La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Barcelona ace claims reason they didn’t win more titles and famously lost to Liverpool was because they were ‘BORED’

      by

      IVAN RAKITIC has claimed that his Barcelona side were beaten by Liverpool in 2019 because they were “BORED”.The LaLiga giants were dumped out of the Champions League by the Premier League outfit after an unforgettable 4-0 defeat at Anfield.Liverpool mounted a spectacular comeback to beat Barcelona in 2019Credit: Times Newspapers LtdIvan Rakitic has claimed the result came about because they were ‘bored’Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool mounted a miraculous comeback to win the tie, having been 3-0 down after the first leg in Spain.Divock Origi scored the first before Georginio Wijnaldum’s brace levelled the tie.Origi then netted the iconic winner after latching on to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner.Rakitic, 36, has now insisted that the defeat for Barcelona was as a result of the team being “bored.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “With all due respect and affection to all the teams, Barcelona did not win more because of boredom and thinking about things other than football.”I have heard many of your teammates say that they have never seen anything like this.”We screwed up against Roma and Liverpool, but I am convinced that we were affected by that boredom, by feeling too superior.”If you don’t give your all, you don’t win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If we had maintained our hunger, we would have won one or two more Champions Leagues.”Rakitic enjoyed a lot of success in Barcelona during his six-year spell at the club.The 25 top-rated footballers in EA FC25The Croatian midfielder won four LaLiga titles, four Copa de Rey’s and a Champions League in 2015.The result in 2019 saw Jurgen Klopp’s side book their spot in the Champions League final.Liverpool went on to win the match against fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop Memphis Depay joins Corinthians after Atletico exit as Ronald Koeman gives update on international future

      by

      FORMER Manchester United star Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian side Corinthians.The Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of last season.Memphis Depay has joined Brazilian giants CorinthiansCredit: Instagram @corinthiansHe played in every game for Holland at the EurosRonald Koeman says Depay still has an international futureCredit: RexDepay, 30, has penned a deal at Corinthians until December 2026.The ex-Barcelona, Lyon and PSV striker featured in all six of Holland’s matches at Euro 2024 – but he was not selected for the current international window.Manager Ronald Koeman also axed Steven Bergwijn from the squad because he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad from Ajax for £17.7million.But he has promised to not do the same to Depay, explaining: “I disapproved of Steven Bergwijn’s move to Saudi, with Memphis it can be different.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”The level of the league in Brazil is different, so yes, he can still be part of the national team – but it depends on his fitness and if he reaches his level.”Koeman explained Depay’s current absence from the squad, saying: “It’s primarily because he doesn’t have a club. That means you don’t play football and you can’t be with the national team.”On former Tottenham star Bergwijn, Koeman said last week: “The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this.”When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I have never been in that situation because I could go to Barcelona.”He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hat”You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t have moved.” More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Stockport County coach’s dream move to Real Madrid COLLAPSES at last minute in blow to Carlo Ancelotti

      by

      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid has fallen apart.Mangan, 38, was scouted by Real and seemed set to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu after sparking up a close relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide.Stockport assistant boss Andy Mangan’s dream move to Real Madrid is offCredit: RexReal Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wanted Mangan to ‘refresh’ his coaching staffCredit: GettyCarlo’s son, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Los Blancos, undertook a coaching course with the Stockport tactician.SunSport exclusively revealed that Mangan was in talks with the reigning European champions.According to the Sunday Times, however, the sensational move is now “off”.That is because Mangan was denied a work permit in Spain.Read More on FootballThat is a major blow to Carlo as he wanted him to “refresh” his coaching staff.The Ancelottis are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the EFL.It is also reported that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Since joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top spots of the League One table.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has built a reputation as an “attacking specialist” and that is what attracted Real’s attention.Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues as a player.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawFollowing his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, he was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘one of three clubs who made shock transfer swoop for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero this summer’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were one of THREE clubs who moved for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this summer, according to reports.The Red Devils, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all asked about the World Cup winner’s availability in the most-recent window.Cristian Romero was targeted by United, PSG and Real MadridAccording to sources close to Romero’s camp, United, Madrid and PSG all showed interest in luring him away from Spurs.Romero has developed into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, forming an impressive partnership under Micky van de Ven in North London.United approached Tottenham for Romero as early as June, according to Argentine news outlet TYC Sports.But boss Ange Postecoglou refused to part ways with his vice-captain.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTottenham informed the three clubs that he was not for sale, refusing to enter into any negotiations or even put a price on the 26-year-old.And TYC claim interest is likely to be re-ignited next summer, when Romero will have two years left on his contract.Erik ten Hag prioritised strengthening his back-line following Raphael Varane’s exit and United’s defensive injury crisis last season.No defender has scored more Premier League goals than Romero since the start of 2023-24.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 26-year-old’s header in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Everton was his sixth goal since last September.Romero was chosen ahead of United defender Lisandro Martinez in every game of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022, including playing all 120 minutes in the final.Piers Morgan slams ‘complete idiot’ Erik ten Hag in astonishing rant against Man Utd boss about Cristiano RonaldoMartinez and Romero are now the first choice parting for Argentina, and helped their nation win the Copa America against Colombia in July.Meanwhile, United added Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to their squad this summer.The Red Devils were preparing a move for Romero in 2021 after he was named the best defender in the Serie A while on loan at Atalanta.But, that summer, they instead signed Varane from Real Madrid, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.None of those three players are still at Old Trafford.Romero joined Tottenham on loan with the move made permanent the following year for £42m during that same window. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League and Brazil star breaks down uncontrollably in tears as he announces retirement aged 36

