Zidane’s parting words will surprise Barcelona fans

Zinedine Zidane stunned the football world on Thursday by announcing he’s stepping down as Real Madrid boss.

The Frenchman leaves after guiding los Blancos to three consecutive Champions League wins but what he said as he announced his departure will come as a surprise.

Zidane reckons the highlight of his time at the Santiago Bernabeu wasn’t his success in Europe, but instead the sole La Liga title he claimed.

Zidane says, despite winning three UCLs, his best moment as Madrid coach was winning La Liga

— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) May 31, 2018

Interestingly Zidane also said his worst moment as Madrid boss was the Copa del Rey defeat at Leganes.

Zidane joined Real Madrid in January 2016 and leaves after also winning two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, Madrid finished a massive 17 points behind Barcelona in La Liga season and Zidane also said he felt “It would have been difficult for me to win again next year.”

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

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 31 May 2018

Philippe Coutinho’s six months at Barcelona show early Liverpool exit was right call | ESPN
As important as what has happened on the pitch, though, is what has happened off it. His relationship with former Liverpool teammate Suarez has helped. Being friends with Suarez has also enabled him click with Messi. The three live close together in Castelldefels -- Suarez found Coutinho somewhere to live -- and drive to home games together.

Ter Stegen offers advice to La Masia hopefuls | FC Barcelona
Marc Andre Ter Stegen has often shown his dedication to the Barça youth system, but this year he has demonstrated a special connection to the U14B team that won its league last week. It all started before the team was due to travel to a competition (which they’d go on to win) in Mönchengladbach, his home city.

Madrid have winning gene and Barcelona have fallen asleep – Xavi | Goal
But Xavi – who won four Champions League trophies with Barca – accused the Spanish champions of becoming “dormant”, despite signing the likes of Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele in recent seasons. ”Madrid have a winning gene and Barca have fallen asleep,” he told El Penalti. ”They have been dormant for years with signings and that takes its toll.”

Andres Iniesta opens up on his struggles following death of friend Dani Jarque | Sky Sports
The Espanyol defender passed away from heart failure while on a pre-season tour of Italy with the club at the age of 26. Iniesta says he had “no feelings or passion” following Jarque’s death, and that he sought help during that difficult period in his life.

The Argentinian national team to train at the Ciutat Esportiva to prepare for Russia 2018 World Cup | FC Barcelona
As the AFA website made public, the Argentinian team will be training at 7.30pm CEST on Thursday, four and a half hours after their arrival in Barcelona. The training sessions will normally take place in the mornings, except for on Friday and Monday, when they will have a double session.

Messi: ‘Barça the only club I’ll play for in Europe’ | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi, who is currently with the Argentina squad as they prepare for this summer’s World Cup, spoke to Canal 13 in a recent interview and gave several quotes of interest to FC Barcelona fans. These included confirming that he would never play for a side who could face the Blaugrana in continental competition.

Harvard invite Josep Maria Bartomeu to explain Barça’s social commitment | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona President, Josep Maria Bartomeu, to travel to the United States on Thursday to participate in a conference at the prestigious Harvard University on the subject of Participation, Inclusion and Social Responsibility in Global Sports. The university is organising the conference with Simmons College, a reputable private university and postgraduate school in Boston on 1 and 2 June.

Secret Box: André Gomes takes the challenge! | FC Barcelona
It’s time to see if Andrés Gomes is up to the challenge! Following in the footsteps of his blaugrana brethren, Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina, Barça’s Portuguese midfielder will try and juggle what’s in the box!

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2J31ipb

Read More

Barca don’t know what they’re doing with signings - Xavi

Barcelona legend Xavi has had a bit of a pop at his former team and says those responsible for signings haven’t got a clue what they are doing.

He also says the Catalan giants have gone to sleep, and while they may be winning La Liga, other teams are off winning the Champions League.

Xavi was talking on a Catalan radio show called El Penalti de Radio Estel, and his comments make for pretty interesting reading.

“Madrid have this winning gene and Barca have slept, for years, when it comes to signings. Those who make the signings do not know what they are doing, and you pay for that.

“It seems Barca win [La Liga] titles, but the others [Madrid] are winning the Champions League.”

Source | ESPN

He also spoke about the Champions League and how things went Real Madrid’s way in the tournament this year.

”Real Madrid had everything go their way,” he added. “Injuries like Neymar, [Arjen] Robben, [Jerome] Boateng, the referees, Liverpool’s most important player [Mohamed Salah] getting injured, mistakes from the Bayern and Liverpool goalkeepers. It is like a curse.”

Barcelona have spent heavily in the last two transfer windows bringing in Ousmane Dembele, Nelson Semedo, Paulinho, Yerry Mina and Philippe Coutinho.

They look ready to spend again this summer, but it already looks like being another chaotic transfer window. Their chase of Antoine Griezmann seems to have turned into a saga, and while they may land Arthur it doesn’t appear that he will arrive until the winter.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2J3VMmr

Read More

West Ham “Not Sure” If Marlon Santos is Good Enough

Barcelona’s defender may not be able to “hack it”

West Ham United are “not sure” if Marlon Santos will be able to “hack it in England,” says The Guardian. The Barcelona player, who impressed on loan at Nice last season, has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

But according to an article by Jacob Steinberg, West Ham have yet to lodge a formal bid as they are unsure if a centerback only 5’11” can improve one of the Premier League’s worst defenses. Genoa’s Armando Izzo and Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks are also being considered as alternatives, per the report.

Marlon’s price is understood to stand at 20 million euro. Nice’s president, Jean-Pierre Rivère, had previously said an offer matching that valuation had already been placed.

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

Read More

#1 Midfield Target is a PSG Player

Barcelona want another midfielder to come in besides Arthur

FC Barcelona have a Paris Saint-Germain midfielder as their #1 target yet again this summer, but it’s not Marco Verratti this time, according to rumor. Rather, says Albert Rogé, the player Barça is after is Adrien Rabiot.

Rogé, who writes for Diario SPORT, says Barcelona’s first two signings are planned to be Sevilla defender Clément Lenglet and Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann. Then, the team wants to confirm the signing of Arthur Melo from Grêmio. And once all that’s done, they’ll want one more midfielder.

Right now, Rabiot is the #1 choice for that role, says Rogé. Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen has been a rumored option as well, but he is seen as an alternative only if Griezmann does not come.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2H49Ie7

Read More

Barca consultant Braida says he’s a big fan of Rabiot

Barcelona’s international football consultant Ariedo Braida revealed his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain’s Adrien Rabiot.

“I haven’t been following the market that much lately, but in terms of a player who I like, I am a big fan of Rabiot, he’s a player of the highest level,” he said at the Football Leader gala.

Ariedo Braida | Source

This entire quote is hilarious to me. Braida starts off admitting he doesn’t follow the market that closely and then goes on to talk about a player he’s a big fan of. Just discussing a player he likes with the media, no big deal.

