La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona tipped to hire Lionel Messi as manager to replace Xavi as ‘everything he touches turns to gold’

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has been tipped to replace Xavi as the new manager of Barcelona.Club legend Xavi will step down as manager at the end of the season after winning the La Liga title last term.
      Barcelona have been tipped to appoint Lionel Messi as their new managerCredit: Getty
      Xavi will leave the Spanish giants at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
      He confirmed his exit during a fiery press conference following Saturday’s 5-3 home loss to Villarreal.
      Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has now called for Barcelona to hire Messi as his replacement.
      He told talkSPORT: “I’d give it to Messi. The fans are on board straight away.
      “Everything he touches turns to gold. He was put on this earth to do amazing things. It’s not going to stop in management.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      During 21 years with the club as a player, Messi scored 672 goals and won 35 major trophies.
      However, he has previously admitted he has no intention of going into management after retiring and instead hinted at becoming a sporting director instead.
      Speaking to Star+ last year, the 36-year-old explained: “I don’t really intend to be a coach, but [former Real Madrid coach Zinedine] Zidane said exactly that and after that, he became a coach and won the Champions League three times.
      “I like sporting director, team building, and accompanying coaches but I’m not entirely sure either.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Messi has previously explained he has no intention of going into managementCredit: Getty

      Messi is currently gearing up for his first full season with Inter Miami, where he is contracted until the end of 2025.
      Meanwhile, the fallout from Xavi’s bombshell announcement continues at Barcelona.
      After the loss to Villarreal, which leaves his side fourth in the table, he told reporters: “I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.
      “As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.”
      The former midfielder had fallen under mounting pressure after falling 11 points behind La Liga leaders Girona and exiting the Copa del Rey.
      He added: “I took this decision days ago. I already knew it. But it’s time to make it public.
      Xavi announced his decision to leave the club during a fiery press conference on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      “I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite.”
      Xavi also referenced Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27-year tenure at Manchester United during his heated press conference.
      The Spaniard continued: “You asked me many times if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barça… the truth is that it will never happen here.
      “You guys won’t allow it — being Barça coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you. It’s a cruel job, it wears you down.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “In Barcelona you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough too.
      “I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Robert Lewandowski hosts ‘crisis talks’ with Barcelona pals at family home before heading to Xavi’s house to apologise

      by

      BARCELONA striker Robert Lewandowski has hosted a “crisis lunch” at his house for Barcelona team-mates and close pals.The crisis meal came in the midst of Xavi’s announcement that he would step down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season.
      Lewandowski hosted a crisis lunch at his house for Barcelona’s playersCredit: Alamy
      He is understood to feel partly responsible for Xavi’s decision to leaveCredit: EPA
      Xavi’s bombshell announcement came last week with Barcelona 11 points off league leaders Girona.
      Speaking after a 5-3 loss to Villarreal, Xavi said: “I will leave Barcelona in June.
      “We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.
      “As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Lewandowski has struggled this season despite banging in 23 LaLiga goals last term to fire Barcelona to the title.
      He has only scored eight goals in the league this season, with fans also feeling his target man presence is slowing down Barcelona’s style of play.
      He reportedly feels partly responsible for Xavi’s exit and wants the boss to reconsider his decision.
      His meal was understood to be part of an attempt to rally the troops and focus their efforts on the Champions League.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Barcelona take on Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16 in February.
      Barcelona’s club captains this season are Sergi Roberto, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie de Jong, but Lewandowski held the meal in his capacity as a senior player. 
      The details of the meal were reported exclusively in Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
      The likes of Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Marc Andre-Ter Stegen and Oriol Romeu were all in attendance.
      Lewandowski is understood to have personally apologised to Xavi, thinking his performances have added to the manager’s stress.
      Ilkay Gundogan is understood to be more accepting of Xavi’s call and feels it comes from a period of deep reflecton.
      ‘They kill you’
      Expanding on his reason for his exit, Xavi said: “You asked me many times that if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barça… the truth is that it will NEVER happen here.
      “You guys won’t allow it — being Barça coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you.
      “It’s a cruel job, it wears you down.
      “In Barcelona you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough too.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”
      Barca’s latest 5-3 loss to Villarreal in the league comes after they were dumped out of the Copa Del Rey by Athletic Club in a humiliating 4-1 defeat.
      Xavi says he has realised there is ‘no point in staying’ at BarcelonaCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘linked with late transfer swoop for Barcelona flop’ who’s worth a staggering £216m

