La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      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

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      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

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Xavi reveals message from Lionel Messi before joining Barcelona and regrets not being able to manage legend

      by

      NEW Barcelona boss Xavi has revealed he was sent a special message from his former team-mate Lionel Messi.The Spanish club legend was unveiled as their new manager on Monday after replacing the sacked Ronald Koeman.
      Xavi revealed he was sent a message by Lionel Messi after being named Barcelona managerCredit: AFP
      Xavi was unveiled as Barcelona’s new manager on MondayCredit: Getty
      Xavi, 41, has a huge job on his hands to turn around Barcelona’s fortunes after a miserable start to the campaign.
      But he has the support of Messi – who he played with for over a decade in Catalunya.
      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.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      The new manager was left red-faced at his unveiling on Monday by the choice of music.
      Xavi left his role as Al-Sadd boss to return to the club where he achieved boundless success.
      The 41-year-old was unveiled to his adoring fans at the club’s stadium today.
      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.
      Xavi ‘wants Raheem Sterling and Jules Kounde as his first two Barcelona transfers after agreeing deal to become manager’ More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Arsenal loanee Hector Bellerin score HORROR own goal in Real Betis derby clash with Sevilla which they lose 2-0

      by

      ARSENAL loanee Hector Bellerin scored a HORROR own goal to seal boyhood club Real Betis’ 2-0 defeat to Sevilla.Sevilla were leading 1-0 heading into the final ten minutes of the LaLiga clash.

      Both Mir and Pezzella missed Montiel’s crossCredit: PREMIER SPORTS
      Bellerin couldn’t adjust in time and he buried the ball into the back of his own netCredit: PREMIER SPORTS
      Bellerin had a goal disallowed before scoring an own goalCredit: AFP
      And right-back Gonzalo Montiel found himself in acres of space down Betis’ left-hand side.
      The Argentine whipped an inviting cross into the box, which both forward Rafa Mir and Betis defender German Pezzella somehow missed.
      Bellerin was in the wrong place at the wrong time and he was unable to adjust his feet in time to prevent planting the ball into the back of his own net.
      Despite Sunday’s loss, Bellerin and Betis have enjoyed a good start to their league campaign.
      The defeat keeps them on 21 points in fifth place, two behind defending champions Atletico Madrid.
      Three points for Sevilla puts them level on points with title-chasing Real Madrid, but Real Sociedad still top the table.
      TOTALLY EPICWELCOME to the downtime goldmine

      We’ve got a free to enter competition with Pokerstars Casino that will see one lucky Sun reader win a cool £5,000.
      It’s time to win while you wait. Are you in?
      Click HERE to enter. Epic.
      T&Cs apply. 18+ Play responsibly. BeGambleAware.org

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Bellerin says he doesn’t know what the plan is next summer, but he’s focussed on enjoying his time at Betis.
      He told EIDesmarque: “I don’t know, but I’ve always said if I didn’t want to be here next season, I wouldn’t have come from the beginning.
      “There are many things to be decided but what I want to do is enjoy this season that I am here. And what has to happen will happen.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Arsenal outcast Hector Bellerin joins boyhood club Real Betis on loan transfer after Gunners’ Takehiro Tomiyasu swoop More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Newcastle face missing out on Marcelo Brozovic free transfer as Atletico Madrid prepare offer for Inter star

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle could reportedly miss out on FREE Inter Milan ace Marcelo Brozovic with LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid interested.The Croatian midfielder’s contract expires next June and he has a host of top clubs interested in signing him.
      Brozovic helped Inter win the Italian title last term under new Spurs boss Antonio ConteCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      According to Fichajes.net, Atletico are keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old’s contract situation.
      The Serie A champions have until January 1 to try and tempt him to stay in Italy.
      If they fail to agree new terms, he can negotiate a pre-contract with other teams.
      And the report states Atletico have already made their move, offering Brozovic a two-year deal with an option for a third.
      Atletico’s interest is a blow to Premier League duo Man Utd and newly rich Newcastle.
      The Red Devils are keen to bolster their midfield ranks and can afford to pay Brozovic the £5million-a-year he’s holding out for.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      But their poor start to the season could cost them a place in next year’s Champions League, which could play a part in where the cost-effective midfielder ends up going should he decide to leave.
      SunSport also understands the Magpies have Brozovic targeted as one of their first bigger signings next summer.
      The midfielder could be persuaded to leave if the lure of Premier League riches and a new project come in.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Life is more important’ – Pep Guardiola tells Aguero not to rush back to football after Barcelona ace’s health scare

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA told Sergio Aguero he must not try to rush back to football after his health scare at the weekend.Manchester City’s all time leading scorer suffered breathing problems while playing for new club Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
      Sergio Aguero suffered breathing difficulties while playing for BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      Former boss Pep Guardiola has sent him a message of supportCredit: Getty
      The 33-year-old was taken to hospital for heart tests and will not play again for the next three months while further examinations are carried out.
      His former club have rallied around the Argentine – with Guardiola sending him a clear message that his health and the rest of his life is much more important than what is left of his career.
      The Etihad boss said: “Of course, it is difficult news for everyone. But especially for him and his family.
      “We wish him well, he knows it, from all the people at Manchester City.
      “We wish him a speedy recovery, but it does not matter about the time. Health and life is much more important than anything else and he knows it.
      “I’m pretty sure he is in very good hands, really good doctors will take care of him and he will take care of himself.
      “And come back if he can – otherwise enjoy his life and enjoy what he has done. It depends, I am not a doctor.
      “I don’t know precisely what he has, but be careful and be safe for the rest of his life.”

