الخميس، 31 مارس 2016

On Florentino Perez, and his role in the upcoming El Clasico

Author’s Note: the following is a precursor to an upcoming tactical preview of El Clasico, which will be published on Friday afternoon.

For all of his faults, there can be no denying that Florentino Perez is man who knows what he wants. After enjoying great success as a businessman and civil engineer, Perez decided to focus on a new venture and set himself an ambitious goal: to assume the Presidency at his favourite football club, Real Madrid.

Building on the experience he gained during his part-time role as a politician, Perez’ initial campaign strategy was astute, and in hindsight was based on nothing but fact. He alleged that the incumbent President, Ramon Mendoza, was grossly mismanaging the club’s finances, and while it wasn’t enough to win the election, Mendoza stepped down later that year admitting that the club was in significant debt.

The Vice-President, Lorenzo Sanz, then assumed the position and helped to spearhead a revival in the club’s fortunes. Under his guidance, Spain’s most famous club brought in star players from Eastern Europe and went on to end a 32 year drought by claiming not one, but two UEFA Champions League titles in 1998 and 2000. However, in spite of that success, the financial problems remained as prevalent as ever and as such, the core of Perez’ campaign strategy remained the same.

With the spotlight turned on the club’s dire financial situation, Perez was the front-runner even before he applied the coup de grâce – that infamous promise to recruit Luis Figo, FC Barcelona’s star player at the time. And so, Perez cruised to victory, setting himself a new goal in the process – a goal to transform Real Madrid into the world’s most financially successful football club, thus facilitating the recruitment of Los Galacticos.

Of course, the desired impact of all of this was that with the finances and star players serving as the foundation, Real Madrid would naturally go on to achieve an extended period of unrivalled success on both the domestic and European front. Logically, it all made sense and as Perez engineered a plethora of big-name transfers financed by an influx of new revenue from the Far Eastern market, the world watched on in fear, knowing that Real had the majority of tools required to dominate.

Yet, while Perez was open about his desire to recruit the very best and lead Real Madrid to success, he has never quite shown the same desire and drive to promote and prioritise the concept of balance within the team – in fact, his unrelenting pursuit of those primary goals has come at the expense of balance. Fundamental and tactically integral players such as Claude Makelele were discarded to make way for the next star attacking talents, while the idea of signing central defenders fell lower and lower on Real’s list of summer priorities with each passing season.

Managers were rarely afforded the time to instil a culture and ideology on the team, and Perez’ focus on the short-term was proving detrimental to the club. Los Galacticos had been an unbridled failure and Perez, seeing the error of his ways, stepped down under heavy pressure in 2006.

With time to reflect on his Presidency, Perez had ample opportunity to identify the missteps that has caused his demise – yet in announcing his return to the fold in 2009, he soon began to resemble a broken record.

A new era of Galacticos were recruited amongst much fanfare, and after a trophyless season to kick-start his second tenure, it was only with the hiring of Jose Mourinho that the concept of tactical balance would be addressed. The Portuguese coach ensured that at least a portion of Real’s limitless spending power was reserved for functional, dare I say defensive players.

Ricardo Carvalho and Sami Khedira were immediately added to the squad and served perhaps a greater, more important short-term purpose than the star offensive acquisitions, each of whom were ineffective in Mourinho’s El Clasico debut, a 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s rampant Blaugrana. Once again, Perez’ focus on the spectacular had come back to haunt his club.

In some ways, the crushing defeat was the wake-up call that the club needed; Mourinho, whose managerial style was almost vindicated by the result, came out of the aftermath with greater power and responsibility. He’d tried it Florentino’s way and after such a resounding loss, he now had the power to make Real Madrid play his way. While they couldn’t recover in the title race, the early signs were positive.

After being demolished in November, Real’s record against Barcelona was much improved in the remainder of the season and the seeds had been planted for them to build on that progress headed into the following season. With Perez’ influence somewhat waning on the day-to-day activities, there were no star offensive signings; instead Mourinho transferred in Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane to shore up an improving defense.

The end result: a La Liga title and further vindication for Mourinho. While his success was short-lived as the arrival of Tito Vilanova helped the Blaugrana reclaim their La Liga crown, the core of the team that he developed provided a solid foundation for Perez’ next saviour to build upon as Carlo Ancelotti captured the hearts of Real supporters across the globe by delivering that elusive 10th European Cup – La Decima – in quite dramatic fashion.

Despite falling behind on the night to city rivals, Atletico, Real gradually increased the pressure and as Ancelotti expertly tweaked the balance of his side as Atletico drew more and more weary, the tide of the match began to turn. A late equaliser from Sergio Ramos sent the match into extra-time, and courtesy of their momentum and greater attacking talent, Real eventually ran away with the game to secure an emphatic victory.

Perez watched on with a gleeful smile on his face; La Decima was his, and Real would surely build on this triumph to dominate for years to come, wouldn’t they?

Evidently, Perez misunderstood whatever conclusions were to be drawn after that match as he took the success as proof that his revised Galactico policy was paying dividends. All of Ancelotti’s hard work was disregarded and no fewer than two of the three midfield starters on that night were shown the door; in their place came new Galactico talent, fresh off impressive showings at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

A dedicated pivote in Sami Khedira was replaced by the more offensive minded Toni Kroos, while Angel di Maria, having shown great promise in transitioning to a more dynamic, box-to-box role was sold to make way for flavour of the month, a more orthodox number 10 in James Rodriguez.

Ancelotti’s switch to a 4-3-3 had been a tactical masterstroke in 2014, but stripped of two of its most integral tactical cogs, the machine simply stopped working as Real began the defense of their Champions League crown. After another trophyless season, Perez lost patience and made Ancelotti his scapegoat – never mind that his meddling had played such a direct role in their regression.

The appointment of Rafael Benitez lent credence to the belief that Perez’ influence at the club was total; an unfamiliar and less than pragmatic team selection in the Clasico in October was met with rumours that it was Perez himself who had dictated the selection and playing style. Benitez refuted those claims, but the final score was indicative of the opposite as Barça humiliated Los Blancos at the Bernabeu.

And when Benitez was sacked just a couple of months later, Perez and Real Madrid once again turned a blind eye to their wider problems. While it may be early into his reign as head coach, Zinedine Zidane’s incarnation of Real Madrid appear to be as susceptible and naive as ever. The personnel and the playing style remains unchanged; the balance of the team has not been addressed and as a consequence, Real continue to fail to live up to expectations when faced with a competent opposition.

In the build-up to this Clasico, their weaknesses remain as glaring as ever – join us tomorrow for a detailed breakdown and analysis, as we focus on how Luis Enrique and FC Barcelona can capitalise on these shortcomings.



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FC Barcelona News: 31 March 2016; Preparations Continue for El Clasico, Tribute Mosaic Revealed

'Gràcies Johan' mosaic planned for FC Barcelona v Real Madrid | FC Barcelona
The words 'Gràcies Johan' will also appear on the shirts worn by FC Barcelona, replacing the world champions shield in the middle of the chest on a one-time basis. The players from both Barça and Real Madrid will take the field accompanied by children wearing shirts bearing the same words on the front, and with the names of the Cruyff Foundation and FC Barcelona on the back.

Andrés Iniesta says Barça want to take another step toward La Liga title | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona captain Andrés Iniesta appeared before the media on Wednesday following the team’s morning workout at the Ciutat Esportiva, and gave his personal twist to all things El Clásico, set for this Saturday night at Camp Nou. Kick off is scheduled for 8.30pm CET.

Preparations continue for El Clásico | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona trained Wednesday morning for the third time this week under the watchful eye of manager Luis Enrique at the Ciutat Esportiva. The team's South American players — Messi, Mascherano, Alves and Suárez — were still away on international duty. Also yet to return are Ter Stegen, Vermaelen, Mathieu and Arda Turan.

