La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Pirlo plans to get best out of Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus by reuniting him with Real Madrid playmaker Isco

      by

      JUVENTUS boss Andrea Pirlo has reportedly made Real Madrid star Isco a key target after replacing Maurizio Sarri.
      The 41-year-old has been appointed as the new Old Lady gaffer after the former Chelsea manager was sacked following the club’s Champions League exit to Lyon.

      2

      Real Madrid midfielder Isco could join Cristiano Ronaldo at JuventusCredit: Reuters
      And it has been claimed that he has identified Spanish playmaker Isco as a possible addition to his squad.
      Should he make the move to Italy, the 28-year-old would be reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo – with the pair spending five seasons together at the Bernabeu.
      La Gazzetta dello Sport have republished a quote from Pirlo from last season, in which he said: “To win the Champions League you need a player like Isco.
      “The midfield is the key to everything, you have Cristiano but you need to find a way to ignite him.”

      And according to SportMediaset, Real could offer Isco or Toni Kroos to Juve in exchange for Paulo Dybala.
      In addition to offering one of the midfielders, it has been said that Madrid are also prepared to hand over £89.9million.

      2

      Former Old Lady star Andrea Pirlo has replaced Maurizio Sarri in TurinCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It has been stated that Juve are unwilling to part with Dybala, with the club looking to extend the Argentinian international’s contract.

      Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Dybala, but the 26-year-old is reportedly close to signing a new deal until 2025.
      Juventus are said to be in the market for a new midfielder after Miralem Pjanic left to join Barcelona, while Blaise Matuidi is close to joining Inter Miami.

      Andrea Pirlo named Juventus manager after Maurizio Sarri sacked More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico Madrid confirm Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for coronavirus and will not play vs RB Leipzig

      by

      ATLETICO MADRID have named Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus.
      And the pair will miss the LaLiga side’s Champions League quarter-final with RB Leipzig on Thursday as a result.

      1

      Atletico have confirmed Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko as the two players who tested positive for coronavirus
      Diego Simeone’s side are set to take on the Germans in Lisbon as they look to reach the semi-finals.
      But their preparations have been thrown into disarray as Croatian Vrsaljko, 28, and Argentine Correa, 25, tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
      An Atletico statement read: “The first team and members of the coaching staff underwent new tests yesterday.
      “The result of which has been negative in all of them, after the appearance of two positive cases in the tests carried out on Saturday.

      “Following the health protocol, tests were also performed on relatives living with the two positive cases, all of which were also negative.
      “The club’s medical services have received authorisation in both cases to reveal their identity and end the speculation.
      “The first team will return to training this afternoon with the absence of Ángel Correa, who remains isolated at his home without presenting symptoms.
      “And Sime Vrsaljko, who was recovering from an injury outside the group, is also asymptomatic and will remain at home.

      “However, his case is considered as resolved by the health authorities as he has generated antibodies several months ago.”

      The Spanish side have been cleared to fly to Portugal tomorrow having had to delay their original flight which was scheduled for tonight.
      Their planned training session this morning was postponed as they awaited the results.
      But after Simeone and the rest of his squad were given the green light, they were able to train this afternoon and will jet off tomorrow morning.
      The news was a huge relief for Uefa who faced the embarrassing prospect of potentially awarding the tie to the German side if Atletico were unable to fulfil the fixture. 
      Uefa announced that President Aleksander Ceferin and his general secretary Theodore Theodoridis will take regular Covid-19 tests to ensure they can hand over the Europa League, Champions League and Women’s Champions League trophies and medals.
      Atletico’s last Champions League game was the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield on March 11.
      That fixture came just 12 days before lockdown was introduced in the UK.
      One scientist said that fixture – along with Cheltenham Festival – led to an increase in coronavirus deaths in the UK.

      Professor Tim Spector, from King’s College London, said the two events held in March had “caused increased suffering and death that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred”.
      Some 52,000 people crammed into Anfield that night, including 3,000 Atleti fans who had travelled from Madrid.
      By that time in Spain, attendances at sporting events had already been suspended.

      Gareth Bale will STAY at Real Madrid in £60m stand-off because he has not forgiven club for stopping his move to China More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale will STAY at Real Madrid next season in £60m stand-off – as payback for blocking transfer last year

      by

      GARETH BALE will stick to his guns and stay at Real Madrid in a £60million stand-off as payback for failing to let him leave last summer.
      Zinedine Zidane confirmed the Wales star refused to travel for the Champions League defeat to Manchester City on Friday night because the attacker knew he would not get picked.

