  No comments

Andrés Iniesta, one of the best and most important players on FC Barcelona's squad, has spoken on Friday on a press conference at Barça's facilities after practice. He's one of the eight first team players who joined the team's preseason preparations on Thursday, along with Rakitic, Song, Pedro, Piqué, Alba, Xavi and Busquets. During the interview, Iniesta expressed his satisfaction with Luis Enrique, the new faces on the squad and his desire for next season.


Here's a few highlights of his answers:


On the new team:



"This is certainly a locker room with a lot of changes, but everybody wants to be here and wants to have a great year and win championships. I have a good feeling with this group. We enjoy being together again, which is awesome. Feels a lot like 2008, when Pep Guardiola came in. There was also a lot of changes and a new coach. Of course the circumstances are different now, but it still feels the same. In the end, the important thing is for everybody to enjoy their time here and also have the ambition of winning. And I think everyone feels that way."



On the offseason:



"I think teams like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have made good moves during this offseason. But we have to look to ourselves, first. We need to have a better start than last year and make no mistakes. We need to be better than last year, undoubtedly. Personally, I enjoyed my vacation time and did my best to just rest and recharge the batteries, so I can come back better next year. After a bad year like the one we just had, you want to win everything and that's my ambition."



On Luis Enrique:



"I met him for the first time when I was sixteen and he was still a player here. For the start, we've had a very good relationship. I think it's fantastic that he is here. He's the kind of coach that likes to make everything clear, and you want to listen to what he has to say. It's great to have that respect and someone like him leading us."



On Luis Suárez:



"He is one of the best strikers in the world. It will be great to see him bring his goalscoring ability, along with his work-rate and mobility. This is one of those signings that will help us not only this year, but for a lot of years to come.


Regarding his sanctions, it's too delicate of a subject for me to get into. Nothing I say will make it better. I think it's best not to talk about it."



On Lionel Messi:



"Winning is a matter of everyone doing their best, not one single individual. That's what I'm all about, and I know he feels the same way. I never had any doubts about Leo. He's so important and influential to us. He is still the best player in the world. A bad performance by him is the best performance of any other players' career, so I'm not worried about him. He's fine."



On Xavi Hernández ultimately staying:



"Nothing changes. We still feel the same way about him like we did before. The important thing is that he's still a Barça player and that's great news. He's such a meaningful and important player for us. It's one of the best news of the summer, no question."



On whether the team will suffer from lack of leadership following the departures of former captains Victor Valdés and Carles Puyol:



"No way. Everyone in this group is a leader in some way. There are those with more experience and time on the club, so obviously they have more responsability. But we're a very united locker room. I'm sure everyone deserves being captain, and it is something special".



You can watch the full Iniesta press conference by clicking here.





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Barca Blaugranes Off Topic Thread

By  5:28 ص  No comments

Talk away people...






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FC Barcelona News: 25 July 2014; Jeremy Mathieu Signs Barcelona Contract, Internationals Join Team in Training

By  5:27 ص  No comments

Jéremy Mathieu signs his contract with FC Barcelona and he'll wear the number 24 | FC Barcelona

Jérémy Mathieu is officially a new FC Barcelona player. After passing his medical and physical exams at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper this Thursday, the Frenchman went to the Camp Nou to sign his four-year contract.


Jérémy Mathieu: "I have worked very hard to join FC Barcelona" | FC Barcelona

Jérémy Mathieu was present this Thursday as a new FC Barcelona player in front of the media. The new Barça player, who will wear the number 24, explained that joining the team is an important step in his career. "I think I’m currently playing the best football of my career. I am very proud, I have worked very hard to come here," he explained. He added: "I’m a versatile player, but I feel more comfortable as a center back, I’ve come here to play as a center back."