But the fact that it gets traction in the media is amazing. Everyone’s goal in life should be to get to a point where they’re so important that they can openly admit they don’t follow something closely, proceed to discuss said thing, and still have people write about it.

Football is the best.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2kCDdv4

Read More

Rumors: Dembele, Eriksen, Alba, Denis, Vidal & Cillessen

PSG and Tuchel interested in Dembele

Today’s rumors start with our very own Ousmane Dembele and news that Paris Saint-Germain remain interested in him, according to Mundo Deportivo.

New manager Thomas Tuchel knows Dembele well from their time together at Borussia Dortmund and his dismissal was one of the reasons the Frenchman wanted to leave the club.

The potential arrival of Antoine Griezmann could make life difficult for Dembele at Barcelona, and if the club receive an offer in the region of €115-120 million, they will consider it.

Man Utd & Chelsea want Alba

No sooner had Jordi Alba’s agent been complaining about the lack of a contract renewal than the rumors about clubs interested in his signature appeared. What a coincidence.

Anyway, Sport reckon that both Manchester United and Chelsea want a left-back this summer and would be happy to bring Alba to England.

Both clubs have always liked the Barca star but have been even more impressed this season with his attacking contribution.

Cillessen to Liverpool?

Back to Mundo Deportivo and they bring news that Jasper Cillessen could be an option for Liverpool this summer.

The Reds have long needed a new goalkeeper and that feeling was only highlighted after Loris Karius’ horror-show in the Champions League final.

Barcelona don’t want to sell but could be tempted with a bid of €60m. Liverpool would prefer Jan Oblak or Alisson, but Cillessen would be a cheaper and more viable alternative.

Real Madrid want Eriksen to replace Modric

Over at Marca and they reckon that Real Madrid are also interested in Christian Eriksen and see him as the eventual successor to Luka Modric at the Bernabeu.

The report reckons that Eriksen is “open to options” but then goes on to talk about how it would be “basically impossible this summer” to prise the midfielder away from Spurs.

All a bit confusing really, but the gist is that Eriksen is seen as the perfect replacement for Modric at some point in the future, possibly.

Celta want Denis on loan

Despite his best efforts Denis Suarez continues to find himself in the rumor pages and this time the talk is of a loan move to Celta Vigo.

Barcelona don’t really want to sell him, he doesn’t really want to go, but he does want to play more so a loan move to a former club could be an option, so say Sport.

Real Betis are also pretty keen but Denis’ representatives will talk to Barcelona before discussing his future with any other clubs.

Vidal heading to Sevilla

And finally today we end with news that Aleix Vidal could be departing for Sevilla this summer.

According to Marca, Sevilla agreed a deal for Vidal back in January but then didn’t fancy paying Barcelona’s price of €12 million plus €3m in potential add-ons.

The club remain interested though so it sounds as though a move might be on if both teams can agree a price.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2L6JB8P

Read More

Why Barcelona should bring Thiago back

Read More

Messi hits hat-trick in World Cup warm-up game

Read More

Barcelona and Real Madrid to Go to “War” Over Miralem Pjanić

The Juventus star is being linked with a transfer

Diario SPORT says Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready to “go to war” over the signature of Miralem Pjanić. The Juventus midfielder is being linked with a move away from the old lady and towards one of the big two La Liga giants by various media outlets, as well.

Sky Sports is cited as saying that Pjanić could be a replacement if Luka Modrić decided to leave los blancos. Meanwhile, French site Onze Mondial says Barça will make “an important offer” for the Bosnian midfielder.

Barcelona could be in the market for a central midfielder who provides immediate impact and control. Could they win a hypothetical bidding war against their biggest rivals?

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

Read More

Barcelona have received €20m offer for Marlon Santos, says Nice president

Barcelona have received a €20 million offer for defender Marlon Santos who is halfway through a two-season loan at Ligue 1 side Nice.

According to the club’s president Jean-Pierre Rivère, the 22-year-old is set to leave the French side although he didn’t say where he was going.

“Barcelona have received a €20m offer for Marlon. He is therefore set to leave OGC Nice,” he said.

Source | L’Equipe

It’s a pretty surprising claim but if it turns out to be true you’d suspect Barcelona would find it hard to turn the offer down.

Marlon made league 23 appearances for Nice last season and helped the club to an eighth place finish.

Reports in the UK claim that West Ham United are leading the race to sign Marlon, although it’s not clear if the Hammers are the team who have made the €20m offer.

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

Read More

Jordi Alba’s agent blasts Barcelona over contract renewal delay

Another day and another Barcelona contract story, this time it’s Jordi Alba and his agent who are moaning about the delay in contract renewal talks.

It’s becoming a real theme at the club at the moment. Samuel Umtiti (and his little release clause) hasn’t renewed, Sergio Busquets apparently wants a pay rise and now Alba’s agent, Vicente Fores, is getting feisty.

“Raul Sanllehi was still at the club when they told us not to worry, that they were going to call us to renew,” he said.

“But we are still waiting. It’s been a year and a half now. We don’t understand anything, maybe it’s normal for Barça or maybe they’re not happy with the performances of a player included in FIFA’s XI and who is the defender with the most assists in European football.

“There are two years left [on the deal] and we will see what’s going on, but we’re relaxed about it.”

Source | Sport

Alba had a pretty impressive season for Barcelona and seemd to relish in the freedom granted by Neymar’s departure. His link-up play with Lionel Messi was a feature and he was La Liga’s top scoring defender.

10 - Jordi Alba was involved in more goals than any other defender in La Liga 2017/18 (eight goals and two assists). Whirlwind. pic.twitter.com/FI5qPM6tdm

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 21, 2018

Despite his comments there’s no sense that Alba is unhappy at Barcelona, and he’s said before he would like to see out his career at the Camp Nou.

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

Read More

Eriksen or Griezmann for Barcelona?

Barcelona look set to invest heavily again this summer, but there’s a bit of debate about exactly who will be the club’s highest-profile signing.

Antoine Griezmann is expected to be it and has long been linked with a €100 million move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona.

However, rumours surrounding Christian Eriksen have been picking up speed, and now Sport claim that the Tottenham star is Barcelona’s ‘Plan B’ if they miss out on Griezmann.

The report follows on from Mundo Deportivo producing a couple of reports about how Eriksen has been trying to find out just how interested Barcelona are in his services.

If Barca do miss out on Griezmann the report reckons that Eriksen could be signed as a replacement for Andres Iniesta, with Philippe Coutinho moving further forwards.

Eriksen would therefore come into midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, with Coutinho forming a frontline with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez (Ousmane Dembele isn’t mentioned at all).

Of course prising Eriksen away from Tottenham looks a really tough ask and it’s still all rumours at this point - but it does make an interesting question of which player would be best for Barcelona.

So let us know what you think! Vote in the poll below and tell us your thoughts about who Barcelona should splash the cash on this summer.

