La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal were ‘really close’ to Philippe Coutinho transfer but Koeman blocked move as Barcelona couldn’t sign replacement

      by

      ARSENAL missed out on a deal to sign Philippe Coutinho because Barcelona could not sign a replacement, it has been claimed.
      Several teams were keen on the Brazilian playmaker after his loan spell at Bayern Munich.

      Philippe Coutinho has started the season in good form, hitting two goals for BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Under Quique Setien, it appeared the 28-year-old had no future at the Nou Camp with Barcelona also desperate for cash.
      However, Ronald Koeman took charge and has given Coutinho a new lease of life.
      At the start of the autumn transfer window, Barcelona were planning on selling the ex-Liverpool star with Tottenham and Arsenal alerted to his availability.

      And the Gunners were ‘really close’ to a deal before Koeman pulled the plug, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      The Catalans’ attempts at bringing in new attackers ahead of the new season were hampered by their inability to get Ousmane Dembele off their books.
      Memphis Depay was lined up as a replacement for the Frenchman but Liverpool and Manchester United did not meet Barcelona’s demand of a permanent sale.
      Furthermore, the winger was intent on remaining in Spain and is being given a fresh chance in the Blaugrana side.

      New boss Koeman has also handed Coutinho a reprieve – and yielded instant results.

      In each of his four starts this season, the 28-year-old has bagged a goal or an assist.
      His latest strike came in the 5-1 Champions League demolition of Ferencvaros on Tuesday night.
      Koeman recently explained Coutinho’s return to form, telling Sport: “He’s a very good player. That’s it.
      “He’s a player that learned a lot in England, a lot in Bayern Munich.
      “My job as a coach is to get the best out of every player. And that starts by putting them in their position. I think that generates more confidence.
      “All that helps but it starts with the quality in the player and Coutinho’s a great player.”

      Arsenal, meanwhile, brought back Dani Ceballos on loan to bolster their attacking midfield options.
      The North London club were themselves unable to offload an expensive talent going to waste, in Mesut Ozil.
      But a hefty spending spree nonetheless brought in Gabriel Magalhaes, Willian, Thomas Partey and tied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new contract.

      Kia Joorabchian says Arsenal have been warned it will take ‘big numbers’ to secure Coutinho transfer from Barcelona More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona dressing room rift as four stars including Pique sign new deals leaving players ‘frustrated’ amid pay cut row

      by

      FOUR players including Gerard Pique are said to have split the Barcelona dressing room by agreeing new deals despite a pay-cut row.
      Nou Camp president Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly angered Barca stars by calling for a 25 per cent salary reduction.

      2

      Spain centre-back Gerard Pique, 33, has reportedly irked some Barcelona team-mates by individually agreeing a new deal until 2024

      2

      Lionel Messi and Co could be set for talks with Barcelona over a collective cut in their salariesCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And Marca claim defensive legend Pique, Clement Lenglet, Frenkie de Jong and Marc-Andre ter Stegen then damaged the squad’s defiant stand against the proposal by negotiating new contracts individually.
      Bartomeu wants to curb wages during the coronavirus pandemic before making up the shortfall later in the players’ deals.
      But that suggestion left club chiefs heading for urgent talks with their disgruntled players.
      Pique, 33, is even thought to have been among the players who signed a letter opposing the cuts, only for him to later accept an offer to extend his stay until 2024.

      The apparent feud between squad and board spiralled further straight after Tuesday’s 5-1 Champions League win over Ferencvaros.
      MESSI TIMING
      That was when news emerged of four stars renewing lucrative deals.
      Marca say “some members of the playing squad” were unhappy at both those team-mates and Barcelona chiefs for going ahead with the personal negotiations.
      The dispute overshadowed Lionel Messi’s latest piece of history-making.

      Having asked to leave in the summer, before accepting he must remain until his contract expires next summer, the one-club icon netted a Champions League goal for a record-equalling 16th season.

      The Argentia frontman’s penalty opener sparked a romp against visitors Ferencvaros.
      Pique saw red for a second-half foul that led to the Turks’ spot-kick consolation on 70 minutes.
      But Barca still added two late goals as they launched Ronald Koeman’s first European adventure as their boss in comfortable style.

      FIFA 21 guesses that Barcelona’s Ansu Fati will win the Ballon d’Or in 2034 More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Reguilon lined up for Real Madrid transfer return thanks to buy-back clause just 12 months after signing for Tottenham

      by

      SERGIO Reguilon is reportedly being lined up for a Real Madrid return next summer – thanks to the buy-back clause in his Tottenham contract.
      The clause means Spurs have to accept an offer for their new left-back from the Spanish club – if it hits a pre-agreed price.

      1

      Spurs stand to potentially lose Reguilon to the same club who just sold himCredit: Rex Features

      That number is believed to be around £40.6million, which would then trigger the clause and allow Madrid to bring back the player they let go only last month.
      The change in heart has come in part, according to Sport Witness, as the club come to terms with the ageing Marcelo.
      The 32-year-old has been a mainstay at the club since 2007 but his recent form has caused alarm that an ‘unstoppable’ decline is beginning.
      Secondly, senior figures at the club are believed to be big fans of Reguilon – even if manager Zinedine Zidane reportedly is not.

