La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Thierry Henry shock contender to replace Quique Setien at Barcelona along with Mauricio Pochettino

      by

      THIERRY HENRY has emerged as a shock contender to replace Quique Setien at Barcelona, according to reports.
      The Frenchman is currently managing Montreal Impact in MLS, having endured a dreadful stint at AS Monaco in the 2018-19 season.

      3

      Thierry Henry is currently managing Montreal Impact in MLSCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But according to France Football, Henry is a serious contender for the Camp Nou post – given his history with the club as a player.
      As a Barcelona player he netted 49 goals in 121 appearances following his switch from Arsenal – playing a part in the club’s early success under Pep Guardiola.
      And Henry, 42, isn’t the only former Barca player in the mix for the job.
      Former Everton and Southampton gaffer Ronald Koeman is also believed to be under consideration – although Xavi will NOT be approached again just yet, having turned down the post in January.

      While no official announcement has yet been put out, the decision to relieve Setien of his duties has privately already been made following last night’s dismal 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.
      Mauricio Pochettino is the early favourite to succeed Setien, despite his strong links with rivals Espanyol – while former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is also in the running.
      Whoever comes in will have to get Lionel Messi onside immediately, with the Argentine looking visibly dejected following last night’s embarrassment – having criticised the club’s hapless board on a number of occasions this season.
      Gerard Pique has offered to step aside for “fresh blood” if needs be, while director of football Eric Abidal could also be given the chop.

      We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave.
      Gerard Pique

      The Spanish centre-back said after the game: “No one is untouchable, least of all me.
      “Fresh blood is needed. We’ve have hit rock bottom now. We all need to reflect and see what’s best for Barca.
      “Coaches and players follow one another, but it has been several years since we have been able to be competitive on a European level.
      “We all have to think internally and decide what is best for the club, for Barca. Tonight was unacceptable for Barcelona.

      3

      Barcelona were humiliated by Bayern Munich on Friday nightCredit: AP:Associated Press

      “It’s very hard to take but I hope it will be useful for something, for us to all think about it.
      “The club needs changes. And I’m not talking at the level of the coach or the players, but structurally the club needs changes of all kinds.
      “We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave.”

      3

      Mauricio Pochettino has also emerged a serious contenderCredit: PA:Press Association

      Barcelona have ‘already decided’ to SACK Quique Setien after disastrous 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Downbeat Barcelona stars including Lionel Messi look glum as they leave Lisbon hotel following 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich

      by

      THERE was not a smile in sight as Barcelona left their hotel in Lisbon on Saturday morning.
      The Spanish side crashed out of the Champions League after a disastrous 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.

      5

      Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact during the quarter-finalCredit: AFP or licensors

      5

      Gerard Pique insisted the club have hit ‘rock bottom’ Credit: AFP or licensors
      Lionel Messi and Co looked distraught as they made their way onto the coach.
      The Argentine ace, who was wearing a face mask, kept a straight face as he left the hotel.
      He was also pictured looking heartbroken in the dressing room after the final whistle.
      Fans are convinced the Ballon d’Or king, 33, will now hand his transfer request in at the Nou Camp.

      Gerard Pique was also seen making his way to the coach after offering to quit the club.
      “No one is untouchable, least of all me.

      5

      Marc Andre-Ter Stegen conceded eight goals during the match Credit: AFP or licensors

      5

      Antoine Griezmann looked glum as he made his way to the coachCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Fresh blood is needed. We’ve have hit rock bottom now. We all need to reflect and see what’s best for Barça.
      “Coaches and players follow one another, but it has been several years since we have been able to be competitive on a European level.

      “We all have to think internally and decide what is best for the club, for Barca. Tonight was unacceptable for Barcelona.
      “It’s very hard to take but I hope it will be useful for something, for us to all think about it.
      “The club needs changes. And I’m not talking at the level of the coach or the players, but structurally the club needs changes of all kinds.
      “We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave.”

      The players would have avoided picking up a newspaper for the journey after Spanish press branded the defeat a “historic humiliation”.
      Barcelona have allegedly already decided to sack struggling manager Quique Setien.
      Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as their No1 target.

      5

      Fans think Lionel Messi will leave the clubCredit: AFP or licensors

      Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish press slam Barcelona’s ‘historic humiliation’ following 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in Champions League

      by

      BARCELONA’S “historic humiliation” has been plastered across the sports papers in Spain.
      Lionel Messi and Co suffered a shocking 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final.