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

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 29 May 2018

Messi the absolute leader in statistics in 2017/18 | FC Barcelona
The Argentine ended the season as the top goalscorer, assist provider, man with the most key passes and successful dribbles in LaLiga. Discover who rivalled him in each category in the main European leagues.

International friendlies begin for blaugranes | FC Barcelona
France, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Croatia and Brazil play first fixtures as teams prepare for 2018 World Cup.

Barcelona’s Jordi Alba waiting on overdue new contract - agent | ESPN
Jordi Alba’s agent cannot understand why Barcelona have not offered the defender the new contract they promised was in the works 18 months ago. Alba, 29, still has two years to run on the terms he signed with Barca in 2015 but he has been waiting for the club to offer him a new deal for over a year now.

Lionel Messi: I would swap Barcelona title for Argentina World Cup success | ESPN
Lionel Messi is so desperate to win the World Cup with Argentina that he would trade success with Barcelona to triumph in Russia this summer. Messi, 30, has been on the losing side in four finals with Argentina, including the World Cup final in 2014 against Germany in Brazil.

Barca to sign Lenglet for €35m | Football Espana
Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Sevilla central defender Clement Lenglet after activating his €35m release clause, say reports in Spain. The 22-year-old central defender has impressed for Los Rojiblancos in a turbulent season for the club, helping guide them to the Copa del Rey final and last eight of the Champions League.

My Top 4: Lucas Digne reveals his favorite players! | FC Barcelona
Now it’s Lucas Digne’s turn! In our latest edition of My Top 4, the Barça left back reveals who his top all-time players are! The 24-year-old Frenchman, who scored one goal in 19 appearances this season, names one goalkeeper, one defender, on midfielder, and one forward who are his favorites.

Barcelona “receive €20m bid” for West Ham-linked defender Marlon - report | football.london
Marlon joined Barcelona B from Fluminese on loan in 2016 and was promoted to the first team under Luis Enrique, handed a permanent deal in Spain for the first team but new manager Ernesto Valverde decided not to include him in his plans for this season, allowing him to head to France with a supposed €20million buy-out clause.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2snW93Q

Read More

Garcia Pimienta plans ‘a new project, loyal to our style’ for Barcelona B

Barcelona B coach Xavi García Pimienta has given his verdict after watching his team relegated following a draw with Albacete on Sunday night.

Garcia Pimienta has only been in charge a matter of weeks since replacing Gerard Lopez, but he wasn’t able to prevent the team from dropping out of the second division.

He will remain in charge of the team and has posted a message on Twitter explaining his plans for next season.

Ho hem lluitat fins el final, però no ha pogut ser... L’any q ve serem a 2B, però continuarem treballant, amb un projecte nou, fidels al nostre estil, i amb l’objectiu principal d preparar els nostres jugadors x quan el 1er equip els necessiti. Gràcies pel suport! FORÇA BARÇA pic.twitter.com/c05IwCA1Lf

— Garcia Pimienta (@GarciaPimienta) May 28, 2018

He said: “We fought until the end, but it wasn’t to be... Next season we will be in Segunda B, but we will keep on working, with a new project, loyal to our style, with the main objective of preparing our players for when the first team needs them. FORÇA BARÇA.”

It’s been a tough year for Barcelona B but the appointment of Garcia Pimienta, who won the Uefa Youth League with the Juvenil A team in April, brings optimism that he can help develop the club’s youngsters.

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

Read More

Cerezo talks Griezmann as Barca lose confidence in signing Atleti star

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has once again reiterated his belief that Antoine Griezmann is going nowhere this summer, while Josep Maria Bartomeu is reportedly losing confidence that Barcelona will be able to pull off a deal for the Frenchman.

The speculation over Griezmann’s move to Barcelona has rarely been out of the headlines this season but it’s just gone a little cold over the last week or so after the forward joined up with the France squad.

While Barcelona players have been happy to talk up Griezmann, the Atletico star has kept quiet. All we really know is that he wants his future sorted before the World Cup which starts on June 14.

Cerezo continues to believe that his star man is going absolutely nowhere this summer despite all the speculation.

“I do not know the problems of other clubs,” he said.

”What I do say is what I have always said: Griezmann has a contract with Atletico for another four years, so it’s very difficult to solve until four years from now.”

Source | Goal

Meanwhile, Bartomeu is “no longer confident” the club will land Griezmann, according to a report in Marca (so, you know).

Their report reckons that Griezmann might have changed his mind, and Barcelona are particularly concerned about footage showing Diego Godin telling supporters he would stay.

Barcelona are expected to make their move on July 1st when his release clause drops to €100 million, and then it’s up to Griezmann what he does.

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

Read More

Suarez brushes off Barcelona exit rumours

Luis Suarez has been talking ahead of the World Cup and was asked about speculation that he could leave Barcelona this summer.

Barca’s pursuit of Antoine Griezmann has led to a few whispers that Suarez may need to depart to accommodate the Frenchman but the Uruguayan didn’t seem too bothered.

He also went on to discuss the World Cup and is hoping to have a better experience this time around after, well we all remember what happened last time in Brazil don’t we?

“I’m focused on the World Cup and I’ve not noticed rumors about my leaving Barcelona,” he said.

“Any player dreams of being able to play and live a World Cup, and it’s already happened to me in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014. I arrive with other expectations, with other players and other sensations and am motivated to go far at the World Cup.

“The games are played at a very high level but I have matured a lot. I have experience and I understand how the World Cup is. However, my style of play is the same as it always has been. I can’t change that.”

Source | Sport

Suarez’s Uruguay have been drawn in Group A and will face hosts Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, so they will be expected to make it through to the knockout stages at least.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2IS3hN4

Read More

Umtiti emphasizes his love for Barca

Barcelona’s future is bright, one of those future bright spots is French defender Samuel Umtiti. The center back has a low release clause of only 60 million euros, which means that the sharks of England and other large clubs have expressed interest in Umtiti.

However, the good thing is that Umtiti has expressed his desire to continue playing for Barcelona. In a recent pre-World Cup interview he discussed what it would take for him to leave.

“I’m at a club that allowed me to realise my dream of playing there,” Umtiti told L’Equipe.

”I’m still under contract at the moment. So for me to leave, either they throw me out the door or I decide to leave [laughs].”

Samuel Umtiti | Source

It remains to be seen how long Umtiti will be at Barcelona, but if his development continues and his attitude remains the same, it could be for some time.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2siP7gY

Read More

Puyol tells Barca to get their priorities straight after Madrid's UCL win

A Barcelona legend has come out and expressed his frustrations with the team’s priorities after another Real Madrid Champions League victory. Carles Puyol discussed his frustrations with the team on Monday just two days after Real Madrid won their fourth Champions League trophy in five years.

“I am convinced that we have a better team than Madrid, but they have won four of the last five Champions Leagues,” Puyol told La Vanguardia.

