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      PSV star Xavi Simons reveals bizarre Barcelona training routine as he opens up on Catalans’ unique approach

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      XAVI SIMONS has opened up on the bizarre training methods utilised at Barcelona. The PSV star was a part of the Spanish giants legendary academy set up before he was poached by Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
      Xavi Simons has been in impressive form for PSV this seasonCredit: Getty
      However, he left the club on a free transfer earlier this year in order to pursue more playing time.
      And that decision is paying dividends with the 19-year-old scoring 10 goals in 19 games for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Dutch title challengers.
      And in a recent interview Simons opened up on his development in the Barcelona academy.
      He told ESPN NL: “Believe me, at Barça you don’t work in the gym, you only work with the ball.
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      “When I went to PSG, I found out that there they worked in the gym. I saw the differences directly.”
      Barcelona graduate’s such as recent Golden Boy winners Pedri and Gavi are renowned for their technical quality on the ball.
      It is seen as part of the DNA of the club to have players who are good with the ball at their feet, with many greats of the game seeing this dimension of their game come to the fore at the club.
      It comes in contrast to many clubs who instruct players to work on their physical condition in the gym on top of their ball skills.
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      Simons starred during PSV’s Europa League clash against Arsenal, with his dangerous attacking play causing The Gunners backline a plethora of problems.
      The 2-0 win for the Dutch side mean Arsenal must win their final group game against FC Zurich in order to ensure they avoid a horror draw against the drop outs from the Champions League group stages.
      Such a clash could include horror draws against the likes of Barcelona or Juventus, who ironically make up two of the three remaining “Super League” rebels. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal transfer boost as Xavi makes shock U-turn over Ruben Neves as Wolves man ‘can’t replace Busquets’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Wolves star Ruben Neves as Barcelona are no longer interested, according to reports.A number of top clubs have been keen to recruit the 25-year-old with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
      Wolves and Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves may not be heading to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona were one of them but they have had second thoughts and may now turn to other targets.
      Neves was reportedly on the Catalan giants’ shortlist for the January transfer window and were considering an initial loan bid with an obligation to buy for £43million.
      He was seen as part of the strategy to replace long-serving veteran Sergio Busquets in central midfield.
      But Barca boss Xavi is concerned he will not suit his side’s tactical setup, claim Spanish outlet Sport.
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      Xavi fears he does not have the right attributes to be a direct replacement for Busquets in the holding midfield role and will instead move for other players.
      This comes as a huge blow for Neves himself who recently flirted with a move to the Nou Camp saying it would be a “privilege” to play for “one of the world’s best clubs.”
      Man Utd are thought to be big admirers of the ex-Porto ace and they may make a bid for him.
      Erik ten Hag’s side were linked with Neves over the summer along with many other midfielders, including Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
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      Barca pulling out is also good news for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta is expected to bolster his options after attempting to sign an additional midfielder in the summer but with no luck.
      Busquets, 34, is set to join Inter Miami at the end of this season when his deal runs out.
      Barca reportedly prefer Ajax star Edson Alvarez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to Neves.
      But their ability to make signings could be affected by their failure to get out the group stages of the Champions League amid a challenging financial situation. More

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      Ansu Fati ‘considering quitting Barcelona in shock transfer exit with 19-year-old upset over lack of playing time’

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      ANSU FATI will quit Barcelona if he doesn’t get more playing time, according to reports.The teenage wonderkid burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old, but has suffered numerous injury issues since his initial breakthrough.
      Ansu Fati is frustrated with his game time under XaviCredit: Getty
      Now 19, Fati has managed to stay fit so far this season, but has been handed just two LaLiga starts by boss Xavi.
      The 42-year-old has numerous options on the flanks, including the likes of Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Memphis Depay
      According to Spanish broadcaster Radioestadio Noche, Fati’s agent Jorge Mendes has threatened to take his client elsewhere if he doesn’t receive more game time.
      They add that Barca chiefs have been “warned” about the situation.
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      Fati last extended his Barcelona contract one year ago, nearly to the day.
      He is contracted to the Catalan giants until 2027, with Barca even possessing the option to extend his stay until 2029.
      Despite the club’s position of strength, Fati’s representatives could still look to unsettle the situation.
      While starts have been rare, the winger has at least been used from the bench in every game in all competitions so far this season.
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      He has scored three goals and registered a further three assists so far this term.
      In total the wonderkid has played 73 times for Barca; scoring 22 goals and setting up a further nine.
      Prior to Fati penning his new contract last year, Manchester United were one of the clubs thought to be tracking him.
      Last summer, he admitted that he hopes Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona… despite taking the Argentine’s iconic No10 shirt. More