      The report indicates that the boss prefers Ferland Mendy in the left-back spot and was happy to let Reguilon go.
      Sports Witness add that figures at the club are keen to bring the 23-year-old back from London if Mendy and Marcelo’s performances don’t improve throughout the season.
      The news will come as a blow for Spurs and Jose Mourinho who had managed to tempt Reguilon away from joining Manchester United, where he was linked to for most of the summer.
      He has made a solid start to life at the club after his signing almost snuck under the radar due to it happening at the same time as Gareth Bale’s return.

      The Welshman had a second debut to forget as he came off the bench with Tottenham 3-0 up – only to see them blow the lead against West Ham with Bale missing a crucial chance.
      He came back to Spurs in a £12million loan deal in September but injury delayed his return to action on the pitch.
      The 31-year-old was mobbed by fans when he first arrived at the training ground.

      Tottenham target Reguilon’s Wag Marta Diaz gives him a surprise visit More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid star Karim Benzema baffled as rival asks him what perfume he wears.. as he ‘smells so good’ in matches

      by

      REAL MADRID ace Karim Benzema was left bewildered when a rival player asked him what perfume he wears because he always smells good in matches
      Cadiz captain Rafael Giménez Jarque claims he asked Benzema the question during his side’s shock 1-0 victory over Madrid on Saturday.

      2

      Benzema wasn’t impressed when complimented on his smell by JarqueCredit: AP:Associated Press

      During his post-match interview he said: “Benzema looked at me when I told him what perfume I was wearing.
      “Man, if I asked him, you don’t know how good that guy smelled.”
      He went to explain while laughing that Benzema wasn’t impressed with his curiosity.
      Jarque continued: “He looked at me like saying ‘this one’s silly’.”

      Twitter users saw the funny side of the exchange with defender Jarque trending on the social media site.
      After his side’s stunning victory at the Bernabeu – thanks to a goal from team-mate Anthony Lozano – Jarque celebrated with a bottle of booze.
      He said: “I’m going to be honest with you, on Sunday morning I called my cousin and said, ‘bring your guitar we’re going to drink a bottle of whiskey today’.
      “And I drank it from the bottle!”

      2

      Madrid’s loss was a huge shock and forced boss Zinedine Zidane to have crisis talks with his players.
      Zidane was reportedly fuming at the defeat and rounded up all senior players to grill them on their performances, according to Marca.
      Benzema, 32, and Co have the chance to redeem themselves when they take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League tonight.
      But the Spanish giants will be without Eden Hazard for the clash who is yet to play this season and will be out for a further month.
      Speaking ahead of the game Zidane said: “His injury was more than expected.
      “But he has already stepped out onto the field.”

      Karim Benzema shows off his training workout in the gym More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Real Madrid could line-up with Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes and No1 transfer target Kylian Mbappe next summer

      by

      REAL MADRID could make a shock move for Bruno Fernandes next summer.
      SunSport revealed the Spanish giants are keeping a close eye on the Manchester United midfielder.

      3

      Here’s how Real Madrid could look after next summer’s spending spree

      Fernandes has only been at Old Trafford since January following his move from Sporting Lisbon.
      But he has been linked with a move away following reports of a bust-up with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Madrid is one option for the Portuguese ace – who has two goals and three assists in four Premier League appearances this season.

      He could slot straight into Madrid’s midfield as a replacement for Luka Modric.

      The 35-year-old is in the final year of his contract after spending eight years in Spain following his move from Spurs.
      Fernandes could even be followed to the Bernabeu by Red Devils team-mate Paul Pogba.
      Frenchman Pogba has reiterated he ‘dreams of playing for Real Madrid one day’.
      But Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe is still at the top of Zidane’s wish list.

      3

      Bruno Fernandes has been a huge hit at Old Trafford since his arrival in JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Most read in Football

      MAN DOWN
      Man Utd debt soars by 133 per cent to £474m and club record £23m losses in 2019-20

      OZ BLAST
      Ozil posts emotional statement slamming Arsenal for lack of ‘loyalty’ after axe

      Exclusive

      WEL OFF
      Welbeck snubbed £140,000-a-week deal at Turkish Super Lig club to join Brighton

      Ex-rated
      Liverpool and Rangers hero Souness branded a ‘d***’ in stunning outburst by Burns

      KOP STROP
      Carragher hits back at Klopp and slams Neville in row over Liverpool crisis

      The 21-year-old is reportedly poised to leave PSG with the Bernabeu his preferred choice.
      SunSport also revealed that Mbappe is so keen on a move to Spain that he reportedly is willing to take a pay cut to work with his mentor Zinedine Zidane.
      Mbappe could arrive as a replacement for ageing striker Karim Benzema.
      He could lead the line for Los Blancos with Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio out wide.
      Should Madrid fail to sign Mbappe, they could turn their attention to Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

      3

      Kylian Mbappe has emerged as Real Madrid’s top target Credit: EPA More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Serge Gnabry tests positive for coronavirus on eve of Bayern Munich’s Champions League opener vs Atletico Madrid

      by

      SERGE Gnabry has tested positive for coronavirus on the eve of Bayern Munich’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid.
      The club’s Twitter page announced the German had caught the virus.