“I think the solution comes from getting our priorities straight. We’re losing an opportunity and I’m furious about that as a Barca fan.

“Winning the treble is extremely hard as statistics shows, so I think the most sensible thing would be to relegate the King’s Cup.

“Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing in the final, but the path there should be for the reserves and the young players to show if they are good enough or not.”

Carles Puyol | Source

The frustrations are pretty rational and valid. Frankly it's nice to see a former player express frustrations in a calm competent way instead of freaking out irrationally. Puyol makes some good points, probably thinking along the same lines that most Barcelona fans around the world are feeling.

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

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 28 May 2018

The 10 best goals of the season | FC Barcelona
Whether they be with the right foot, the left, from open play or from a free kick... these are the best goals of the campaign, including those scored by Suárez and Messi in El Clásico, by Dembélé against Chelsea and many more. Watch the video and choose your favourite!

Messi: Barcelona will be my only European club | Goal
Lionel Messi has reiterated that Barcelona will be the only European side he plays for, although he is still hoping to head home to Newell’s Old Boys at some stage. The Argentine started out in the youth system of the club based in his native Rosario, and clearly still has fond memories of the club.

Carles Puyol denies criticising Barcelona amid Real Madrid’s Champions League success | ESPN
Carles Puyol says posts on social media congratulating Real Madrid after they won a third successive Champions League on Saturday were not a dig at Barcelona or Ernesto Valverde. Former Barca defender Puyol suggested Madrid’s domination in Europe should force the Catalan club, who won La Liga and the Copa del Rey this season, to re-think their priorities.

Follow the Barça players involved in the 2018 World Cup in Russia | FC Barcelona
Keep up to date with all the news from the blaugranes involved with their respective national sides.

Albacete 0-0 FC Barcelona B: Reserves relegated | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona B will be playing Division 2B football next season. With one game still to play, relegation has been confirmed after they could only draw, 0-0, at fellow strugglers Albacete – who are now four unassailable points clear of the blaugrana.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2LAKlV3

Read More

Carles Alena apologises to fans after Barcelona B are relegated

Barcelona B midfielder Carles Alena apologised to supporters after his team were relegated on Sunday after a 0-0 draw with Albacete.

The B team will play in Spain’s third tier next season after just one season back in the second division.

After the game Alena took to Twitter to send a message to supporters.

Es un dia muy difícil para todos. Máximos responsables de lo que ha pasado. Pedir disculpas a todos los que nos han apoyado todo el año. Lo dimos todo hasta el final pero no fue suficiente... volveremos! Força Barça! pic.twitter.com/ZSWl6wvI0X

— Carles Aleña (@Carlesale10) May 27, 2018

He said: “It’s a very difficult day for everyone. We are the most responsible. We apologise to everyone who has been supporting us throughout the entire season. We gave it our all, until the end, but it wasn’t enough... We will be back! Força Barça!”

It’s entirely possible Alena has played his last game for Barcelona B. The midfielder is expected to be promoted to the first team next season.

Ernesto Valverde seemed to confirm as much at the end of the season saying “I think it’s more or less clear he will be with us.”

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

Read More

Messi talks Barcelona future and World Cup hopes

Lionel Messi is back in Argentina preparing for the World Cup and has given an interview to tv program Pasion por el Futbol where he talked about his future and also the World Cup.

The Argentine basically said Barcelona is the only club he’ll play for in Europe and added that while he does want to go back to play in Argentina at some point he’s not sure it’ll happen.

He also spoke about Argentina’s chances at the World Cup and said they need to be realistic as they are not the best team in the world.

“It becomes more and more clear that Barcelona will be my only team in Europe. After that, I have always said that I want to play football in Argentina but I don’t know if it will happen. I have it in mind.

“I’d like to live it, be it for six months or a few matches but I don’t know. One never knows. My dream was to play for Newell’s as a kid, going to the matches with my dad, my brothers, my friends...after that; circumstances in life took me elsewhere but I still have that in mind.”

Messi on the World Cup

“There’s a big challenge coming up for me personally as well as the group. For the country in general, their dream is the same as ours. It’s a beautiful responsibility to be able to represent the entire country at the World Cup.

”We have time to work and we need it. We have to go in there with calmness and send out a message that we will be the best in the world because that is not the case. We are not the best in the world, let’s be realistic, and with that humility, we have to go look for that dream.

“We have players to be able to dream. It’s important to start off with a win to build confidence. We don’t have an easy group.”

Source | Mundo Albiceleste

Argentina have a couple of friendlies before the World Cup against Haiti and Israel, although Jorge Sampaoli has hinted Messi will be used sparingly in those games.

They then head to Russia where they have a tough group after being drawn against Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2GWNc6T

Read More

Rumors: Eriksen, Alaba, Di Maria and Gomes

Eriksen, Alaba and Di Maria open to Barcelona move

Today’s rumours start with Mundo Deportivo who tell us that Christian Eriksen, David Alaba and Angel Di Maria are keeping their eyes on developments at Barcelona.

One of Di Maria’s representatives is set for a chat with the club to “gather information” as he’s probably on his way out of PSG this summer.

Eriksen wants to know if there’s any chance he could join after Iniesta’s departure, and Alaba knows the club have always liked him but the chances of him joining look slim.

Barcelona set for Watford talks with Deulofeu

Over at Sport they are ready to wave goodbye to Gerard Deulofeu and say Barcelona have already agreed to let him go this summer.

The club are set for talks with Watford next week as the winger is keen to remain with the Premier League team.

Deulofeu is out of contract next summer so it will have to be a permanent deal rather than another loan.

Andre Gomes welcome at Napoli

Andre Gomes is another player who is expected to leave this summer but where he will end up remains a bit of a mystery.

Napoli full-back Mario Rui reckons that Gomes should head on over to Serie A and join up with Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

He told O Jogo: “Rui Patricio and Andre Gomes are always welcome at Napoli.I do not know anything official but they will certainly find many people to welcome them with affection to make them feel at home in Naples.”

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

Read More

Messi ends season on top after Salah and Ronaldo draw blanks

Lionel Messi may not have pulled on a Barcelona shirt for a week now, but he ends the season as Europe’s top goalscorer (well, in the big 5 leagues) with 45 goals from 54 games in all competitions.

Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo both had the chance to pip Messi to top spot in Saturday’s Champions League final, but neither player could find the target and both finish on 44 goals.

Here’s a look at Europe’s top 10 goalscorers from the season just gone.

45 - Lionel Messi finished the 2017-18 campaign as the top scoring player in the Top 5 European Leagues (all competitions); netting one more than both Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo. Sensations. pic.twitter.com/Uw9BZ919K8

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 27, 2018

Of Messi’s 45 goals 34 came in La Liga which ensured he ended the season as the Pichichi and also saw him claim the Golden Shoe as the top scorer across all leagues in Europe.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2scuqE1

Read More

Could Sergi Roberto get World Cup 2018 call up?