      by

      FORMER Premier League star Paulinho broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from football.The Brazilian starred for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 and played over 50 times for his national side.Paulinho has announced his retirement from footballCredit: Getty – ContributorHe was emotional in his announcement videoCredit: Instagram @paulinhop8He left Spurs in 2015 to join Chinese side Guangzhou FCCredit: AFPHe landed a shock move to Barcelona in 2017Credit: REUTERSPaulinho, 36, has now hung up his boots for the last time with an emotional video on social media.He captioned the post: “Thank you football.”Speaking in the video, in which he struggles to talk, he said: “I was privileged to have been a multi-champion and to have won important things, as well as playing in two World Cups and playing for Barcelona.”I left a great legacy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”In my last game with Corinthians, with 45,000 Corinthians fans, I felt it would be my last game.”There would be no better way to say goodbye.”The midfielder has been swamped with tributes from fans and his former team-mates.One shared: “Congrats bro, an example of a player without a doubt!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Thanks for everything brother! You’re a monster. Football. Thank you.”A third commented: “Congratulations on the beautiful career, your career is written and will never be erased.”Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyPaulinho’s career by numbersHere is a look at Paulinho’s career statistics…Club career:Pao de Acucar, 2006-2010Games: 39Goals: 7Assists: 0Vilnius (Loan), 2006-2007Games: 38Goals: 5Assists: 0LKS Lodz (Loan), 2007-2008Games: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Bragantino (Loan), 2009-2010Games: 46Goals: 14Assists: 0Corinthians, 2010-2013 and 2022-2024Games: 212Goals: 40Assists: 17Tottenham, 2013-2015Games: 67Goals: 10Assists: 7Guangzhou FC, 2015-2017 and 2018-2021Games: 176Goals: 75Assists: 29Barcelona, 2017-2018Games: 49Goals: 9Assists: 3Al-Ahli, 2021Games: 4Goals: 2Assists: 0International career:Brazil, 2011-2018Games: 56Goals: 13Assists: 9He scored 13 goals for Brazil during his careerCredit: ReutersA fourth said: “Congratulations on a wonderful career! Let’s fly even higher, you deserve it!”Another added: “His legacy is immense.”Paulinho joined Tottenham as part of the club’s attempts to replace Gareth Bale after the Welshman joined Real Madrid.The Brazilian failed to show his best form in North London and left the club for the Chinese side Guangzhou FC after two seasons.However, in 2017, he made a shock return to European football as he signed for Barcelona in a £33million deal.During his time in Spain, he won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey in 2018.He then returned to Guangzhou on an initial loan deal, which was then made permanent for £35m in 2019.He left the club yet again in 2021 after he was released from his contract due to the Covid-19 pandemic.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, he returned to Brazilian side Corinthians, where he made his name, in 2022.But after two years with the club, he has called time on his career.Who are these famous footballers? More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd beat off Real Madrid’s attempted transfer hijack of £52m defender Leny Yoro only for defender to get injured

