Lacazette could be like Luis Suarez at Barca, says Puel

His former boss says the Arsenal man would do well at the Camp Nou

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is one of several attackers who have been linked with a move to Barcelona, and his former boss Claude Puel reckons he’d be a hit at the Camp Nou.

Puel managed Lacazette during their time together at Lyon, before Lacazette joined Arsenal, and has given his view on the striker potentially moving to the Spanish champions.

“Lacazette could be a player like Luis Suarez. He can come back to midfield to play a bit and ask for the ball in space. For me he could do very, very well at Barcelona.

“With Guardiola Barca played 80 per cent of the ball in the opposition half. Now they play in a low block. When you’re so far back you need a forward who can bear the ball to allow the team to advance, Suarez loses it continuously.

“That’s where the problem is. Barca don’t have players with those attributes, to sit back and defend in their half. Players like Alba and Busquets are good for defending in the opposition half but can’t get the ball back if the team’s stuck deep. If you want to play technical football you need technical players.”

Source | Sport

Lacazette has formed a strong partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal, and racked up 19 goals and 10 assists for the Gunners in all competitions this season.

He spoke about his future ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final defeat to Chelsea and said he would stay if he and the club were both happy.

“For me, I just think about the final, then after we will see with the club. If the club is really happy with me and I’m happy, I will stay.

“In France, they say 27, 28 is one of the best ages in your career. I wish it is not the last [good season] at Arsenal and I hope I will be better and better in the next years.”

Source | Evening Standard

Arsenal’s defeat to Chelsea means the Gunners missed out on qualification for the Champions League and could leave them vulnerable to bids for their top players.

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Barca rumors: Coutinho, Lacazette, Cillessen and Filipe Luis

A look at the latest gossip

Chelsea to splash out £140m for Coutinho

Today’s rumors start with the interesting news that Chelsea are set to splash out a massive £140m for Philippe Coutinho as they search for a replacement for Eden Hazard.

The Mirror reckon that the Europa League winners are hoping to get their transfer ban overturned and if they do then they will go full steam ahead for Coutinho.

The Blues are apparently so determined to land their man they will buy him whether Maurizio Sarri lasts another season in the Stamford Bridge hotseat or not.

Lacazette spotted in Barcelona

Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has been spotted in Barcelona which has got Sport all excited.

The presence of the Frenchman in Barcelona, at a time when Ernesto Valverde’s side are in need of a new striker, can only mean one thing right?

Well, actually maybe not. Sport also point out that he’s valued at around €65m, has a nice juicy contract at Arsenal and that may be a bit of a problem.

Valencia keen on Cillessen

Moving swiftly on and Valencia have decided they quite like the look of Barcelona back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, according to Cadena Cope.

Cillessen is expected to move on this summer in search of regular football, and Marcelino’s men are believed to be keen despite already having Neto and Jaume Domenech on the books.

Barcelona favourite to sign Filipe Luis

Over at Marca they bring news that Barcelona are “the frontrunners” to sign Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis.

The Brazilian is out of contract at the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and there has been no offer of a new contract from Atleti.

Barcelona could therefore snap up the 33-year-old for free, as they search for cover for Jordi Alba at left-back.

Barcelona target Chievo brothers

Barca are also reportedly keen on teenage brothers Emanuel (who is 18) and Samuel (just 15) Vignato who play for Chievo Verona in Italy.

The club believe the two have big futures ahead of them but have been told to pay €8m if they want to land the duo, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

Atletico Madrid want Denis Suarez

And finally today we end with news that another club has reportedly joined the race to sign Denis Suarez.

According to Sport, Atletico Madrid are the latest team to show an interest and are now deciding whether to bid for the 25-year-old.

Napoli, Borussia Dortmund and Valencia are also believed to be keen, and Barcelona are apparently willing to sell for £20m.

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Griezmann reportedly signed Barcelona deal in March

The deal is already done, apparently

According to Cadena SER, Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona agreed to terms for a deal in March. The deal would have come together while both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were still each competing against each other for La Liga and Champions League titles.

The report dives into details that the negotiating began between the two parties last November. The timing of this would be pretty insane, given that Griezmann told everyone that he was committed to Atletico Madrid last summer. That would mean within a few months Griezmann moved from being committed to Atletico for life, to negotiating with Barcelona.

Barcelona and Griezmann are already on thin ice given that Atletico reported Barcelona to FIFA for their discussions with the Frenchman last year. If the timeline lines up, then indeed Atletico would have complaints and they would certainly be valid.

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Neymar wants to make peace with Barcelona - report

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FC Barcelona News: 31 May 2019

Luis Suárez named in Uruguay squad for Copa America | FC Barcelona
Luis Suárez has been included in the Uruguay squad for the 2019 Copa America, which takes place from 14 June until 7 July this summer in Brazil. This will be the striker’s third Copa America. He was part of the winning team in 2011, as well as participating in the 2016 tournament in which Uruguay were eliminated in the opening round. He would miss the 2015 edition through a FIFA suspension.

IN MY OWN WORDS: Marc-André ter Stegen | FC Barcelona
The 2018/2019 season comes to a close on a club level, and at the same time it’s the end of my season, since I won’t be joining the national team because of knee problems. I am fully dedicated to my recovery and am currently working hard at our facilities to be back to 100% as soon as possible. It was an intense season and I’m looking forward to summer vacation to rest and clear my mind.

‘Coutinho probably regrets leaving Liverpool’ - Reds chairman Werner ready to make more funds available | Goal
Philippe Coutinho “probably regrets” leaving Liverpool, says Reds chairman Tom Werner, with the Brazil international having struggled to make his mark at Barcelona. During the winter transfer window of 2018, a South American star made it clear that he wanted to swap Premier League life for that in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid will not get Semedo for less than 35 million euros | Marca
Atletico Madrid are keen on Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo, yet the Catalans will not sell the Portuguese international on the cheap.An exodus of defenders at the Wanda Metropolitano means that Diego Simeone is in the hunt for quality replacements and the Barcelona player is an interesting option for the Argentine.

Everton to move for Barcelona winger Malcom this summer | Sport
Everton want to fish in Barcelona’s waters again. This time they’re after Brazilian forward Malcom, who had hardly played under Ernesto Valverde. Reports suggest the coach never wanted to sign Malcom last summer and the way he’s used him would suggest that is the case,

Barcelona keen on signing Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis as free agent | Goal
Barcelona have revived their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis, Goal has learned, with the Blaugrana seeking cover for first-choice left-back Jordi Alba, whom the Catalan side feel is suffering from exhaustion after a long season.

Tottenham end interest in Barcelona’s Andre Gomes after Everton loan spell | Sky Sports
Tottenham have ended their interest in Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, Sky Sports News understands. The Portugal international impressed last season on loan at Everton, where he made 29 appearances. Barcelona are keen to offload Gomes, but are demanding a fee between £25m and £35m for the 25-year-old.