Sergi Roberto was left out of the Spain World Cup squad by manager Julen Lopetegui but there’s a chance he could be heading to Russia after all.

Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal was forced out of the Champions League final on Saturday with what looked like a hamstring injury, and his tears as he exited suggested he could miss the World Cup.

There’s been no official announcement as to how long Carvajal will be out for, but an injury this close to the competition will always provoke serious concern.

If Carvajal is ruled out then Lopetegui will have to call up another player, and Roberto is one of several options available to the Spain coach.

Spain have plenty of quality defenders not in the squad and he could also go for Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra or even Marcos Alonso.

If Roberto does get the nod then it could be a busy old summer for the Barcelona star. He’s due to get married on Wednesday, and if he does end up going to Russia he may have to postpone his honeymoon.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2xnCVS2

Read More

Barcelona need serious changes to remain competitive in Europe

Real Madrid’s third consecutive UCL is a big loss to the Catalans

Gareth Bale came off the bench for Real Madrid and handed the club their third consecutive UCL on Saturday. It was an odd night that must have allowed Cules little sleep if any at all.

We often criticise Real Madrid, yank their chain and mock Zinedine Zidane for not being the most tactical coach in the world--all fair criticism riddled with banter. However, the blame for this season’s UCL is entirely on Barcelona.

Every major European contender underperformed this year and the fact that Liverpool was in the final establishes the hypothesis.

Great managers like Pep Guardiola have often signified the importance of the league and justified their prioritization in the name of consistency. It is true to a certain extent--a league punishes hot-cold performers, unlike the UCL which is knock-out based.

But a good squad would be able to face all challenges, irrespective of the kind of tournament being played.

We all thought that an invincible season would be special but even that dream was knocked out of the park. Valverde has done decently. I do not hate him as a coach. He knows what he knows and tries to implement it in the best possible manner. The problem isn’t the coach but the management which picks someone like Valverde.

Barcelona went unbeaten for a really long time but that thrill was constantly being downplayed because we weren’t performing against the best in the continent. I would rather see Barcelona win 1-0 over Bayern than see them thrash Levante 5-0.

Madrid has perfected the craft of winning the UCL and that doesn’t make them a better team. No team that cherry picks what matches to focus on can ever truly be great. However, Barcelona’s inability to survive in Europe is disheartening and the board needs to take some serious actions in order to survive the shift in power.

Madrid’s UCLs are paradoxes; you cannot be the best in Europe if you are not even the best in your own league. However, you cannot claim to be the greatest team in the world if you fall short against mid-table sides from Italy. We need change and we need it immediately.

This is not a rant. It is a cry for some damage control by a solitary fan.

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

Read More

Ter Stegen set for World Cup disappointment

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be set for disappointment at this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

The German has been simply brilliant for Barcelona all season and played a big role in their La Liga victory.

However, he may have to sit and watch the competition from the bench as manager Joachim Low has suggested Manuel Neuer, who’s been injured for most of the season, will go straight back into the team if he’s fit.

“If Manuel Neuer goes to the World Cup, he will go as No.1,” he said.

Source | Sportschau on ARD via Sport

Neuer hasn’t featured for Bayern since September but was back on the bench for their DFB-Pokal final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Germany have friendles against Austria and Saudi Arabia before the World Cup which should give Neuer time to prove his fitness.

Neuer is Germany captain so it’s not a huge surprise Low wants him straight back in the team, but it’s still a pretty harsh call on Ter Stegen.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2xg8XPB

Read More

Martinez explains why he missed out on Barca move

Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez has come up with some pretty interesting quotes and reckons he could have joined Barcelona last summer.

The defender says club president Jokin Apperibay got involved and tried to persuade the Blaugrana not to sign the centre-back.

“Aperribay did not keep his word and did nothing to keep me with La Real,” he told Marca.

“I previously renewed with La Real when Athletic Club wanted to sign me, that’s because I reached an agreement with the club when that was the best option for me.

“At that point, my head and my heart told me to stay with the club and if opportunities came up in the future, I could move.

“The president told me he would be willing to negotiate with any team, but then he did not keep his word and he tried to persuade the president of Barcelona from signing me.

“That was a key moment and age for me to take an opportunity which only comes around once-in-a-lifetime, so I cannot trust him.”

Source | Football Espana

Reports last summer claimed Barcelona had agreed a five-year deal for Martinez but it never happened and he eventually joined Athletic Bilbao in January.

Would Inigo Martinez have been a good buy for Barcelona? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 26 May 2018

Denied by the woodwork | FC Barcelona
In the 2017/18 season FC Barcelona struck the woodwork more on no less than 46 occasions. Ernesto Valverde’s were amongst the top scorers in Europe during the campaign and they could have easily scored more if things had gone just a few inches in the opposite direction.

Coutinho: I have tried to learn as much as I can from Iniesta | FC Barcelona
Philippe Coutinho is with the Brazilian national side preparing for the upcoming World Cup which will take place in Russia. However, the FC Barcelona midfielder found time to record an interview for ESPN in which he looks back at his first few months at FC Barcelona. The Barça number 14 comments on his arrival at the Club and sharing a dressing room with the likes of Leo Messi and Andrés Iniesta

What do you recall about Barça’s La Liga campaign? | FC Barcelona
Test yourself with this quiz on the 2017/18 season, in which Barça have been proclaimed champion of the domestic competition for the 25th time.

Andrés Iniesta formally presented at Vissel Kobe in Japan | FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta, just days after saying farewell to FC Barcelona in multiple ceremonies at Camp Nou, said hello to the fans of his new team, Vissel Kobe, at a special event held at the Noevir Stadium Kobe in the eponymous Japanese city he will now call home.

Umtiti: I want to renew at Barca | Football Espana
Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has confirmed he wants to renew his contract at the club and wants it resolved ahead of the World Cup. The French international defender, whose future has come under scrutiny recently, also stated compatriot Antoine Griezmann is a ‘fantastic player’ who would be a ‘big signing’ for Barca.

Barcelona will not bring in Arthur this summer - Gremio president | ESPN
Barcelona-bound midfielder Arthur Melo will not leave before the Brazilian season ends in December, Gremio’s president has insisted. In March, Barca agreed a purchase option to acquire Arthur from Gremio this July in a deal which could cost up to €39 million.

Barça stars in new Audi commercial | FC Barcelona
Have you seen the latest ad featuring the Barça players? You haven’t? Well, you’re gonna love this one! It stars Paulinho, Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Piqué, Philippe Coutinho and Marc André ter Stegen – only looking a little bit older than you used to seeing them!

Digne against Alcácer: Who wins? | FC Barcelona
Lucas Digne and Paco Alcácer had fun juggling with the ball during training. Both players showed off their great technique, a quality that is habitual for members of the first team and to the dynamics of a training session for Ernesto Valverde’s men.

