La Liga

IVAN RAKITIC has insisted his former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann ‘get along very well’ amid rumours of a rift.
The pair are reportedly at odds in a fractious dressing room environment, with Griezmann once claiming the two barely talk.

Rumours persist that Messi and Griezmann have not seen eye to eye since the Frenchman arrived last summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But midfielder Rakitic, who left the Nou Camp for Sevilla this summer, has denied any suggestion of a divide between the attacking players, merely suggesting their relationship had ups and downs.
He told radio programme El Pelotazo on Canal Sur: “From what I could see they got along very well. I got along wonderfully with Antoine and Leo. What there is, I don’t know.
“It’s a bit like everything.
“If you win every game 5-0, we can all laugh. If not, many things are sought.

“But they are two spectacular boys. I have met Antoine, he is a spectacular boy and there should be no problem.”
Griezmann’s former agent weighed in on the debate this week and did not hold back as he blasted Messi’s ‘reign of terror’.
Eric Olhats said: “Antoine arrived at a club where Messi has the final word on everything.
“He is as much an emperor as a monarch and he didn’t take kindly to the signing of Antoine.

Rakitic, now at Sevilla, has denied talk of a rift between his former Barcelona colleagues Credit: Reuters
“His attitude has been deplorable and he made him feel unwelcome.
“I’ve always disliked hearing Griezmann say that there are no issues with Messi but never the other way around.
“It’s a reign of terror. You’re either with him or against him.

“Last season, when Griezmann arrived, Messi didn’t speak to him and didn’t pass him the ball. I think he suffered because of a negative adaptation.
The Frenchman has struggled to adapt to life at the Nou Camp since arriving in 2019, and has only two goals so far this season.
Messi meanwhile has faced criticisms about some of his performances this campaign after he tried to force his way out of the club over the summer.

Antoine Griezmann shows off his goal scoring skills in Barcelona team training More

BARCELONA are a better team with Lionel Messi rather than without him, insisted his manager Ronald Koeman after showdown talks.
The star’s performances have come under scrutiny this season as he fails to match the high-level displays of previous years.

Some critics have questioned Messi’s performances this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The back page of Sport carries Koeman’s defiant defence of his Argentine star

This followed a very public falling out with Barcelona in the summer as he tried to force his way out of the Spanish club.
But Koeman has defended his star man, widely regarded to be one of the best players of all time.
Messi started their last game on the bench – the first time that had happened in over a year.
But the Dutch boss insisted that the Catalan side are still better off with him and revealed a chat he had with the 33-year-old earlier in the season during the transfer saga.

He told Sport: “They’d (the club) already told me Messi was unhappy. We spoke at his house. He explained his reasons and I was honest.
“I told him that the only things I could change were football things: the system of play, his position on the pitch, his importance in the team.
“But the issues he had with the club, I could not change them. In the end, he decided to stay, but it was his decision.
“Messi’s shown that he’s an ambitious person.

“He has demonstrated to me that he’s a person that wants to win things, be the best and continue being the best, even though he’s had his problems with the club.”

Ronald Koeman has had to handle his fair share of problems since taking over as Barca boss in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Koeman continued: “I want the best for the team. And the best for the team is that Leo is good, as he is now, motivated and involved. 
“He showed that the other day, against Real Betis, when he came on in the second half. 
“The team has to learn to look for the best for the team, but right now, Barça have been, are and will be a better team with Messi than without Messi.”
Questions are being asked of Barcelona after an underwhelming start to the LaLiga season.
They currently sit in 8th, nine points off the lead, and five points behind their title rivals Real Madrid, who they lost to in last month’s El Clasico.

Other disappointing results include a draw with 10-men Alaves and a defeat against Getafe.
But the most recent match for the side showed positive signs as Messi shone and hit a brace in a 5-2 win over Real Betis, despite starting on the bench.
Off the pitch, the drama has continued as Barcelona search for a new president after the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu defends role in Lionel Messi transfer saga More

BARCELONA are suing Neymar for £9million in overpaid wages, according to reports.
It is believed the Spanish giants miscalculated taxes during his first two years at the club.

Barcelona are hoping to land £9m back from Neymar due to overpaying the BrazilianCredit: AP:Associated Press

And after already forcing their former forward, 28, into paying back £5.9m over an unpaid bonus row, the Nou Camp side are desperately trying to claim back more money.
According to El Mundo, Barcelona reviewed their 2015 financial year taxes and spotted an alleged error.
It meant the club apparently paid Neymar £9m too much.
However, the Spanish Tax Agency told Barcelona failure to resolve the situation will see the £9m classed as a ‘donation’ to the Brazilian.