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Aguero talks about Messi is coping with Barca disappointments

The striker says his team-mate ‘knows football is like this’

Lionel Messi is back with the Argentina squad ahead of the Copa America and team-mate Sergi Aguero has been talking about the Barcelona captain.

The GOAT is coming off the back of another brilliant season for Barcelona where he has once again topped the scoring charts in Spain and across Europe.

Yet Messi only has a league title to show for all his efforts, but Aguero says he knows how to take the rough with the smooth.

“No-one likes to lose. Obviously he’s been disappointed in the last competitions after the Champions League and Copa del Rey,” he said.

”But he’s great, he’s experienced, he knows football is like this, that there is joy and in some moments there is sadness... He knows that better than anyone.

“We all know the desire that Leo has when he comes here. The happiness he transmits is fundamental for us because we know very well how much he loves the national team.”

Source | AFP

Argentina are reportedly set to play a practice match against a team from Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys at the weekend. They open their Copa America campaign against Colombia on June 15.

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Lenglet: Griezmann is ‘one of the three or four best players’ in La Liga

The defender does not know where the forward will play next season

Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet has been talking about France team-mate Antoine Griezmann amid speculation the forward could move to the Camp Nou this summer.

Lenglet has been called up to the French squad for the first time for upcoming games against Bolivia, Turkey and Andorra but says he hasn’t talked to Griezmann about Barca.

“Griezmann is one of the three or four best players in LaLiga [Santander] as he has been in the league for many years and he scores many goals every season,” he said.

”He is Atletico Madrid’s star and one of the great stars in LaLiga [Santander]. We haven’t talked about Barcelona and he hasn’t spoken about his future yet.

”We don’t know where he is going to play and we must wait, but we are all on alert.”

Source | Sport

It is no surprise to hear Lenglet talk up Griezmann given they are international team-mates, although his comments do come after speculation that the Barcelona dressing room is against the signing of the Atletico Madrid star following his decision to snub the club last summer.

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Barcelona dressing room split over Griezmann - report

Some are keen on him, others not so much.

The FC Barcelona dressing room is debating whether they would like Antoine Griezmann to join them from Atlético Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Some of the club’s biggest players are against the move according to the report, as are most fans from what has been seen in online polls. However, it is not a unanimous decision. MD reports several veteran players are keen on his arrival.

One example is Ivan Rakitić, who said in an interview, “I like Griezmann, a lot, actually. He is a player of the highest level, one of the best in the world, of course I would love if he played for my team. He is a great professional that has won nearly everything and who for sure can help any team.”

MD says Griezmann’s biggest defenders are just that: defenders. The report states that defensive players and midfielders like how much he sacrifices in pressing and defending. Apart from his goalscoring ability, his workrate under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid would be very helpful, these players think.

They reportedly accept that Lionel Messi doesn’t have to press, but they’re looking for more sacrifice from the other forward players.

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Ter Stegen sends message to fans after ‘intense season’

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Why Neymar’s transfer may not happen - and why it might

This one’s complicated.

The dream - or nightmarish, depending on who you ask - return of Neymar to FC Barcelona is on the table, but will it come to pass? There’s good reason to think it might not.

For one, Neymar has no release clause and thus no set price. That means that Barça have to negotiate a deal with Paris Saint-Germain directly, and there is a terrible relationship between the two clubs. PSG could simply declare him not for sale or ask for a ridiculous price and be unwilling to negotiate. This is made worse by the fact that Ney is the second-best paid player in the world, so if Barça spend a lot of money on the transfer, the job is only half-done. We are talking about a huge investment here.

Another problem is how messy his exit was, with most fans fully turned against him, not to mention the club’s staff. However, he has maintained good relationships with the players, visiting them on occasion. And a recent, non-scientific Diario SPORT poll showed most fans would be willing to forgive Neymar, with 68% saying they would swap him for Ousmane Dembélé. However, the fact that there are still legal battles yet to be hashed out from that era between Neymar and the club surely is an obstacle as well.

Neymar’s relationship with the dressing room, knowledge of the club, and massive ability are the key reasons why his return is still possible. On top of that, many different sources have said that Ney regrets his move. With PSG failing to advance in the Champions League, no Ballon d’Or podium finishes for him, and the emergence of Kylian Mbappé as the leader of the group, it’s been a bitter disappointment for the Brazilian.

If he wants to force the move, he may be able to come back. But does Barça even want him anymore?

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Barcelona are dreaming of Neymar this summer - report

This is one rumor that refuses to go away

Here we go again. A report from Sport says that Neymar and Barcelona are flirting with each other once again. Neymar apparently wishes to return, and the squad is open to him coming back.

The transfer itself would be incredibly intricate. The money that would be involved would be astronomical, and Barcelona would probably have to include a player in return to make the deal a possibility. Perhaps an Ivan Rakitic or Philippe Coutinho would tickle PSG’s fancy.

ANWAYS, this is ridiculous and even though Neymar may very well wish to return to actually winning meaningful things, yes that was a shot at the French league, this move is unlikely. However, in the meantime we can dream and hope that the Neymar, Messi, and Suarez reunion tour can still happen while Suarez still has two solid legs to run on.

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Barcelona’s striker search is on and two Arsenal forwards are on the list

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are possible options

FC Barcelona are on the lookout for a new forward to bolster their options this summer, and six players are on the list, according to Diario SPORT. The list includes two Arsenal forwards, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, in addition to Luka Jović, Krzysztof Piątek, Timo Werner, and Nicolas Pépé.

Either one of the Arsenal pair would consider it a step up to join Barcelona, says the report, although neither would be guaranteed playing time and they wouldn’t necessarily come cheap.

The other four represent younger options. Werner (RB Leizpig) has been linked with Bayern Munich, while Jović (Eintracht Frankfurt) seems destined for Real Madrid, although a last-minute change cannot be ruled out. Piątek (AC Milan) is more of a second striker, while Pépé (Lille) has often been played as a winger.

Barça want someone to rotate with Luis Suárez, but it will be difficult to get a top forward without paying a fortune this summer.

Absent from this list is Antonie Griezmann or Neymar, two superstar forwards (though not quite strikers) who have been linked with Barcelona. Signing one of them would surely rule out another forward signing, wouldn’t it?

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Cillessen: Barca asking €60m for me ‘doesn’t help’

The goalkeeper appeared to rule out a move to Benfica

Jasper Cillessen appears to have become a little frustrated with Barcelona as he seeks a summer move away from the Camp Nou.

The goalkeeper has a €60 million release clause in his current contract, and it appears Barcelona will not sell the 30-year-old for any less.

“The fact that Barça asks for 60 million euros for me does not help, I’m still calm, we have to wait and then see what happens,” he said.

“I will consider my options after the holidays. I’m looking for a club in one of the top five European leagues.”

Source | Sport

Cillessen has been heavily linked with a move to Portuguese side Benfica, but his comments about the “top five European leagues” would appear to rule out a move to Lisbon.

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Barca put Griezmann signing on hold - report

The club are aware it is a risky transfer

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu apparently has no intention of making a move to sign Antoine Griezmann at the moment. The report says that the complexity and risks of this kind of transfer have Bartomeu a bit timid.

