Transfer: Chelsea decide on Willian’s move to Barcelona, Atletico Madrid

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Transfer: Chelsea decide on Willian’s move to Barcelona, Atletico Madrid

 

Chelsea have finally decided not to allow forward Willian to leave Stamford Bridge in this summer transfer window, after rejecting a £35million offer from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the winger, Sky Sports reports.

The report claimed that Chelsea are willing to offer Willian a new two-year deal after declining bids from Barca and Atletico.

Willian has drawn interests from both the Spanish La Liga giants in recent months.

The Brazilian joined the Blues from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and has made over 250 appearances for the West London club.

His current contract at Chelsea will expire next year.

The 30-year-old has helped Chelsea win two Premier League titles, the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time at the club.

 

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Transfer: Coutinho snubs Man Utd move ‘because of Liverpool’

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Transfer: Coutinho snubs Man Utd move ‘because of Liverpool’

 

Barcelona midfielder, Philippe Coutinho, will turn down a move to Manchester United this summer out of respect to former club Liverpool, Sky Sports reports.

 

Coutinho is widely expected to leave Spain in the transfer window, after a below-par season at Camp Nou.

United were thought to be the frontrunners for the 27-year-old and were weighing up a move for the Brazil playmaker.

However, Coutinho is unwilling to consider a move to Old Trafford, after his spell at Liverpool from 2013-2018.

After a loan spell in Espanyol, Coutinho left Inter Milan permanently in January 2013, to join Liverpool for £8.5m.

It was at Anfield that Coutinho’s career really began to take off, with the Brazil international quickly becoming a key figure for the Reds.

Coutinho eventually left for Barca in January 2018 for a reported fee of £142m.

 

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Transfer: Barcelona open talks with PSG over Neymar return

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Transfer: Barcelona open talks with PSG over Neymar return

Barcelona have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain, over a deal to re-sign Neymar, according to Globoesporte.

There have been intense speculations about the future of the 27-year-old in recent months and now it seems a return to the Camp Nou after a two-year absence is edging closer.

The fee is believed to be in the region of €100million (£90m/$112m).

However, some players believed to be Samuel Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Ivan Rakitic, will also be offered in exchange.

PSG will consider selling Neymar this summer, if they receive a substantial offer. 

Chairman and CEO, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, told France Football: “Players will have to be more responsible than before.

“It must be completely different. They will have to do more and work harder. They are not there for their own amusement.

“If they do not agree, the doors are open – Ciao! I do not want star behaviour anymore.”

 

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Transfer: Griezmann decides on £95million move to Manchester United

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Transfer: Griezmann decides on £95million move to Manchester United

 

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann is ready to snub Manchester United and push for a move to Barcelona this summer, the Daily Star reports.

Griezmann has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the last five years scoring 133 goals in 257 appearances for the La Liga side.

The 28-year-old has however informed Atletico that he wants to leave this summer and is heavily tipped to join Spanish rivals, Barcelona.

However, United are keen to hijack the move and have prepared a £95million offer for Griezmann, who netted 21 goals in La Liga last season.

But Griezmann is desperate to join Barca and is expected to sign a deal with the champions on July 1.

 

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Transfer: Coutinho finally decides to leave Barcelona for another club

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Transfer: Coutinho finally decides to leave Barcelona for another club

 

Barcelona attacking midfielder, Philippe Coutinho, has finally decided to leave the club in this summer’s transfer window.

According to Cadena SER, the Brazilian is unhappy at Nou Camp and his representatives have already told Barcelona about his decision to leave the club this summer.

The Spanish newspaper is also reporting that the former Liverpool star is distressed by his failed move to the La Liga champions and his failure to make an impact at Barca.

We had reported that Coutinho is among the seven players Barcelona placed on transfer list. 

The Catalan club are open to selling Coutinho this summer, but are demanding a transfer fee of at least £80million for the player.

Coutinho has failed to impress since arriving from Liverpool in a £105million deal in January 2018 despite playing his part in two La Liga title wins.

A disappointing performance against his former club at Anfield saw Barcelona crash out of Europe, raising more questions about the 26 year old.

Coutinho has drawn interests from Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in the past few weeks.

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Messi reveals how he deals with defeats in matches

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Messi reveals how he deals with defeats in matches

 

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, says his children have helped him learn to overcome the pain of defeat on the football pitch.

Messi was desperate to add a fifth Champions League title to his collection this season but was distraught at his side’s capitulation to Liverpool, before suffering further heartbreak in the Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

The Argentine superstar has three sons with wife, Antonella: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. And he says that fatherhood has given him a more mature outlook to life.

“The defeats hurt but I deal with them in another way.

“When Thiago was born [in 2012] I understood that the priorities are different and not just the result of a game.

“It hurts a lot to lose but I get to my house and I see my children and my wife and it passes.

“Before that, I came home and I locked myself up and I did not want to watch TV and I did not eat.

“Now I have a duty to be at the table with my children. I still suffer but I handle it in another way,” he told FOX Sports Argentina.

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Transfer: "Don't worry Barcelona, we can't afford Griezmann - Man City boss, Guardiola

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Transfer: "Don't worry Barcelona, we can't afford Griezmann - Man City boss, Guardiola

 

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has joked that they could not afford Antoine Griezmann, ruling out a move for the France international.

