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      Barcelona vs Espanyol: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for La Liga clash

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      BARCELONA play host to Espanyol this Saturday in another La Liga derby.The home side currently sit ninth in the league table, with their opposition two places behind in 11th.
      This weekend’s derby will be Xavi’s first game in charge of BarcelonaCredit: FC Barcelona
      Both sides are level on points, with Xavi’s new team having a game in hand.
      The last time the two sides met was back in July 2020, where Barcelona came out on top in a 1-0 victory which saw both teams go down to 10-men.
      When is Barcelona vs Espanyol?

      Barcelona vs Espanyol takes place this Saturday, November 20.
      Kick off is 8pm GMT.
      Camp Nou plays host.

      What TV channel and live stream is Barcelona vs Espanyol on?

      The game will be streamed live on Premier Sports 2.
      It will also be available to watch on LaLiga TV.

      What is the Barcelona vs Espanyol team news?

      Sergi Roberto, Pedri, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia and Nico Gonzalez all returned to full training this week and could be available for selection on Saturday.
      Dani Alves, who returned to Barcelona this week, will also be available.
      Raul de Tomas is expected to start for Espanyol following a run of good form.
      Aleix Vidal is also expected to start against his former club. More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea target Jules Kounde posts cryptic tweet hinting he’s ready for Sevilla transfer exit in January

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      SEVILLA defender Jules Kounde has posted a cryptic tweet hinting he’s ready to leave as Manchester United and Chelsea circle.The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but the LaLiga outfit blocked his move after rejecting the £42.8million offer.
      Jules Kounde could be on the move in 2022 with Manchester United and Chelsea keen on the Sevilla aceCredit: Getty
      The Spanish side were only prepared to part ways with the French centre-back should a potential suitor cough up his £69million release clause.
      Manchester United are the latest club to enter the race to secure his services, with it claimed they are keen to pair him up with Raphael Varance.
      And Kounde has left fans begging for him to join their club after he tweeted out a song lyric from Warren G’s 2015 track Keep On Hustlin’.
      He said: “Can’t stop gotta claim what’s mine.”
      Commenting on his post, one user messaged: “He’s still a target for Chelsea. Still very possible it happens in January.”
      Another remarked: “You’re talking about the Chelsea shirt huh?”

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      A third added: “Claim that spot beside Varane in the Utd team?”
      Meanwhile this Blues supporter stated: “Yes you have, that’s a spot in our defence Jules lad.”
      And this United fan tweeted: “Join Man Utd pal we have your French mate and Champions League winner Varane.”
      Sevilla president Jose Castro Carmona recently confirmed the club will allow Kounde to depart if their asking price is met.
      He told Cope: “Jules Kounde deal? We’re not going to change our position.
      “If the proposal we receive is out of market, we will sell our players to sign new ones.”
      Chelsea legend Frank Lampard sees Leicester as preferred destination if Brendan Rodgers takes Man Utd job More

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      Neymar is ‘technically better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’ says Brazil legend Cafu

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      CAFU has joined the debate over who is the world’s best footballer and says it’s not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo… it’s Neymar.But the 29-year-old must finally became a ‘leader’ to realise his true potential, the Brazil legend told Marca.
      Cafu captained Brazil to their 2002 World Cup winCredit: Getty
      Fans have argued for years over who is better out of Messi and Ronaldo and should be regarded the GOAT – the Greatest Of All Time.
      So when Brazil’s record 142-cap appearance maker – whose sprawling list of honours includes a couple of World Cups, two Copa America titles and a Champions League success – offers his opinion, it is well worth noting.
      Retired Roma and AC Milan right-back Cafu, 51, said: “Neymar is technically better than Messi, better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he must assume the responsibility of a leader.
      “One must dedicate themselves 100 percent to football.
      “I’m not better than Neymar, but I am better than other right-backs because I dedicated myself to that. He [Neymar] has to become a captain.”
      He seems to have a point. While the footballing ability of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi and five-time winner Ronaldo has never been in doubt, both have also established themselves as two of the game’s great leaders.

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      Paris Saint-Germain star Messi, 34, often appeared to single-handily drag Barcelona over the line on route to winning a club-record 35 trophies, and skippered Argentina to a Copa America win over Neymar’s Brazil in the summer.
      Manchester United legend Ronaldo, 36, has similarly spear-headed the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Juventus to 27 major club honours, and captained Portugal to their historic Euro 2016 win.
      PSG’s Neymar’s 18 club titles record is not too shabby either but he only has that Copa America runners-up medal at international level.
      And his eight-month spell as Brazil captain ended in 2019, so maybe Cafu has identified the dimension which could see him join the pantheon of greats. More

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      ‘He knows how everything works’ – Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta speaks out after old pal Xavi takes over at Nou Camp

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      ANDRES Iniesta says former team-mate Xavi has everything needed to handle the pressure of becoming Barcelona’s latest manager. The tiki-taka legends established themselves as one of the greatest midfield pairings of all time in heart of all-conquering Barca and Spain sides, and they remains close friends.
      Xavi and Iniesta were a sensational midfield pairing for Barcelona and SpainCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Iniesta, 37, still plays for Japanese side Vissel Kobe but Xavi, 41, hung up his boots in 2019 to start his managerial career and was appointed Barca boss last week.
      The Nou Camp’s top job has become something of a poisoned chalice in recent seasons with the LaLiga giants sacking four bosses in the last two years.
      But Iniesta has told Mati de Catalunya Radio his old pal has clear advantages over his recent predecessors at the club.
      He said: “Xavi has a conciliatory part but also a strong personality that knows how to handle [the pressure].
      “He has been captain of Barca, and of the national team.
      “He has lived through all kinds of situations and knows how everything works.
      “I don’t think he has any problem.”