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      ‘If you hurt people, you must pay’ – Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr calls for racist fans to be banned for life from stadiums

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      VINICIUS JR has called on football fans found guilty of racial abuse to be banned for life from stadiums.Vile Atletico Madrid supporters aimed racist chants at the 22-year-old Brazilian before and during last month’s derby with Real.
      Vinicius Jr has called for lifetime bans for fans who racially abuse playersCredit: Alamy
      Hundreds of vile Atletico fans were seen chanting in Spanish “You are a monkey, Vinicius you are a monkey” outside the Civitas Metropolitano stadium.
      Similar chants could be heard inside the ground when the match got underway.
      The Prosecutor’s Office of Madrid have subsequently opened an investigation into the matter.
      And Real superstar Vinicius is asking for strict punishments for those found to have perpetrated the sickening abuse.
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      Speaking to Brazilian TV network Globo, he said: “If you hurt other people, you must pay.
      “It’s hard to say that [racism in football] will end with so many people still doing it. But I like to believe that there are more good people than bad.
      “All the racist people must pay in some way, if they like to watch soccer, so those Atletico Madrid fans should never be allowed to step foot in a stadium again.
      “That will make them suffer the consequences and reflect about their actions.”
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      The racist abuse from Atletico supporters came just days after Pedro Bravo, president of the Spanish agents’ association, told Vinicius to “stop playing the monkey” on TV in response to the player’s goal celebration.
      Real labelled Bravo’s comments “regrettable and unfortunate comments”, before he later retracted the remark but insisted the intent was in relation to the Brazilian “doing stupid things”.
      Many football players came out in support of Vinicius following the incident, including his Brazil team-mates Neymar and Bruno Guimaraes. More

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      Watch Antoine Griezmann score directly from CORNER as his double helps Atletico Madrid beat Real Betis

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      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN proved he’s still got a touch of the sublime in his armoury.That’s by scoring a goal directly from a CORNER.
      Antoine Griezmann scored directly from a corner in Atletico’s 2-1 win at BetisCredit: https://twitter.com/PremierSportsTV/status/1584206429388296197
      Antoine Griezmann’s corner finds its way into the back of the net! 😱Minutes after Betis have a goal disallowed, Atleti hit the front 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/J7YKhf6Jvl— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) October 23, 2022

      Griezmann, 31, netted both of Atletico Madrid’s goals in yesterday’s 2-1 win at Real Betis.
      But it was his first strike that left supporters stunned.
      With neither side yet to find a breakthrough after 54 minutes, Griezmann stood over a corner for Atleti.
      Diego Simeone’s gigantic stars lined up in the box ready to get their heads on the end of Griezmann’s whipped cross.
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      However, the French World Cup winner took matters into his own hands by firing his corner straight into the back of Betis’ net.
      The incredible goal came just moments after the hosts were denied an opener themselves.
      And fans hailed Griezmann as he continued his marvellous comeback with a second goal 15 minutes later.
      One said: “You can tell he’s happy to leave Barcelona.”
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      Another declared: “He’s ballin’ right now.”
      One added: “What an incredible finish.”
      Griezmann looks to be loving life again after finally making his Atletico return from Barcelona permanent for £21million.
      He has scored five times this season – two more than he managed in the whole of the last campaign.
      And boss Simeone is confident Griezmann will only continue getting better.
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      He said: “I am very happy for Griezmann as he wants to be here at Atletico.
      “We’re seeing the Griezmann who left. Or maybe from the six months before he left, as his last six months were not good.” More

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      Fans all saying the same thing as Xavi shows off sublime first touch on Barcelona sideline while wearing white trainers

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      FOOTY fans were left blown away after Xavi Hernandez showed off his sublime first touch on the sideline.The former Barcelona midfielder, 42, is now manager after returning to the Nou Camp last year.
      The ball looped high into the airCredit: Twitter @PremierSportsTV
      Hurtling from the skies, Xavi saw an opportunity to dust off his skillsCredit: Twitter @PremierSportsTV
      The former midfield maestro controlled it beautifullyCredit: Twitter @PremierSportsTV

