Tag: BARCELONA

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Barca ditch Pogba swoop to target Haaland

Barcelona will prioritise a move for Erling Haaland over their pursuit of Paul Pogba.

Haaland, 21, is set to be the subject of an intense battle between some of Europe’s top clubs with Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid all interested in the striker.

New Barca manager Xavi is desperate to add a goalscorer to his ranks following Sergio Aguero’s early retirement and Haaland more than fits the bill.

The Borussia Dortmund No9 has a sublime record of 76 strikes in 74 games since joining the Bundesliga outfit in January 2020.

And Spanish outlet Sport claim Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola has recently met with Barca president Joan Laporta over a move.

The Catalan club are likely to struggle to finance the deal as they continue to grapple with the heavy debt that has seen them forced to offload stars and rely on free transfers.

Haaland’s fee is reported to be upwards of £60million, with high agent fees and salary demands also a major obstacle.

But a reported big-money loan from investment banking firms Goldman Sachs and CVC could help the club get back on their feet, with a percentage of those funds set to go on improving the squad.

A move for Haaland is likely to end the Blaugrana’s interest in out-of-contract Manchester United midfielder Pogba.

Camp Nou chiefs are said to be wary of taking on the heavy wage demands of the Frenchman, who is looking more and more likely to depart Old Trafford next summer.

There is also the concern that Pogba does is not the ideal fit for the tactical philosophy Xavi is looking to instill at the club.

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TEARFUL SERGIO AGUERO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM FOOTBALL

Sergio Aguero has retired from football at the age of 33 due to a heart condition.

The Barcelona striker announced the news at a press conference at the Nou Camp on Wednesday morning, where he addressed the media alongside club president Joan Laporta.

Aguero experienced chest pains and breathing difficulties during the first half of Barcelona’s 1-1 home draw with Alaves on October 30th.

He fell to the turf clutching his chest and was treated for several minutes before being able to walk off and taken to hospital.

The Argentinian was subsequently diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

An emotional and tearful Aguero said: “This conference is to communicate that I have decided to stop playing football.

“It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have made I have taken for my health, that is the main reason, because of the problem that I had a month-and-a-half ago.

“I was in good hands of the medical staff who have done their best and have told me the best thing would be to stop playing.

“So I made that decision about a week ago, and I want to tell everyone I did everything possible to have hope, but there wasn’t very much.”

The former Manchester City and Atletico Madrid striker continued: “I am very proud of the career I have had, very happy.

“I always dreamt of playing football from five years old. I want to show my gratitude to everyone, all of the clubs I played at and, of course, my love, Argentina.

“I don’t know what awaits me in the next life, but I know there are a lot of people who love me and want the best for me.”

Club president Laporta said: “It is as if all the reps of the teams you have played for are right here next to me too. We are left with the joy and excitement of what you could have been here at Barca.

“You have all of our support, anything you need, we are here at your disposal.

“You have been an amazing player, and everywhere you have played you have achieved so much, not just the talent but also the friendships you made.

“On your first day at Barca, we wished you had come here earlier. We always wanted you to play for our club but a new journey awaits and I hope it will be just as successful, you deserve it.”

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Xavi: ‘Sensational’ Alves will help Barcelona a lot

Xavi hailed “sensational” Dani Alves and tipped the full-back to have a big impact at Barcelona after making his second debut for the club on Tuesday.

Alves returned to Camp Nou on a free transfer last month following his departure from Sao Paulo in September over a contractual dispute.

The 38-year-old, who played 391 times for Barca in his first spell with the club, cannot be officially registered for the Catalan giants until the January transfer window.

However, the Brazil international was able to pull on the Blaugrana strip in Barca’s exhibition friendly with Boca Juniors and played a full part in Saudi Arabia.

Alves impressed in the first half in particular but could not help his side overcome Argentine giants Boca, who went on to win the penalty shoot-out 4-2 after a 1-1 draw.

Xavi may not be able to call upon Alves competitively for another few weeks, but the recently appointed Barca boss is glad to have the veteran defender in his squad.

“His second debut is very positive for the team,” Xavi said after the Maradona Cup match. “Everyone has seen he will help us a lot. He is a sensational player. 

“He’s a team player and has a lot of character and soul. He will do very well for us.

“He has shown what he can contribute both in defence and attack. He plays with a lot of intensity and his final pass makes a difference.”

Questions were raised regarding the timing of the game, which was held in memory of the late Diego Maradona, who represented both clubs during his legendary playing career.

But Xavi felt it was a good opportunity to give certain fringe players a run-out, with Philippe Coutinho among those to feature from the beginning.

“Those who have played less, like Neto or Riqui Puig, performed at a very good level, as did all the youngsters,” Xavi said.

“The conclusions I take from this game are positive. We lost on penalties but are happy. Losing on penalties is the least important thing – getting minutes is what matters.”