Griezmann of course announced that he wanted to depart Atletico Madrid recently, and this comes on the back of rejecting a move to Barcelona just last summer. His release clause will drop to €120m on July 1st.

The report says that the move by Griezmann to turn down Barcelona last summer would be difficult to work through in the locker room, and difficult to forgive by the fans. I’m gonna be honest, I don’t think the fans would have much difficulty forgiving Griezmann once he puts on the Barcelona kit.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 May 2019

Two years or ups and downs for Valverde | Marca
It’s exactly two years to the day since Josep Maria Bartomeu announced that Ernesto Valverde would become the new coach of Barcelona. In those two years, there have been plenty of highlights, such as the back-to-back league titles, and a number of low points like the Roma debacle and the collapse against Liverpool.

Bartomeu puts Griezmann’s signing on ice | Marca
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has no intention to signing Antoine Griezmann for the moment at least as he is aware of the complexity and risks of such a transfer. The Frenchman recently announced his decision to depart Atletico Madrid, with his release clause dropping on July 1 from 200 million euros to 120m euros.

Barcelona target Valencia duo Dani Parejo, Rodrigo | Football Espana
Barcelona want to sign Valencia captain Dani Parejo and striker Rodrigo Moreno this summer, according to Super Deporte. The Valencia-based outlet claims the Blaugrana want a double swoop for the players who were instrumental in the Copa del Rey final victory over Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Cilessen: “The fact Barça are asking for 60 million euros doesn’t help” | Sport
Jasper Cillessen is desperate to move on this summer but it isn’t going quite as smoothly as he would’ve liked. Barça are demanding a certain fee and until that is reached, they won’t let the goalkeeper go. ”The fact Barça are asking for 60 million euros doesn’t help. I’m still relaxed about it. We just need to wait and see,” the stopper told VTBL.

Ivan Rakitic begins his summer holiday earlier than expected | Sport
With LaLiga over, the Copa del Rey final loss to Valencia and being knocked out of the Champions League, Ivan Rakitic only had two matches with Croatia left before his season was officially over. However he picked up an injury in training and now won’t represent his country against Wales and Tunisia.

Barcelona need Neymar back to win Champions League again, claims Brazil legend Rivaldo | Goal
Rivaldo believes his former club Barcelona need to re-sign Neymar to win the Champions League again – as he backed the star to help Brazil take the Copa America title “with a certain ease”. Neymar is with the Selecao ahead of friendlies with Qatar and Honduras in preparation for Group A games against Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru on home soil.

Toe Poke Daily: Obama’s message for Messi - ‘Few people achieve great things on their own’ | ESPN
Former United States President Barack Obama is currently in Bogota, Colombia to speak at the EXMA marketing and business conference. Ahead of that, he somewhat bizarrely broached the subject of Messi’s shortcomings with Argentina.

Spain match-fixing detainees to face judge | ESPN
The Spanish police conducted raids in five cities -- Huesca, Malaga, Valladolid, Madrid and A Coruna -- on Tuesday as part of an investigation into suspected match-fixing in the country’s top three divisions. The ongoing police operation named “Oikos,” follows an investigation by a court in Huesca.

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Coutinho would welcome Barcelona exit - report

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Injured Rakitic ruled out of Croatia’s matches

The midfielder’s holidays have begun early

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been ruled out of Croatia’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Wales and friendly against Tunisia due to injury.

The 31-year-old linked up with the national team after Barca’s Copa del Rey defeat to Valencia but it now looks like his season is over after picking up a leg injury.

ℹ️ Due to injuries, @ivanrakitic and Ante Rebić will miss #Croatia @UEFAEURO qualifier against @FAWales and a friendly against Tunisia.#Vatreni pic.twitter.com/7C6MfVe8QX

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) May 29, 2019

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic offered a bit more detail on Rakitic’s absence.

“We have jointly made the decision that Rakitic will not play,” he said.

”He has had problems with his leg, it reoccurred in the Copa del Rey final and he won’t be ready for Wales and won’t play against Tunisia either.

”I believe in all the players in my squad, they can replace him with quality.”

Source | Yahoo

It’s been a long season for Rakitic. He made it all the way to the World Cup finals last summer with Croatia before going on to make 54 appearances in all competitions for Barca.

It could also be an interesting summer for the midfielder. He has continually said he is happy at Barca and wants to stay but rumors suggest Barca are open to a sale.

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Valencia confirm interest in Denis Suarez

The midfielder could be on the move this summer

Valencia general director Mateu Alemany has confirmed the club are interested in Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez.

Denis has had a pretty tough season after barely featuring in the first half for Barcelona and then barely featuring in the second half on loan at Arsenal.

A move looks to be in the offing over the summer and Los Che seem to be keen:

“[Denis is] interesting. Some names are probably going to come out [be mentioned], our obligation is to be in the market. That list can be very long, and Denis Suárez would be one of them.”

Source | Mundo Deportivo

Denis was linked with a move away from Barcelona last summer but seemed determined to try and make the breakthough. However, it simply didn’t happen and this time around it feels like he really needs a transfer in order to get his career back in track.

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PSG and Real Madrid making final pushes for De Ligt

The Ajax defender has long been linked with a move to Barcelona

Matthijs de Ligt is a hot property. Several European superclubs are willing to open up the checkbook to sign him, although for a moment it seemed as though Barcelona would be the winners in this particular race.

Apart from Barça, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have been rumored to be interested in De Ligt.

However, De Telegraaf reported that most clubs have thrown in the towel, thinking his move to Barça was inevitable. Most clubs, that is, apart from PSG.

PSG did not want to give up and wanted to get “revenge” for Barcelona “stealing” De Ligt’s Ajax teammate, Frenkie de Jong, from their noses when the midfielder seemed destined for Paris. They are willing to pay a high fee, a high salary, and a big commission to his agent, Mino Raiola, according to the report.

The Dutch outlet goes on to say that having learned of PSG’s play, a few other big clubs tried to make their move as well. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have all re-ignited pursuits of De Ligt.

Real Madrid in particular would be willing to spend a lot of money on De Ligt if Sergio Ramos does indeed leave, as has been rumored, according to Mundo Deportivo.

But De Telegraaf reckons that as of now, the competition for De Ligt is a two-horse race between Barcelona and PSG.

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Antoine Griezmann “annoyed” at Barcelona dressing room’s veto

The Barcelona players reportedly rejected his signing

Antoine Griezmann is “annoyed” at Barcelona’s dressing room for rejecting him, according to Diario SPORT. The article says Griezmann read a report also from SPORT that the Barcelona players vetoed the Frenchman’s signing, and was exasperated by their decision.

The Atlético Madrid forward has been linked with a move to Barça a year after he controversially decided, at the last minute, to reject the Catalans having reportedly previously agreed to join them.

SPORT says Griezmann has gone as far as to reach out to the players directly to try to build bridges, but so far he has gotten an icy reception.