Ronald Koeman on Clásico encounters past and present | FC Barcelona
He insists that the Catalans "are the favourites because right now they have the best forwards, the way Messi, Suárez and Neymar Jr are performing is amazing. But the heart and soul of the Club also means players like Busquets, Iniesta and Piqué, who are being managed by great coaches and a great team of directors, where the atmosphere is very calm."

Barcelona must find appropriate way to honour Cruyff - ESPN FC
Could Barcelona name the Nou Miniestadi after Cruyff? It would be a fitting gesture, arguably even more adequate than attaching his name to the first team's ground. After all, it is at the smaller stadium where the Barca players of tomorrow will be formed according to a methodology first put in place at the club by Cruyff in the 1980s.

Reina: Ter Stegen must prove he is the best for Barca - Goal.com
Unsettled Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen must show why he deserves to be starting more games for the Catalan giants, according to Miguel Reina. The German shot-stopper has recently complained in public that he should feature more often than solely in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Claudio Bravo has been the undisputed choice in La Liga.

Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo: El Clasico stars' remarkable goalscoring numbers | Football News | Sky Sports
The visitors will be out for revenge after being thumped 4-0 at the Bernabeu in November - but can they find a way to beat La Liga leaders? They'll need key man Ronaldo on form to do so - the Portuguese has racked up some remarkable goalscoring figures this season. But Barca's Messi is on a good run, too. Here, we look at the pair's astonishing numbers so far this season...

Lionel Messi's first touch record broken by freestyler - ESPN FC
Last year, Lionel Messi set a new world record when he took on a challenge levelled at him by a Japanese game show to demonstrate his immaculate first touch. Messi was tasked with kicking a ball over an 18-metre high barrier and then bringing it down with one touch on the other side. You don't need us to tell you that he managed to pull it off on his first attempt.



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FC Barcelona News: 31 March 2016; Preparations Continue for El Clasico, Tribute Mosaic Revealed

'Gràcies Johan' mosaic planned for FC Barcelona v Real Madrid | FC Barcelona
The words 'Gràcies Johan' will also appear on the shirts worn by FC Barcelona, replacing the world champions shield in the middle of the chest on a one-time basis. The players from both Barça and Real Madrid will take the field accompanied by children wearing shirts bearing the same words on the front, and with the names of the Cruyff Foundation and FC Barcelona on the back.

Andrés Iniesta says Barça want to take another step toward La Liga title | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona captain Andrés Iniesta appeared before the media on Wednesday following the team’s morning workout at the Ciutat Esportiva, and gave his personal twist to all things El Clásico, set for this Saturday night at Camp Nou. Kick off is scheduled for 8.30pm CET.

Preparations continue for El Clásico | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona trained Wednesday morning for the third time this week under the watchful eye of manager Luis Enrique at the Ciutat Esportiva. The team's South American players — Messi, Mascherano, Alves and Suárez — were still away on international duty. Also yet to return are Ter Stegen, Vermaelen, Mathieu and Arda Turan.

Ronald Koeman on Clásico encounters past and present | FC Barcelona
He insists that the Catalans "are the favourites because right now they have the best forwards, the way Messi, Suárez and Neymar Jr are performing is amazing. But the heart and soul of the Club also means players like Busquets, Iniesta and Piqué, who are being managed by great coaches and a great team of directors, where the atmosphere is very calm."

Barcelona must find appropriate way to honour Cruyff - ESPN FC
Could Barcelona name the Nou Miniestadi after Cruyff? It would be a fitting gesture, arguably even more adequate than attaching his name to the first team's ground. After all, it is at the smaller stadium where the Barca players of tomorrow will be formed according to a methodology first put in place at the club by Cruyff in the 1980s.

Reina: Ter Stegen must prove he is the best for Barca - Goal.com
Unsettled Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen must show why he deserves to be starting more games for the Catalan giants, according to Miguel Reina. The German shot-stopper has recently complained in public that he should feature more often than solely in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Claudio Bravo has been the undisputed choice in La Liga.

Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo: El Clasico stars' remarkable goalscoring numbers | Football News | Sky Sports
The visitors will be out for revenge after being thumped 4-0 at the Bernabeu in November - but can they find a way to beat La Liga leaders? They'll need key man Ronaldo on form to do so - the Portuguese has racked up some remarkable goalscoring figures this season. But Barca's Messi is on a good run, too. Here, we look at the pair's astonishing numbers so far this season...

Lionel Messi's first touch record broken by freestyler - ESPN FC
Last year, Lionel Messi set a new world record when he took on a challenge levelled at him by a Japanese game show to demonstrate his immaculate first touch. Messi was tasked with kicking a ball over an 18-metre high barrier and then bringing it down with one touch on the other side. You don't need us to tell you that he managed to pull it off on his first attempt.



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La Liga News: 31 March 2016; Aymeric Laporte Ruled Out for Four Months, Gary Neville Sacked by Valencia

Real Madrid can still beat Barcelona to La Liga title - Bale - ESPN FC
Gareth Bale believes Real Madrid can still wrestle the Primera Division title from Barcelona's grasp. Ahead of Saturday's Clasico at the Nou Camp, Real trail Barca by 10 points, with their city rivals Atletico Madrid in between them.

'Ronaldo cannot do it all for Real Madrid' - Goal.com
Julio Baptista has praised Cristiano Ronaldo in the build-up to Saturday's Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but insists the Portuguese striker cannot lead his side to victory single-handedly.

The Real deal: Is Zidane cut out for management? - Goal.com
The jury is still out. Zinedine Zidane has a decent record since taking over at Real Madrid in January, but the Frenchman faces his toughest test at Barcelona on Saturday and three months in, nobody seems sure he will be a success at the Santiago Bernabeu.

News: Bilbao confirm Laporte out for up to four months - Goal.com
Aymeric Laporte has been ruled out for the rest of the season after Athletic Bilbao confirmed he had to undergo surgery following sustaining a broken leg on international duty. The 21-year-old defender injured his right leg in a tackle while playing for France Under-21s against Scotland on 24 March.

Gary Neville sacked by Valencia after less than 4 months - ESPN FC
Gary Neville has been sacked by Valencia after less than four months in charge, with former coach Pako Ayestaran taking charge until the end of the season. Neville, 41, was appointed head coach of the La Liga club on Dec. 2 but failed to turn their season around.

Gary Neville made mistakes - but Valencia is an impossible job - Eurosport
At clubs like Valencia, managerial careers hang by a thread from day one and there is no time for luck to even itself out or for decisions to be made in cold contemplation at the end of the season. A sacking can be sparked by a few frantic minutes in one game and when Gary Neville looks back over his brief stint at Mestalla he will think back to his last game in charge against Celta Vigo 11 days ago.



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Manchester City reportedly agree transfer deal for Barcelona goalkeeper

Barcelona might have just lost one of its most promising players to an European rival.

According to a report from The Telegraph, the Blaugrana have agreed to sell young goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to Manchester City, with the German set to join Pep Guardiola's new team in the summer. Always according to the rumor, City will pay a €25 million fee to sign the player on a five-year contract.

The rumors of a possible departure of the German keeper started earlier this week when Stegen hinted that he could be looking to move away from the Catalan club after failing to earn more games under coach Luis Enrique for a second straight season, having to sit on the bench during league games while Claudio Bravo plays all domestic matches.

Now we usually would laugh out loud at a report coming from the English press about a Barça player going to the Premier League, but keep in mind this is from the Telegraph. They are not a paper looking to boost its sales with juicy, crazy rumors, instead they prefer to go with strong stories and good reporting.

Guardiola wants a competition for Joe Hart when he arrives at City, and Ter Stegen clearly is not happy at Barça and would likely start in England because of Pep's playing style. It is easy to connect the dots.

