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      European giants in freefall with ‘world’s greatest stadium’ left abandoned and owner told to go home and never return

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      THEY were in the Champions League final two seasons running just two decades ago.But now one of Europe’s biggest clubs are in freefall.Furious fans protested after defeat left the club bottom of the leagueCredit: x @sanchis14No work has been done on their new stadium since 2009Credit: GettyThe ghostly shell of a ground sits in the middle of a major European cityCredit: GettyA skip was set on fire as fans protested against the ownershipCredit: X @pacopolitThey currently sit bottom of the league on just six points and staring down the barrel at relegation.And following their latest humiliating defeat, fans blockaded the stadium in the hope of trapping the hated owners inside.Meanwhile, construction of a new ground which was meant to be the ‘world’s greatest stadium’ has ground to a complete halt with nothing done since 2009.As a result of the Nou Mestalla being left an empty shell with no plan for work to restart, it was scrapped as a World Cup 2030 host venue.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd all of this has left the club’s fans furious with owner Peter Lim, who also owns Salford City, alongside Gary Neville and a group of Man Utd legends.Valencia were Champions League finalists in 2000 and 2001, losing to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.But a 3-2 home defeat to Las Palmas on left the club staring down the barrel at relegation.They now sit rock bottom of La Liga, two points off 17th-placed Leganes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAhead of the Las Palmas game, manager and club legend Ruben Baraja commented that the club would not be able to aim any higher than simply avoiding the drop this season.He said: “When we talked about our objectives, what we wanted was to stop the suffering, to improve in that sense. Huge title-deciding match suspended with stadium evacuated and second half played the following day with no fans“But the league campaign has brought us to this scenario. It is what it is.”Footage from the streets in Valencia showed a skip set on fire as the police attempted to disperse the post-match protest.Valencia now sit bottom of La LigaCredit: GettyThey were beaten 3-2 at home by Las PalmasCredit: GettyThe club hold long term plans to move away from their current stadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to good old days but faces toughest week of his reign

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      HANSI FLICK’S start to life at Barcelona has been better than anyone could have expected.After another summer of financial acrobatics within the walls of the club in Catalonia, a pre-season with most of the star names absent and some key injuries it was hardly a settled start.Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to the topCredit: GettyBarcelona boss Flick is facing two major clashes against Bayern Munich and Real MadridBut the German’s eagerness to embrace the culture of the club and its surrounding areas has seen the Spanish giants flourish.They are top of LaLiga, three points clear of Real Madrid, and have won all but one of their ten league games so far.But Flick’s flying start is about to face its litmus test. They host his former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before visiting Real on Saturday evening.Weeks do not come much more taxing than that.Read More on FootballFlick returns to Bayern finally feeling at the top of his game once more following the brutal and bruising experience of becoming the first manager to ever be sacked in the history of the German national team.He took his time in choosing a next step, there were trips to watch Premier League games and a brief flirtation with the West Ham job in the summer. Things have worked out rather better, for both him and Barcelona.After the chaos of last season’s dance around the future of club legend Xavi, in Flick the club now have a manager in whom everyone appears completely invested.From players benefiting from a clear plan and strict fitness regime to a board blown away by his investment in the culture.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFlick has dived head first into Barcelona and Catalonia, touring the area in the early weeks, attending an event on National Day of Catalonia and, first and foremost, embracing La Masia.Ten graduates from the club’s famed academy were involved in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Sevilla, with seven of them starting.Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers everClub president, Joan Laporta, said: “Flick understood perfectly what our value is, our jewel: La Masia.”He travelled to meet Xavi at his home and involved former midfielder Thiago Alcantara in his staff for a short period early on.Flick even earned the seal of approval from Pep Guardiola during a pre-season game against Manchester City, drawn 2-2.Guardiola said: “They have done a lot of things well. The positional play of his team is extraordinary, I wish them all the best.”Lamine Yamal, now at the grand old age of 17 following his Euro 2024 heroics, continues to shine while Ansu Fati, following a dispiriting season on loan with Brighton, is back in the picture.Pedri is thriving and Gavi has now returned from his long injury lay-off.Improving Robert LewandowskiBut it is not just the youngsters Flick is getting the best out of. Robert Lewandowski, with whom Flick won the treble at Bayern in 2020, is playing a more advanced role and reaping the rewards once again.The Pole, 36, is LaLiga’s top scorer with 12 already – double that of Kylian Mbappe, Real’s marquee arrival.Having not had a number of his senior players during the summer, Flick had to work hard to blend what was a positive pre-season with the more senior players as they returned.It was another challenge which meant he did not foresee such a fine start.He said: “I always think positive but at the end it’s a project we started with the players from La Masia, because a lot of players were with the national teams at the Euros, it feels really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because also the young players are doing great.”The players came back, it was the same and I think this is an important thing… That you have a good feeling and, step by step, the players get the confidence to play how we want to play, to do it on the pitch and at the end we have the quality.” More

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      Juventus forced to clarify after official account announces Arda Guler transfer from Real Madrid