      5

      Barcelona suffered a ‘Historic Humiliation’ against their German rivals

      5

      Sport slammed the Barcelona squad after the 8-2 defeat
      And the players will want to avoid nipping to the shop for a newspaper this weekend.
      Barcelona-based Sport and Madrid-based AS are in agreement – for once.
      Both of the papers went for the headline “Historic Humiliation” on Saturday morning.
      Marca opted to have the word “embarrassment” splashed across their front page.

      The source claimed the defeat to the German giants marked the “end of an era” for the Catalan club.
      L’Esportiu added “It’s finished” to their front page to pile the pressure on Barcelona.
      Barcelona had not lost a game by six goals since their 6-0 defeat to Espanyol in 1951.

      5

      Barcelona crashed out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Philippe Coutinho, who is on loan from Barcelona, even scored twice in the dying stages of the game to add to the embarrassment.

      Unsurprisingly, nine Barcelona players were awarded a 0/10 rating by Spanish publication AS.
      Six-time Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi received the lowest rating possible after a nightmare 90 minutes.
      Fans are convinced the Argentine icon will now hand his transfer request in at the Nou Camp.
      He was pictured looking heartbroken in the dressing room after the final whistle.
      Reports claim the LaLiga side have already decided to sack struggling manager Quique Setien.

      5

      Gerard Pique was used on the front cover of Mundo Deportivo

      Club legend Xavi, now boss of Qatari club Al Sadd SC, has been tipped to replace him at the Nou Camp.
      But former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the club’s No1 target.
      Pique also hinted after the match that he could call time on his career with the Catalan giants.

      5

      Marca did not hold back as they ripped into the struggling LaLiga side

      Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter Milan have ‘everything it takes’ to seal stunning Lionel Messi transfer from Barcelona, says ex-president Moratti

      by

      INTER MILAN have “everything it takes” to seal the shock signing of Lionel Messi according to the club’s former President.
      The Argentina playmaker has been a long-term target for the Italian giants with their former president an admirer of the La Liga icon. 

      2

      Lionel Messi has been a long-term target for Inter Milan and former club president Massimo Moratti believes they can seal a shock transfer
      Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” in their power to prise Messi away from the Nou Camp. 
      Gossip concerning the 33-year-old’s future has refused to die down following his scathing assessment of Barca’s league performances this term. 
      The former LaLiga champions lost their crown to bitter rivals Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane’s team capturing their first title in three years. 
      And if Messi was unhappy with Barcelona’s domestic performances then what he must have made of their 8-2 Champions League exit to Bayern Munich is anyone’s guess.

      Inter, under Moratti’s stewardship, had tried and failed to capture the Barca skipper’s signature on a handful of occasions. 
      But the 75-year-old reckons the Nerazzuri’s wealthy Chinese owners are in a perfect position to seal a deal for six-time Ballon d’Or winner. 
      Moratti told Quotidiano Sportivo: “I am just a simple fan of Inter now, so I don’t have any inside information. 
      “Having said that, I do know this: Suning have everything it takes to bring Messi to Milan, in terms of both resources and competence.”

      One Inter signing Moratti admits he was wrong to underestimate was the £76.5million signing of former Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku. 

      2

      Messi, who scored 25 goals in 33 La Liga appearances this term, has slammed some of Barcelona’s performances this season
      The Belgian international, whose United performances came in criticism from pundits in the past, has been in fine form for the Serie A giants in his debut season. 
      Lukaku, 27, has netted 31 goals across all competitions this term. 
      On the Belgium player’s performances Moratti added:  “I got it wrong on Lukaku. 
      “In all honesty, I thought he was just physically strong and feared we would regret losing Icardi. Instead, Romelu is a champion, always helps his team-mates and has good vision.
      “Antonio Conte was right to demand his signing and then did so well to improve him.” 

      On Monday Inter, who are rumoured to have agreed terms with Chelsea outcast Emerson, are due to face Shaktar Donesk in the semi-finals of the Europa League. 
      And the Italian club will be aiming to capture a trophy they have won on three occasions. 
      Moratti added: “Winning the Europa League won’t be easy, as there are four very competitive sides left, but I do hope Inter can be the next Italian club to lift a European trophy.”

      Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi looks heartbroken and Ter Stegen devastated in Barcelona dressing room picture after 8-2 Bayern Munich loss

      by

      LIONEL MESSI could not hide his disappointment in the dressing room after Barcelona’s 8-2 defeat.
      The Spanish side were ripped apart by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final tie.

      2

      Lionel Messi looked lost for words after the devastating defeat
      Fans are convinced the 33-year-old will hand in a transfer request after the humiliating defeat.
      A snap of Messi after the match shows him slumped on his own in the dressing room.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared heartbroken as he stared into space.
      Rio Ferdinand has also backed claims that the Argentine could quit his beloved Barcelona.

      Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “What is Messi thinking going home tonight?
      “Does he want to spend his time left in that shirt given the performances and the way the squad is looking at the moment in comparison to other teams around Europe?
      “Has he got the time to sit there and wait?”
      Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also looked devastated after conceding eight goals.

      Reports claim the LaLiga side have already decided to sack struggling manager Quique Setien.

      2

      Fans think Lionel Messi could call time on his Barcelona career

      Club legend Xavi, now boss of Qatari club Al Sadd SC, has been tipped to replace him at the Nou Camp.
      Pique also hinted after the match that he could call time on his career with the Catalan giants.
      The defender, who has made 543 appearances for Barca, said: “We must bring in new blood to change this dynamic, and if necessary, I would be the first to leave.”

      Bayern Munich DESTROY Barcelona in masterful Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter Milan have money and resources to seal shock Lionel Messi transfer from Barcelona, reveals ex-president Moratti

      by

      INTER MILAN have “everything it takes” to seal a shock swoop for Lionel Messi according to the club’s former President. The Argentina playmaker has been a long-term target for the Italian giants with their former chief an admirer of the La Liga icon.  Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” […] More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez ‘wanted by Al Arabi’ as Qatari club join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in transfer race for Barcelona star

      by

      LUIS SUAREZ is at the centre of a transfer battle with Qatari club Qatar Al Arabi rivalling David Beckham’s Inter Miami for his signature.  Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is reported to have approached the Uruguay international’s representatives, according to bEIN Sports.  The ageing Barcelona star’s current deal with his Nou Camp employers is set […] More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      RB Leipzig 2 Atletico Madrid 1: Germans don’t miss Werner as deflected Adams strike earns first semi-final spot vs PSG

      by

      RB LEIPZIG showed they’re not a one-man Timo as they booked their place in the Champions League semi-final after a stunning win against Atletico Madrid.
      Tyler Adams’ late deflected strike saw the Germans cause an upset in Lisbon, where Europe’s elite competition is being completed in an unprecedented knockout-tournament style format.

      4

      RB Leipzig booked their place into the Champions League semi-final
      Leipzig were, of course, without star striker Timo Werner, who is already preparing for Chelsea’s pre-season but took the lead through Dani Olmo.
      Joao Felix, who started on the bench, scored Atletico’s equaliser from the spot but Adams left them stunned.
      Throughout the uneventful first half, Arsenal transfer target Dayot Upamecano had no problem dealing with ex-Chelsea fans’ favourite Diego Costa, chosen ahead of Alvaro Morata.
      Following a stalemate in the opening 45, Leipzig came out fast and within five minutes of the second half had stunned their LaLiga opposition.

      A Marcel Sabitzer cross on the right wing perfectly set up Spaniard Olmo, who headed home.

      4

      Leipzig came out fast and within five minutes of the second half had stunned their LaLiga opposition
      Atletico were caught on their heels and manager Diego Simeone was in clear need of some inspiration.
      That task fell to club record signing Felix, who was brought on just before the hour mark and made an immediate impact.
      The Portuguese forward situated himself mainly on the left and got Atletico back into the tie.

      On 70 minuets, after a beautiful one-two with Costa, Felix won a penalty.
      He cooly converted and thought he had set his side on their way to turning the tie on its head.

      But amazingly, with three minutes left Leipzig took another shock lead after Adams’ shot took a wicked deflection to wrong foot Jan Oblak.
      After a beautiful cutback from Manchester City loanee Angelino, Adams effort from outside the box took a nick off Stefan Savic and past a helpless Oblak.
      Despite a late push from Atletico, Leipzig held on for a famous win where they meet PSG, who needed two late goals to beat Atalanta.

      4

      Joao Felix equalised with a penalty for Atletico

      4

      Leipzig progress into the semi-final where they play PSG More