For the first time in this Stegen Saga, there is an actual chance of him going away. Oh, dear.



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Sergio Ramos talks El Clásico, Real Madrid seeking "revenge" against Barcelona

The captain of Real Madrid cannot wait for the biggest game of the season.

Skipper Sergio Ramos spoke to his club's website to preview this Saturday's El Clásico against Barcelona, and the Spaniard is looking at the match as a chance to avenge the historical 4-0 loss at Santiago Bernabéu earlier this season.

According to the defender, Los Blancos arrive at Camp Nou in good form and spirits, ready to end Barça's unbeaten streak and finish their La Liga campaign on a high. Here's a look at some of Ramos' quotes:

"The team is in very good shape. This is a week and a game that we don't need to a say a lot about because we all know the massive consequences and importance that comes with playing in a Clásico, particularly given what we've been through this season. In football anything can happen and the team is in fine spirits ahead of the run-in".

"After the bad result in the first Clásico, football gives you the chance for revenge and on Saturday we've got the opportunity to play away against a great team like Barcelona. We're keen to perform well. The team is on very good form and is in a positive frame of mind to go there and put in a great performance and pick up the three points, which would serve to reduce the gap with them in La Liga".

Key areas in the Clásico

"Football is difficult, but we're keen to put in a good performance and it's easier when you put your heart and soul into it and show character and application. Anything can happen because there'll be a referee out there and we'll be coming up against great team, who have dangerous players who can make all the difference".

"We must try to defend well because these games hinge on small details and the team that ends up winning is usually the one that makes the least mistakes. Let's hope that Real Madrid put in a great performance and claim the victory".

Source: RealMadrid.com



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الأربعاء، 30 مارس 2016

Gareth Bale says Real Madrid "are capable of winning" El Clásico against Barcelona

One of Real Madrid's most important players is confident on his team's chances in El Clásico.

Superstar winger Gareth Bale spoke to the press in Madrid to preview this Saturday's giant derby against Barcelona at Camp Nou, and the Welshman highlighted that while the table is not looking good for his team in terms of title chances, it all can change with a winning performance in the Catalan capital.

Bale also spoke about facing the dangerous Blaugrana trio of Messi, Suárez and Neymar, as well as his BBC partners and the upcoming tribute to Barça legend Johan Cruyff. Here's a look at a few highlights from his quotes:

"We need to go out and attack Barcelona and exploit their weaknesses. We have to score and simply win the game, it'll be tough. They're playing very well, but we've got to go out and give 100%. We've got a game plan and if we perform to our best we are capable of winning at the Camp Nou".

"Anything is possible in football. We know that we're 10 points behind and that we'll fight on until the end. Winning La Liga is still possible and if we win on Saturday we'll be seven points behind and you never know what might happen. We'll give 100% and try to win. If we play well in La Liga we'll have more confidence going into the Champions League game. We're taking things game by game. There are areas to improve on and I hope that between now and the end of the season we improve and we win some silverware".

Tribute to Cruyff

"Cruyff is a Barcelona legend, but everyone respects him as a player and as a person. On Saturday we will all pay our tributes to him and so we should".

Current form

"Last season I didn't perform to my potential and this time round I've improved. It's important to keep on working hard and it's difficult in a foreign country. This season I've been playing better as I've constantly been growing and improving. There's still a long way to go and I hope to continue to help the team".

"I was playing very well before I got injured, but injuries are part of it and there's not much you can do about them. I now feel more comfortable and I speak Spanish in the dressing room. The happier you are, the better you perform, but I've got to keep working hard and helping the team".

Adapting to Madrid

"I feel as if I'm adapting better. I'm learning more about the country and the language all the time. I like living here, although the meal times differ from my country. My family are also comfortable here. I'm under contract until 2019 and I'll continue to play here and try to win as many trophies as possible".

BBC

"The three of us have a very good relationship and we play very well together. We're not the ones to be saying whether we're the best or not. We can only do our best, try to score and make the fans happy".

Messi, Suárez and Neymar

"They are world-class players and they do a great job. It'll be a great game on Saturday and it'll be one that everyone will be able to enjoy, we're going to try to make it as exciting as possible".

Source: RealMadrid.com



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Andrés Iniesta calls El Clásico against Real Madrid Barcelona's "first final" this season

The captain of Barcelona is not taking El Clásico for granted.

Blaugrana skipper Andrés Iniesta spoke to the press after training to preview this Saturday's giant game against Real Madrid. While on the surface this game is not as relevant to the La Liga title race as in previous seasons, this is still a Clásico, and of Barça's best players is taking the match as serious as possible.

According to Iniesta, the game is like a final, the first of many decisive matches on the road to another title-winning season. Here's a look at a few of his quotes:

"I would say, especially this time, that we don't take the game on in a different way. These games are different. It doesn't matter how the sides go into them, whether in better or worse shape. Everyone likes to win against their rivals. There's not long to go in the league and we can take another step forward, but we will not take on the game looking at the points difference. We will just be thinking about another game. It is the first final of all the finals we have left, because from here on all games will be finals.

"I think it's good to have a positive atmosphere, with confidence, but I don't think the euphoria is so good. I expect a very even, difficult game, where the small details will make the difference. We are focused on doing things well. To win to get closer to our objective, but with respect for our rivals, who deserve it."

"Of course [playing El Clásico after the international break] it's not the ideal situation, it's not the best to not be able to have players back until Thursday or Friday, but it's a normal situation when there are international breaks. Many times the Clasico has coincided with internaionals. It's not the best scene, but those who've been with their national teams have been competing, while those that have stayed here have been recovering. It is what it is, there's nothing more to it."

Source: Diario Sport



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Barcelona defender reportedly out for the season with knee injury

The FIFA Virus has struck Barcelona.

Blaugrana defender Jérémy Mathieu suffered a knee injury in France's 4-2 win against Russia on Tuesday after only eight minutes on the pitch. The Frenchman walked off on his own powers, but further testings did not give him and coach Luis Enrique good news.

According to reports in Spain, Mathieu has a torn meniscus in his knee, which requires surgery and a five-month recovery process. If the reports are accurate, the defender is out for the season, and will also miss this summer's EURO in his home country.

After a struggling start to this season, Mathieu finally returned to the great form he had in his first campaign with the Blaugrana, where he was a key squad member due to his versatility and physicality. His ability to play as a central defender and full-back was vital to his coach, and when the news are official, Enrique will lose a main man coming off the bench.

Mathieu is evidently going to miss this Saturday's El Clásico against Real Madrid, and will be a big blow to Lucho's rotation system. Now, bench warmers like Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen are required to step up, and will be necessary in the home stretch of the season.

Get well soon, Mathieu.



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Lionel Messi Donates His Boots To Charity, Upsets Entire Country

Don't you just hate it when you make a kindhearted donation to charity, and then quite literally upset an entire country of people in the process? That's the unique position that FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi finds himself in this week, as he unwittingly sparked outrage in Egypt by agreeing to donate a used pair of football boots in an appearance on Egyptian TV.

During his cameo on the well-known show, "Yes, I am famous" on MBC, Messi offered this unique donation for quite obvious reasons -- he is a footballer after all, and a match-worn pair of his boots can certainly fetch a high-price at auction. However, unknown to Messi, the shoe doesn't have a great reputation in the Arab world, including in Egypt, where its association with the lowly foot pretty much leaves it in last place in the unofficial clothes rankings.

Never mind that Leo didn't show the soles of his boots, Egyptians quickly took to social media to decry Messi's donation as an insult, with one particularly dramatic member of parliament staring down a camera in disbelief while holding his own shoe when the topic was raised in an interview. He then went on to threaten to attack Messi with the donated shoes as well, which is just lovely.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't I guess.