      by

      THE decision maker for Leny Yoro’s move to Manchester United over Real Madrid has been revealed.Yoro, 18, signed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months with United for £52m.The decision maker in Leny Yoro’s transfer to Man Utd over Real Madrid has been revealedCredit: RexThe 18-year-old is currently out injured after fracturing his metatarsalCredit: https://x.com/leny_yoroAfter winning the Champions League, Real Madrid sought a new central defender due to long-time player Nacho leaving the club at the end of his contract. The reigning LaLiga and European champions offered Leny Yoro a salary of £2.5 million per season. However, United presented a significantly more lucrative deal, offering Yoro triple that offer for £8.1 million per year, as reported by Marca.Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag was eager to integrate the promising talent into his squad.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Yoro made his friendly debut against Rangers after just a few days of pre-season training.He then travelled to America with the team for more friendly matches but suffered a serious injury during a game against Arsenal.This injury required metatarsal surgery sidelining him for an expected three months.He will not be rushed back after United secured the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined fee of £60m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite discovering Yoro’s potential metatarsal issues, club executives chose to push ahead with the move.It was seen as a rare opportunity to capture one of Europe’s highly-regarded young stars.Man Utd’s completed summer transfer dealsBut Real Madrid later clarified that they were not willing to invest in players not necessarily needed in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, especially after enhancing their squad with the signing of superstar Kylian Mbappe. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland set for record-breaking new Man City contract but special clause is good news for Real Madrid

      by

      ERLING HAALAND is poised to sign a new Manchester City contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, according to reports.The Norwegian striker, 24, has been sensational since arriving at the Etihad in 2022, scoring 97 goals in 102 games.Erling Haaland is set to pen a deal to make him the highest-paid Premier League playerCredit: AlamyBefore the international break he bagged back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham to take his tally for the new season to SEVEN in just three matches.According to Marca, he is soon expected to put pen to paper on a new deal – with his existing contract expiring in 2027.And the fresh terms are set to make him the biggest earner in the Premier League.He currently rakes in £375,000 per week, placing him second on the wages list behind team-mate Kevin de Bruyne – who earns £400,000 per week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Real Madrid, who plan to go after Haaland in the future, will be boosted by the make-up of his new Man City contract.That is because it will reportedly include a release clause, although the fee is unknown.Man City triggered Haaland’s £51million release clause when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund two years ago.Real Madrid have no immediate plans to pursue Haaland following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHaaland’s new contract is set to take him above De BruyneHaaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta spoke about Real Madrid in 2023, saying: “There’s the Premier League and then there’s also Madrid.”They have something of their own that is also the dream for the players.Fans ask ‘how can you not love him?’ after Haaland’s blunt eight-word response to reporter’s fantasy football question”Madrid keeps this magic going. They don’t have the weekly competitions, but they have the Champions League.”Erling Haaland’s career in numbersAge: 24Club games: 302Club goals: 252International games: 34International goals: 31Trophies: Austrian Bundesliga, Austrian Cup, German Cup, Premier League x2, FA Cup, Champions League, Uefa Super CupIndividual honours: European Golden Shoe, Bundesliga Player of the Season, Bundesliga Team of the Season x2, Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Team of the Year x2, Premier League Golden Boot x2, Champions League top scorer x2, Uefa Men’s Player of the Year x2 More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      League One coach set to leave for REAL MADRID after being recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s son

      by

      STOCKPORT assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real Madrid, according to reports.Mangan, 38, has been chosen to join the Spanish giants after sparking up a close relationship with boss Carlo Ancelotti’s son.Stockport County assistant coach Andy Mangan is set to join Real MadridMangan (left) was recommended by Carlo Ancelotti’s sonDavide Ancelotti, who is an assistant manager behind his dad at Madrid, undertook a coaching course with Mangan.And now the League One coach will swap the gloomy north of England for sunny Spain.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Mangan was in talks with the European champions.Now, according to The Athletic, he is waiting for his work permit, although no date has been set for his exit.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, should everything go according to plan, the 38-year-old will leave Edgeley Park for the Santiago Bernabeu.Mangan’s arrival is, at Ancelotti’s request, part of Madrid’s broader effort to refresh their coaching set-up after the Los Blancos won their 15th European title this summer. The Ancelotti’s are understood to have been looking for an English coach with experience in the English Football League.It is also understood that Davide plans to take Mangan with him when he embarks on his own managerial career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Stockport in July, Mangan has been credited with playing a key role in their rise to the top of the League One table.Mangan moved into coaching in 2018 and held roles alongside pal Joey Barton at Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers before his time with Stockport.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!Prior to his foray into coaching, Mangan had a lengthy career in the lower leagues – dotting around a number of clubs.The Englishman retired in 2019 after 15-years playing as a centre-forward for the likes of Accrington, Wrexham, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere.Following his two-year spell as assistant manager with Bristol Rovers, Mangan was even given a chance to take over as caretaker boss.Barton was sacked in October 2023, giving Mangan the job on a temporary basis until the club appointed Matt Taylor. More