      Full-back Kyle Walker spent four years as a team-mate of Aguero at City and was shocked by the news.
      The former Tottenham defender also played alongside Christian Eriksen – who suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark at the Euros.
      And he was on the pitch when Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba almost died from a similar problem in an FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane in 2012.
      Walker said: “I think it is a shock when it happens to anyone. I played with Christian and it happened at the Euros to him and you think about him and the family.
      “I am glad Sergio is okay, that is the most important thing. It is a surprise, we are fit athletes and we train every day.
      “His health is more important that football at the moment.
      “We are all human in more ways than one, we make mistakes as every human does and we put in good performances but health is key and without health you are nothing.
      “I spoke to Christian a couple of weeks ago on text message and just said ‘I hope you are okay mate’.
      “I played in the game at Tottenham when Fabrice Muamba went down so I have seen it happen to a few people I have shared a dressing room with.
      “I hope Sergio is OK. Take your time, as long as it takes.”
      Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance after suffering ‘breathing problems’ on first Nou Camp start for Barcelona More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘chooses Juventus transfer over Real Madrid and PSG but Italians must first sell Aaron Ramsey’

      by

      PAUL POGBA reportedly favours a move back to Juventus in 2022 with Manchester United resigned to losing the midfielder on a free transfer.Though it has been claimed that the Old Lady will have to offload at least two midfielders in order to snap him up – including Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey.
      Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could depart the club on a free transfer next summerCredit: Getty
      Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey may have to be sold in January in order for the Italians to sign PogbaCredit: Getty
      World Cup winner Pogba is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and is free to talk to foreign clubs in the New Year.
      He had hinted at staying at United last month after declaring that he loves playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
      But SunSport understands that talks to extend his stay at the Theatre of Dreams have been shelved following the 5-0 defeat against Liverpool.
      The 28-year-old, who was sent off against the Reds, has been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain as well as the Bianconeri.
      But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba’s priority is to return to Turin to link up with Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
      He is said to have told agent Mino Raiola that Juventus is the club he wants to play for, despite tempting proposals from Los Blancos and Les Parisiens.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      But the Italian news outlet states that in order to give Pogba a three-year deal, Juve must first offload peripheral figures in their side.
      They state that the Serie A giants will look to sell Ramsey, who is believed to be raking in £400,000-a-week at the Allianz Stadium, in the upcoming transfer window.
      And the club will also try and offload another midfielder not in the plans of Allegri.
      That player could be USA international Weston McKennie, who has been linked with a £25million switch to Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham in January.
      Following Pogba’s straight red card against Liverpool, United legend Paul Scholes declared that the Frenchman should never play for the Red Devils again.
      Speaking after the humiliating defeat, he remarked: “Paul Pogba coming on to the pitch at half time to try to help the team and maybe get a little respectability about it, tries to stand on the ball, tries to show how strong he is in the middle of the pitch… gives the goal away.
      “Then later on gets sent off with a ridiculous tackle, now you’re 5-0 down with ten men. You’d have to think, if Ole’s still a manager there, will we see Pogba again in a United shirt?
      “He’s caused mayhem over the last couple of years. Everyone knows what a talent he is, everybody trusts him, every manager trusts him, tried to give him his head and let him be the player he’s been.
      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      “But with all the commotion, not signing his contract, almost holding the club to ransom, and then he comes on and does something like that.
      “It’s not Ole’s fault, don’t get me wrong, but that’s part of it which almost summed the United performance up today.
      “Look, he probably will play [again] won’t he? But I don’t think they will be missing anything if he doesn’t.
      “He’s had numerous chances, he keeps saying he lacks consistency, but that is just [a lack of] discipline and disrespect for your manager and your teammates, what he’s done today.”
      Paul Scholes urges Paul Pogba to snub transfer and stay at Man Utd as he calls Real Madrid & Barcelona a ‘complete mess’ More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Laporta’s words hurt me’ – Lionel Messi slams Barcelona president and insists he was never asked to play for free

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has slammed Barcelona president Joan Laporta for suggesting he could have played for free as he insisted he was never asked to.The 34-year-old departed the Nou Camp in August on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after 21 years spent in Catalonia.
      Argentine forward Lionel Messi swapped Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated earlier this month he was surprised Messi didn’t offer to play for freeCredit: AFP
      Messi had wanted to remain with the Blaugrana and had agreed to lower his salary by 50 per cent, only for LaLiga to impose a salary cap on the crisis club.
      Speaking earlier this month, Laporta revealed he thought that Messi would have offered to play for nothing instead of linking up with Les Parisiens.
      That is despite Spanish law making it legally impossible for a player to represent a team for free, with the rule in place to avoid financial manipulation.
      Laporta, 59, told RAC1: “With Messi I do not get angry because I appreciate him.
      “I know he had a huge desire to stay, but also a lot of pressure because of the offer he had.
      “Everything indicates that he already had the offer from PSG. Everyone knew that he had a very powerful offer. We knew from Messi that they had a very good offer.”

      Before adding: “I did hope that at the last minute Messi would say that he would play for free. I would have liked that and he would have convinced me.
      “I understand that the league would have accepted it. But we cannot ask that of a player of his level.”
      And Messi has now broken his silence over Laporta’s comments as he declared he has been left ‘hurt’, with the forward stating he did everything possible to stay.
      He told Sport: “The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free.
      “I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more.
      “The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona. 
      “Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time, it seems to me that the words said by the president are out of place.
      “They hurt me because I think he doesn’t need to say that, it’s like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things. 

      “This makes people think or generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve.”
      Messi has also declared he does intend to return to Barca in the future, though only when his playing days are over.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is planning to become the club’s ‘technical secretary’ – a role designed to bridge the gap between the boardroom and dressing room, as well as helping to sign players and hire coaches.
      Football fans convinced Lionel Messi played with an injury as PSG star spotted massaging hamstring More