(h/t The Telegraph)



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FC Barcelona News: 30 March 2016; Jeremy Mathieu Injured on France Duty, Johan Cruyff El Clasico Tribute Planed

Luis Enrique: Cruyff's legacy will live on | FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona first team, along with manager Luis Enrique and the coaching staff, visited the Johan Cruyff Memorial at Camp Nou on Tuesday morning to pay their final respects to the legendary player and coach. Prior to arriving at the stadium, the team held a minute of silence at the beginning of their training session at the Ciutat Esportiva, followed by a regular workout.

FC Barcelona board reveals plans to honour Johan Cruyff at Clásico | FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona board met at an ordinary session today Tuesday at the Camp Nou, and publicly expressed their gratitude to the members, supporters and numerous other clubs and institutions from the sporting and other spheres that have come to the Memorial over the last few days to pay their last respects to Johan Cruyff.

Johan Cruyff and the Clásico in 14 facts | FC Barcelona
A closer look reveals that 16 of those matches came in the league (seven wins, four draws and five defeats), three in the Copa del Rey (a win in the 1990 final, a draw and a defeat in the semi-final elimination in the season 1992/93), six in the Spanish Super Cup (a win, a draw and four defeats). He lost the three meetings with Real Madrid in the competition.

Forever in our hearts, Johan | FC Barcelona
Gràcies, Johan. That is the message that has been expressed by the 60,525 supporters that have come to the Camp Nou from Saturday to Tuesday, when the doors finally closed to the Johan Cruyff Memorial in honour of the legendary Barça player and manager who died last March 24 at the age of 68.

Jordi Cruyff: Johan was for everyone | FC Barcelona
Jordi Cruyff, son of the late Johan, spoke about his gratitude for the messages of condolences received after the death of his father. The former FC Barcelona player gave thanks to the media and the club as well as speaking of his father’s pride for his charity work.

Jordi Cruyff addresses the media | FC Barcelona
The son of Johan Cruyff speaks on behalf of the family in the Ricard Maxenchs Press Room at Camp Nou.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid dominated by Andres Iniesta - ESPN FC
Over all the recent seasons in which there have been genuine football reasons to be critical of Florentino Perez, that's all it has been. Merely constructive analysis of a Real Madrid president who has been idling in his ability to understand and adapt while a generation of home-bred talents have made Barcelona soar beyond Los Blancos to win millions of hearts and minds around the world.

Five memorable Barcelona moments v Real Madrid in Clasico - ESPN FC
There are many ferocious rivalries in the world of sport, but the sheer passion with which supporters from both Barcelona and Real Madrid defend their colours before, during and after El Clasico is certainly second to none. The anxious anticipation is easily palpable in the streets of both cities, with the biggest match in world football being at the heart of heated debate for weeks and even months before the initial whistle.

Mathieu injured on France duty | Football Espana
Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu may be ruled out of the Clasico after he suffered an injury representing France. AS reports Mathieu appeared to injure his knee it what turned out to be a 4-2 win for Les Bleus over Russia on Tuesday evening.

Barcelona are no longer Lionel Messi-dependent - Cardoner - ESPN FC
Barcelona vice president Jordi Cardoner said the team are no longer reliant on superstar Lionel Messi, but that does not mean the club have started to think about a post-Messi era. Having been the main focal point of Barcelona's attack for several years, over the past two seasons the 28-year-old has formed a world-class attacking triumvirate with fellow South American superstars Neymar and Luis Suarez.

Luis Enrique and Zidane: first head-to-head as managers | FC Barcelona
In their playing days, both the Asturian and the Frenchman were massive stars for their respective clubs, and are now the main men in charge at the same. Luis Enrique is into his second season at FC Barcelona and has already won five major trophies, and so far can count all three of his Clásicos as victories (3-1 at the Bernabéu and 2-1 at the Camp Nou last term with Carlo Ancelotti in charge of the opposition and 4-0 earlier this season against Rafa Benítez).

Messi and Alves on target for Argentina and Brazil in Russia 2018 qualifiers | FC Barcelona
It was also a fine night for Luis Suarez’s Uruguay, who combined with Ecuador’s defeat in Colombia have moved to the top of the Conmebol table after beating Peru 1-0. Edinson Cavani, with whom the Barça striker is developing a fine understanding, converted the only game of the game after 53 minutes.

Neymar and Alba boosts for Barcelona ahead of Clasico - ESPN FC
Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba looks set to be fine to feature in Saturday's La Liga Clasico at home to Real Madrid at the Camp Nou, while attacker Neymar has also returned quicker than expected to training with his teammates ahead of the weekend's huge game.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen impressing despite Barcelona role - ESPN FC
Germany goalkeeping coach Andreas Kopke believes Marc-Andre ter Stegen is doing an "outstanding job" in a "difficult situation" at Barcelona. Ter Stegen, 23, joined Barcelona from his boyhood club Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014. He won the Treble in his first season at the Camp Nou, but only played in the cup competitions as Chile international Claudio Bravo stood in goal in La Liga.

Barcelona Luis Suarez reveals his favourite film & superhero - ESPN FC
Luis Suarez has revealed he has a penchant for schmaltzy tales of ocean-faring romance and disaster when it comes to his favourite movies. While taking part in a Q&A session conducted by the Uruguayan Football Association, the Barcelona striker confirmed his favourite movie is none other early Leonardo DiCaprio epic, Titanic.



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Dani Alves's stoppage time equalizer rescues World Cup qualifying point for Brazil

The Barca fullback plays the role of hero

Credit: r/Soccer

Dani Alves rescued a vital point for Brazil in World Cup qualifying last night. After going 2-0 down to Paraguay it looked as if the the Selecao were about to drop a big match. But Brazil weren't about to go without a fight. They pulled one goal back and then it was the Barcelona right back who played the role of hero in the second of three stoppage time minutes.

Alves collected the ball at the top right of the 18-yard box, feinted onto his left foot and struck a perfect curling shot into the back of the net to rescue a huge point for his country.

Neymar didn't take part in the match because he was serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

The draw sees Brazil drop to 6th in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, one point behind Chile and Colombia. It'll be a fight to the finish in South America for the five guaranteed spots to Russia World Cup 2018.



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الثلاثاء، 29 مارس 2016

Barcelona star Arda Turan trolls Arsenal in interview

One of Barcelona fans' pastime after watching the team play is to troll their rivals, mostly Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal. And one Barça player did just that, and might have just become a fan favorite.

Arda Turan has had some problems in trying to adapt to the new club, but the Turkish international is slowly starting to become an important part of the team. He spoke about it in an interview with Catalan newspaper Diari Ara. But the best part of the interview was when Arda explained his thought process while still playing at Atlético Madrid about his next club.

The answer is magical.

"Honestly, I thought: 'If I play very well [I could] end up signing for Barca, because my style fits this team. If I [only] play well, I go to Arsenal. For my style, with the ball, playing easy, short, aggressive when needed, I knew I could get here to Barcelona."

Source: FourFourTwo

Intentional or not, Arda just made my day by trolling Arsenal. I think he meant that the two teams have similar styles, and if he wasn't Barça level, Arsene Wenger would want him, because Wenger likes to settle for Barça rejects and underachievers. But Turan is great enough for Barça, which means Arsenal can't get him.

I love you, Arda.



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Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba expected to play El Clásico against Real Madrid

Worry not, Barcelona fans. One of the team's best will be available.

There was some concern among fans and the coaching staff when star full-back Jordi Alba reported back from international duty with Spain complaining of an ankle injury. Initial reports from Catalan media claimed that the Spaniard was doubtful to play in both El Clásico and the Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, but there is nothing to worry about.

That's according to a report from Diario Sport, who spoke to sources close to the player, including his agent, and they received confirmation that Alba will be ready to play this Saturday. He did not in fact have an injury, just some pain and discomfort. The player has resumed training normally with his teammates, and should go through the entire preparation without any problems.