Ferran Jutgla gave a much-changed Barca side the lead at King Saud University Stadium, but Exequiel Zeballos struck 13 minutes from time to take the game to penalties.

Xavi’s side now turn their focus back to LaLiga matters with a home match against Elche on Saturday, before travelling to Sevilla three days later for their final game of a testing year.

Barca have been linked with Erling Haaland as they prepare for 2022 after the Borussia Dortmund striker’s agent reportedly met with club president Joan Laporta.

Given the LaLiga side’s well-publicised financial issues, however, a move for the in-demand Norway international seems highly unlikely next year.

“These are all hypotheses,” Xavi said when asked about the recent transfer speculation. “We will see, because we depend a lot on the salary limit and on financial fair play.

“We are not in our best moment but we will try to strengthen the team and the reinforcement of Dani will also go very well for us. In all markets we would like to strengthen.”

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Late Avila strike denies Blaugrana

Chimy Avila’s late strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for Osasuna after teenagers Ez Abde and Nico Gonzalez scored their first Barcelona goals in an entertaining LaLiga clash.

Barca crashed out of the Champions League with a 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, but they looked set to respond with a battling victory at Estadio El Sadar.

Nico put Xavi’s side in front on Sunday, only for David Garcia to equalise a couple of minutes later.

Ez Abde appeared to have won it with a strike early in the second half, but Avila struck in the 86th minute to rescue the home side.

Nico opened his account for the Catalan giants in the 12th minute, when he controlled a sublime pass from fellow teenager Gavi in an instant after timing his run to perfection and finished clinically with his right foot.

Barcelona’s joy was short-lived, as captain Garcia rose unmarked to meet Jon Moncayol’s whipped free-kick from the right with a powerful header into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards out.

Ez Abde was the Blaugrana’s biggest threat on the left and he was involved in a slick move that might have ended in a second Barca goal if Luuk de Jong had been more precise with his pass.

Barca were back in front four minutes into the second half, Ez Abde firing home from close range to round off a counter-attack after Ousmane Dembele’s cross skimmed off Osasuna defender Unai García’s head and fell nicely for the 19-year-old.

Osasuna were furious that the goal was allowed to stand after Gavi’s clearance at the start of the break struck Sergio Busquets on the arm in the Barcelona box, but the skipper could not get out of the way.

Barca came under late pressure and were punished for failing to deal with a corner, with Avila drilling in from just outside the area with the aid of a deflection off Samuel Umtiti.


What does it mean? Short-term pain, but future looks bright for Barca

That is no wins in three games for depleted Barca in all competitions, but the performance of their gifted youngsters should give head coach Xavi great heart.

Jordi Alba and Memphis Depay were added to the injury list following the loss to Bayern and options are limited for Xavi early in his reign.

Barca remain eighth in the table, but the future looks bright with so many talented young players stepping up in what has been a tough season so far.

Moroccan Ez Abde caused Osasuna all sorts of problems with his trickery and pace on the left flank and was richly rewarded with his first goal for Barca.

He played with a swagger and clearly has a very bright future ahead of him.

Luuk de Jong was handed a first start under Xavi, but he failed to make an impact on returning to the starting line-up.

The striker’s work-rate could not be questioned but he did not look a threat, failing to register a solitary shot.

Barca take on Elche at Camp Nou next Saturday, while Osasuna face Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

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Xavi’s men crash out of Champions League

Barcelona have been eliminated from the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Xavi’s side drop into the Europa League and will not appear in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2003-04 season.

Already assured of top spot in Group E, first-half goals from Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane put Bayern well on the way to progressing with a 100 per cent record.

Jamal Musiala ensured that Julian Nagelsmann’s side did just that when he sealed the victory just after the hour mark in another routine victory for the hosts in this fixture.

To avoid elimination, Barca needed to win or hope that Benfica failed to beat Dynamo Kiev elsewhere in the final round of group fixtures.

Jordi Alba tested Manuel Neuer from distance, while Ousmane Dembele swept a shot over from Memphis Depay’s square ball.

But Barca fell behind in the 34th minute; Robert Lewandowski cleverly twisting and turning before crossing for Muller, whose looping header crossed the line before Ronald Araujo could volley clear.

Bayern doubled their lead just before the break with Sane’s powerful 30-yard strike completely perplexing Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Sane squandered a golden opportunity for his second goal shortly after the restart when somehow failing to turn the ball home from inside the six-yard box after Kingsley Coman cushioned Alphonso Davies’ cross into his path.

Bayern’s third goal did arrive in the 62nd minute as Musiala sealed the deal by slotting home following a strong run and cross by Davies.

Bayern will buoyantly march towards the knockout stages when the competition resumes in February, with the draw for the last 16 to take place on Monday.