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      JUVENTUS have been forced to clarify a tweet put out by the club’s official account announcing the signing of Arda Guler.Supporters of the Italian giants were thrilled when the club appeared to make the shock transfer of the Turkish superstar.Juventus have clarified a statement put out about Arda GulerCredit: INSTAGRAM @ardagulerThe Italian club appeared to announce the Turk as a new signingCredit: xGuler, 19, is viewed as one of the most promising youngsters in European football thanks to his performances at Fenerbahce.He earned a big-money move to Real Madrid and has slowly worked his way into the squad after overcoming some injury issues.The apparent transfer would have been a huge coup for Juventus if they had pulled it off.A tweet put out by the club’s official account claimed that the player had joined.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler.”The rising star of football is now part of the Juventus family.”Ready to make history on this new journey?”This was accompanied by a picture of the attacking midfielder walking on the tarmac at an airport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnfortunately for fans of the Serie A outfit, the news is totally untrue.The club has revealed that the X account was hacked and confirmed that no deal for Guler has been done.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match Guler has been struggled for game time at Real MadridCredit: GettyA club statement wrote: “Our Juventus English account has been compromised.”Please ignore the false information being published on this account.”We are working on the issue.”So far this season, Guler has made three appearances from the bench under manager Carlo Ancelotti.He remained on the bench during Real Madrid’s win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.He is a full international with TurkeyCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta immediately lands new job after retiring from football aged 40

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      ANDRES INIESTA is already looking to land a new job after retiring from football.The 40-year-old announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this month after more than two decades as a professional.Andres Iniesta is already looking to make a return to football after retiringCredit: X/andresiniesta8The World Cup winner announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this monthCredit: X/andresiniesta8He ended his career in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club after a stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe.However, Iniesta is best remembered for his time with Barcelona after coming through the club’s famed La Masia academy.Less than a month on from retiring, though, the former midfielder is already looking to get back into the sport.Iniesta has joined a coaching course to begin his pathway into management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard is already studying on a UAE FA course in the Middle East.He shared an update with fans after beginning the course, sharing a series of snaps to social media.In a post on X, Iniesta wrote: “First days in the coaching course. Thank you @uaefa_ae for giving me the opportunity to start learning and training.”His move towards coaching comes after he emotionally announced he was ending his career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIniesta’s decision even prompted a statement from Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid honouring his career.During his time with the Blaugrana, Iniesta made 674 appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 135 assists.Andres Iniesta ‘ends Gerrard/Lampard debate’ as he receives signed shirt from legend he has ‘always greatly admired’Andres Iniesta’s incredible careerHonoursBarcelona:La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3Vissel Kobe:J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super CupInternational:World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012Stats:Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goalsVissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goalsEmirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goalsSpain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goalsHe also won 32 major trophies for the club, including four Champions Leagues and nine LaLiga titles.At international level, Iniesta scored 14 goals in 131 caps for Spain.His most famous strike came in extra time of the 2010 World Cup final with the winning goal against the Netherlands.That triumph came in between winning the Euros in both 2008 and 2012.Iniesta is studying for his coaching badges with the UAE FACredit: X/andresiniesta8 More

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      ‘Sergio Busquets is an absolute crybaby – I gave Barcelona legend a stern warning’

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      SERGIO BUSQUETS has been labelled a “crybaby” and “whiner” by Wesley Sneijder.Sneijder, who starred for Real Madrid and Inter Milan, slammed the Spaniard as he reflected on their past battles.Wesley Sneijder has recalled how he did not like playing Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyHe labelled him a ‘crybaby’ and ‘nasty guy to play against’Credit: GettySneijder recalled Busquets antics in the 2010 Champions League semi-final to try and get Thiago Motta sent offCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Dutchman recalled how the Barcelona legend’s antics got under his skin.Speaking to Ziggo Sports, he said: “He was an extremely annoying player, he was always giving it to others but he could never receive it.”The second leg of the 2010 Champions League semi-final game was one that particularly irked Sneijder when Thiago Motta tackled the midfielder. Sneijder said: “In 2010 we beat Barcelona 3-1 at home, then we had to go to Camp Nou and after eight minutes Busquets started rolling on the ground while looking through his hands to see if Motta had a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He then got up again and was fine, the crybaby. A nasty guy to play against.”He continued: “I had fights with him in every game.”Sneijder also revealed how he warned Busquets about meeting in Ibiza, adding: “I’ll see you in Ibiza in the summer, then you and I will talk again.”Under Jose Mourinho that season, Inter Milan emerged with a remarkable win over Pep Guardiola’s Barca side – considered by many to be the greatest team in football history.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then went on to bag the continental Treble, a first in Italian football history.Meanwhile, Sneijder was full of praise for the recently retired Andres Iniesta. World Cup fans all say the same thing as Sergio Busquets runs into Leon Goretzka – and German’s reaction is pricelessUnlike his old rival and team-mate, 36-year-old Busquets continues to ply his trade in Major League Soccer alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. More

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      Barcelona ‘victim of transfer fraud after transferring £830,000 to scammer pretending to be Lewandowski’s agent’