Secret Box: A challenge for Yerry Mina! | FC Barcelona
The Secret Box is back, and this time it’s Yerry Mina who will have to try and juggle what’s inside! And just like Philippe Coutinho did earlier this season, Mina has no idea what might be inside!

Former Barça players who also played in Japan’s First Division | FC Barcelona
See who else besides Andrés Iniesta made the jump to the Japanese League.

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

Read More

WATCH: Dembele looking sharp in France training

Read More

Rumors: Alcacer, Alaba, Lenglet, Rafinha, Rodrygo and Abel Ruiz

Real Betis want Paco Alcacer

Quique Setien’s been writing a little shopping list for Real Betis and Paco Alcacer’s name is somewhere near the top.

However, the Betis boss has not decided if he will try for a loan or a permanent move, so say Sport.

As for Paco, we’ll he’s off sunning himself on a beach somewhere at the moment. He’s actually planning on staying at Barca but if the club say it’s time to go, he’ll move on.

Barcelona close to Lenglet

Staying with Sport and they also reckon that a deal for Clement Lenglet is moving closer and closer.

Sevilla want to keep hold of the defender but Barcelona are willing to pay a little more than €30m to bring him in and hope to do a deal in June.

Marlon Santos wanted by West Ham

Over at Mundo Deportivo they’ve been talking about Marlon Santos (remember him?). He’s in the middle of a two-year loan at Nice but could be heading to the Premier League.

Apparently West Ham United have taken quite a shine to the centre-back and Barcelona are keen to cash in on the 22-year-old.

Spalletti says Inter can’t afford Rafinha right now

Rafinha’s been having a lovely time at Inter Milan since joining in January and even helped the club secure a place in the Champions League.

However, despite the finances the competition brings manager Luciano Spalletti reckons the club still can’t afford to sign Rafinha permanently.

According to Goal, he said: “At the moment, Inter don’t have the chance to pay Valencia and Barcelona to buy Cancelo and Rafinha.”

Alaba to Barcelona rumors return

Those David Alaba to Barcelona rumours are back with a vengeance. Kicker reckon Barcelona still want the Bayern Munich man and like his versatility.

Mind you last week Alaba’s dad said “Everyone already knows of Madrid’s interest, it’s no secret.” I don’t know if that’s true, but it’s certainly not a secret anymore.

Barcelona offer €30m for Rodrygo

Barcelona are continuing to show interest in Santos starlet Rodryo even though the club have said they have no meetings planned with the Spanish champions.

However, according to UOL Esporte that might not be exactly true as Pep Segura is in Brazil and has made an offer to Santos president Jose Carlos Peres.

Abel Ruiz to sign new deal

And finally today we end with news that Abel Ruiz is set to sign a new deal with Barcelona.

Mundo Deportivo reckon he’s changed agents and now only needs to sign on the dotted line to make it all official.

The youngster will sign on for three more seasons, plus the option of two more.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2Lyk49B

Read More

Umtiti talks contract renewal and Griezmann

Samuel Umtiti has been talking while on international duty with France and unsurprisingly was asked about how his contract renewal was coming along and also, predictably, about the possibility of Antoine Griezmann arriving at Barcelona.

The defender said nothing had really progressed with regards a new contract but seemed remarkably relaxed about the whole thing. He also feels Griezmann will be a good buy.

“For my contract extension, I look at my phone but nothing has advanced,” he said.

“It will not bother me if it is not fixed before the World Cup because a few months have passed since the negotiations began. It is important to resolve this case before the start of the World Cup. For my part, it will be done,

“Griezmann is a fantastic player, we know his qualities and in any group he would be important. In Barcelona he could give us very good things.”

Source | Mundo Deportivo

It all sounds pretty positive from Umtiti but we’d all probably feel a lot better if Barcelona could just get on with it, particularly because he has such a low release clause.

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

Read More

Barca or Atleti? Griezmann’s dilemma

Read More

Coutinho slammed for Barca move by Liverpool owner

‘They must play 30 or so meaningless matches per year’

Liverpool owner John Henry has had a right old pop at Philippe Coutinho, and Luis Suarez for that matter, for having the temerity to leave Anfield for Barcelona.

Suarez swapped Merseyside for Catalunya in 2014 and has gone on to win three La Liga titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey four times.

Coutinho arrived in January, after Liverpool reluctantly allowed him to move, and has picked up a double in his first season at the club.

Henry still seems a little bitter about the whole thing, and his comments suggest he probably doesn’t watch too much Spanish football.

"Maybe it's because I'm an American, but I have a difficult time understanding why anyone would want to leave Liverpool,” he said.

"The club is so rich in history and tradition, supported by so many millions around the world, in virtually every country of the world.

"You don't want to be in the position where players want to go somewhere else, even if it is a great club like Barcelona.

"It's hard to understand why players would want to go to a league where the competition is so weak. They must play 30 or so meaningless matches per year waiting for Champions League matches.''

“They'll be watching this weekend and could have been playing.”

Source | ESPN

Of course Henry is currently experiencing his top moment as Liverpool owner with the Reds set to play Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Interestingly, reports in the UK on Friday say Liverpool have decided they will give Coutinho a winners’ medal if they are victorious in Kiev. The winners will be given 40 gold medals to distribute and Coutinho, who scored five goals in five Champions League games for Liverpool this season, will apparently be sent one.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2x8xhTG

Read More

Suarez tries to explain where Griezmann would fit in at Barca

Luis Suarez has been talking about the potential arrival of Antoine Griezmann and is pretty confident he knows exactly where the Frenchman will fit in.

Despite all Griezmann’s qualities one concern is how exactly how he will fit into a Barcelona team which already contains Suarez, Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele.

Some reports have suggested Dembele could depart on loan this summer because his game time will be reduced if Griezmann arrives, others reckon that it’ll be Suarez who’ll be on the bench.

However, it sounds like Suarez has it all worked out and he explained what the team will look like to Cadena Ser’s s La Graderia programme.

“Griezmann would fit in perfectly at Barça. Coutinho would play in Iniesta’s position and Griezmann would fit in Neymar’s old position,” he said.

Which is all fine and good except it still means leaving either Suarez or Dembele on the bench.

Where do you think Griezmann would fit in at Barcelona? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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

Read More

Riqui Puig says he’s staying at Barcelona

Barcelona have been handed a huge boost as starlet Riqui Puig looks set to renew with the club.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old who is out of contract this summer, and manager Mauricio Pochettino was said to be in love with his game.

However, the teenager has taken to Twitter with a post which suggests his future is at the Camp Nou.

Gràcies culers per la confiança i el suport. Em fa molt feliç seguir al millor club del món i aprendre dels millors. VISCA EL BARÇA pic.twitter.com/3rAOGYup1J

— Riqui Puig (@RiquiPuig) May 24, 2018

The tweet translates as: “Thank you culers for the trust and support. I’m very happy to continue with the best club in the world and learn from the best. Long live Barca.”