The report goes on to say that he wants to join Barça and is awaiting with baited breath a call from the club: either to confirm to him he won’t come, or to tell him they are willing to sign him.

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Bartomeu to announce Valverde won’t leave - report

The embattled coach will retain his job

FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will give manager Ernesto Valverde a vote of confidence tonight, according to Cadena SER. The president will announce that the coach will remain in place come next season, with radio show El Larguero promising to give more information at 11:30 p.m. Spain time.

NOTICIA SER

Ernesto Valverde seguirá como entrenador del Fútbol Club Barcelona la próxima temporada, según ha confirmado a @ElLarguero el presidente Josep María Bartomeu

A las 23:30 horas ampliamos esta información pic.twitter.com/t9FZp4MWhp

— El Larguero (@ellarguero) May 28, 2019

Diario SPORT reports that several board members wanted Valverde’s head, but Bartomeu has overruled them, and in the end, he has final say.

The dressing room is also rumored to be on Valverde’s side. Meanwhile, the coach has been firm in that he will have to be fired, as he will not resign.

All these signs point to Valverde entering his third season in charge of Barça.

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Barack Obama offers advice to Messi

The former president also praised the Barcelona captain

Former United States President Barack Obama had some words of advice for Argentina and Lionel Messi. In an interview at the EXMA Conference, Obama used Messi’s lack of a World Cup win with Argentina as an example in one of his points.

“Even people that we consider geniuses work with other people in order to develop their style,” he said.

”In Argentina, even though Messi is wonderful, they have problems winning the World Cup.

”My advice to young people is that we have to recognise very few people achieve great things on their own.”

Barack Obama | Source

The advice Obama gave is sound, and also true. Sometimes Argentina would turn into the Messi show and even though he is wonderful as Obama put him, he can’t do it alone.

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How Valverde’s tactical weaknesses are failing Barca

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FC Barcelona News: 29 May 2019

Barca president puts Valverde rumours to rest | ESPN FC

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told ESPN that Ernesto Valverde will be in charge of the club next season. Valverde is currently on holiday but Bartomeu has contacted his wife to assure him they want to stay on, while the 55-year-old has never considered resigning.

Neymar to Barcelona: PSG demand cash back and are offered Coutinho too | Daily Record

Barcelona have opened talks with PSG about a deal to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou. The club have offered Ousmane Dembele or Philippe Coutinho in part-exchange for the Brazilian. PSG are said to be open to considering a sale this summer.

Bob Martínez is not an option for Barça | Mundo Deportivo

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has not been considered as an alternative to Ernesto Valverde, and the club are surprised to see the speculation linking him to the Camp Nou. The club have categorically denied he is a candidate to join the club should Valverde leave.

Griezmann annoyed by Barça players’ reaction to possible signing | Sport

Antoine Griezmann is annoyed at the Barcelona dressing room after finding out he is not welcome at the club this summer. The Atletico Madrid also saw the cold reaction to questions about him from Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique in the press conference ahead of the Copa del Rey final and does not understand the players’ stance.

Brazil legend Rivaldo urges Neymar to re-sign for Catalan giants | Instagram

Rivaldo has posted a message on Instagram urging Neymar to return to Barcelona. He wrote: “He is in my humble opinion the missing player for Barcelona to be champion of the Champions League. He has personality and a lot of quality to win back Barcelona and also can be the best in the world.”

Valencia keen to sign Barça midfielder Denis after Arsenal loan | Sport

Valencia are keen to sign midfielder Denis Suarez in the summer transfer window. Barcelona are keen to sell him after a failed loan spell with Arsenal, and Valencia are one of several clubs believed to be interested.

Xavi takes over as Al Sadd coach: I am starting a new challenge | Sport

Xavi has posted a message on social media after being confirmed as the new coach of Al Sadd. He said: “I’m very excited about this new stage in my career that I’m officially starting today as coach at Al Sadd. After finishing my unforgettable career as a player, I am starting this new challenge with lots of enthusiasm and conscious of the responsibility to return the trust the club has given me with hard work and commitment!”

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Valverde set to stay on as Barcelona boss - reports

President Josep Maria Bartomeu has backed the boss

The future of Ernesto Valverde has taken another twist with multiple reports claiming the 55-year-old will not be sacked as Barcelona boss and will stay on at the Camp Nou.

Tuesday saw RAC1 report that Valverde was set to lose his job in the wake of Saturday’s Copa del Rey defeat to Valencia, but Wednesday sees reports that state the contrary.

Indeed Gerard Romero was one of the first to backtrack, apologising for his earlier information and reporting that president Josep Maria Bartomeu will not be doing any firing.

Over at ESPN FC they have a similar line and have reportedly “been told” by Bartomeu that Valverde will be the Barcelona boss next season despite all the speculation.

Marca say that the board have “analysed the coach’s position in the last few days” and have decided to stick with him for next season.

Over at Sport the word is that Bartomeu wants Valverde to continue, and they also bring news of a dinner date between Pep Guardiola and Valverde that took place on Monday.

And finally Mundo Deportivo say that neither Bartomeu nor Pep Segura are considering firing Valverde. They also report that Roberto Martinez is not an option have been surprised with reports linking the Belgium boss to the club.

Expect the speculation to rumble on but for now at least it seem as though Valverde stays.

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Should Valverde leave, Barca could do worse than consider Pochettino

Roberto Martinez is also reportedly a front runner

Straight off of the bat, let’s firstly acknowledge that no one at this stage knows whether Ernesto Valverde’s time at Barcelona is coming to an end or not.

Rumour and counter-rumour persist, with a whole host of names being thrown into the ring, but the current status quo remains.

At the time of writing, Roberto Martinez is getting an awful lot of traction and appears to be the front runner for a job which still isn’t vacant.

NEXT BARCELONA MANAGER

Roberto Martinez 4/6
Quique Setien 6/1
Massimiliano Allegri 6/1
Ronald Koeman 6/1
Xavi Hernandez 12/1
Erik Ten Hag 12/1
Mauricio Pochettino 16/1
Joachim Low 16/1
Luis Enrique 20/1

Full market: https://t.co/PM0gOYlLLn pic.twitter.com/USBknDkws5

— ThePuntersPage.com (@ThePuntersPage) May 28, 2019

Money is also being staked on Ronald Koeman and, oddly enough for a manager who has never ventured outside Italy as either player or manager, Max Allegri. Links to Quique Setien and Erik ten Hag have all but gone quiet.

Judging by comments on social media and elsewhere, aside from the last two, none of those mentioned would appear to have enthused the cule fraternity.

It’s clear that almost all supporters no longer believe that Valverde has what it takes, even if Josep Maria Bartomeu thinks the exact opposite, and the decision that the president makes at this juncture could well define the remaining time he has in office.

Should he decide to look for a new man in charge, he could do worse than Mauricio Pochettino.

