Brighton offer update on Ansu Fati as he nears comeback

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Some good news

Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi has offered an update on Ansu Fati and confirmed the Barcelona loanee is close to making his return from injury.

Fati has been out since the end of November after suffering yet another injury setback but is close to a return.

The youngster has returned to training and De Zerbi has offered an indication of when he might feature again for the Seagulls.

“I hope one week, but maybe he needs two weeks more,” he said.

“At the moment we have 15 or 16 players. We need more. Ansu Fati is a different player, we need his qualities, his characteristics.”

Fati will be eager to get back to work after his latest layoff. The forward was starting to enjoy life at Brighton before being sidelined once again.

He has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far for Brighton, scoring four times and contributing one assist to the cause.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 January 2024

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Sunday session at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
The blaugrana first team squad trained today at the Ciutat Esportiva after the Villarreal match, the first step to put the defeat against the Yellow Submarines behind them and look forward to this Wednesday's home game against Osasuna.

Joan Laporta shows support for the team - FC Barcelona
Joan Laporta is with both the team and Xavi Hernández after the defeat to Villarreal and the coach's announcement that he will step down at the end of the season. As such, FC Barcelona's president stopped by the Ciutat Esportiva on Sunday morning to say a few words to the squad.

Joan Laporta: 'We want to recover from this situation' - FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona president gives his thoughts to the Club's media, analysing the situation and sending a message of encouragement

Real Betis Féminas 0-6 FC Barcelona: Still unbeaten - FC Barcelona
Things couldn't have started better at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol, Bruna's left foot smashing the ball home after just three minutes. Betis somehow or other managed to hold on for 20 minutes without conceding another, but that was when Brugts pounced on a rebound to double the visitors' advantage.

Fuenlabrada 1-2 Barça Atlètic: Promising win - FC Barcelona
Barça Atlètic have won 2-1 at Fuenlabrada with Unai Hernández scoring the first from an unmarked situation in the opposing box and an own goal pretty much sentencing things with a second half goal, although Manu Lama's response gave the home fans some late hope of a comeback.

Exclusive: Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi "a likely option" to replace Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona - Football España
Barcelona are now officially looking for a new manager, following an announcement on Saturday night from current head coach Xavi Hernandez that he will be stepping down at the end of the season.

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Motta responds to claims he could replace Xavi at Barca

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The coach has heard the news

Bologna coach Thiago Motta was asked about speculation he could replace Xavi at Barcelona after his team’s Serie A draw with Milan on Saturday.

Motta has reportedly emerged as Barcelona’s “number one” choice to replace Xavi after impressing with the Serie A side.

The former Barcelona man admitted he had heard the shock news of Xavi’s decision to quit and was sorry to hear of his decision.

“That is sad, he was doing a great job and won the title last season. I saw Jurgen Klopp announce he was leaving Liverpool. Coaching is a tough job, but it is the one we chose.”

Motta was then asked if he’ll stay at Bologna and offered up the following.

“When there is news to report, I will tell you, but there’s none today,” he added.

Motta is out of contract at Bologna at the end of the season and yet to agree a new contract.

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Roberto expected to follow Xavi out of Barca

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The captain is in the final year of his current contract

Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto is expected to follow manager Xavi out of the club at the end of the season.

Roberto is into the final year of his current contract at the club, and Xavi has said publicly he wants Barcelona to renew his existing deal.

Yet Diario AS reckon the club have “no intention” of renewing Roberto’s contract, meaning he is expected to leave on a free transfer.

Roberto has also played down talk of an exit - saying in December he has Xavi’s “confidence” - but the coach’s decision to leave is likely to spell bad news for the veteran.

The captain has previously revealed he would like to play in the United States before hanging up his boots and this summer may see him granted his wish.

Roberto has already seen Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Riqui Puig and Lionel Messi head to MLS and could be the next Barca star to head to the United States.

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Michel reacts to talk he could replace Xavi at Barcelona

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The coach has spoken out

Girona boss Michel has played down talk he could replace Xavi at the helm of Barcelona.

The coach has led his team to the top of the table this season, and there’s already been speculation he’s wanted at the Camp Nou.

Michel has been asked about the rumors once again and made it pretty clear he’s not thinking about a move right now.

“I am focused on Girona. Xavi is the person who knows FC Barcelona best. I have a contract until 2026, so nada. Xavi is Barça,” he said.

It remains to be seen who will replace Xavi at Barcelona once he steps down at the end of the season, but the club do have plenty of time to find a replacement.

The rumor mill has already claimed Jurgen Klopp, Roberto De Zerbi, Rafa Marquez and Thiago Motta and Imanol Alguacil are candidates to take over the Barcelona hotseat.

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Cancelo says he was a ‘disaster’ for Barca against Villarreal

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The defender was back from injury

Joao Cancelo was not at all happy with his performance after returning from injury on Saturday as Barcelona were embarrassed 5-3 at home by Villarreal.

The Portugal international hasn’t played since the start of the month but came on at half-time with Barca trailing.

Xavi’s side did manage to turn things around, and led 3-2 at one point, but went on to capitulate in an awful defensive showing.

Here’s what Cancelo said afterwards:

“We managed the most difficult thing to come back, but we conceded three more goals,” he said.

“The fault is ours alone. I’m speaking about myself. It was a disaster. They’ve been the worst 45 minutes of my career.

“Tomorrow we train because the sun always appears and the good thing about football is that on Wednesday we have another game and hopefully we get the three points.”

Barcelona’s defense was an absolute mess once again. The Catalans shipped five goals at home in La Liga for the first time since 1963.

Xavi’s side have now conceded 29 goals in La Liga so far this season - more than double Real Madrid’s tally of 14.

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‘You can’t say no’ - Marquez would be happy to replace Xavi

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Could he be the next boss?

Rafa Marquez has made it pretty clear he’d be happy to take over from Xavi at Barcelona when the first-team coach steps down at the end of the season.

The Mexican currently manages Barca Atletic but was asked about changing jobs after his team’s 2-1 win over Fuenlabrada on Saturday night.

“It is a shame that the first team has had this defeat. I think the board will have time to think about it well, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it is in their hands,” he said.

“I will continue preparing, obviously, I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys.”

Marquez was then asked if he would like to be Barca boss and certainly wasn’t coy with his response.

“Who wouldn’t, right? But the most important thing is to continue preparing because it is my second season as a coach here. Prepare in case that moment comes,” he added.

“You can’t say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best.”

The Mexican has previously been mentioned as a replacement if Xavi were to go halfway through the season, but it’s not clear if Barca are interested in him taking over on a long-term basis.

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