Sport’s Albert Roge is reporting that new Barcelona B coach Garcia Pimienta played a big role in his decision to renew.

It’s great news for Barca as Puig is one of the club’s most promising youngsters and big things are expected of the talented teen.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2ko8Wjx

Read More

Rumors: New deal for Busquets, Griezmann hint and De Ligt latest

Barcelona agree new Busquets deal

Today’s rumors start with Sergio Busquets and news that Barcelona have agreed a new deal in principle with the midfielder.

Catalunya Radio reckon that president Josep Maria Bartomeu has personally overseen negotiations over his renewal as he is such a key player.

Busquets will get a boost in salary, although the report does not say how long the new deal will run for.

Griezmann left out of new Atletico kit launch

Over at AS they’ve been looking through pictures of Atletico Madrid’s new kit launch and have noticed that a certain person is missing.

Yep, you’ve guessed it, while Saul Niguez, Diego Costa and Lucas Hernandez are all pictured, there’s no Antoine Griezmann in the pictures which can mean only thing - he’s definitely, possibly, maybe off to Barcelona.

Manchester City to rival Barcelona for De Ligt

Meanwhile, Sport are reporting that Manchester City will rival Barcelona for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt is described as being a “long-term target” for Barcelona although any move may depend on how Samuel Umtiti’s contract renewal talks go.

However, it look as though Barcelona will face competition from Pep Guardiola as he’s after a replacement for 32-year-old Vincent Kompany, according to the Guardian.

Tottenham confident on De Ligt

City aren’t the only English club hoping to land De Ligt, as Tottenham also want him and hope their good relationship with Ajax can sweeten any deal.

According to the Evening Standard, Mauricio Pochettino wants De Ligt to place Toby Alderweireld who is expected to leave Spurs this summer.

Spurs bought Davinson Sanchez from Ajax last year but would have to break their transfer record if they are to land De Ligt.

Lenglet meets Sevilla for talks

And finally today it’s back to Sport who are also reporting that Clement Lenglet’s representatives have met with Sevilla for talks over his future.

The negotiations were apparently “friendly” but it appears a final decision over his future has yet to be made.

Lenglet missed out on France’s World Cup squad and has headed off on holiday, but Barcelona are due to meet his representatives in the next few days.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2GKy50x

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 24 May 2018

Andrés Iniesta to join Japanese club Vissel Kobe | FC Barcelona
Andrés Iniesta is to join Japanese club Vissel Kobe. The midfielder has spent 22 years with FC Barcelona, the last 16 of which as a first team player, but now makes the switch to the Japanese J1 League to represent the club from the capital of the area of Hyogo. Right now, the J1 League is 15 games into the season with Vissel Kobe in sixth place in the table, 15 points behind leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Every Philippe Coutinho goal for Barça in the 2017/18 season | FC Barcelona
Barça’s new Brazilian star made a huge impact on the team following his arrival in January. Though unable to play in the Champions League, he scored ten goals in domestic matches – eight times in the league and twice in the cup.

Santos dismiss Barca deal for Rodrygo | Football Espana
Brazilian club Santos have ruled out a deal with Barcelona for youngster Rodrygo over a debt the Catalans still owe in relation to Neymar. Santos President, Jose Carlos Peres, confirmed Barca’s interest in the 17-year-old – who has already made his debut – at a Press conference, but insisted there will be no negotiations.

VIDEO: Top 5 La Masia goals from May 19-20, 2018 | FC Barcelona
It’s La Masia Goals time, again! And this week we have five more stunning strikes Made in La Masia!

Barça Legends to play in France and Romania | FC Barcelona
Barça Legends will play two matches in June, one in France and one in Romania. The first fixture will be part of a triangular tournament that will take place on 2 June at the Stade Océane in Le Havre, France where they will face Le Havre AC Legends and Olympique Marseille Legends. Two weeks later on 16 June Barça Legends will face a Romania Legends team in Cluj, Romania in the Cluj Arena Stadion.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2s3CLKb

Read More

Griezmann will decide future before World Cup - Deschamps

France boss Didier Deschamps says Antoine Griezmann will decide his future before the World Cup and has not been affected by all the speculation flying about.

Griezmann has said previously he wants his future sorted before he heads off to Russia with France’s first game scheduled for June 16 against Australia.

The forward’s release clause reportedly drops to €100 million on July 1st, and Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said yesterday he wouldn’t talk about a move until then.

“Griezmann’s not annoyed [by all the speculation],” said Deschamps.

”He said that he would sort the situation out before the World Cup and that’s what he will do.

“We will have to see what his choice is. Maybe we’ve spoken about it and maybe we’ve re-analysed it, but at the end of the day he’s the one that has to make the decision.”

Source | ESPN

Griezmann is dominating the headlines and will probably continue to do so until an official announcement on his plans is officially made. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.

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

Read More

Yerry Mina: It’s been tough but I’m not thinking of leaving

Barcelona defender Yerry Mina has given an exclusive interview to Mundo Deportivo and it’s pretty interesting reading.

The Colombian defender admits he has found it difficult to adjust to Spanish football because “here everything is faster, more dynamic” but says he has “been working hard to adapt as quickly as possible.”

The centre-back came in for huge criticism for his performance in the 5-4 defeat at Levante and admitted he was anxious before the game and that it had affected him.

“Criticism after the game against Levante? Yes, it affects me. I always want to give 100% but sometimes things don’t go as planned.”

“I arrived in the middle of the season, in a difficult moment, I talked to some of my teammates, but now I have to show why I am here and do it well since the start of the next preseason.

“Compete with Piqué and Umtiti? I know that the beginnings are not easy, but I have all the desire in the world to succeed here.”

Mina has been linked with a move away this summer, with both loan moves and permanent deals discussed, not just because of his struggles to adjust but also because if Arthur arrives there will be too many non-EU players in the squad.

However, the 23-year-old is adamant he is not thinking about leaving Barcelona and that he is desperate to be a success at the club.

“Going out of Barça is not something that goes through my head, nor will it happen,” he said.

“I want to succeed here, learning every day from my colleagues and improving. It’s not easy because Barça is the best team in the world and it always demands you win, but it’s a nice challenge.”

We’ll be able to see Mina in action over the summer as he’ll be heading to the World Cup wit Colombia who face Japan, Poland and Senegal in Group H.

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

Read More

Andres Iniesta joins Vissel Kobe

Andres Iniesta is officially a Vissel Kobe player the Japanese club announced on Thursday.

The former Barcelona midfielder (how weird does that sound?) posted a picture of himself en route to Japan last night and it’s now all signed, sealed and delivered.

ようこそイニエスタ！
Bienvenido Iniesta!
Welcome Iniesta!
Willkommen Iniesta!
Iniesta seja bem vindo!
ยินดีต้อนรับอิเนียสต้า!
잘오셨어요 이니에스타 !https://t.co/fXn41SrydR#vissel #BienvenidoIniesta #iniesta #WeAreKobe @andresiniesta8 pic.twitter.com/ok1mettKqj

— ヴィッセル神戸 (@vissel_kobe) May 24, 2018

Vissel Kobe also released a statement to accompany Iniesta’s signing.