Is #Pochettino the man Barcelona need? Is his stint at Espanyol a hindrance? @andywest01 takes a closer look #Barcelona https://t.co/ayBxIHcQCN

— Sport360° (@Sport360) May 27, 2019

The current Tottenham Hotspur incumbent has previously said he would ‘never’ manage Barca, because of his loyalties to Espanyol, but I don’t buy that for a minute.

Are you seriously telling me that whether Spurs win or lose the Champions League final, if Daniel Levy doesn’t cough up serious funds to match his ambitions, that he’ll turn down an approach from the Blaugranes without even the courtesy of hearing them out? Of course not.

Particularly as there don’t appear to be too many other suitable high level openings available at present.

Valverde himself played for, and managed, the Periquitos so unless ‘Poch’ really does want to dig his heels in on that particular issue, there’s a lot for him to gain on a personal level by heading to the Camp Nou.

#thfc manager Mauricio Pochettino has promised that he will never manage Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/RsG4QltXC2

— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) October 17, 2017

Acknowledged as one of the brightest managers in Europe, in the space of five years the Argentinian has done wonders with the north Londoners.

Not only is their style of football almost universally admired again, but his focus on bringing through young English players from the academy has been rightly lauded.

At a time when the Blaugranes are finding it harder than ever to promote from within and really lean on the talent at La Masia, having a coach who really has a deep understanding of the benefits of youth and the skill set to bring his ideas to fruition must count for something.

Pochettino knows that this Tottenham style of play will ultimately pay dividends, a view echoed by @GuillemBalaguehttps://t.co/XURS0nqJxJ pic.twitter.com/SJ6X2UbZCk

— AS English (@English_AS) October 18, 2017

It wouldn’t be an easy hire by any means, but we are Barcelona and it’s right that we want, nay demand, the best in all facets of the club.

If it’s considered that Valverde - who I still fully support for the record - isn’t the right man to take the team forward, then I don’t see anyone better qualified than Pochettino.

I’d like to think he wouldn’t be out of bounds to both the club or fan base either.

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Scaloni: We can’t just pass to Messi, we have to pass to him and move

The Argentine manager says his team can’t be static

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has spoken out ahead of his team’s upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the Copa América. Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the coach gave a little insight into his philosophy when it comes to building his team around Lionel Messi:

“It’s not a problem that they give the ball to him. The issue is that if they give it to him, other players have to move as well. It’s normal that they give him the ball, they always give it to him in the national team and for Barcelona. What does not help is if four or five are positioned too close to Leo. The challenge is for the players to spread across the pitch. This is what I’m aiming for. If we give it to him, another must move, or whoever gave it to him has to move and find space. You can’t stay there to play. Leo needs people going further up the pitch.”

Scaloni was asked about his side’s 3-1 loss to Venezuela, Messi’s only match under Scaloni:

“It was the first time they played with him and they scored against us almost immediately. I felt that they thought that Leo would resolve everything alone. But with our substitutions, things changed, they passed and moved. Everything will develop like this, in an organic manner.”

The manager also said that “on a day to day basis, in the dressing room, you have to approach Leo and start to treat him like a normal person” in order to develop a good relationship with him both on and off the pitch.

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Barcelona and PSG negotiate Neymar-Dembélé swap deal - report

Is Neymar set for a stunning return?

FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are negotiating a deal that could rock the transfer market: a return to Barça for Neymar, with Ousmane Dembélé going the other way, according to RAC1.

While cautioning that negotiations are at a “very early stage” and that the deal would be “very complicated” to pull off, the report says the club is confident the transfer can move forward.

The blaugrana dressing room and in particular Lionel Messi are said to be in favor of the move, although whether the fans would be willing to forgive Neymar’s messy departure remains to be seen.

The Brazilian was part of a summer transfer saga that left Barça fans quite bitter, as he moved in a world-record transfer to Paris in an acrimonious split that saw the French club pay his release clause with Barcelona stonewalling all negotiation.

His time in France, however, has been met with bitter disappointment, and a chorus of reports say the player is unhappy at PSG and willing to move back to La Liga.

Dembélé went to Barcelona that same year, and though he has had his moments, he has failed to fully take off in the way that was hoped, in no small part due to injury.

The French winger reportedly has had offers from PSG in the past, but it remains to be seen whether the Parisians would be willing to accept him as a makeweight in the deal.

Another factor to consider is Neymar’s three-match ban in the UEFA Champions League next season, which carries over after an outburst against the referees this season following PSG’s elimination.

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Ronald Koeman doesn’t rule out taking over as Barcelona manager

The Netherlands coach has long been linked with the job

Netherlands boss and former Barcelona player Ronald Koeman did not rule out the possibility of taking over for Ernesto Valverde as Barça manager. He was asked whether he would dismiss rumors linking him to the job, to which he replied, “that would be the easy thing to do, but I won’t do it,” according to EFE.

Koeman was speaking ahead of the Netherlands’ participation in the Nations League.

“I believe that this [press conference] is about the national team, and I would like to keep it that way,” he continued on to say.

Valverde remains Barcelona manager but is under massive pressure having bowed out in the UEFA Champions League in embarrassing fashion and lost the Copa del Rey final.

Koeman has been a contender for the Barcelona job for years, but has never landed it. The former player has a long history with the Catalan club, having played for them for 6 seasons in which he scored 67 league goals, a staggering total for a defender. Koeman also scored the only goal in Barcelona’s first European Cup final win, in 1-0 win over Sampdoria at Wembley.

He served as Barcelona’s assistant coach for Louis van Gaal in the late 90s, and has had a long career as first coach since. He coached Vitesse, Ajax, PSV, AZ, and Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Benfica in Portugal, Valencia in Spain, and Southampton and Everton in the Premier League before managing his home country.

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Alba: Barca have ‘spoiled people’ by winning so many titles

The defender says the team deserve more credit

Jordi Alba is never short of things to say and the Barcelona full-back has given his take on the club’s season after Saturday’s Copa del Rey defeat.

Barcelona finished the campaign with just the league trophy to show for their efforts after disappointing cup defeats to Liverpool and Valencia.

Yet Alba feels like the team deserve more credit after being crowned La Liga champions yet again.

“It’s a very difficult moment for the whole team as we were very close to the treble, but in the end it wasn’t to be,” he said.

”For better or for worse, we have spoiled people by winning so many titles and it’s really hard to win.

”We should all give much more value to the league we have won, as it seems that if you only win this title the season is lost.”

Source | Marca

Alba also said he thought this season was the best of his career “excluding those two games” - no prizes for guessing which matches he means.

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Barca willing to listen to Dembélé offers - report

Barcelona are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Ousmane Dembélé. Given Barcelona spent over €100m on the player, the offer would need to be close to what they themselves paid in order for him to move. The youth and flashes of brilliance that he’s shown in his short time in Barcelona make it hard to sell him already. But injuries and lack of consistency bring us to this point.

However, given the massive restructuring that is likely to take place at the club this summer, a move to sell him wouldn’t be incredibly shocking. The reality that Barcelona are lightly looking at offers for Phillipe Coutinho and Dembélé already is pretty wild.