Mathieu passes medical test | FC Barcelona

He was joined in the medical centre by a familiar face in Jordi Alba, who also took the tests along with seven other internationals. Mathieu and Alba played together for three seasons at Valencia, so the latter was the ideal man to show the new signing around the training facilities at Sant Joan Despí.


Mathieu's first FC Barcelona training session | FC Barcelona

Luis Enrique's Barça were back at training this morning, with the main novelty being the presence of Jérémy Mathieu. The French defender completed his first training session with his new teammates, following his presentation on Thursday. The squad welcomed the new addition, and then trained under the watchful eye of Luis Enrique.


Jérémy Mathieu's presentation in 100 seconds | FC Barcelona

The French defender signed his four-year contract, which includes the option of an additional year, on Thursday afternoon at the Camp Nou. President Josep Maria Bartomeu and Vice-President Jordi Mestre joined the player for the signing ceremony at the Camp Nou. Along with Director of Football Andoni Zubizarreta, the group posed for photos in the Presidential Box.


Zubizarreta: "Mathieu is an excellent football player" | FC Barcelona

Andoni Zubizarreta and vice-president Jordi Mestre presented Jérémy Mathieu as a new FC Barcelona player this Thursday. The director of football characterised the Frenchman as "a player that used to play on the left and has adapted his play to be a center back." He added that "he’s good at playing out from the back, he’s powerful and he has quality. We didn’t just sign a great center back, we signed a great footballer."


FC Barcelona internationals return to training | FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona’s eight internationals kicked off their preparations for the 2014/15 season this afternoon as they participated in their first training session with the team. Earlier today they passed their medical and physical exams at the Ciutat Esportiva. Luis Enrique worked with 24 players today, 16 of whom were first team players now that the internationals – Piqué, Jordi Alba, Sergio, Song, Xavi, Iniesta, Rakitic and Pedro – are back from holiday.


Bartomeu visits first team training session | FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu visited the first team training session this morning in the company of director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta. Before the first of two sessions today on Pitch 1 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, the president greeted each of the players.


Behind the scenes: Internationals return to FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona

Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Pedro Rodríguez, Alex Song and Ivan Rakitic kicked off their preparations for the 2014/15 season this Thursday. The FC Barcelona internationals underwent medical and physical tests this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva.


First R.Madrid v FC Barcelona, October 25-26 at the Bernabéu | FC Barcelona

The first edition of the most eagerly awaited fixture of the Liga season, the Clásico against Real Madrid, will be played on the weekend of October 25/26, as determined by the draw held today noon at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas, in Madrid. As chance would have it, the last weekend in October was also the time of the first meeting between the two rivals last season, although this time the venue is different.


Swansea's Pozuelo joins Rayo Vallecano | Eurosport

Alejandro Pozuelo has left Swansea to join Primera Division side Rayo Vallecano. The Swans confirmed on their official website that midfielder Pozuelo had signed for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old Spaniard moved to Wales from Real Betis last summer, but he has not featured for the Barclays Premier League club in recent months.


La Real to play Aberdeen | Football Espana

Real Sociedad will get their Europa League campaign underway against Scottish side Aberdeen. The Dons beat Dutch outfit Groningen in last night’s second-qualifying round and will travel to Anoeta next Thursday for the first leg of the third-qualifying stage.


Sevilla renew Coke contract | Football Espana

Coke has signed a three-year contract extension with Sevilla, putting an end to rumours he would be sold this summer. Marca reports that Marcelo Bielsa wanted the right-back at Marseille and had been in negotiations with Los Rojiblancos but no deal was reached. Coke insisted all along that he wanted to stay at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and has now gotten his wish. With a year remaining on his previous deal, Coke is tied to Sevilla until 2018.


RFEF uphold Racing Copa ban | Football Espana

Racing Santander will miss next season’s Copa del Rey after the RFEF decided not to lift the suspension imposed for refusing to play. The Racing players declined to participate in the quarter-final second-leg against Real Sociedad in protest at going unpaid for several months, AS has reported.






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