The player's availability is a huge sigh of relief for Blaugrana fans and coach Luis Enrique, since Alba's natural backup, Adriano Correia, will not be in uniform for El Clásico with a hamstring problem. If the remaining internationals who still have to play this week come back clean, the Gala XI should be expected to start on Saturday. With Alba on it.



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Barcelona full-back Adriano Correia injured, out of El Clásico against Real Madrid

Another Barcelona full-back is in injury trouble ahead of this Saturday's El Clásico against Real Madrid.

One day after Jordi Alba reported back from international duty with an ankle injury that could get him to miss this weekend's derby, Barça confirmed that reserve full-back Adriano Correia, who could be Alba's replacement, is certain to be out of the match at Camp Nou with a hamstring problem.

The Brazilian is expected to be out for at least ten days, which means he won't be available for both the Clásico and the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atlético Madrid next week. Adriano has continued to fall down the pecking order under coach Luis Enrique, and his track record of vital role player in the Pep Guardiola days did not translate into a key participation in the Asturian's squad.

Adriano had his contract extended last week until the end of the 2016-17 season, ending the rumors of a possible departure from the Catalan club this summer. Although he isn't as important anymore, he would be necessary in this exact moment when the starting full-back is injured, but even now he can't help.

Yay.



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FC Barcelona News: 29 March 2016: Jordi Alba Expected To Be Fit For El Clasico

Sources close to the Spanish national team, though, say it's true that "there was some pain during the final minutes of the game after a small twisting of the ankle." However, after being looked at by La Roja's medics, "he doesn't have a serious problem." For that reason, from the national team there are no doubts that "he could play against Madrid without any problems."
Luis Enrique and his players paid homage to the figure of Johan Cruyff on Tuesday morning. The team and coaching staff held a minute of silence in memory of the Flying Dutchman on Tito Vilanova Field at the Ciutat Esportiva. The team is expected to be at Camp Nou at midday to visit the Johan Cruyff Memorial.
With just a few days before El Clásico, few are better positioned to discuss the big game than former captain Carles Puyol. The legendary defender spoke to the club's TV channel about the match against Real Madrid, but also about his former teammate Luis Enrique, the front three and Barça's chances of winning more trophies this year. Here is the pick of Puyol's comments:
All eight living presidents of FC Barcelona have confirmed they will be present President Suñol Box at Camp Nou for the coming El Clásico on 2 April. Agustí Montal, Raimon Carrasco, Josep Lluís Núñez, Joan Gaspart, Enric Reyna, Joan Laporta, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu will all be there for the special Johan Cruyff tribute before kick-off of the clash between Barça and Real Madrid.
In his second year at the club, ter Stegen's situation has not changed, only featuring in La Liga during the opening stages of the season. "It's clear that the situation for him is difficult," Germany goalkeeping coach Kopke told kicker on Tuesday. "But especially in the games of the second half of the season he carries it off well. To prove yourself on the top level right on the money without having the rhythm is also a demanding challenge for the mind. He does an outstanding job solving it."
La Liga President Javier Tebas believes Real Madrid can spring a surprise when they go to Barcelona for the season’s second Clasico. Tebas, an admitted Madrid supporter, has said that while he expected Barca to thrive in the first meeting of the year - the Catalans duly winning 4-0 at Santiago Bernabeu - he sees a shock coming at Camp Nou. "In the first leg I backed Barca more. For this game I think Madrid is going to cause a surprise," he told Onda Cero, Mundo Deportivo reports.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is just days away from taking charge of his first El Clasico – and Spanish publication Marca claim the Frenchman is ready to try something new. Marca expect Zizou to field a side that has never played together before when they travel to Barcelona looking for revenge following their 4-0 defeat at the Bernabeu in November.


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الاثنين، 28 مارس 2016

Luis Suárez on Barcelona transfer: "I did not think I was Barça quality"

Even the best striker in the world has doubts.

Barcelona superstar and this season's top scorer Luis Suárez gave a revealing interview to German outlet TV Helden about his two-year career with the Catalan giants. The Uruguayan spoke about adapting to a new city and club, being partners with Messi and Neymar, and what he does before games.

But the best quote came when Suárez said he did not think he had the level to play for Barça.

"Even I did not believe I had the quality to play for Barça. One must adapt to a short-passing game where as I was used to a more direct game. Having adapted to the team makes me very happy."

Source: FCBarcelona.com

Luisito might have thought he couldn't play for Barça, but he is this season's top scorer with 43 goals. Yeah, he's fine.

Here's more from Suárez's quotes:

Being the main man

"It doesn’t matter who sores the goal, but rather that the team does well. We are all happy, there is no envy between Neymar Jr and Messi, everything natural. This creates a good atmosphere in the team."

Pre-match preparations

"People are surprised that we do not gather before a match. When we play away, we travel the same morning. We are at home with our families and we wake up. When we play at home, we go to the stadium only half an hour earlier."

Love for the city

"I love Barcelona because I have a special feeling for it ever since I started (my relationship) with Sofia. She came to live here and I came to see it. We are very happy to be here. We know the whole city. The city is amazing, the people are very respectful and so we would love to stay and live here."



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Thomas Vermaelen talks El Clásico, Barcelona winning another Treble

Thomas Vermaelen is looking forward to El Clásico.

The Belgian defender spoke to Barcelona's website about this Saturday's giant clash and its importance. While this one has no relevance in terms of the La Liga title, it is still a Clásico and it matters very much, and Vermaelen is aware of that significance.

Thomas also spoke about Barça possibly winning another Treble, and seems confident the Catalans can make history again.

The biggest of all

"Tottenham-Arsenal is a massive rivalry because they’re both in North London but, I heard that the Barcelona-Real Madrid El Clásico is the most viewed or most watched single sport event in the world, close to the Super Bowl, so there are a lot of people who watch this game, so it is bigger. You can compare (other derbies) but this is bigger."

Memories of El Clásico

"The 2-6? Yes, I remember that one, and of course this season. This was the first one, for me, to experience myself in the Bernabeu itself. Last year I wasn’t there of course. It was a great performance from the team in the Bernabeu, the way we played, it was a great result."

Winning it all, again

"Of course it’s possible, I mean, we’re still in all three cups and that’s what you want to go for but, as I say, you don’t want to talk about trophies because it’s just too far ahead. We have to focus on every game because if you lose that focus, if you kind of look too far ahead, you will lose games.

"You have to take it day by day and game by game and see how far we are ahead, but we can’t deny we’re in a very good position in the league, we’re in the final of the Copa and we’re still in the Champions League so, yes, I said, we’re in a good position."

Source: FCBarcelona.com



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Barcelona vs Real Madrid, 2016 El Clásico: All Updates

As El Clásico Week begins, Barcelona has a major injury doubt for this weekend's giant clash.

Full-back Jordi Alba featured for Spain in the 0-0 draw against Romania on Sunday, and he left the match with a sprained right ankle according to reports from Catalan media. Alba is already on his way back to Barcelona and will immediately start treatment upon arriving in the Catalan capital.

There is no official word from the club yet about the extent of the injury, although the initial reports do not mention a serious issue. With five days left to play against Real Madrid, and more importantly eight days left to the giant UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg encounter with Atlético Madrid, Alba is a huge absence if unable to recover in time.

Alba has made 32 appearances so far this season, recording four assists and displaying his consistent defensive and offensive abilities. If the ankle problem is serious, one of the team's top performers will be missed in the most important part of the campaign.



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Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba injured, doubtful for El Clásico

As El Clásico Week begins, Barcelona has a major injury doubt for this weekend's giant clash.

Full-back Jordi Alba featured for Spain in the 0-0 draw against Romania on Sunday, and he left the match with a sprained right ankle according to reports from Catalan media. Alba is already on his way back to Barcelona and will immediately start treatment upon arriving in the Catalan capital.