“By giving both fans and players the opportunity to see Iniesta’s world-class play style and technique, we believe his decision to come to Japan will have a major impact on not just Vissel Kobe, but on football in Japan as well as the whole of Asia. As the ‘New Vissel Kobe,’ we will work to achieve our goal of the becoming the No.1 club in Asia.

His arrival in Japan will raise the profile of Japanese football globally, and we are already working on multiple activities to leverage his presence here and promote the J.League around the world.”

Source | ESPN

Barcelona were also quick to send Iniesta a good luck message after the move was confirmed.

@andresiniesta8 good luck for your new adventure in Japan with @vissel_kobe!
We are sure the fans will enjoy your magic
We will follow you via Barça and @FCBarcelona_JP!
#Infinit8Iniesta pic.twitter.com/ipTzOtS1vA

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2018

Good luck in Japan Don Andres!

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2s8sBan

Read More

Jordi Alba: I Want Liverpool To Win the Champions League

The fullback was honest about wishing Real Madrid loses.

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba was honest speaking of which team he favors in the UEFA Champions League final :“I want Liverpool to win.”

The English side will face off against Real Madrid in Kiev this weekend. “All culés want for Real Madrid to lose, same as all madridistas want Barça to lose,” Alba said. “It’s a law of nature and that’s the way it should be.”

“I will watch the final and I hope the best wins, because I also don’t want to be dramatic. It’s a game and I will sleep the same whatever happens.”

Still, Alba recognized that a lot of his national teammates play for Madrid. He claimed that their relationship is good, adding that the atmosphere in the Spanish dressing room “is extremely good.”

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

Read More

Watford Planning Gerard Deulofeu Capture - Report

Barcelona are keen on making his loan move permanent

Watford are meeting with Gerard Deulofeu’s agents to get the player’s word for continuing at the English side for next season, according to Mundo Deportivo. Deulofeu has played half a year on loan from Barcelona, and Watford are keen to make the move permanent.

Deulofeu has stated in the past his wish to leave Barça, his childhood club, for good, following a series of loans and buybacks. Once Watford get an agreement from the player, who had previously hinted he was open to staying, the team will phone up Barcelona to discuss the exact terms of the deal.

Barcelona are said to be willing to part with the winger, particularly with his contract set to expire in a year’s time.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2kkSX5G

Read More

Barcelona in Brazil to talk Arthur and Rodrygo - Report

Barcelona have reportedly sent general manager Pep Segura back to Brazil for talks over Arthur and Rodrygo Goes.

The club already have an option to bring in Arthur and they’ve decided they want the midfielder to join the club this summer.

However, convincing Gremio to part with him now, rather than in the winter, looks to be the tricky part, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The clubs had originally discussed Arthur joining in January 2019, but that was before Barcelona knew Andres Iniesta was leaving and they thought he’d carry on for another year.

While they’ve brought in Philippe Coutinho and also plan to promote Carles Alena, they also want Arthur in place for next season too.

Another reason for their haste is the experience of Yerry Mina arriving in January. The Colombian has struggled to adjust and Barca don’t want the same thing to happen to Arthur.

Segura will also head to Santos while he’s in Brazil to talk about starlet Rodrygo. The youngster is also wanted by Manchester City and PSG, so Barcelona don’t want to miss out.

They have already had promising talks with the 17-year-old’s camp apparently, but will now try to agree some sort of deal with Santos.

Barcelona would be willing for Rodrygo to stay at Santos until 2020 before making the move to La Liga.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2x62oyV

Read More

Alba offers Griezmann advice on Barca move

The topic of Antoine Griezmann just won’t go away at the moment and Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba is the latest to be quizzed about the Frenchman.

Some reports have claimed Griezmann is torn over the move, and he was left in tears at the weekend after being whistled by Atletico supporters when he came on as a substitute.

Alba says he found it tough to leave Valencia before his move to the Camp Nou but says Griezmann would be great for Barcelona.

“Those things depend on the club, on which the two clubs agree, and on the player. I made the decision to go to the best club in the world, which is Barcelona, ​​which I thought was the best for me.

“It hurt me a lot to leave Valencia because I love it very much, the fans loved me very much, and I was very happy there. I guess Griezmann will have the same feelings, but I can say that much. I do not know if he wants to come because I have not talked to him. But I think any player wants to progress and here it would be very good.

“He is a player who associates well, has a goal, can play in several top positions and would be a great signing for us, but it would depend on him and the clubs.”

Source | Mundo Deportivo

Barcelona players certainly seem to be doing their bit to help convince Griezmann to head to Camp Nou.

Luis Suarez started it all off saying the club are proud to bring in players of Griezmann’s quality, while Lionel Messi said he liked Griezmann after Sunday’s game as he’s one of the best players in the world.

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2s5INct

Read More

FC Barcelona News: 23 May 2018

FC Barcelona’s 2017/18 Liga victory by the numbers | FC Barcelona
Following an extraordinary 25th league championship, we take a look at some of the other incredible digits associated with the exploits of Ernesto Valverde’s amazing team

Iniesta’s exit, Messi magic and ‘only’ a double: the story of Barca’s season | ESPN
Andres Iniesta pressed the big red button and the fireworks filled the Catalan sky, fireworks no-one anticipated nine months ago. No one expected Iniesta, for starters, to be walking away from Barcelona at the end of the same season in which he signed a lifetime contract. Few expected the Arctic Monkeys would be blared into a lit-up Camp Nou either, as pyrotechnics illustrated Barca’s third domestic double in four years.

The Final Word on La Liga: Lionel Messi shines, Girona impress, Atletico offer hope | ESPN
Barcelona aren’t only champions on merit but their title will mean a great deal when they assimilate that, rather than it being won with outrageous talent, via an established philosophy or several great footballers in their prime, this was a victory for Ernesto Valverde’s ability to figure out solutions.

Barca’s Alcacer to return to Valencia | Football Espana
Barcelona striker Paco Alcacer has agreed a return to Valencia and has already begun to move back to the city, according to reports in Spain. The 24-year-old joined the Catalan giants on a five-year contract from Los Che in 2016 in a €30m deal but has struggled for game time since, scoring 15 times in 50 appearances.

Huesca, a new opponent in the First Division | FC Barcelona
Huesca secured promotion mathematically thanks to a 2-0 away win at Lugo. Next season Barça will face the Aragonese club for the very first time in LaLiga after having opened their accounts against the likes of Eibar, Leganés and Girona over the last few seasons.

Can you identify the 25 teams already into the 2018/19 Champions League? | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are guaranteed a place in Europe’s premier club competition as the defending Liga champions. But which other teams have also been confirmed for the group stage draw in August?

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2s7S1Fj

Read More