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    Barcelona will not be in new 105,000-capacity stadium on time ‘unless miracle occurs’ with Nou Camp still building site

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    BARCELONA will need a MIRACLE if they plan on returning to the Nou Camp on time this season, according to reports.The LaLiga giants had initially hoped to be opening their revamped ground THIS WEEKEND against Atletico Madrid.Barcelona’s chances of returning to the Nou Camp in March are practically zeroCredit: RexNew images of the redeveloped Nou Camp were revealed last monthThe construction plans are reportedly behind scheduleThe return could be as late as next SeptemberThat was pushed back to March 2025 as building work dragged on.But reports in Spain suggest Barcelona’s return to their £1.3billion renovated stadium could be delayed further.It is claimed the LaLiga leaders’ chances of returning to the Nou Camp in three months time are practically zero.And the stadium might not even be ready for the start of NEXT SEASON.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpanish outlet Marca say Barca’s board of directors have accepted the delay is inevitable. Construction work isn’t going at the desired pace, with the emergency exits plans and turf laying behind schedule.Barca have been careful not to give a definitive date, with Uefa rules stating that participants in the Champions League cannot play at different home grounds during a phase of the competition.Barcelona are second in the 36-team league phase with two games remaining, meaning it’s likely they won’t be in knockout action until March.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIf they were to finish ninth or lower, then that would mean a February play-off.However, both dates currently seem unrealistic with large parts of the ground still needing work.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansThe Spanish giants moved out of the Nou Camp in May 2023, beginning the process of a major overhaul of the 67-year-old arena.The 99,000-seater was gutted and stripped back to its raw concrete form, before countless hours of hard work started to build it back up. Barca have been temporarily housed in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium during the renovation.The club have taken off the entire top tier of the stadium as they rebuild the third tier to increase the capacity of the iconic ground.When fully completed, the stadium will house an impressive 105,000 fans – some 6,000 more than it was able to hold prior to the building work.They had been planning on returning to stadium halfway through the 2024-25 season, but they now looks unlikely.Barca intend to operate with just over 60 per cent capacity when they move back in.Work began in May 2023The new stadium will be sponsored by SpotifyThe Nou Camp look incredible when the work is completeOver £1.3bn has been splashed on the stadium and the surrounding areaInitially, it was hoped that Hansi Flick’s men could sport the pitch in November for the club’s 125th anniversary.But the return could now be as late as next September – which would be the third push back.It will be the largest and most innovative sports complex in the heart of a European city.The modernised Nou Camp – which will be sponsored by Spotify – is set to have a number of new bars and VIP areas.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will also have the largest roof of any stadium in Europe, with new images showing three huge screens hanging over the pitch.The concourse and the press facilities are among the other areas to be renovated. More

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      Barcelona’s £50million signing Dani Olmo could be BANNED from playing for club and forced to leave in free transfer

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      DANI OLMO is set to be banned from playing for Barcelona — which could see him leave on a free transfer.Olmo, 26, only joined the Spanish giants in August in a £50million deal from RB Leipzig.Dani Olmo could be banned from playing for Barcelona, which would see him leave on a free transferCredit: RexThe La Masia graduate was seen as a major coup for Barcelona following his star turn for winners Spain at Euro 2024.However, Olmo was unable to be registered by his new club due to their ongoing financial issues.And the playmaker was forced to miss Barcelona’s first two matches of the season before getting an unlikely reprieve.A long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Hansi Flick’s side to register Olmo as an emergency player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he has since gone on to score six goals and provide one assist in 14 matches, helping his side top the LaLiga table.However, Olmo’s temporary registration expires at the end of the year.It means Barcelona have to find a way to get him in their squad officially.And if they cannot find a solution, Olmo will effectively be banned from playing for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAccording to the Athletic, that then opens the door for the midfielder to sensationally quit Barcelona on a free transfer.It’s reckoned Olmo was aware of the registration issue when he returned to Catalonia.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureAnd as part of the deal, a clause was inserted in his contract allowing Olmo to leave Barcelona for free in January should he be unable to play.The title hopefuls now have until December 31 to either make some sales or drastically increase their revenue, as they are not allowed to re-register Olmo for a second time.But sporting director Deco is confident the superstar will still be a Barca player come the end of the month.He said: “Yes of course (we will register Olmo properly). We’re working on it and everyone is calm.“There are internal issues at the club. Don’t worry, we’ll fix it. The player is calm, don’t worry.”Barcelona reportedly hope to solve the issue imminently after agreeing a new kit deal with Nike.However, it must first be approved through a members’ vote, due to go ahead on December 21.READ MORE SUN STORIESShould that fall through, Barcelona are also reportedly looking to sell the rights to their VIP boxes at the Nou Camp.And the final option is for a board member to “put up a personal guarantee”, with neither Barcelona or Olmo even thinking about a potential exit in January. More