There is no official word from the club yet about the extent of the injury, although the initial reports do not mention a serious issue. With five days left to play against Real Madrid, and more importantly eight days left to the giant UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg encounter with Atlético Madrid, Alba is a huge absence if unable to recover in time.

Alba has made 32 appearances so far this season, recording four assists and displaying his consistent defensive and offensive abilities. If the ankle problem is serious, one of the team's top performers will be missed in the most important part of the campaign.



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FC Barcelona News: 28 March 2016; El Clasico Week Begins, Sergi Roberto Makes Spain Debut

Johan Cruyff, forever in Barcelona - ESPN FC
"The ease with which he conveyed ideas made him special. Every day was a learning experience. A masterclass," explained current Red Bull Salzburg coach, Oscar Garcia, who came through Barcelona's academy under Cruyff and is one of the current crop of coaches who symbolize the philosophy that Cruyff instilled in Barcelona.

Training schedule for El Clásico week | FC Barcelona
The clash against Real Madrid takes place on Saturday at Camp Nou (kick off 8.30pm) with Luis Enrique taking training sessions on each week day at Ciutat Esportiva, as well as Sunday. Here is the schedule for the week ahead (all times CET):

Sergi Roberto makes senior Spain debut in goalless draw | FC Barcelona
Sergi Roberto made his senior international debut for Spain in a 0-0 draw against Romania in Cluj on Sunday. Alonside club teammates Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba and Marc Bartra in the starting lineup, Sergi Roberto played 60 minute before being replaced by former FC Barcelona man Cesc Fabregas.

How Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in first El Clasico | Sky Sports
A double from Luis Suarez and further goals from Neymar and Andres Iniesta humiliated the hosts and moved Barca six points clear at the top of La Liga. They did it without Lionel Messi for much of the game too, with the Argentina ace only making his return from injury 57 minutes in.

Thomas Vermaelen talks El Clásico | FC Barcelona
Ahead of Saturday's highly-anticipated clash against Real Madrid, defender Thomas Vermaelen spoke about the significance of El Clásico. The Belgian has been involved in some big derbies throughout his career, so he weighed in with his views on where this one ranks, as well as what lies ahead this season for FC Barcelona.

Luis Suárez discusses life at the club and in the city | FC Barcelona
The 29-year-old sat down with German television channel TV Helden where he shared his thoughts on the excellent season both he and his team are having, as well as his adjustment to the city of Barcelona since joining in the summer of 2014. Here is the pick of what he said:

Luis Suarez leaked contract shows Barcelona paid £64.98m for former Liverpool striker | The Independent
The document, which has emerged on the Football Leaks website, shows that the Reds were paid around £10m less than was widely reported that summer - and that Liverpool are still owed a final payment of £12.98m, due on 31 July this year. The document also says the fee will include any applicable Value Added Tax (VAT), the amount of which is not declared. VAT would not go into Liverpool FC coffers but would be paid to the government as part of the club's annual tax bill.

Dani Alves defends Neymar following Brazil struggles | FourFourTwo
Brazil defender Dani Alves has defended Barcelona team-mate Neymar following a number of underwhelming performances for the national team. Neymar has been in sublime form for the Catalans in 2015-16, scoring 27 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions. The 24-year-old has been unable to replicate his fine club displays at international level, though, and has not scored in his last three outings for the Brazil.

Liverpool target Marc Bartra could move on from Barcelona - ESPN FC
For many Barcelona-supporting Catalans, the international break means little more than praying that players don't return to the Camp Nou injured, but the current bout of friendlies was different as it presented a rare chance for them to see one of their own in action.

FCBEscola narrate famous El Clásico goals | FC Barcelona
El Clásico is a special match which always brings up incredible moments that live long in the memory of every fan. Certain goals are simply impossible to forget, like Gerard Pique’s swivel and shot at the Bernabeu in the 6-2 win, Ronaldinho’s solo run and, more recently, Luis Suárez sublime finish to take all three points at the Camp Nou.



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الأحد، 27 مارس 2016

FC Barcelona News: 27 March 2016: Fans Pay Respects to Johan Cruyff, Barcelona B Return to Winning Ways

Massive recognition for Johan Cruyff | FC Barcelona
An estimated 15,158 people visited the Johan Cruyff memorial at the Camp Nou on its opening day to pay their respects to the legendary Dutchman who passed away on Thursday. The condolence area was opened at 10.00am CET on Saturday in the presence of the Board of Directors and Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Thousands gather at Camp Nou to pay last respects to Johan Cruyff | FC Barcelona
Representatives of FC Barcelona and the football world have converged at the Camp Nou today to pay their last respects to Johan Cruyff, the legendary player and manager who died on Thursday at the age of 68. The club opened a memorial space on its premises at 10.00am CET and by the time the gates had closed nine hours later, 15,158 people had come to express their condolences for a man who played such a huge role in making FC Barcelona the team it is today.

Barcelona fans pay respects to Johan Cruyff at Camp Nou - ESPN FC
Thousands of fans mourning the death of Johan Cruyff have paid their respects to the former Barcelona player and coach at a temporary memorial in the club's Camp Nou. The Spanish club said that over 5,000 fans passed through the memorial by 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. It will remain open through Tuesday, when Barcelona's players will attend after returning from international competition.

The biggest advantage of any table-topper in Europe’s major leagues | FC Barcelona
With just a handful of games remaining until the end of the league campaigns across Europe, the race is still very much on for top spot across the majority of the continent’s major divisions. In the six top European leagues, according to UEFA’s coefficient (Spain, Germany, England Italy, Portugal and France), only Paris Saint-Germain have already won the competition.

Lionel Messi: Don't compare me with Cristiano Ronaldo - ESPN FC
Barcelona star Lionel Messi says that he does not want to be compared to Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, or anyone else. Messi, 28, is the world's best player having picked up the 2015 Ballon d'Or ahead of Ronaldo and his Barcelona teammate Neymar.

CD Llosetense v FC Barcelona B: Back to winning ways (0-2) | FC Barcelona
Following defeats to play-off rivals Lleida and Reus, Barça B got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over CD Llosetense away from home. Barça looked intent on changing their fortunes early on, with a vibrant start to the match which soon brought its rewards. On 30 minutes, the visitors were ahead as Ros headed in a Perea corner.

Barcelona U12 star hits incredible free kick vs Real Madrid - ESPN FC
Barcelona already have one of the best squads in the world, but the next generation isn't bad, either. Under-12 star Toni Caravaca showed his skills to help his Alevi A side beat Real Madrid 2-0 in the final of the Mediterranean International Cup this weekend.



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Héctor Bellerín - Latest quotes as FC Barcelona and other clubs are linked

Héctor Bellerín not looking to leave Arsenal as more clubs are linked with a summer move

Arsenal fullback Héctor Bellerín has distanced himself from rumours linking him with a return to FC Barcelona in his most recent quotes, reported by Sport and Goal. This comes after reports in the media linking him with a move during the UEFA Champions League Last-16 clashes between Bellerín's former and current teams.

In previous reports, it was said that Bellerín had spoken to Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué, who asked about his "situation" at Arsenal. Bellerín spoke of his departure from Barcelona as a youth team player, "I left Barça without looking back. I left focused on London and Arsenal. I am really happy there." Bellerín does have a lot to be happy with there, having established himself firmly as the Gunners' starting right back. His name has also been floated as a potential member of Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad for the UEFA European Championship this summer.

"I signed a new deal last year and there's still a lot in front of me. My future is there and I am happy where I am," Bellerín added, "A lot of things can happen but I am at Arsenal, giving my all for the club. I am not thinking of going anywhere else." Hector Bellerín signed a "long-term deal" with Arsenal in July 2015, with details of its length undisclosed by Arsenal.