Don’t get me wrong, from the few reports there are on this matter it seems clear that this is unlikely to happen. However, the door is open. Often in big transfers the door being opened is all that takes.

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Barcelona legend Xavi named manager of Al Sadd

The former midfielder gets his first managerial post

Barcelona legend Xavi has been named as the new manager of Qatari side Al Sadd after hanging up his boots and will replace Jesuldo Ferreira in the hotseat.

The midfielder left the Camp Nou for Al Sadd in 2015 and announced earlier this year that this season would be his last as a player.

The 39-year-old has also made it quite clear he wants to head into management and will now get his first opportunity with the Qatari side after signing a two-year deal.

The job looks the perfect place for Xavi to cut his teeth as a manager, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

He has previously admitted it would be his dream to coach Barcelona at some point in his career, and he is now a step closer to making that happen.

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Report: Ernesto Valverde on the brink at Barcelona

There’s speculation the end is nigh for the coach

Ernesto Valverde is reportedly on the brink at Barcelona and could be sacked today, according to a report in Spain.

RAC1 reckon it’s all over for the 55-year-old after two years in charge at the Camp Nou, and he will not be in charge of the club next season.

The Catalan radio station say an announcement could be made on Tuesday, but even if it does not come there is no way Valverde will stay.

It’s a different story in Mundo Deportivo, however. They report that Valverde will not be dismissed on Tuesday or Wednesday and have branded the report “fake news.”

Meanwhile, Sport reckon that Valverde has now lost the support of key members of the dressing room following their Copa del Rey defeat to Valencia.

The club’s captains saw him utterly defeated on the way back and doubt he has the energy to lead the team next season.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 May 2019

Valverde didn’t ask for this underachieving Barcelona, the board gave it to him | ESPN
Valverde was sold an ideal of Barcelona with the “MSN” trident. Less than two years after joining, he ended up with a cup final front three of Philippe Coutinho, Messi and Sergi Roberto; and then Malcom, Messi and Coutinho. He neither asked for, nor wanted, either Coutinho or Malcom -- and they cost the club the better part of €200 million.

Barça’s season, by the numbers | FC Barcelona
After falling to an unsavory defeat to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final, the season is finally over. Hence, it’s now time to review the stats produced by 10 months of football.

Leo Messi breaks 50 goals mark once again | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi had another landmark season in 2018/19, including a sensational scoring record. The Argentine found the net 51 times in his 50 official appearances, exceeding a half-century of goals for the sixth time in his career. He would claim both the Pichichi award and the European Golden Shoe as a result, as well as having reached 600 goals for Barça.

Senegal right-back Wague to be promoted to Barcelona’s first team | Sport
Moussa Wague will be one of the Barça B players promoted to the first team next season. The Sengal right-back has taken his opportunities when called up by Ernesto Valverde and convinced him he’s worthy of a place in the squad next year.

Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo wanted by Atletico Madrid | Football Espana
Atletico Madrid will negotiate for the signing of Barcelona full-back Nelson Semedo this summer, according to a report in Diario AS. The Portugal international has started less than half (36) La Liga matches since his arrival at the Camp Nou in the summer of 2017.

Barça stars on the international stage | FC Barcelona
The Copa America, European Nations Cup, Euro 2020 qualifiers, Women’s World Cup ... There’s plenty more action from our players to look forward to!

Barcelona’s Marc Cucurella joins Eibar permanently | Football Espana
Eibar have completed the permanent signing of Marc Cucurella from Barcelona in a €2m deal, the club have confirmed. However, whilst this has not yet been confirmed, it is expected that the Catalan giants will subsequently buy him back for €4m.

Barcelona move for Wolfsburg defender Jerome Roussillon | Football Espana
Barcelona are considering a move for Wolfsburg defender Jerome Roussillon this summer, according to a report in El Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old impressed for the Bundesliga club last season, making 31 appearances following a €8m switch from Montpellier the previous summer.

La Liga players ‘arrested on suspicion of match fixing’ | Eurosport
Sport and El Pais are among those to claim that a number of players have been detained – including Leeds United forward Samuel Saiz, on loan at Liga side Getafe – plus the president of relegated Liga club Huesca. Former Real Madrid player Raul Bravo, cited as the head of the organisation, is among those named. Borja Fernandez and Carlos Aranda, both once on Real’s books, were also arrested along with Deportivo’s Inigo Lopez.

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How did Barcelona’s loan players get on this season?

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Xabi Alonso explains how hard it was to defend against Messi

The former midfielder has been talking about the GOAT

Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has been trying to explain how Los Blancos used to try and defend against Barcelona and Lionel Messi.

Alonso got his tactics board out to try and highlight Real Madrid’s tactics when facing Messi while Jose Mourinho was in charge.

The former midfielder has already hung up his boots and is currently coaching Real Madrid’s Infantil A team and what he says is pretting interesting,

Check it out:

Xabi Alonso shows you how Lionel Messi would operate in a false nine role and how hard it was to defend against the Argentinian. pic.twitter.com/ka8WD9zEbX

— The Coaches’ Voice (@CoachesVoice) May 27, 2019

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Rumors: Martinez, Emery & Allegri in frame to replace Valverde

It’s a managerial gossip special

Roberto Martinez favourite to replace Ernesto Valverde

Today we bring you a very special edition of our Barcelona rumor round-up where we focus entirely on managers and who could replace Ernesto Valverde in the Camp Nou hotseat.

We start off with the one and only Gerard Romero over at RAC1 who reckons that Belgium coach Roberto Martinez is the chosen one.

Apparently the 45-year-old is currently the leading contender to take over from Valverde if he does not continue at the Camp Nou.

Allegri’s waiting for Barcelona call

Over at Goal the word is that Massimiliano Allegri keeps on checking his phone hoping for a call from Barcelona.

Allegri is available after leaving Juventus and would be tempted by a move to Spain where he would become the first Italian to take charge of Barcelona.

If not, then he’s going to take 12 months off and put his feet up.

Unai Emery also an option...

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo seem have been browsing through the catalogue of potential managers and have stopped on the Unai Emery page.

The Arsenal boss is said to be “well regarded” by the big bosses who seem to have forgotten all about how his PSG side were thrashed 6-1 by Barca in the Champions League.

MD also reckon Ronald Koeman, Allegri and Martinez are in the running to replace Valverde.

And don’t forget Erik ten Hag and Laurent Blanc

And finally it’s time to check out Sport, as they also have their very own list of four managers but it’s a little different.

Their report claims Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is the “first name on the list” and is followed by Koeman, Martinez and Laurent Blanc.

Of the four the only one currently available is Blanc, although the report also points out how he was sacked by PSG for failing to win the Champions League. So there’s that then.

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Barcelona’s happily never after ending

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De Ligt says ‘there’s definitely a chance’ he will stay at Ajax

Another twist in an increasingly tedious saga

Matthijs de Ligt has been talking about his future yet again and this time has not ruled out staying at Ajax.