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      Xavi left his successful role as Al-Sadd boss to return to Barca as the replacement for Ronald Koeman, who was sacked after 14 months in charge.
      He returns with his old side tackling financial difficulties off the pitch and poor performances on it which have left them ninth in the LaLiga table after 12 games.
      But the Catalans have been boosted by the return of Brazilian right-back Danny Alves, 38, who is former team-mate Xavi’s first signing as Barca boss.
      Alves, who was a free agent after leaving Sao Paulo in September, made his name alongside Xavi, Iniesta, and now Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi, in a famous Barca side which enjoyed incredible success under Pep Guardiola. More

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      Brazil icon Ronaldo ‘had buses full of ladies turn up to his parties’ during amazing Real Madrid career

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      RONALDO NAZARIO would have “buses of girls” arrive at his parties back in his Real Madrid heyday, former teammate Ivan Helguera revealed.As one of his era’s most famous players, for his antics on and off the pitch, the Brazilian was known for enjoying the lavish lifestyle that came with playing for Los Blancos.
      Ronaldo played with a number of fellow jetsetters including David BeckhamCredit: Rex Features
      This party snap with alleged drug trafficker Amon Lemos landed him in hot water in 2005Credit: EPA
      Many have debated whether Ronaldo ended up squandering some of his talent as fitness issues dogged the latter stages of his career, but he has previously insisted he does not regret how he handled the money and fame that came his way.
      Forming a duo with Roberto Carlos, Helguera has detailed how notorious Ronaldo was inside Real’s Galactico team.
      The Spaniard told an Instagram Live interview with Spanish journalist Mister Chip: “Beckham, Zidane and Figo were great professionals.
      “Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, on the other hand, liked to go out a little more. But they certainly didn’t do it every night.
      “It happened if we played on a Saturday and, if we won, we all went out to celebrate. But it is absolutely not true that we went out on Friday or Saturday before important games.
      “I remember a birthday party at Ronaldo’s house, which he later sold to Sergio Ramos, where buses full of girls began to arrive. I was with my wife and we decided to leave, as did Figo.”
      I was the president of the parties! I miss it so much!”Ronaldo Nazario
      Helguera added Ronaldo, had: “Another party when we won LaLiga. It was also massive. I stayed late for that one.
      “Ronaldo was like that.”
      Last year, the ex-striker joked that he now misses his partying days having settled down with his girlfriend.
      He told Off The Ball: “I was also the president of the parties! I organised most of the parties.
      “My girlfriend now is very happy that I have also retired from the parties – and I miss it so much!”
      Joining Madrid from Inter in 2002, the forward won just the one LaLiga title as the Galacticos squad failed to live up to their potential.
      And weight issues were a particular problem for Ronaldo after injuries dogged his playing opportunities.
      As mentioned by Helguera, fellow Brazilian star Roberto Carlos also became infamous for his partying habits.
      Ronaldo made plenty of headlines with his lifestyle in MadridCredit: Rex Features
      Ex-defender Helguera admits he sometimes stuck around for the “massive” eventsCredit: Reuters

      The former full-back said in 2019 that “training sessions on Monday and sometimes Tuesdays were at five in the afternoon” because “almost nobody would go at 11 in the morning”.
      When asked about the comments, Helguera said: “The Brazilians were different. One of the good things Del Bosque did was he knew how to manage the squad very well.
      “Some people liked to go out more than others, but to the point of changing our training sessions to the afternoon, I can assure you it wasn’t like that. We trained at 11am every day.”
      Watch ‘most expensive transfer of all time’ Ronaldo’s top 3 free kicks for Inter Milan More

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      Dani Alves, 38, ‘will hold talks with Barcelona over sensational transfer return’ five years after leaving club

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      DANI ALVES is set to make good on his promise to lend a hand at former club Barcelona.The 38-year-old is reportedly in talks for a stunning return to the Nou Camp five years after he left the club.
      Right-back Dani Alves spent eight years at BarcelonaCredit: AFP – Getty
      The LaLiga giants are in financial turmoil as they struggle to cope with a mountain of debt.
      And they recently sacked manager Ronald Koeman after a woeful start to the season.
      Club legend Xavi has been brought in to steady the ship and is said to be keen on welcoming former team-mate Alves back into the fold.
      The Brazilian enjoyed eight successful years in Catalonia before heading to Juventus in 2016.
      He left Italy for Paris Saint-Germain a year later, then headed back to Brazil with Sao Paulo in 2019.
      But things turned sour this year as the right-back saw his contract ripped up after a dispute over unpaid image rights.