Earlier this week, Mundo Deportivo reported that Bellerín will be Barça's first target if Dani Alves leaves. In the same article, soon-to-be Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has requested the German giants sign Bellerín this summer. Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been named as interested parties.

Rumours linking the Spain youth international with a Camp Nou return are likely to increase in frequency as Dani Alves, linked with a move to China with Guangzhou Evergrande, nears the end of his time at Barça.



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السبت، 26 مارس 2016

Lionel Messi: "I Would Be Proud to Meet Barack Obama"

The Argentine star wants to meet the American president, who had earlier said he was in favor of a meeting.

Lionel Messi has responded to comments from Barack Obama saying the president and his two daughters would like to meet the FC Barcelona and Argentina star.

"Obviously, I was surprised that Obama said that, but on the contrary, for me it would be completely the opposite," Messi stated. "For me it would be a source of great pride to be able to meet him and his daughters, but obviously I know it would be complicated."

Obama had expressed his desire to arrange a meeting with Messi for his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, during a diplomatic trip to Argentina.

Messi - often praised for his humble demeanor - said he was caught off-guard by the president's wish. "I don't know whether it is possible," the soccer superstar said. "Maybe he made the comment because he was in Argentina, but I can say I was as surprised as everyone else."

According to the Catalan paper Ara, the FC Barcelona PR department was caught by surprise as well by Obama's comments. The club is apparently looking into inviting the US president to watch a game at Camp Nou, though the option is not seen as particularly likely..

Obama had publicly mentioned Messi before. In 2011, the president was given a personalized #10 "Obama" jersey by the Colorado Rapids. While accepting the gift, Obama joked: , "As you know, the number 10 is the leader. So, me and Messi, we're right up there."

Messi also drew praise for his performance on the pitch earlier this week, as Argentina overcame continental champions Chile, 2-1.



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Marc-André ter Stegen hints at Barcelona exit

One of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe could be on his way out of Barcelona.

Star keeper Marc-André ter Stegen is in his second season at the Catalan club, and for the second straight campaign he has been selected only for Cup matches, with Claudio Bravo preferred for all league games. The German always performs at an absurd level even without a consistent run, and the 23-year-old feels it's time to give him Number One status.

If he can't get that as a Blaugrana, he could always go somewhere else.

"I want to take the next step and play more because the situation is clear: if nothing changes, I’ll need to speak [to the club].

"At the end of the season, I’ll have played about 25 games. This isn’t too little, but when I return from the selection, I’ll probably be benched against Real Madrid in the Clasico. In the long run, these 25 games are not enough for me."

Source: Football-España

That is certainly a problem. Barça cannot possibly risk to lose a keeper with the current talent and the amazing potential Ter Stegen has. This is the keeper for the present and the future. The only issue here is: Bravo has been sensational for two league seasons now, and it seems unfair to reward his great performances with the bench next season.

Luis Enrique has a difficult decision to make at the end of this term, that's for sure. Does he concentrate on the present, and how good Bravo still is, or does it give Ter Stegen a much deserved number one role and looks to the future?

That's a hard answer, and it might lead to Ter Stegen leaving if he doesn't like the answer.



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FC Barcelona News: 26 March 2016; Johan Cruyff Memorial to Be Held, Luis Suarez Shines in Uruguay Return

Barca to hold memorial for Cruyff for 4 days at Camp Nou | USA Today
Barcelona will hold a memorial for Johan Cruyff for fans to pay their respects to the former player and coach. Barcelona says the memorial will be open from Saturday to Tuesday at Camp Nou.

World press praises the figure of Johan Cruyff | FC Barcelona
He was a total genius, he reinvented football, he was Barça's universal creator, a visionary, an inspiration. On 25 March, the most prominent European newspapers used their front pages to praise the figure of Johan Cruyff (1947–2016).

Thank you, Johan | FC Barcelona
Player, coach and legend. Barça will always be grateful to the figure of Johan Cruyff. Known as 'El Flaco' and The Flying Dutchman, Cruyff will be remembered for the footprint he left on Barça, for sowing the seeds of success on the Camp Nou pitch. This music video recalls the best moments of Johan Cruyff at FC Barcelona.

Dream Team disciples pay homage to Johan Cruyff | FC Barcelona
The death of Johan Cruyff has been felt by the world of football and of sport in general. This is a farewell to a man who changed the course of FC Barcelona. The Dream Team will always be remembered as one of the best the club has ever had, winners of four consecutive Liga titles and Barça’s first ever European Cup, while playing a kind of football that was watched with awe.

Johan Cruyff, the manager | FC Barcelona
Johan Cruyff changed the way we understand football and revolutionised the history of FC Barcelona, both as a player and coach. The old Barça TV program called "Recorda Míster" ("Remember, Boss") looked back at Cruyffs great successes as a the blaugrana coach and invited him onto the show, where he revealed the secrets of the legendary 'Dream Team,' which won four consecutive league titles and the first European Cup in Barça history.

Cruyff influence at Barcelona made clear by Messi and Suarez - ESPN FC
Five weeks on from when it first made waves around the world, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez's homage from the penalty spot against Celta Vigo suddenly looks all the more significant. That throwback to when Johan Neeskens and Johan Cruyff combined for one of the greatest spot-kicks of all time quickly made its way back to the source, who admitted it gave him great pleasure while watching on television at home.

Barcelona and Xavi thank Johan Cruyff for 'altering history' - ESPN FC
Johan Cruyff has been hailed for guiding Barcelona to "become the greatest club in the world" by ex-Barca presidents following the former Camp Nou player and coach's death on Thursday, while ex-club captain Xavi Hernandez called him "a professional reference for all of us that love this sport."

Soccer will never see another Johan Cruyff - Goal.com
It is often said that soccer players with extraordinary technical ability do not go on to become good coaches. The game comes so naturally to these players that they struggle to convey their message when they make the transition from pitch to bench. But there is an exception to every rule and, in this case, it was Johan Cruyff.

FC Barcelona youth teams honour memory of Cruyff | FC Barcelona
An emotional tribute to Johan Cruyff. The FC Barcelona academy teams rendered homage to the Barça legend in their own particular way by respecting a minute’s silence and wearing black armbands in their games on Thursday, with a number 14 shirt honouring the loss of the great Dutch player and manager, for whom it all started with the Liga 1973-74 victory, and who went on to lead the Dream Team as manager to four consectuiove league titles and the first European Cup in 1992.

Pep Guardiola: I knew nothing until I met Johan Cruyff - ESPN FC
Barcelona great Pep Guardiola has paid a moving tribute to Johan Cruyff, claiming "I knew nothing about football until I met Cruyff." The Netherlands, Ajax and Barcelona legend died on Monday in Spain after losing his battle against lung cancer.

Luis Suárez marks Uruguay return with equaliser against Brazil | FC Barcelona
Luis Suárez marked his return to competitive international football after an absence of 640 days by scoring a crucial equaliser for Uruguay in Friday’s World Cup qualifier in Brazil. Brazil looked to be cruising it when Douglas Costa scored in the first minute and Barça’s Neymar Jr was involved in the build-up to the home side’s second, converted by Renato Augusto after 25 minutes.

Argentina defeat Chile in World Cup 2018 qualifier | FC Barcelona
Argentina, with Leo Messi in the starting line-up but Javier Mascherano suspended, won 2-1 away to Claudio Bravo’s Chile in Thursday’s World Cup 2018 qualifier. After winning just one of their first four matches, the three points are a huge boost for the 2014 finalists, and moves them up to fourth in the South American qualifying group.

Lionel Messi fails to register shot on goal 'for first time in 117 games' | Sky Sports
The Argentina striker played the full 90 minutes and captained his side to the 2-1 win over Chile in World Cup Qualifying in Santiago, but according to ESPN FC, did not attempt a shot. He did however contribute to the winner, producing a lovely flick for team-mate Gabriel Mercado to slot home for 2-1 after just 25 minutes played.