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      I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare

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      BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.Barcelona ace Vitor Roque considered early retirement due to the pressures at the Nou CampCredit: GettyRoque considered quitting football and moving back to his farm in BrazilCredit: GettyThe striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.Read More on FootballRoque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure. “But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. “Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too.”I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. Most read in Football”I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. “I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn’t turn out the way I liked. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday”And it serves as a learning experience for the next season.” More

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      LaLiga star HEADBUTTS and punches team-mate in bizarre scenes during capitulation against Barcelona

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      MALLORCA star Johan Mojica bizarrely headbutted and punched team-mate Manu Morlanes during their LaLiga defeat by Barcelona.Mojica endured a moment of madness after conceding a penalty, before Mallorca would go on to lose 5-1 at home to LaLiga leaders Barca.Johan Mojica lashed out at team-mate Manu Morlanes after Barca went 2-1 upIt came after the aggressor, Mojica, conceded a penalty after fouling Lamine YamalHe also turned to punch Morlanes during his moment of madnessMojica escaped without any punishment but was booked for the penalty incidentIt had been looking up for the hosts when Vedat Muriqi cancelled out Ferran Torres’ opener on the stroke of half-time. But things quickly turned ugly when Mojica felled Lamine Yamal in the area to concede a penalty inside 56 minutes.And the Colombian left-back, who was booked for his clumsy foul on Yamal, was left fuming.Seconds after Raphinha scored the spot-kick, Mojica, 32, saw the red mist and remarkably lashed out at team-mate Morlanes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe pair exchanged a war of words, before Mojica HEADBUTTED Morlanes in extraordinary scenes.A shocked and frowning Morlanes verbally responded while covering his mouth.But Mojica’s thuggery continued as punched the 25-year-old midfielder on the arm after screaming in his face.Ref Jesus Gil Manzano had his back turned to the incident as Mojica escaped without any form of punishment.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd fans were in a frenzy after the confrontation between the pals who played together at Villarreal.One wrote: “This is unacceptable 😡.”Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthdayA second said: “He’s got to apologise. Why he is lashing out like that?”Before another added: “He shouldn’t get away with this. Manager should drop him.”Mojica’s outburst capped a disastrous night for the Colombian, who struggled throughout against Yamal.He made a costly error for Torres’ opener and was regularly beaten by the 17-year-old Golden Boy.Former Leeds star Raphinha scored again in the 74th minute to extend Barca’s lead to 3-1.Ex-Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor also got on the scoresheet to leave Barca four points clear of Real Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Prem winger Raphinha, who Barca flirted with selling this summer, has now scored 11 goals in 16 league games this season.And it was the SIXTH time that Barca have exceeded five goals in a league game this term.Raphinha is in the form of his life in LaLiga this seasonBarca are now four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga More

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      Man City fans say ‘Liverpool on Sunday and he’s lost his mind’ as Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s birthday