      4

      Gareth Bale will stay at Real Madrid next season – even though he barely plays under Zinedine Zidane
      Determined Bale plans to see out the final two years of his Bernabeu contract as he remains furious with Real for blocking his mega-move to China 12 months ago.
      The £1million-a-week deal to Jiangsu Suning was called off at the 11th hour after Real asked for a transfer fee and that U-turn by the Spanish champions has led to Bale’s stubborn stance.
      Bale has not figured in Real’s last eight games but the 31-year-old has told friends he will not be pushed around.
      A close pal revealed: “Gareth will see out his last two years unless he not only gets a move he wants but his contract paid up.

      4

      Gareth Bale was filmed playing golf after he refused to travel with the rest of the Real Madrid squad to play Man CityCredit: El Chiringuito

      4

      Bale has been nicknamed ‘the golfer’ by his team-matesCredit: El Chiringuito
      “He has not forgiven Real for stopping him going to China. He’s a very determined character and is determined to stand up for his rights.
      “If that means he stays at Real for the next two years and doesn’t get a game then that is what he is determined to do.
      “He will only move to a club that he believes suits him and he will only do that if Real show him the respect he believes he has earned there.”
      Bale’s wage can total up to £30million a year including bonuses.

      4

      Bale barely celebrated when Real Madrid won the Spanish title last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Meanwhile, Bale’s Wales team-mate Joe Allen is unlikely to be fit for Wales’ Nations League double-header against Finland and Bulgaria next month.
      The Stoke midfielder, 30, is recovering from a ruptured Achilles injury sustained versus Hull in March.
      Allen is back in non-contact training and hopes to be in contention for selection for the Championship outfit in mid-September when the new season starts.
      Ryan Giggs’ Wales face Finland in Helsinki on September 3 followed by a home clash with Bulgaria in Cardiff three days later. But those two League B games are set to come too soon for the 56-cap ace.
      Bale and Allen are not the only selection issue Giggs will face when international football returns after a ten-month break due to Covid-19.
      Giggs will also monitor the futures of several of his squad before the Euro 2020 finalists next meet up.

      Ethan Ampadu, 19, is back at Chelsea after his season-long loan expired at Leipzig while James Lawrence is in the same situation having returned to Anderlecht after a spell on loan at German club St Pauli.
      Skipper Ashley Williams, 35, is currently without a club having finished the season at Bristol City but his future is in limbo with the Robins yet to announce a new manager.
      And all-time caps holder Chris Gunter, with 96 appearances for Wales, is also looking for a new club after being released by Reading last month.
      Giggs has previously made a big play that he wants players playing for their club sides if they want to stake a claim to be in his national side.

      Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale urged to quit Real Madrid as Rio Ferdinand bemoans ‘generational talent’ being wasted on sidelines

      by

      RIO FERDINAND has urged Gareth Bale to leave Real Madrid, so that fans can witness his “generational talent” again.
      The Welshman appears to be locked in a stand-off with coach Zinedine Zidane, having decided against being involved in Friday night’s Champions League loss to Manchester City.

      3

      Gareth Bale has become a rarely-seen figure at Real MadridCredit: Reuters

      3

      Rio Ferdinand wants to see Gareth Bale playing football againCredit: PA:Press Association
      Reports in Spain suggest that their player-coach relationship is severed beyond repair – and Bale was even spotted cheerfully playing golf on Friday afternoon, when he could have been involved with his team-mates in Manchester.
      But whatever Bale’s issues with his club, Ferdinand has urged the 31-year-old to abandon his lucrative deal there and get back to doing what he does best – playing football.
      The BT Sport pundit said: “If you look at it in terms of trophies, he’s won a phenomenal amount of trophies and will go down as as one of the most successful imports they’ve had.
      “But there’s no doubt one thing that’s happening, we’re being denied a generational talent here. We want him out on the pitch to perform and play.

      “We’ve seen what he can do in finals, and in big moments he’s scored great goals. Defining moments in big games, but we’re not being allowed to see him play, and that’s the frustrating thing.
      “You almost want him to come out and say it. You’re begging for him or the club to come out and make a big statement.