      1

      Serge Gnabry has tested positive for Covid-19 a little over 24 hours before Bayern’s first Champions League gameCredit: AFP or licensors

      Bayern say he is doing well and is self-isolating.
      The club conducted tests after a training session on Monday.
      Gnabry trained with his team-mates, so it is unclear whether more positive cases may arise.
      No other positive cases have been announced since the news of Gnabry’s positive test broke.

      German outlet Bild report that the club will release another statement later in the evening.
      The positive result comes just a day before the defending champions open thier campaign against Atletico Madrid.
      Leroy Sane is also injured, leaving manager Hansi Flick with limited options of who to play out wide.

      Inside Bayern Munich’s Champions League celebrations as Davies pulls out dodgy dance moves and Wags party night away More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Eden Hazard’s injury ‘worse than expected’, admits Zidane with Real Madrid star out for at least a month

      by

      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has admitted Eden Hazard’s injury is ‘worse than first expected’.
      The ex-Chelsea winger is yet to play for Real Madrid this season and will be out for a further month.

      1

      Zinedine Zidane has admitted Eden Hazard’s injury is worse than first expectedCredit: Reuters

      Despite the latest setback, the Belgian is back in training but Zidane was hoping to have him playing sooner.
      Speaking ahead of Real’s home Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk tomorrow, Zidane said: “His injury was more than expected.
      “But he has already stepped out onto the field.

      “I fully trust the people who work with him.

      “I hope that soon we can see Hazard forever. We want him to come in and be with us all season.”
      Hazard will now have to wait until at least November 18, according to Marca.
      The former Blues ace, 29, moved to the Bernabeu in a deal worth up to £150million last summer.
      But in that time the forward has been plagued by weight issues and injury problems.

      He was on the verge of a return to action having been named in the squad to take on Real Valladolid on September 30, but he was withdrawn soon after.
      Real Madrid claimed Hazard is suffering from a muscular injury in his right leg.
      In a statement, the club stated: “Following tests carried out today on our player, Eden Hazard, by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right leg.
      “His recovery will continue to be assessed.”
      In Hazard’s career, the winger has played 687 games, missing just 68 due to injury.
      However, since moving to the Bernabeu, Hazard has missed 34 matches – accounting for more than HALF of his total career knocks in just over a season.
      A year ago, the former Lille man turned up to his first pre-season nearly a stone overweight, by his own admission.
      Hazard went on to have what he called the “worst season of his career”.

      Jack Wilshere trains in local park to keep fit as injury-plagued ex-Arsenal searches for new club after West Ham axing More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi ‘could be playing better’, says Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman following captain’s failed transfer request

      by

      RONALD KOEMAN reckons Lionel Messi needs to step up his performances following his failure to seal an exit from Barcelona in the summer. 
      However, the Nou Camp boss insists his skipper is ‘happy’ in the team despite his highly publicised attempts to leave, according to BBC Sport.

      2

      Ronald Koeman thinks Lionel Messi needs to improve his performances for Barcelona Credit: EPA

      Koeman, 57, who has been charged with the task of reclaiming Barca’s place as champions of Spain, believes his skipper’s form could be much better. 
      The Argentinian, who was on target 31 times last term and matched Thierry Henry’s record of 20 goals and 20 assists in a single season, has so far netted just one LaLiga goal this term for Barcelona. 
      Ahead of Barca’s Champions League group game against Ferencvaros tonight, Koeman told BBC Sport: “I don’t have any complaints or doubts about his effort.

      “Right now his performances could be better. 
      “On a day-to-day basis, he’s happy and wants to play and be the team’s captain.”
      Messi, 33, was at the centre of a dramatic transfer saga that dominated headlines ahead of the deadline day window.  
      The Argentina playmaker had become exasperated by his club’s failure to retain their LaLiga crown and angered by Barca’s disastrous semi-final exit from last season’s Champions League 

      And the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was rumoured to be in line for a sensational reunion with his ex-Barca mentor and boss Guardiola, amid talk of a Manchester City move. 

      2

      Messi, 33, has scored once in four LaLiga appearancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, the move never transpired and Messi, who is reportedly a free transfer target for City next year, publicly declared his intent to stay. 
      Messi, who is in the final year of his current contract with Barcelona, will go up against Real Madrid with his team-mates on Saturday. 
      And the El Classico fixture will be followed by a tantalising Champions League group game clash against Juventus next Wednesday where the Argentinian will face-off against old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

      And with the Serie A title-holders likely to prove stiff competition Koeman reckons Barcelona will face a battle to win Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. 
      The former Netherlands coach added: “When you’re at Barcelona you always want to be there fighting for trophies, be it in La Liga or Europe.
      “We aren’t the favourites, but we can go far.”

      Lionel Messi trains with the Barcelona squad More