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      Alves is now a free agent and last month said he was ready to help out at Barca if they came calling.
      He said: “The affection, love and respect I have for this club is too much. If Barca think they need me, they just have to call me.”
      The offer appears to have been heard as club president Joan Laporta revealed contact with the player.
      He said: “Dani is helping our club in many ways, he has also offered his help on the pitch.”
      AS claim talks are being held over his return.
      Barca have a crop of promising young players who would benefit from an experienced head such as Alves coming in.
      He would also provide cover at right-back for youngster Sergino Dest and the injured Sergi Roberto.

      Xavi takes Barcelona training for first time More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘convinced’ Barcelona can lure Raheem Sterling from Man City amid transfer interest

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted he could lose top players to Barcelona amid their interest in Raheem Sterling.The Catalan giants have been long-time admirers of Sterling and rumoured to be lining up a transfer offer.
      Raheem Sterling could be lured by Barcelona, his manager Pep Guardiola admittedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Pep Guardiola conceded the lure of Barcelona is still there for playersCredit: AFP
      Barcelona have just appointed Xavi to be their new head coach and want new faces to help rebuild after a miserable start to the campaign.
      Sterling, 26, would be an ideal option to fit into the club’s 4-3-3 system.
      And City boss Guardiola admitted: “If Barcelona are interested in any of our players, I am convinced that they can get them.
      “Barca continues to be an attractive club, more than attractive. The city, the club, the history and this for the trainers, for the players always seduces a lot.
      “If Barcelona interests one of our players, they will set up the machinery into operation, it is a liner.
      “Barca can use their media to influence signings. That’s the thing about Barcelona; they can do what they want, good or bad.”
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      Sterling isn’t a first-team regular under Guardiola and has scored twice this season in 15 appearances.
      He recently admitted he would be open to leaving the Etihad in a bid for more playing time.
      Sterling told Financial Times: “If there was the opportunity to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it at this moment in time.
      “As I said, football is the most important thing to me — challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.
      “As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I’ve always thought you know maybe one day I’d love to play abroad to see how I would come up against that challenge.”
      Catalan outfit El Nacional yesterday claimed there could be a player swap deal for Sterling and Barcelona star Frankie de Jong.
      Guardiola is said to be an admirer of De Jong, who hasn’t had the influence in Barcelona’s midfield that they hoped for since his move from Ajax.
      De Jong is valued at £60m Euros by the Catalans while Man City have a £43m price tag on Sterling.
      That would mean Sterling plus £17m would be the price Pep has to pay if he wants to bring 24-year-old De Jong to Manchester.
      De Jong joined Barcelona in a £65m deal from Ajax in 2019 and came with high expectations.
      Guardiola reacts to Man City’s huge step towards knockout stages after 4-1 win against Brugge More

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      Xavi ‘immediately SACKS two Barcelona coaches in bid to improve fitness as new manager begins staff overhaul’

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      XAVI has made an instant mark at Barcelona by reportedly sacking two club physios.The club legend, 41, took charge at the Nou Camp on Monday and has wasted no time in making changes.
      Xavi was unveiled by Barcelona on Monday and has made an immediate impactCredit: Rex
      Ansu Fati was the latest player to limp off in the 3-3 draw at Celta VigoCredit: AP
      Barcelona have a growing number of injuries and reports say players weren’t happy with the pre-season preparations.
      And, according to AS, Xavi has told physio Juanjo Brau and physical trainer Albert Roca their services are no longer needed.
      Ansu Fati was the latest star to join the injury list as he limped off in the 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo.
      He was joined by Eric Garcia and Nico Gonzalez in leaving that match early in a triple injury blow.
      And they all join the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Gerard Pique as part of the 11-man list of stars currently on the sidelines.
      Xavi was unveiled in front of 10,000 fans on Monday after replacing Ronald Koeman.
      But there was a rather awkward choice of music to greet his arrival at the Nou Camp.
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      But before he was wheeled out, the Tannoy boomed with the hit song ‘Another One Bites The Dust’.
      Xavi will be hoping it is not an ominous sign with the LaLiga giants sacking four bosses in the last two years.
      The Spaniard has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Barca.
      He also revealed the message he was sent by his former team-mate and club great Lionel Messi.
      Xavi said at his unveiling: “With Messi I have friendship, he has written to me and wished me luck, he is the best player in the world and in the history of this club.”
      The pair won seven LaLiga titles together and four Champions Leagues in one of the most dominant teams ever.
      And Xavi has a tinge of regret that Messi left Spain this summer before he got a chance to manage the Argentina magician.
      The new Barcelona manager said: “Of course I would have liked to train him. Like Eto’o or Ronaldinho.
      “We do not have him and we can no longer think about the players who are not there.”

      Xavi reveals message from Lionel Messi before joining Barcelona More