      On the domestic front, things are going well for Xavi after a mega summer of spending, with Barca well in the title hunt.
      They are just three points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid after cruising to a 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao last night.
      However, supporters were more impressed by Xavi’s skills as he watched the game from the sides.
      A wayward kick from Bilbao’s goalie saw the ball spin wildly into the air.
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      It then dropped from a great height straight towards Xavi.
      But the former playmaker had no fear about extending his leg and controlling the ball delicately in one swift movement, prompting raucous cheers from the crowd.
      Fans at home were left blown away by Xavi’s touch too, with the veteran proving he could likely still hack it on the field.
      And some couldn’t believe he did it all while wearing an immaculately-clean pair of white trainers.
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      One supporter gushed: “This touch from Xavi though.”
      Another beamed: “Class is forever.”
      One declared: “So good. Every kid that plays should watch this.”
      Another yelled: “Man hasn’t played in years and is wearing some designed shoes. Still has a better touch than half his team.”
      One laughed: “Maesto’s still got it.”
      Another added: “That was super cool.”
      Xavi is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever, having scored 85 goals in 767 games for Barcelona.
      He won eight titles and four Champions Leagues at the Nou Camp.
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      And after leaving in 2015, Xavi spent a further four years playing for Al Sadd before becoming the Qatari side’s manager.
      Xavi also won 133 caps for Spain, winning two Euros and a World Cup in the process.
      Xavi showed he’s still got itCredit: Getty More

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      Watch Federico Valverde scores stunning long-range strike leaving fans stunned during Real Madrid win over Sevilla

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde scored an incredible long-range goal in his side’s win over Sevilla.The Uruguayan midfielder was outside the box on the right-hand side when he received the ball from Marco Asensio, took one touch and fired into the top corner from distance.

      Federico Valverde scored a stunner in the win over SevillaCredit: AFP
      Lucas Vazquez was wowed by Federico Valverde’s goalCredit: AFP
      Valverde’s right footed strike left Sevilla goalkeeper Bono rooted to the spot as he scored the last goal of the game making it 3-1 to the LaLiga holders.
      The win extended Real Madrid’s lead at the top of the table to six points but second place Barcelona have a game in hand.
      Carlo Ancelotti’s side are undefeated this season and it’s not the first time they have been helped by a Valverde screamer.
      The 24-year-old is in fine form scoring seven goals this campaign and he has netted a number of powerful long shots.
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      He scored from outside the box in the El Clasico against rivals Barca and a thunderbolt with his weaker foot versus Elche.
      The effort yesterday against Sevilla has been dubbed a goal of the season contender by fans but Valverde’s latest strike may only be competing with another by him.
      He scored fantastically when Real Mallorca took the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu – Valverde dribbled from his own half before curling in from the just outside the penalty area.
      Supporters could not believe that he is continuing to add to his catalogue of special goals – one fan in the stands had his hands on his head in shock.
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      Teammates David Alaba laughed in the celebrations meanwhile Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez reacted like they couldn’t believe what they had just seen – again.
      Fans responded online: “Fede Valverde what a season he’s having.”
      Another said: “He’s got to be one of the best players in the world right now, fantastic.”
      More commented: “Valverde shots giving me Roberto Carlos vibes.” More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea to revive transfer fight for Frenkie de Jong as in-demand Barcelona star ‘to consider January move’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are both set to revive their interest in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.Both clubs chased the 25-year-old throughout the summer transfer window and are ready to try again when it reopens in January.
      Frenkie de Jong is wanted by three Premier League teamsCredit: Getty
      ESPN report that Liverpool are also keeping tabs on De Jong and the three clubs could be set for a battle if the player decides he wants to leave Barca.
      Chelsea have supposedly received a boost that he could be willing to reconsider his future at the Nou Camp.
      And the Blues reportedly have a good relationship with the central midfielder’s agency HCM Sports Management.
      The Catalan giants appear happy to sell him but De Jong chose to stay this season and even took a wage cut over the summer.
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      However he is growing frustrated at the club ‘pressuring’ him to leave and at his lack of minutes in the big matches this season.
      De Jong has not played in crucial Champions League ties against Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.
      Liverpool have reportedly held discussions with his representatives as they are in the market for a central midfielder.
      But Man Utd would be willing to challenge them for his signature and De Jong has a bond with Erik ten Hag having worked with him in their Ajax days.
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      It has been claimed that the Red Devils boss has even approached the club’s board in recent weeks asking them to make new efforts to sign him.
      United pursued him relentlessly before the start of the season proving how keen they are – even managing to agree a £72million fee with Barcelona and sending chiefs to Spain to try to get him to join.
      The LaLiga side could be preparing for his eventual exit as they eye Wolves’ Ruben Neves.
      The Portuguese midfielder flirted with a move to the LaLiga side a matter of days ago saying it would be a “privilege” to play for “one of the world’s best clubs.” More