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans are worried about Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard sang a song for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. A pre-recorded video showed Guardiola lip-singing with a scar on his nose, which he picked up during City’s capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola sported a scar on his nose as he lip-synched a song to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversaryGuardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his faceThe former Barca player and manager mimed along to ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic club.The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with huge applause by all in the grand auditorium. Guardiola was not present in Barcelona but shared a video message for the audience – and the cut on his face provided some clues as to when it was filmed.But online fans were less than enthusiastic about Guardiola’s performance, with some wondering what he’ll do if City lose at Anfield on Sunday. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter wrote: “Lose to Liverpool and Pep will officially lose his mind.”A second said: “I’m worried about him, what will he sing if City don’t win a game this month?🤣”While another replied: “Making a stressed out man sing is crazy. 🤣”A fourth added: “This has to be some type of torture he looks so tired.”Most read in FootballLiverpool have won 17 of their 19 games in competitions this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne more wrote: “I dare City to lose against Liverpool. Imagine.”The song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyAs Guardiola celebrated Barcelona’s milestone, his current side, City, face a challenging period.The reigning Premier League champions are enduring one of their worst stretches in recent memory.City have gone six games without a win across all competitions- even San Marino have won more matches than them this month.They squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League at the Etihad on Tuesday.Guardiola appeared with scratches on his face and red marks on his head as he conducted post match interviews.When quizzed on his cuts he told TNT: “I want to harm myself. My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”He apologised for the comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at AnfieldThe cut on the bridge of his nose was visible in the video that beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday.Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion.While there were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola won 14 trophies with the Catalans including two Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles during his four-year stint.But should City lose to in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, they will be 11 points behind the Prem leaders after 13 games.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona make Isak top transfer target with Gyokeres set to snub Nou Camp for Man Utd move

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      BARCELONA have made Alexander Isak their number one summer target, SunSport can reveal.The Spanish giants will make a mega-money offer for the Newcastle striker at the end of the season.Barcelona have identified Alexander Isak as a top transfer targetCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres has his sights set on a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt comes days after Eddie Howe said Sweden star Isak could go on to be one of the world’s best forwards.Directors at the Nou Camp have switched their focus to Isak after learning they will struggle to secure the services of his international team-mate Viktor Gyokeres – another player they covet.SunSport understands Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to the Premier League and a reunion with ex-boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.But Isak is viewed as a plan B by Barcelona who think he can help lead them to success in Spain and in Europe.Read More in FootballArsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Isak, who is yet to agree terms for a new deal with Newcastle.He is said to be one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for 2026.Last week, speaking in the build up to their game with West Ham, Newcastle manager Howe said: “He’s building momentum into his season and has scored some big goals of late for us. His general performances I think have continued to improve.“He’s gone away to Sweden and played very well, I’m delighted with how he has looked on international duty as well, to continue that good form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I think being a striker, having not been one myself, but just from my experience it’s all about confidence and how you feel.“Alex has got undoubted qualities. I would put him right up there in terms of world strikers that are currently playing.”Rúben Amorim talks about the future of Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting Asked if he could be the best in the world, Howe added: “I feel that his potential is great.“I think he can really, if he can continue on the path he has been the last few seasons, continue to go and prove himself as one of the world’s best.”That would be, without putting pressure on him, my target if I was him. More

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      Former Barcelona boss, 66, who managed Messi keen on job in England after visiting three Premier League clubs

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      QUIQUE SETIEN is keen to join the Premier League’s Spanish invasion.Former Barcelona boss Setien, 66, made a whistle-stop tour of the Prem and Championship earlier this month with managers desperate for an audience.Former Barca boss Quique Setien visited three different Prem clubsItalian Enzo Maresca was so eager to host Setien at Chelsea that he prepared a video showing the coach which tactical tricks he had copied from him.Fellow Spaniard Julen Lopetegui opened the doors at West Ham while Thomas Frank reached out after learning Setien would be at two Brentford games.And the respect does not stop there.Any clubs interested in speaking to the Spaniard will be blown away by his references.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Diego Simeone, Xavi and Luis Enrique are just a few.Just over a year after leaving Villarreal, the former midfielder is ready for a new challenge. So, did his trip tempt him to try England?Setien said: “Obviously. I have been out for a year and in Spain I didn’t have the feeling.“We follow all the Premier League. In Spain you watch one or two teams on TV, in England we watch all of them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We came here last year for seven days but this week has been  a huge surprise. I fell in love with people, the passion. “The supporters are doing their best and the game wasn’t exciting.”Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou There are already five Spanish Prem bosses and, after the FA made Thomas Tuchel the new England chief having targeted Guardiola first, English football is wondering how other nations have mastered the development of coaches.Setien believes English coaching may be on a similar course as in Spain… but it will take time.He said: “The reference for the best, like Pep, is Johan Cruyff. He was the change of mentality.“He changed the point of view of the sport in Spain, he changed the way to understand football. “Something was different when Cruyff arrived, suddenly from that club several players go to the national team and it began the process.“It’s like in England, with Pep arriving. It changes the mentality but this is a process that takes years.“It means probably the next  generation of English coaches and the teaching and learning process for the English coaches has begun in the last years.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      France World Cup winner reveals shock plans to retire at 34 for career in real estate