It is the latest financial row between Barcelona and Neymar since his world-record £198m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 which sees him earn around £600,000 per week.
Ironically in January, reports stated Neymar was actually suing Barcelona for £3m over unpaid salary.
But the disputes also include Santos, the club Neymar left to sign for Barca in 2013.
Barca’s former president Josep Maria Bartomeu – ousted last month – was charged with tax fraud and corruption for his part in the transfer while the club admitted they actually paid £78m for the star – and not the £49m originally reported.

Neymar enjoyed a successful four years at the Nou Camp before leaving for PSG in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press

Brazilian investment company DIS then brought a case of their own, claiming they were due 40 per cent of that transfer fee while Neymar’s parents reportedly pocketed £34m.
And in February, Santos were still chasing £3.75m they thought they were owed due to a friendly match featuring the 103-cap superstar not taking place.
Separately, it was revealed earlier this year Neymar owes the Spanish Treasury £30.7m in unpaid taxes and debt accumulation.
Barcelona have been hit hard by coronavirus and need to cut the wage bill by around £171million to help balance the books – while player sales are likely.
Stars already accepted a wage decrease, said to be as much as 70 per cent, in the spring amid the onset of the pandemic.
Gerard Pique, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet and Frenkie de Jong all signed new deals on reduced wages last month.

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EX-MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Mario Mandzukic is reportedly close to landing a move to Celta Vigo on a free transfer.
The Croatian striker has left Qatari side Al-Duhail and is heading for Spain according to Mundo.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Mario Mandzukic is set to return to Spain with the striker closing in on a move to Celta VigoCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mandzukic was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last few seasons but a switch to the Premier League failed to materialise.
United are no longer in the market for a goalscorer after bringing in veteran striker Edinson Cavani earlier this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has plenty of options in attack with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood leaving Mandzukic’s chances of a move to the club highly unlikely.

The 34-year-old is without a club after his brief spell in Qatar ended in June.
Mandzukic’s move to Al-Duhail was short-lived after scoring one goal in just seven appearances.
Celta Vigo are reportedly willing to pay Mandzukic £4.5million for the rest of the season.
The experienced striker previously played in Spain for Atletico Madrid in the 2014-15 season, scoring 20 goals.

Mandzukic started off his playing career in his homeland at NK Zagreb and Dinamo Zagreb before big money moves to European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus.
The striker is Croatia’s second most prolific goalscorer after scoring 33 goals in 89 appearances.
He retired from international football in 2018 after helping Croatia reach the World Cup final. The forward netted the winning goal against England in their semi-final in Russia.

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REAL MADRID star Luka Jovic will pay a £27,000 fine to avoid jail for breaking Serbian lockdown rules last March, according to reports.
The striker was facing six months in prison for flouting coronavirus laws in his homeland.

Real Madrid star Luka Jovic will pay £27,000 to avoid jail in SerbiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The Real Madrid star broke lockdown rules in March to celebrate girlfriend Sofia Milojevic’s birthday

But he reportedly came to a financial agreement with Serbian authorities so he avoids doing time.
The 22-year-old returned to Serbia at the start of the original coronavirus outbreak to lock down.
But rather than isolating in line with the rules, he was seen on the streets of the capital Belgrade celebrating his girlfriend Sofia Milojevic’s birthday.
Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic warned the former Eintracht Frankfurt star he would face prison if he broke the rules again.

And although Jovic did not repeat the offence, when he refused to pay an original £27k fine authorities began judicial proceedings which culminated in a six month prison sentence, according to Cadena COPE via Spanish outlet AS.
However, an agreement is said to have been reached under which the original fine will be paid and the Serb will swerve jail.
In August, Jovic and Milojevoic got engaged.
The Real Madrid striker proposed while on holiday in Italy.

And the picturesque setting of Capri proved to be the perfect location for the happy couple’s special moment.
Jovic got down on one knee in the fading sunshine, having already summoned a large bouquet of flowers for his now-fiancee.
It was more exciting news for the young family, with Sofija pregnant with Jovic’s second child.
In May, Milojevic stunned fans with topless pictures as she relaxed by the pool.

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LIONEL MESSI will reportedly take FIVE things into consideration when deciding whether to sign a new Barcelona.
The Nou Camp legend will make a decision over his future at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Lionel Messi has been with Barcelona since 2001Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Messi tried to force his way out of the club in the summer after he handed in his transfer request.
But the 33-year-old eventually withdrew his demand to leave and agreed to stay for one more season.
Manchester City were believed to be leading the race for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s signature.
A bitter legal battle scuppered his move and his desire to quit sparked ‘brutal drama’ in his family.