      I think its time now, really. Either cut your ties with Real Madrid or at least go on loan
      Rio Ferdinand

      “He’s got to just come out and make his point.
      “I think its time now, really. Either cut your ties with Real Madrid or at least go on loan.

      “Make a deal happen somewhere to get out on the pitch and play football.”

      3

      Bale has become a joke figure in recent weeks at MadridCredit: EPA

      Bale appeared just twice following football’s return from lockdown this summer – and didn’t feature in any of Real Madrid’s final seven matches.
      The ex-Tottenham star nearly joined Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning last summer, before the deal fell through late on.
      But largely due to his prohibitively high salary, no sides are currently being seriously linked with the Welsh talisman.

      Gareth Bale hits the golf course while Real Madrid prepare for their Champions League game against Man City More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi wants to finish career at Barcelona and will only quit in next three to four years, says Josep Bartomeu

      by

      LIONEL MESSI wants to finish his career at Barcelona, according to club president Josep Bartomeu.
      The Barca chief allayed fans’ fear the Argentine superstar could look to quit the Nou Camp after a turbulent campaign.

      1

      Barca president Josep Bartomeu says Lionel Messi will stayCredit: Reuters
      The Catalan giants’ skipper voiced his displeasure as Barca surrendered their La Liga crown to rivals Real Madrid last season.
      Rumours of a public rift with both team-mate Antoine Griezmann and manager Quique Setien suggested things weren’t all rosy.
      And the 33-year-old is being linked with a sensational move to Inter Milan as Antonio Conte’s side attempt to mirror the effect of Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Juventus.
      Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi’s deal expires next summer and he is yet to put pen to paper on an extension.

      But Bartomeu is adamant Barca’s talisman will not be leaving for free next year.
      He told beIN SPORTS: “It’s not just me who says it, Messi says it himself.
      “He wants to finish his professional playing career at Barcelona and it’s the only club for him.
      “I don’t have any doubt that when he finishes his football career in three or four years it will be here at Barcelona.

      “Messi has it very clear. He’s been here since he was a kid, he knows the colours and is a part of the club’s history.
      “He is the best player in the world. Not just right now, but in the history of the game.
      “He’s at Barcelona and has made clear he wants to stay here.”

      Despite Bartomeu’s reassuring words, Inter are reportedly ready to offer the Argentine a four-year deal worth a staggering £235million.
      Barcelona host Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie tomorrow night with the game poised at 1-1.
      A run in Europe could help offset some of this season’s damage but there are even reports that Setien will be fired if his side do not lift the trophy.

      Lionel Messi ‘to be offered four-year deal worth staggering £235m’ by Inter Milan as they pursue free transfer More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Vidal opens up on Messi’s clear-the-air talks with Setien and insists Barcelona stars’ attitudes have changed

      by

      ARTURO VIDAL thinks Barcelona’s players’ attitudes have changed after Lionel Messi’s clear-the-air talks with Quique Setien.
      The Barca boss was under intense pressure after the Catalan giants lost the LaLiga title to bitter rivals Real Madrid.

      4

      Arturo Vidal has opened up on Lionel Messi’s clear-the-air talks with Quique Setien

      4

      Messi was critical of Barca after they lost the LaLiga title to Real Madrid

      4

      Setien is under intense pressure to win the Champions League in order to save his job
      But after showdown talks with Messi, the Chilean thinks the players have changed their approach.
      Many believe Setien will be sacked if Barca don’t win the Champions League and Vidal says the squad are determined to finish the season on a high.
      He told Mundo Deportivo: “Those meetings are private and it is very difficult for a player to talk about it.
      “We all know what happened, the opportunity we lost to lift the league, so now we are all clear that we cannot let the Champions League pass.

      “We are going to put our hearts into it because our objective is very clear: to be champions of the Champions League.”
      Asked about the crunch meeting between superstar Messi and Setien, Vidal said: “I have always been comfortable here, and the players have to be comfortable to try to do their best.
      “But lately that was not happening, and now clearly the attitude has changed everywhere and we are all very confident to fight for this title.”
      Despite his seemingly positive words, Vidal conceded Setien is still under pressure – especially if Barca fail to win the Champions League.

      He added: “When you are in the best team in the world, people ask you for results and when the season is not so good, you always have to take stock for the good of the club.