Lionel Messi retirement would sink Barcelona - Pep Guardiola - ESPN FC
Pep Guardiola has said that Barcelona will no longer have the firepower they currently have once star forward Lionel Messi leaves the club. The five-time World Player of the Year has been crucial to his team's success from the moment he made his professional debut, and his leadership has never been more obvious than it is this season.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen hints at possible Barcelona exit - ESPN FC
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has hinted he may be forced to consider changing clubs if his number of appearances doesn't increase with the Blaugrana soon. The German international has shared goalkeeping duties with Claudio Bravo since signing with the club from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2014.

Riyad Mahrez is good enough to play for Barcelona, insists Xavi - Goal.com
Xavi believes Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has the ability to play for Barcelona. The Algeria international has been one of the Premier League’s standout stars this season with 16 goals and 11 assists in 30 appearances, while Leicester City remains on course to win the title.

FCB Escola Florida proud to wear the Barça badge | FC Barcelona
Leaving one’s country for the very first time can be a nerve-racking experience, especially for a group of school age children traveling overseas to compete in an elite competition against top-notch talent from all corners of the earth. Nevertheless, for most of the members of the FCBEscola Florida, it is the trip of a lifetime.



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الجمعة، 25 مارس 2016

Luis Suarez scores, Neymar gets assist in Uruguay/Brazil draw

Two-thirds of MSN shine on international duty

Credit: r/Soccer

Luis Suarez earned his Uruguay side a vital away point against world power Brazil in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Friday. This clever finish knotted the match at 2 and that's the way it finished. It was Suarez's first competitive international match since his infamous biting incident in the 2014 World Cup. Neymar started the match for Brazil and assisted on their second goal which was a lovely strike by Renato Augusto.

Credit: r/Soccer

The two teams split the points and they remain second and third in the standings, two of the favorites to qualify for the World Cup.



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الخميس، 24 مارس 2016

Barack Obama and His Daughters Want to Meet Argentine Star Lionel Messi

Barack Obama and his family want to talk to the Argentine superstar.

Barack Obama - the President of the United States, of course - wants to arrange a meeting between his two daughters and Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi.

Obama is in Argentina, Messi's country of birth, on a two-day diplomatic trip. While not dancing the tango, The President spoke to the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Town Hall in Buenos Aires about many topics, including who his daughters - 17-year-old Malia and 14-year-old Sasha - wanted to meet.

"I wanted to bring my daughters here, so they could see the beauty and the vibrancy of this city," Obama said. "They've already met one famous Argentinean -- His Holiness Pope Francis. Now they want to meet [Lionel] Messi, but I could not arrange that."

If you want to meet Messi and haven’t yet, don’t be too sad. It’s not that easy, even for one of the most powerful men in the world, to arrange a meeting.



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Genius Johan Cruyff: FC Barcelona’s Architect

You have probably heard the sad news already. Johan Cruyff, former FC Barcelona and Ajax player and manager, died today. A tribute.

Johan Cruyff is a man who you could argue is the greatest player of all time, only rivaled by the likes of Pele, Alfredo di Stéfano, and Diego Maradona.

And he was as successful as a coach. Cruyff took Ajax to unforeseen heights, winning the European cup three times alongside eight Eredivisie titles. He also won a league and a cup title with Barcelona and Feyenoord.

As brilliant a player he was, he was arguably just as good a manager. He won silverware with Ajax but also with Barcelona, creating the so-called "Dream Team" in the early 90s which won La Liga four times in a row. He also guided the Blaugrana to their first European Cup triumph in 1992.

But Barcelona fans are grateful to the man for more than just his direct contributions (which are phenomenal - only Pep Guardiola has won more silverware in the history of the club). His fingerprints on the team are visible to this day.

Cruyff is considered the maximum exponent of Total Football, a Dutch system which prized skillful players able to do it all. As Barcelona manager, Cruyff emphasized offensive play, skill, and the spectacle of good football.

These concepts are now synonymous with FC Barcelona, though they perhaps weren’t always. The modern, uber-successful, amazing Barcelona is the product of many people, but if any one man is its father, it certainly is Cruyff. Barça DNA is perhaps Cruyff DNA.

You can draw the family tree pretty easily. Pep Guardiola was a player during Cruyff’s run as FC Barcelona manager. Luis Enrique wasn’t, but he came the season after Cruyff’s last season and became another player schooled, albeit indirectly, in Cruyff’s concepts. Lucho’s transfer was a request of the Dutchman's, but the manager was let go before he could coach the midfielder.

The numbers speak for themselves. Before Cruyff, Barcelona won 42 trophies in 71 years, including 10 league titles, and no European Cups. After Cruyff, it's 44 trophies in 28 years, including 13 league titles and all 5 of the team's European Cup / Champions League trophies.*

And you can start looking at Spain’s transformation from perennial underachievers into World and European champions as Cryuff-tinged too, quite easily. Cruyff’s revitalization of La Masia, Barça's youth academy, led directly to the formations of the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the cornerstones of the Spanish success.

It also led to the formation of Lionel Messi, a cornerstone to Barcelona’s current success and a candidate to surpass even Cryuff himself in influence. He may have already done so as a player, at least.

And it’s not just Barcelona and not just Spain. Look at the "Dream Team" players and you see a multitude of coaches who have achieved varying levels of success all over the world.

Yes, there’s Pep Guardiola obviously. And also Ronald Koeman, who famously scored the only goal in Barcelona's first European Cup final win, 1-0 against Sampdoria. He won the Eredivisie twice with Ajax, once with PSV, and a Copa del Rey with Valencia. He’s currently Southampton’s manager. And then, we see Abelardo Fernández currently trying to help little Sporting Gijón stay up in La Liga.

Luis Enrique was a request of Cruyff’s before he was sacked, as was Paris Saint-Germain managar Laurent Blanc.

But there’s more.

There's Óscar García, a Barcelona youth coach who won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv and is currently on his way to winning the Austrian Bundesliga with Red Bull Salzburg. Sergi Barjuán, who manages Almeria. Gheorghe Hagi, who manages FC Viitorul in Romania. Guillermo Amor, who manages Adelaide United in Australia. José Mari Bakero, who found some success coaching in Poland. Albert Ferrer got Córdoba promoted recently. Julen Lopetegui, who recently managed Porto. The list goes on.

Results are mixed and obviously not all of them have the magic touch. But it seems teams around the world want to emulate Barcelona, and specifically, Cruyff’s Barcelona.

It’s surely only going to continue. The likes of Xavi or Carles Puyol, descended from Guardiola, will expand the Cruyff coaching tree. It really begins with Rinus Michels, who taught Cruyff, but there’s no doubt Cruyff is the man who took it to the next level.

Cruyff, in his later years, became a direct influence at the club as an adviser during Joan Laporta’s presidency. The Sandro Rosell / Josep Maria Bartomeu era brought separation between the club hierarchy and Cruyff, although his role as the elder statesman or even revered saint among the Barcelona faithful was never in doubt.

Cruyff stood up for Luis Enrique when the coach was struggling in his first year. But he criticized Lucho’s team even when they won 2-1 against Real Madrid last season. The man didn’t waver with popular opinion and had a long-term view that football fans by and large simply lack.

Now, more than ever, people will attempt to speak for him. But let’s be honest, no one could. He was an ideologue, perhaps, but also a visionary.

The mantle falls not on a single disciple, but on many. And not on dogma, but evolution. To say otherwise is deny the far reaches of his influence.

Today, let’s just be thankful that of all the times to be alive, we were alive at a time when Cruyff football ruled the world and the man himself was there to enjoy the fruit of his work. Rest in peace.

*Thanks to ‏@Jeremyvrn and @FCB_Datos on Twitter for help with these statistics.



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