With six wins from six, Nagelsmann’s side are one of only three teams to record maximum points during this season’s group phase – along with Liverpool and Ajax.

They have now scored two or more goals in each of their last 12 home matches in this competition, while it was also their fourth straight win over Barca, who must reset their focus to the Europa League after this humbling early exit.

It was a landmark day for Muller, who reached 50 Champions League goals with his clever first-half header.

That was Muller’s eighth strike in seven appearances against Barca – his highest tally against any opponent in the competition, and the most that any player has managed against the Catalan giants in the European Cup or Champions League.

Although he did brilliantly to provide the assist for Muller’s header, Lewandowski was not at his best on Wednesday. Not only did the talisman fail to register a single shot on goal before being replaced 13 minutes from time, but his tallies of 20 touches and 12 passes were the lowest recorded by any Bayern starter.

He subsequently missed the opportunity to become the first player to score 10 or more goals during the Champions League group stage on multiple occasions, as well as the second to find the net in 10 successive matches in the competition.

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BARCA IN UCL KNOCKOUT ROUND JEOPARDY AFTER DRAW WITH BENFICA

Barcelona and Benfica played out a thrilling goalless draw in the Champions League in Xavi Hernandez’s second match in charge on a rainy night at the Camp Nou.

The match was Xavi’s first in charge of a Champions League match for Barca after leading the team to a 1-0 win against Espanyol in his LaLiga opener since taking the reins for the Catalans.

The result leaves Barca still not assured of a spot in the knockout rounds of the Champions League pending results from the final matchday when they face Bayern Munich away in Group E.

Barcelona had the better of the play in the first half — executing crisp passing in the final third and hitting on the counter when the chance arose — but the end product was missing.

Benfica’s Roman Yaremchuk had a close-range header turned away by Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Yusuf Demir hit the post with a lovely curling shot soon after as the opening 45 minutes ended scoreless.

Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi intervened with a sliding tackle just before the hour mark to deny Memphis Depay an excellent goalscoring chance from close range as the score stayed 0-0.

Ronald Araújo looked to have scored a classy winner shortly before the end of the match, but the goal was ruled out for offside and both teams settled for a point on the night.

Barca are two points ahead of Benfica with one game still to play, but they face a daunting task in the last group when they travel to Germany to take on Bayern, who have a perfect winning record so far. Benfica, meanwhile, host winless Dinamo Kiev at home in Lisbon in their final game.

While new manager Xavi appeared to have quickly fixed many issues like the team’s intensity, rhythm, ball control and collective effort, scoring remains a problem.

Barca had 61% of the ball but created only a few chances, including a shot across goal from Demir in the first half, a header from Frenkie de Jong after the break, and a volley from Araujo that went in only to be disallowed because he was in an offside position.

Haris Seferovic failed to score what looked like the winner on one of the last kicks of the game when through on goal in a stoppage-time counter-attack, leaving his coach infuriated.

“In my 30 years as a coach, I have never seen a player miss an opportunity like this. Unfortunately, it happened to us,” Jorge Jesus told reporters.

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XAVI IN NEGOTIATIONS FOR SPECTACULAR RETURN TO BARCELONA

Al-Sadd manager Xavi Hernandez said a return to Barcelona would be “spectacular and exciting” as he confirmed on Wednesday that he is in negotiations to become his former club’s new coach.

Barcelona officials Rafa Yuste and Mateu Alemany travelled to Doha on Tuesday to try to negotiate Xavi’s release from the Qatari club and met with the former midfielder’s agents on Wednesday.

Barca are looking to replace Dutchman Ronald Koeman who was sacked last week following a poor start to the campaign.

“The clubs are talking. Can’t say much but I’m a positive person. It’s about common sense. They need to reach an agreement. That’s the issue,” Xavi told reporters after his team’s 3-3 draw with Al-Duhail in the Qatari league on Wednesday.

“I have been talking to Barca for days, it’s all set. The clubs know my position and I hope it gets resolved soon.

“I wish I go back home. Going back to Barcelona would be spectacular and exciting,” Xavi said before adding that he was going out for dinner with Al-Sadd and Barcelona officials.

Earlier on Wednesday, Al-Sadd appeared unwilling to let their manager leave.

“We welcome the visit of the administrative delegation from Barcelona, and we appreciate and respect this,” the Qatari club’s CEO Turki Al-Ali said in a social media statement on Al-Sadd’s official Twitter account.

“The club’s position is clear from the beginning – we are committed to keeping our coach Xavi with us and we cannot have him leave at this sensitive time of the season.”

Spanish media reported that Xavi, who enjoyed an illustrious career with Barcelona from 1998-2015, has a release clause of €10 million.

Barcelona sacked Koeman after a dismal start to the season. The club, who are ninth in LaLiga, are currently under the guidance of caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan.