      by

      CHELSEA and Manchester United are both keen on signing former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite.The clubs both need to strengthen their forward lines and are battling it out to bring the Espanyol striker to the Premier League.
      Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to sign Espanyol striker Martin BraithwaiteCredit: Rex
      The January transfer window comes to an end on Thursday at 11pm.
      And Braithwaite – who is also a successful businessman with a £216m empire – could end up being a last-minute signing.
      The 32-year-old is the top scorer in the Spanish second division this season with 11 goals.
      Espanyol sit fifth in the table and are in the fight for an immediate promotion back to La Liga.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, an unusual detail in the striker’s contract means Chelsea and United would prefer to sign him this summer.
      He currently has a £6million release clause in his contract, which expires next summer.
      But should Espanyol get promoted, he will be able to leave for free.
      If the club remains in the second tier the forward will be worth £500,000.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag needs to add firepower up front, with neither Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund reaching ten goals yet this season.
      The Blues are still in a transition period, with Mauricio Pochettino’s misfiring side stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday.
      Braithwaite’s hopes of making Denmark’s Euro 2024 squad would be boosted if he can secure top-flight football.
      The Dane was at Barcelona for two-and-a-half years, scoring ten goals in 58 games.
      But he was released by the Catalan giants after he reportedly refused to have his contract mutually terminated, leading to claims he held Barca to “ransom”. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans left fuming after spotting what Barcelona star was doing before team conceded late counter attack goal

      by

      BARCELONA fans have been left fuming after seeing Ronald Araujo smash a bottle instead of chasing down Villarreal’s last-minute goal.The Catalonian giants had a night they will want to forget after losing 5-3 to La Liga rivals Villarreal on Saturday.
      Fans were left fuming after spotting what Ronald Araujo was doing before Barca conceded a late goalCredit: La Liga via X formetly Twitter
      Araujo was spotted smashing a water bottle after losing possession in the boxCredit: DAZN via X formerly Twitter
      The defender then missed the chance to chase down Villarreal’s fourth goalCredit: DAZN via X formerly Twitter
      Alexander Soroth secured the winner for VillarrealCredit: La Liga via X formetly Twitter

      The defending champions were thrashed by 14th-place Villarreal who put on a stellar performance against Xavi’s side.
      Barca was leading 3-2 until the 84th minute when Goncalo Guedes’ strike leveled out the scoreline.
      And things got too much for defender Araujo who by extra time had fans balmming him for Villarreal’s ‘go-ahead’ goal by Alexander Sorloth in the 98th minute.
      As one fan said, “he’s finished” as they spotted the Uruguayan having an angry outburst and smashing a water bottle after losing possession of the ball in the box.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Which many more Barca supporters believe cost his team a goal.
      Another fan added: “Araujo was smashing water bottles instead of tracking back for the Villarreal goal.”
      While another put: “He forgot the game is still on.”
      Araujo has endured a tough run of games recently after being sent off in the Super Cup against Real Madrid earlier this month.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Meanwhile, the 24-year-old has also been the center of transfer talks at Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich this month, alongside Manchester United.
      The Red Devils have enquired about Araujo’s availability and have been told he will cost £69million this month.
      At the moment, the Blaugranas are ten points away from the top in La Liga as Real Madrid and underdogs Girona look to be the title contenders this term.
      And Barca boss Xavi recently announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract is up. More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea on transfer red alert with Barcelona ‘enormously concerned’ about Jules Kounde and ‘ready to sell’

      by

      BARCELONA are open to selling defender Jules Kounde as they look to fall in line with FFP regulations.The defender has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea in the past, and both could be on alert with the defender on the market in January.
      Kounde is free to leave BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      United have struggled at centre-back this season, with Raphael Varane’s form seeing him drop to fifth choice at times despite being first pick last year.
      Harry Maguire has undergone a career renaissance this season after looking certain to leave last summer – but his future is also unclear.
      Lisandro Martinez has also missed most of the season with injury.
      The extent of United’s injury issues is dominated by the fact that Jonny Evans, 36, has featured 17 times for the club this season.
      READ MORE ON TRANSFERS
      Kounde, 25, joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and played an integral part of their title victory last season.
      But he has struggled to replicate that form this season, and was responsible for two of the goals Barca shipped in their 4-2 defeat to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.
      United were tentatively linked with the defender last summer amid rumours he was unsettled at the Camp Nou.
      Chelsea were also close to signing Kounde last season, reportedly agreeing a deal to sign the defender last year.
      Most read in Football
      Kounde is seen as expendable by BarcelonaCredit: The Sun
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Ultimately, the player chose Barca, but Chelsea could now make a move for Kounde again.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, there are “enormous concerns” surrounding Kounde’s form.
      The report also states that the club would be willing to listen to offers for former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen.
      A fee has not been reported but Barcelona signed Kounde for £42.5million and would be looking to recoup as much of that as possible. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona release Arsenal transfer target after 14 YEARS as he becomes first casualty following Xavi’s exit