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      FRANCE star Ousmane Dembele has already planned out his retirement despite being only 27 years old.Dembele has already experienced immense success at both club and especially international level, having won the 2018 World Cup with Les Bleus.Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele revealed he will retire at the age of 34Credit: GettyWorld Cup winner Dembele is planning to get in the real estate businessCredit: GettyThe forward also counts three LaLiga titles as well as two Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona, a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund and last season’s double with current club Paris Saint-Germain.And Dembele appears to only have about seven years left in his career to win even more honours.That is because the France international revealed he has decided to hang up his football boots at the age of 34.And then the ex-Rennes star is planning to get in the real estate business in France as well as several African nations.Read More on FootballDembele told The Bridge – a YouTube show, which is co-presented by Real Madrid ace and France team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni: “I want to retire at 34. “And then I want to get into the property business. Invest in Africa, in France…”Dembele has had a strong start at PSG this season as he already counts five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.Ever since his arrival in Paris from Barcelona last year, the versatile attacker counts a total of 11 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Frenchman has also registered a total of six goals and four assists in 53 caps with his national team.That includes four appearances in the World Cup six years ago, when France lifted the trophy.PSG return to action on Friday in Ligue 1 against Toulouse at Parc des Princes.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games More

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      Fans say ‘game’s not gone’ as hilarious video emerges of sad-looking Barcelona fan surrounded by rivals doing the Poznan

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      FOOTIE fans have joked maybe “the games not gone” after a hilarious video emerged from Real Sociedad’s shock 1-0 win over Barcelona.Live footage showed a deserted Barca fan stuck in the middle of Real Sociedad supporters doing the Poznan in the 33rd minute.Fans were overjoyed to see that the ‘games not gone’After one lonely but loyal Barcelona fan was hilariously caught in the middle of the PoznanSheraldo Becker’s first half match winning strike triggered utter euphoria in the stands at the Estadio Reale Arena.Eager fans were quick to whip out the Poznan – the famous celebration that involves the crowd standing with their backs to the pitch.Television cameras panned the thousands of home supporters linking shoulders side-by-side and jumping on the spot in unison. But one loyal Barcelona fan, who was caught in the middle of the link, refused to get involved.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSInstead, the young girl stood still, first staring on with a stern look on her face, before looking down to smile at her phone.And fans at home absolutely loved it, with one writing: “GAMES NOT GONE.”A second wrote: “This is hilarious. It’s like something out of a skit, especially the zooming out.”A third said: “Wow. What a perfect meme template.”Most read in FootballBarcelona suffered their second defeat of the seasonCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother replied: “Every fans worst nightmare. She took it like a champ.”While one more wrote: “This is football cinema.”Awkward Matt O’Riley moment has fans convinced ‘he thinks he’s still at Celtic’The Poznan has made its way to the Premier League as well.Manchester City supporters often form into the crazy dance when Pep Guardiola’s men are dominating teams.City fans adopted the Poznan after copying the celebration during a Europa League clash with Polish side Lech Poznan in 2010.Several sides in Eastern Europe claimed to have founded the celebration but reports suggest it was indeed Lech Poznan.Its first use is thought to have been as a protest against club management while supporting the team.Meanwhile, Barca, who missed Lamine Yamal through injury, suffered their second LaLiga loss of the season.Hansi Flick’s lead has been cut to six points with chasing Real Madrid enjoying a game in hand. Man City fans did the Poznan during their huge win over Real Madrid two years agoWho are these famous footballers? More