      “We will see what happens but the people in charge have to decide what is the best future for Barcelona.
      “If the Champions League is won or not, the people in charge will have to make decisions.”
      Messi lashed out at his teammates and the club after they lost the LaLiga title to Real Madrid.
      And Vidal has called on his teammates to help the Argentine in the second-leg of their last-16 against Napoli tomorrow.
      The Catalans drew 1-1 with the Serie A side in the first leg in Naples before lockdown.

      4

      The winners will face Chelsea or Bayern Munich in the quarter-final in Lisbon.
      He said: “We know that he is the captain and the best in the world and if he is well, he will guide us to the title.
      “But we must help him. If he is well, the team will thank him and we will try to make the most of him.”

      Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto explains how training works during coronavirus lockdown More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Eric Garcia wants to QUIT Man City amid Barcelona transfer interest, confirms Pep Guardiola

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed young defender Eric Garcia has turned down a new contract at Manchester City amid interest from Barcelona.
      The Etihad giants have been keen to tie down the 19-year-old centre back to a new improved deal – with his existing one due to expire next summer.

      1

      Spanish defender Eric Garcia is wanted by Barcelona with only a year left to run on his contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But he appears to have his head turned by the interest from his boyhood club Barcelona – and City may now be forced to sell him in the current transfer window.
      Guardiola signed Nathan Ake in a £40million deal earlier this week and is also after another new centre-back before next season.
      Asked about Garcia’s future, Pep said: “He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City.
      “He has one more year and after that, yeah. We want it but he doesn’t want to extend it – so I imagine he wants to play in another place.”

      Garcia has made the breakthrough into City’s first team three years after arriving at the Etihad from the Nou Camp.
      He has started 14 matches in all competitions in the current campaign and has been earmarked for a big future.

      Man City could field two new signings next season

      It could be that either John Stones or Nicolas Otamendi – who were both set to leave this summer – could now get a stay of execution.
      Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed that injured striker Sergio Aguero may be fit to appear in the Champions League mini-tournament in Lisbon after June’s knee surgery.

      The 49-year-old added: “Sergio is in Barcelona. He is getting better.
      “I spoke to the doctors and everything is what we thought. Hopefully he can be back with us [in Lisbon] but I don’t know.”

      Lionel Messi tells Sergio Aguero off live on Twitch as he tells Man City star to ‘stop messing around and go see physio’ More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Hazard smiles as Real Madrid stars take private jet for Man City clash without Gareth Bale after Champions League axe

      by

      EDEN HAZARD flashed a smile as he joined Real Madrid stars in flying to Manchester on Thursday.
      Los Blancos are out to overturn a 2-1 deficit to Manchester City in their Champions League last-16 clash.

      6

      Eden Hazard smiled when pictured with Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez

      6

      Sergio Ramos travelled despite being banned from the second leg, with Marcelo fighting to be fit
      But Gareth Bale will not be able to help his side at the Etihad after being dropped from Zinedine Zidane’s travelling party.
      The 24-man squad includes rarely-used former City midfielder Brahim Diaz and the suspended Sergio Ramos – but not Bale or James Rodriguez.
      Neither player is thought to be injured with Colombian playmaker James reportedly set for Atletico Madrid and Bale an outcast under Zidane.
      The Welshman, 31, only played one game after the restart as Real scooped the LaLiga title.

      Perhaps Bale’s biggest contribution during the run-in was a series of prank gestures from the stands, at one point pretending to fall asleep under his face mask and making a binoculars motion in another game.
      The decision to leave out the winger comes despite a question mark hanging over Hazard’s fitness.

      6

      Thibaut Courtois will be in goal on his return to England

      6

      French pals Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema gave the thumbs up before the flight

      6

      Luka Modric faces a nervous wait to find out if he is in the XI for Friday’s game

      After undergoing an operation on an ankle injury at the start of the coronavirus shutdown, he has been in and out of the side amid fears of aggravating the problem.
      Should the 29-year-old start Friday’s crucial clash on the bench, Vinicius is primed to step in and partner Karim Benzema in attack.

      Marco Asensio is also set to get the call from coach Zidane with Rodrygo Goes and Isco vying to start.
      Eder Militao should feature alongside Raphael Varane in defence during Ramos’ absence while Luka Modric and Fede Valverde compete for the final spot in midfield.

      6

      How we expect Los Blancos to line up in the last-16 second leg

      James Rodriguez set for sensational Atletico Madrid transfer from Real Madrid for £13.5m with no future under Zidane More