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BARCA’S SERGIO AGUERO TO MISS THREE MONTHS DUE TO CARDIOLOGICAL ISSUES

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero will be unavailable for at least the next three months after undergoing “a diagnostic and therapeutic process” for a cardiological issue.

The 33-year-old former Manchester City forward was taken to hospital on Saturday after leaving the field early in Barca’s 1-1 draw at home to Alaves in LaLiga.

Aguero was making his first start at the Nou Camp since his summer transfer but his evening lasted just 41 minutes.

The Argentinian reported chest discomfort and appeared to be suffering breathing problems, although he managed to walk from the field as he was replaced by Philippe Coutinho.

A Barca statement on Monday read: “The first team player Sergio Aguero has been subjected to a diagnostic and therapeutic process by Dr Josep Brugada.

“He is unavailable for selection and during the next three months the effectiveness of treatment will be evaluated in order to determine his recovery process.

“The Argentine was taken to hospital for cardiological evaluation on Saturday following the Barca v Alaves game in which the Barca striker felt unwell in the first half and was replaced before half-time by Philippe Coutinho.”

Speaking ahead of Barca’s Champions League Group E match against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine on Tuesday, caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan said Aguero remains “calm”.

Barjuan said: “I talked to him and he’s calm. He’s confined to his room but considering the situation he’s calm.”

Aguero’s former team Manchester City, for whom he scored a record-breaking 260 goals, sent a message of support and wished him well, as did former team-mate Raheem Sterling.

Sterling tweeted on Sunday: “Stay strong my brother @aguerosergiokun, we’re all with you. Get well soon.”

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BARCELONA’S SERGIO AGUERO TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER CHEST PAIN EXPERIENCE

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been admitted to hospital for a cardiac exam after experiencing chest pain during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Alaves.

Aguero, 33, had to be taken off before half-time after being attended to on the Camp Nou pitch by Barca’s medical team for a lengthy period of time.

The Argentina international was eventually able to walk off the field before being transferred to hospital where he underwent tests to determine the nature of the problem.

“The first team player Sergio Aguero reported chest discomfort and has been admitted to the hospital for a cardiac exam,” Barca said in a brief statement after the game.

Aguero will continue in hospital on Sunday to undergo further exams after suffering an arrhythmia during Saturday’s game.

Barca also lost Gerard Pique to a calf strain against Alaves to further increase their injury woes. Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite all missed Saturday’s game with various fitness issues.

Aguero, who joined Barca from Manchester City in the summer on a free transfer, only made his debut for the club earlier in October after he injured his calf in preseason training.

He scored his first goal in the Clasico defeat to Real Madrid last weekend and followed that up with his first start in Wednesday’s surprise loss to Rayo Vallecano.

The game against Alaves marked his second start in a week as Barca’s winless run stretched to three games in LaLiga.

With interim coach Sergi Barjuan on the touch line following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman in midweek, Memphis Depay gave Barca the lead in the second half.

Luis Rioja equalised almost immediately for Alaves to earn a point for the Basque side and leave Barca languishing in ninth in the league table with 16 points from 11 games.

“It’s a bad point,” defender Jordi Alba told reporters after the game. “Anything other than three points is bad for Barca, but especially now seeing where we are in the standings.

“We did enough but we are struggling to score and it takes very little for teams to score against us. We are all trying but it’s tough.”

Barjuan will remain in charge for Tuesday’s must-win game against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League as the search for a new manager goes on.

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BARCELONA FIRES RONALD KOEMAN AFTER RAYO VALLECANO DEFEAT

Barcelona sacked head coach Ronald Koeman on Wednesday following their 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, the La Liga club said.

“FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano,” said the club in a statement.

“Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva,” it said. “FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”

Barca are in ninth spot in La Liga with 15 points in 10 matches.

Wednesday’s sacking came after the team lost against Real Madrid on Sunday.

The former Netherlands boss, 58, was sacked after 14 months in charge with 39 wins, 12 draws and 16 losses in his 67 matches. He also won the 2021 Copa del Rey.

According to local media, Barcelona’s former midfielder Xavi Hernandez is reportedly the strongest candidate to replace Koeman.

Earlier this month, the club supported manager Koeman despite disappointing results.

“Regardless of the result, Koeman will continue to be the coach of Barca. He has got a contract in place,” Barcelona President Laporta told reporters on Oct. 2.

Koeman was one of the most important football players of his generation, appearing as a defender for Dutch clubs Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord and Barcelona.

He won a European Champion Clubs’ Cup and a UEFA Super Cup triumph with Barcelona and one more European Champion Clubs’ Cup with PSV during his playing career.

The Dutch legend clinched the 1988 European Championship largely known as the UEFA EURO 88 with the Netherlands, the country’s only major title.

Barcelona hired Koeman in 2020 with a contract until June 2022.