The defender has been linked with a host of clubs all season but keeps on insisting he has still not decided his future.

Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag said in April there was “zero chance” that De Ligt would stay at the Eredivise club, but it seems as though the teenager does not quite agree.

“I don’t really have a dream club beside Ajax. It was always my dream to play for Ajax and I succeeded.

“I look at what’s the best for my career and what’s the best place to develop. If it’s best to start the preparation for a new season at Ajax or another club.

“As long as I have a contract at Ajax, there’s definitely a chance I will stay.”

Source | NOS

De Ligt is contracted to Ajax until the summer of 2021, and it still seems likely he will leave this summer although he is clearly in no rush.

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Eibar take up purchase option on Cucurella

Rumors claim Barcelona could try to buy him back

Eibar confirmed on Monday that they have taken up their purchase option on Marc Cucurella who has spent the season on loan from Barcelona.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a successful season with José Luis Mendilibar’s side, making 31 La Liga appearances and playing in a more advanced role.

His loan deal included an option for Eibar to sign him permanently for a reported fee of €2 million and that has now been exercised.

✅ OFFICIAL | #Eibar confirms the purchase of Marc @cucurella3 pic.twitter.com/3PMfpHKEr5

— SD Eibar English (@SDEibarEN) May 27, 2019

Yet that may not be the end of the story. There have been rumors that Barcelona have a repurchase option and will buy Cucurella back for €4m and then sell him on for a even bigger fee.

There is also the possibility that Cucurella could come back and stay at Barca but that does not seem too likely currently.

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FC Barcelona News: 27 May 2019

The end of a historic streak in the cup | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona were unable to defeat Valencia in the Copa del Rey final at Benito Villamarín, thereby ending the streak of four consecutive cup final wins, a feat that had only previously been achieved by Real Madrid (between 1905 and 1908) and Athletic Club (between 1930 and 1933).

Leo Messi, scorer in six cup finals | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi has achieved a new record. With his goal against Valencia in the Benito Villamarín, the Argentinian became the only player in the history of the Copa del Rey to have scored in six different finals. It means that Barca’s No.10 has taken another of Telmo Zarra’s records, and he ends the season with 51 goals in all competitions.

Luis Suarez says knee surgery stopped him playing in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final loss | Sky Sports
The Uruguayan released a statement Sunday saying he had no option despite the timing of the final, which Barcelona lost 2-1 to Valencia on Saturday. Suarez said he had to undergo surgery “against my will” after rupturing his meniscus against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals.

Who is to blame for Barcelona’s crisis? | Marca
In less than three weeks, Barcelona have gone from euphoria and dreams of a treble to depression after Champions League elimination and Copa del Rey final defeat to Valencia. It is a season that has called for reflection on who is to blame.

West Ham hope to beat Tottenham to the signing of André Gomes | Sport
André Gomes continues to pick up even more admirers from the Premier League. It looks like the cultured midfielder will have plenty of options to choose from in the summer and, according to the Daily Mail, West Ham have made the first official offer for his services: €22m.

De Ligt has no ‘dream club’ and hints at Barcelona & Man Utd snub in favour of Ajax stay | Goal
Matthijs de Ligt admits “several clubs are interested” in luring him away from Ajax, but the Barcelona and Manchester City target has no “dream” destination and claims he could stay put. At just 19 years of age, the Netherlands international has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in world football.

De Ligt: I will decide my future after the Nations League | Football Espana
Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt has indicated that he will make a decision on his club future after the UEFA Nations League. The 19-year old has been selected for the Netherlands squad as Ronald Koeman’s side face England in the inaugural semi final of the competition next month.

Jeison Murillo won the double | Marca
If anyone had mixed emotions at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday evening it was Jeison Murillo, the Valencia defender who joined Barcelona in January and as such won both LaLiga Santander and Copa del Rey. The result which gave Valencia victory means that he finds himself in the unusual position of being the only man to win both domestic titles in Spain this season.

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What the papers make of Valverde’s future at Barca

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De Ligt says he still hasn’t made a decision about his future

The Ajax star does not appear to be in a rush to choose his next club

The transfer saga surrounding Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt shows no sign of ending any time soon after the defender admitted he still has no idea where he will be playing his football next season.

The 19-year-old is currently on international duty with the Netherlands ahead of their Nations League semi-final against England and was asked about his future.

Here’s a look at what he had to say:

Barcelona or Manchester United?

Matthijs de Ligt claims he has not made a decision. pic.twitter.com/i8Oa6M0deB

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 26, 2019

Recent rumors have suggested De Ligt’s agent Mino Raiola is trying to get Barcelona to up their offer for the teenager but that the Spanish champions will not negotiate.

There has also been reports that Manchester United are close to landing the defender, but there’s more than a suggestion that the interest from the Red Devils may be being used to drive up his price.

Unfortunately this looks to be one of those transfers that looks like dominating the headlines for most of the summer.

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Alena & Arturo Vidal send messages to fans after Copa defeat

The midfielders have responded on social media

Barcelona midfielders Carles Alena and Arturo Vidal have taken to social media to send messages to supporters after the club’s Copa del Rey defeat to Valencia.

Alena was a late substitute in the 2-1 defeat at the Benito Vilamarin and posted a message on Twitter thanking fans for their support.

He wrote: “We are very hurt by the way the season ended. I just want to thank all the fans for the support throughout the season. We will return because we are the BARÇA! Have no doubt! Always together.”

Estamos muy dolidos por como terminó la temporada. Solo quiero dar las gracias a toda la afición por el apoyo durante toda la temporada. Volveremos porque somos el BARÇA! No tengáis ninguna duda! Siempre juntos pic.twitter.com/MKdOtHXSjF

— Carles Aleña (@Carlesale10) May 26, 2019

Meanwhile, Vidal who seems to have a thing for capital letters when with: “Teams are not made from easy wins, but are based on great defeats.”

LOS EQUIPOS NO SE HACEN A PARTIR DE LAS VICTORIAS FÁCILES, SINO EN BASE A GRANDES DERROTAS!! @fcbarcelona pic.twitter.com/sEHegDTFT9

— Arturo Vidal (@kingarturo23) May 26, 2019

Both players will be in action over the summer. Alena has been called up to the Spain squad for the U21 European Championships in Italy, while Vidal will be at the Copa America with Chile.

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Barca will work on new signings and ‘moving players on’ - Bartomeu

The president says there will be changes at the Camp Nou

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says there will be changes at the club over the summer after Saturday’s Copa del Rey defeat to Valencia.

The defeat means the club end their season with just the league title to show for their efforts, and Bartomeu has now spoken about the club’s plans for the future.

“The season ends with the La Liga title. It wasn’t to be in the Copa del Rey and we keep moving forward,” he said.

”Every year new players come in. So far we have confirmed De Jong’s signing and now we will work on bringing in others and moving players on, as is normal every summer.

”Now is not the moment to do anything. There are always new signings, but now is not the moment to talk about it.”