      by

      SERGI ROBERTO is set to become the first “victim” of Xavi’s Barcelona exit, according to reports in Spain.The news comes amid rumours that Arsenal have been tracking the player.
      Sergi Roberto has been at Barcelona for 14 years but could leave this yearCredit: Getty
      Roberto’s Barca contract runs out on June 30 and he was set to see it extended under Xavi’s leadership.
      But with Xavi confirming he will leave at the end of the season, Barcelona’s hierarchy have decided the player is surplus to requirements, according to AS.
      Xavi was an advocate of Roberto, even making him captain at the start of this season, but announced he will be stepping down due to the pressures of being Barcelona coach.
      Announcing his decision, Xavi said: “I’ve thought about the club and above all the players.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “I have the feeling that I am doing the right thing, that I am acting with common sense.
      “I think the club needs a change of dynamics, the dynamic is very negative.”
      Last summer, the Barcelona youth product agreed to take a hefty pay cut in order to help the club with their financial issues.
      The salary decrease left him as one of the lowest-paid players in the squad despite being at Barcelona for 14 years.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Sergi Roberto has not featured much this seasonCredit: The Sun
      Injuries have led to Roberto playing a bit-part role for Barcelona this season, making just six appearances in LaLiga.
      The midfielder is currently missing with a muscular issue, and expected to be out until mid-February.
      Roberto’s favoured position is as a midfielder, but he can also operate at full-back.
      That versatility has seen Arsenal maintain an interest in a potential free transfer for Roberto, given they are looking for a cover in their defence.
      Arsenal have also been left consistently short in the midfield this season following a string of injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel hints at next job after Bayern Munich as furious fans say ‘get him out of the club’

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL has dropped a huge hint on where he wants to manage next – and it left Bayern Munich fans fuming.The 50-year-old German boss has found himself under-pressure this term.
      Thomas Tuchel has revealed his desire to manager in SpainCredit: Getty
      He guided the club to the Bundesliga title last season after taking charge in March but Bayern currently trail leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points.
      Tuchel has been criticised by some of Bayern’s former legendary players over his transfer signings and only has just over a year remaining of his contract.
      Now he has sparked speculation about his future by revealing that he would love to manage in Spain.
      And those remarks come on the same weekend that Barcelona manager Xavi announced that he is stepping down this summer after Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal left them 10 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Tuchel, who won the Champions League during his time in charge of Chelsea, said: “Moving abroad would appeal to me again.
      “Spain has an extraordinary league. From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.
      “When you speak with Spanish players, I quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.”
      His remarks did not seem to go down well with Bayern supporters as they soon vented their fury over the comments on social media.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “Get him out the club man,” wrote one.
      Another declared: “He wants to coach Barcelona.”
      A third claimed: “He literally is campaigning for the Barca job.”
      Another wrote: “Well, there is an open spot in Barcelona, and we, as Bayern fans, will be more than delighted to see you leave our club.”
      While a fifth said: “No respect for the club paying his wages.”
      Meanwhile, Tuchel could emerge as a target for another club.
      The Express have also claimed that his name has been added to the list of possible replacements for Erik ten Hag should Manchester United sack the Dutchman. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ‘on three-man shortlist for Barcelona job’ as search begins for Xavi’s successor

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is among a three-man shortlist to succeed Xavi at Barcelona, reports in Spain say. Nou Camp legend Xavi announced he will be stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
      Mikel Arteta is linked with the Barcelona jobCredit: Getty
      And according to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, Arsenal manager Arteta is among those the LaLiga giants will eye as a replacement.
      It is claimed Barca sporting director Deco started speaking to the agents of potential candidates over the last few weeks.
      Jurgen Klopp – set to leave Liverpool in the summer too – and Julian Nagelsmann, who is in charge of the German national team, are also linked with the role.
      Barca considered Arteta after sacking Ronald Koeman in October 2021 but Xavi was instead appointed.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But Arteta did sign a new contract in 2022, which keeps him tied to the Emirates until the summer of 2025.
      Spanish World Cup winner Xavi led his club to the league title last season – but will leave at the end of this campaign.
      He said: “I think the club needs a change of dynamic.
      “For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.
      Most read in Football
      “For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave. I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change.
      “This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.”
      Xavi made the shock announcement following a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal, which leaves them ten points off leaders Real Madrid.
      Xavi is stepping down as Barcelona bossCredit: Getty

      A look at Barca’s managerial targets

      Mikel Arteta
      The Spaniard learnt his coaching craft under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over at Arsenal in 2019.
      He turned the Gunners into title contenders, only narrowly missing out to City last season.
      And having come through Barca’s youth set up, Xavi’s exit could give Arteta the perfect return to the Nou Camp.
      Jurgen Klopp
      The German established himself as one of the finest coaches in the world after joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund in 2015.
      He led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years and also lifted the Champions League in 2019.
      His resignation caused shockwaves around the footballing world and there will be no manager in greater demand than Klopp next season.
      Julian Nagelsmann
      Nagelsmann announced himself at RB Leipzig and his success earned him a dream job at Bayern Munich.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      With the German giants, he won the league title in 2022 but a year later he was suddenly dismissed.
      And despite links to Chelsea and Tottenham, he instead succeeded Hansi Flick as head coach of the German national team in September. More