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      BARCELONA fell victim to a scam when completing Robert Lewandowski’s transfer.The striker moved to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2022, joining from Bayern Munich.A scammer posing as Lewandwoski’s agent almost cost Barcelona £830,000Credit: RexLewandowski has been in fine form this season and has helped Barcelona to the top of LaLiga, but his signing got the club into difficulty.That is because a fraudster posing as his agent Pini Zahavi demanded a payment be made of £830,000, according to reports in Spain.In late July 2022 several club directors and executives received an email requesting the payment as commission for the deal being completed.Barcelona paid the amount into an account number at the Bank of Cyprus – but to an account under the name of Michael Gerardus Hermanus Demon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bank blocked the transfer as it was considered high risk, due to the fact there were no previous transactions on the account nor any valid documents to justify the payment.The scammer continued to put pressure on Barcelona by posing as Zahavi, and threatened to report the club to Uefa and block Lewandowski’s registration.They also wrote to the Bank of Cyprus in a bid to get the transaction approved but were denied again.That meant Barcelona were able to recover the £830,000 and have since reported the scammer to police after receiving two more emails demanding around £210,000.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewandowski, 36, has been a success at Barcelona with 71 goals in 106 games, including 12 this term.He signed from Bayern in a deal worth £42.5million.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win More

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      Jurgen Klopp ‘set to raid Barcelona as ex-Liverpool boss plots first two transfer deals for Red Bull’

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      JURGEN KLOPP is reportedly plotting to kick-start his Red Bull reign with a double swoop on Barcelona’s famed academy.The former Liverpool manager, 57, said he was taking a year out of football after leaving Anfield in May.Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp is set to pounce for two Barcelona youngstersCredit: PABut Klopp stunned supporters when earlier this month he announced he was becoming Red Bull’s new Head of Global Football.The Premier League and Champions League winner is now in charge of business dealings for clubs including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.And he will pocket up to £10million each year in his new role.Red Bull have already been making moves under the German after investing in French side Paris FC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd reports in Spain claim Klopp now wants to boost Red Bull’s incredible stable of young talents by poaching two of the best from Barcelona.According to Sport, Klopp would first like to sign Spain U19 midfielder Aleix Garrido.The talented playmaker, who turns 21 in February, has just one senior appearance for Barca and is out of contract next summer.He is ready for a change of scenery and would be tempted by a move to Red Bull, with Austrian giants Salzburg the most likely destination.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKlopp also hopes to pull off a deal for Germany U19 winger Noah Darvich.The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Barcelona following a £4million move from Freiburg’s academy last year.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Midfielder Aleix Garrido could be on his way to RB SalzburgCredit: GettyWinger Noah Darvich could return to Germany with RB LeipzigCredit: GettyHe too is yet to make a senior appearance but has been tipped as a future first-team star.And due to Darvich’s German roots, he would likely end up at Leipzig.However, the ace is tied down to Barcelona until 2026.He is also said to have a mind-blowing £1BILLION release clause.But with Barca’s financial troubles well-documented, a fair bid from Red Bull and Klopp could be enough to twist their arm.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Barcelona line up shock moves for Darwin Nunez and Alexander Isak if they fail to complete Erling Haaland transfer

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      BARCELONA will move for TWO of the Premier League’s biggest stars if they fail in their bid to land Erling Haaland.It was recently reported that the Spanish giants are planning a mega transfer move for Haaland to crown the grand re-opening of the Nou Camp.Barcelona want to sign Erling HaalandCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez would be targetted if they fail to sign the Man City starCredit: PANewcastle’s Alexander Isak is also a targetCredit: GettyManchester City’s star man is in his third season at the Etihad.But after scoring copious amounts of goals and winning everything there is to win, Haaland’s future in the North West remains unclear.And that’s put Barcelona on red-alert.In February, his agent held a meeting with Barcelona in what could be a hint at the forward’s future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFootage captured from Spanish media showed Barca sporting director Deco meeting with superagent Rafaela Pimenta.Reports at the time alleged that Haaland’s future was discussed at the meeting.The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.He  has a contract at Man City running until 2027 which sees him earn £375,000 a week before bonuses.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Barcelona already have plans in place about alternative players to swoop for if they miss out on Haaland.SunSport can reveal Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak is high on their list as is Darwin Nunez.Man United dressing room was BUGGED during match against Aston Villa in a shocking security breachBoth are seen by Barcelona chiefs as potential marquee signings who would excite the fans.And the players are likely to be more open-minded to a move to Spain than Haaland.Swedish sensation Isak almost switched to Barcelona over the summer, after being pursued by the Catalan giants.Nunez is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated by his lack of first-team action at Anfield.Although new-manager Arne Slot is a fan, Diogo Jota has started more games than him this season.The Catalans top LaLiga with eight wins from nine under Hansi Flick.And despite their well-documented financial troubles, Barcelona continue to attract some of football’s biggest names.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpain’s Euro winner Dani Olmo was the latest superstar to join this summer.They also managed to coax Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s major injury blow. More