According to Madrid based paper Marca, five key factors will influence whether he decides to extend his stay at Barca.
CLUB PRESIDENT
The most important factor of all for Messi is reportedly who replaces Josep Maria Bartomeu at the Nou Camp.
Bartomeu ended his reign as club president last month when he announced his resignation.

The Spaniard, 57, was particularly damaged by his handling of Messi’s situation this summer.
If Bartomeu’s replacement gets the forward’s approval, he could be convinced to sign on the dotted line.

Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from his role at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty

SPORTING DIRECTOR
Before he makes his decision, Messi also allegedly wants to know what will happen over the next few years regarding the sporting director role.
Barcelona confirmed in August that Ramon Planes had taken over the role after Eric Abidal was sacked.
Planes has since insisted that the club are doing everything in their power to tie down Messi.
He said: “We are not contemplating any kind of departure because what we want is for Messi to stay,
“We only have enormous respect for Leo Messi. Barca and Leo are like a marriage, where both have given so much to each other, and have brought so much joy to the fans.
“I think the future is positive. I am an optimist. We need experienced players, like Leo Messi, as well as players for the team’s future.
“We are putting every effort into ensuring that the relationship between Barca and Messi will continue. We are working internally to convince Leo”.

Sporting director Ramon Planes is determined to convince Lionel Messi to stayCredit: AFP or licensors
MANAGER
Marca report Messi also wants to know the club’s plans regarding their manager over the next few years.
Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman has been in charge of the club since August.
But the 57-year-old only signed a two-year deal when he joined the Spanish giants.
And Barcelona’s run of results this season have been far from convincing.
As things stand, the Nou Camp side are eighth in the LaLiga table with just 11 points from seven games.

Ronald Koeman has endured a tough start to life at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters
TRANSFER PLANS
Messi is also interested to find out about Barcelona’s plans for the upcoming transfer windows.
He slated the club for ‘kicking out’ Luis Suarez after he joined Atletico Madrid this summer.
The pair became great friends during their time together at the Nou Camp.
But manager Koeman told former Liverpool star Suarez that he had no future at the club.
In a highly emotional post put out on Instagram, Messi admitted ‘nothing surprises me anymore’.
If there are anymore abrupt exits like Suarez’s, the 33-year-old could decide to leave.

Lionel Messi was furious that the club offloaded Luis Suarez this summerCredit: Reuters
FORM
Messi also plans to monitor his own form, and the team’s form, throughout the season.
He was dropped from the starting line-up for Barcelona’s game against Real Betis.
But he inspired them to victory when he came on at half time when the score was locked at 1-1.
Messi scored twice and added another assist to his tally.
But Barcelona will need to climb back up the LaLiga table if they want to keep hold of him in the summer.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side wanted to sign Lionel Messi this summerCredit: PA:Press Association

Lionel Messi could be available to leave the club on a free transfer next summerCredit: Reuters

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LUCAS TORREIRA has revealed that a chat with international team-mate Luis Suarez helped sealed his loan move from Arsenal to Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguayan was long linked with a move away from North London, having become a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta.

⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

Lucas Torreira spoke to Uruguayan pal Luis Suarez before sealing his transferCredit: EPA
And when Arsenal finally shelled out Thomas Partey’s £45million release clause on Deadline Day, Torreira headed the other way.
Speaking to AS, the 24-year-old has delved deeper into the transfer… and Suarez’s involvement.
He said: “Look, my negotiation lasted until the last day of the transfer market but I had already been talking to Luis (Suarez).

“His arrival gives an important bonus to the team because of everything he generates as a player.
“He has a great track record and a lot of leadership.
“He is one of the best strikers in the world, it is no coincidence that he is the third highest scorer in Barcelona’s history.
“Personally, sharing the team and the selection with him is something I really enjoy. Honestly, I try to learn from him every day, I make the most of it.”

Torreira, who has already made seven appearances for his new side, also opened up on the differences between LaLiga and the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has made seven appearances for his new sideCredit: AFP or licensors

He added: “The big difference is that Spanish football is very technical, slow, where the teams have great team management and possession.
“I also noticed that when attacking, the teams are very vertical.
“In the Premier everything is much more fierce, with friction and contact, with freedom on the part of the referees and at times they do not charge so much.
“I’ve been here for a short time, but hopefully I can do well personally and in the group.”

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