Source | Sky Sports

Barcelona’s defeats in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey has led to speculation there could be a big shake-up at the club this summer as part of a squad overhaul.

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Suarez explains why he underwent knee surgery before Copa del Rey final

The striker has responded to criticism

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has taken to Twitter to explain why he underwent knee surgery before the Copa del Rey final.

The operation ruled him out of Saturday’s defeat to Valencia, and the timing has been questioned given he is expected to be fit in time for the Copa America in Brazil this summer.

However, Suarez has responded by saying he suffered a meniscus tear during the Champions League defeat to Liverpool that left him with no other option but to go under the knife.

Here’s the full letter:

Thanks everyone!!!#AlwaysProfessional pic.twitter.com/vtwqeUc0HG

— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) May 26, 2019

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Three things we learned from Barca’s defeat to Valencia

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FC Barcelona News: 26 May 2019

FC Barcelona 1 – 2 Valencia: The Cup slips away | FC Barcelona
Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno scored in the first half to lead Valencia CF to a 2-1 victory over FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville, Spain. Lionel Messi pulled one back for Barça in the second half, and the Catalans made a furious push for a late equalizer, but the Valencia defense held out to deliver their first Copa del Rey title since 2008.

Gerard Pique: Copa del Rey defeat gives bittersweet end to 2018-19 season | Football Espana
”Congratulations to Valencia. It has been a good season, as it always is when you win the league. But we end the campaign with a bittersweet taste as things could have gone much better.”

Ivan Rakitic’s ugly gesture after being subbed in Copa final | Sport
On top of the bad image the team offered in their 2-1 defeat by Valencia in the Copa del Rey final, Ivan Rakitic offered one of his own when he was taken off for Carles Alena. The Croatian was very angry and kicked over a pack of water bottles he found on his way to the bench.

Barca’s Valverde unfazed by Copa loss: ‘I feel fine’ | ESPN
“I feel fine,” Valverde said in a news conference. “When you win, obviously you feel much better, much happier -- but this is a different feeling to [Liverpool], even though we’ve lost again.

Josep Bartomeu: Valverde’s not to blame, players will leave | Sport
We’ve been thinking about next season for a while now, but it’s not the moment to explain what will happen. I have to thank the fans that have come down to Sevilla today. The season ends with the La Liga title. It wasn’t to be in the Copa del Rey and we keep moving forward. There are always new signings, but now is not the moment to talk about it.

From a possible treble to the end of a cycle for Valverde? | Marca
Barcelona were very much fancied to win the treble this campaign but the demise at Liverpool in the Champions League followed by their Copa del Rey capitulation against Valencia raise concern as to whether the team has reached the end of a cycle.

Barca fans arrested in clashes with Seville police | ESPN
Twenty-three football fans were arrested in Seville on Friday following disturbances which left five police officers injured ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Valencia, Spanish police have confirmed. The majority of those detained were members of the Boixos Nois, a group of Ultras associated with Barca. The supporters clashed with police in the Nervion area of the city, where Sevilla play their home games.

Barcelona legend Rivaldo advises Rakitic to snub Man Utd move as he once did | Goal
Ivan Rakitic has been urged by Barcelona legend Rivaldo to snub any interest from Manchester United, as he once did when at the peak of his playing career. Ahead of the summer transfer window, the Croatia international is once again generating exit talk.

Sources: Utd see Barca winning De Ligt chase | ESPN
Manchester United expect top summer target Matthijs de Ligt to resist their advances and complete a move to Barcelona, with Old Trafford sources having told ESPN FC they believe the Spanish champions struck an agreement with the Ajax captain two months ago.

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Barcelona got what they deserved against Valencia... nothing

A shambles of a performance

Where to start with this one?!

From the moment that Sergi Roberto was named in the starting XI instead of Malcom, this Copa del Rey final had an air of inevitability about it.

A ripped tifo before kick-off was another comical sign that all was not going to be well for Barca against Los Che.

And so it proved.

Barça’s tifo... “Tots Units” (All together) is split down the middle... a metaphor? #BarcelonaValencia pic.twitter.com/a1iO8sWnXL

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) May 25, 2019

Despite hardly letting Valencia breathe for the first few minutes of the final, the Blaugranes did nothing with their possession, and were it not for Gerard Pique’s effort in getting back to deny Rodrigo, Barca would’ve been behind far earlier than they were.

Let’s not sugar coat the 90 minutes either. Valverde’s side were awful for the most part.

Against a side that had beaten Barcelona on only three occasions out of the last 30 matches in all competitions in the last 11 years.

Against a coach that had never beaten them before, in god knows how many years of trying.

That’s not acceptable.

Marcelino’s all-time managerial record against Barcelona:

LLDLLDLLLLLLLDDLLLDDW

If you’re going to win one, may as well make it a cup final. pic.twitter.com/mb0XhtgIEU

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 25, 2019

Moreover, Valencia fully deserved their win, there’s no blaming this one on an ‘off night.’

The warning signs were there long before the actual game too.

Pique’s candour in an interview in the lead up to the final was admirable, but it also hinted at a collective mindset that wasn’t in good shape.

Injuries played a part in team selection but that can’t be used as an excuse either.

The way Dani Parejo was allowed to stroke the ball around in particular was criminal.

Dani Parejo crying as he leaves the pitch.

Consistent MVP the whole season.

Played 55 of the 60 official VCF games.

Got injured in his 56th game out of 61.

Best midfielder in the 2018-2019 season. Will fight with my sword vs anyone who tries to argue against this.

— Paco Polit English (@pacopolitENG) May 25, 2019

What’s happened to the Barca that suffocated teams in games, didn’t allow their opponents to string passes together, and certainly would never give them the freedom of the pitch to execute counter after counter?

The wider issue is that the pressure on Josep Maria Bartomeu to sack Valverde will reach fever pitch now. And yet, in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, the president wasn’t for turning.

It’s unlikely that he’ll change his stance either, particularly given that the coach has the unequivocal backing of the dressing room.

Bartomeu says Valverde not to blame for Copa loss. Valverde says he’s feeling OK after disastrous end to Barça’s season https://t.co/HFijiYPIIz

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) May 26, 2019

Assuming the status quo remains the same, and there’s no reason to think otherwise, it’s imperative that the right players are secured quickly in this summer’s transfer window.

Not just big names who might add a few thousand to the attendance or help gain another high profile sponsor or two. Players who fit the Barca style and who put ‘team before I.’

A few new faces here and there won’t necessarily change things overnight either, but it will lay the foundations from which the club and team can build for the future.

Some of the high-earners Barcelona may need to shift off their enormous wage bill if they're to bring in new signings pic.twitter.com/rve75rSxrQ

— Sport360° (@Sport360) May 22, 2019

As important will be the outgoing transfer business because it’s clear to anyone with half a brain that there are passengers in that side now, and that’s unforgivable at Barca.

In the meantime, the president, players and coaching staff need to front up and tell it as it is. That means taking full responsibility - from the top echelons of the club to the bottom.

Let’s see who’s man enough to do so...

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