Griezmann has informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave after five seasons, with Barcelona favourites to land the player.

City are set to bring in three or four new faces during the summer, but Guardiola ruled out a move for the 2018 World Cup winner.

“For the people of Barcelona, I say: ‘Don’t worry, guys.’ Manchester City is not going to buy Antoine Griezmann, we cannot afford him.

“For the people of Barcelona, don’t worry. We are not interested in Griezmann,” he told a news conference ahead of the FA Cup final against Watford.

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Transfer: How fans reacted to the news of buying Coutinho back to Liverpool

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Transfer: How fans reacted to the news of buying Coutinho back to Liverpool

 

Liverpool fans are not happy with club legend, Phil Thompson, after he suggested Jurgen Klopp should make a move for their former midfielder, Philippe Coutinho.

Some of the Reds fans spoke with Daily Express.

Thompson had earlier suggested that the Brazilian, who left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2017, should be bought back to the club by Klopp.

The forward has not, however, found life easy at the Camp Nou.

Asked his opinion on Thompson’s claim, one of the fans responded: “He faked a back injury to punish Liverpool for not letting him go, so absolutely not.”

Another added: “No sorry. He burned all bridges, I’m afraid. And with no stats to back me up, I’m gonna say we’re a better team without him.”

While a third wrote: “No, no, no, a million times, no.”

 

And a fellow Reds fan posted: “I feel for him…but our fans don’t want him back.”

Another said, ““Why should we buy a player who is shit for Barcelona. Might as well sack Klopp and appoint Pardew while were at it.”

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Champions League: Klopp Reveals Why Liverpool Won't Flop Against Roma Like Barcelona

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Champions League: Klopp Reveals Why Liverpool Won't Flop Against Roma Like Barcelona

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has insisted his side won’t fall apart like Barcelona did, when they take on Roma in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.

The Reds travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday with Barcelona’s quarter-final capitulation in mind, after Roma came back from a 4-1 first-leg defeat to win the tie on the away goals rule.

“Now we have to work again in Rome. That’s no problem. There would have been work for us to do if we’d won 5-0 because Roma would have tried everything to strike back anyway.

“And what I learned tonight is that we can win the second game as well, even when it will be different. Roma need to score goals against us. I said it a few times and it should not sound like a warning or whatever, but we are not Barcelona.

“They are one of the two or three best teams in the world and they won so many things in the last few years. We didn’t.

“So we will fight with all we have for that result again. It’s much better than I could have expected before the game, but now in the moment of course I feel the two goals we conceded still,” Klopp told the media on Tuesday night.

                                                  

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Laliga: This Is The Chelsea Player Messi Want In Barcelona

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Laliga: This Is The Chelsea Player Messi Want In Barcelona

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi has reportedly told the club to sign Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso.

Alonso has been in good form for Chelsea this season.

Alonso was part of Antonio Conte’s squad that crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona.

Messi netted twice and assisted one as Barca won the second leg 3-0 at Camp Nou.

Spanish news outlet, Don Balon reports that Messi was impressed with Alonso’s performances over the two games.

The Argentine captain urged the club to make a move for the Chelsea’s flying full-back.

Messi wants some new faces and also calls for competition for Jordi Alba at left-back.

The 30-year-old feels that the team is weaker when Alba does not play and does not consider Lucas Digne adequate back-up.

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Champions League: Valverde Reacts To Barcelona 4-1 Win Over Roma

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Champions League: Valverde Reacts To Barcelona 4-1 Win Over Roma

Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde has said he doesn’t know if Roma deserved to be awarded two penalties because he hadn’t seen the replays.

However, Valverde feels there were calls which went against his team, too.

The Barca boss was speaking after their 4-1 win over Roma in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The referee ruled Nelson Semedo’s challenge on Dzeko in the ninth minute was legal and determined that Samuel Umtiti’s first-half foul on Lorenzo Pellegrini was outside the box.

“I saw penalties [for Barcelona] that we weren’t awarded tonight as well,” he said.

“Everyone sees things their own way,” he added.

Valverde was happy with the result, even though he would have preferred not to concede an away goal.

“It’s a struggle to win every game,” he added.

“So it’s a good result, although I would have preferred to win 3-0 than 4-1. That said, Marc-Andre [Ter Stegen] had some tough saves to make and Roma had some clear scoring opportunities. They’re a good side, it was difficult for us to break them down and get past the first line of pressure.

“But we haven’t done anything yet. I don’t see us in the semifinal, not at all,” he said.

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Champions League: We Would Beat Barcelona If Not For The Referee - Francesco

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Champions League: We Would Beat Barcelona If Not For The Referee -  Francesco

Roma manager, Eusebio Di Francesco, has claimed Barcelona received help from the referee on Wednesday, as the LaLiga leaders beat them 4-1 in the Champions League quarter-finals.

However, Di Francesco also conceded that his own team made too many mistakes, with own goals either side of half-time giving Barca a two-goal lead at Camp Nou.

Gerard Pique added the third before Edin Dzeko pulled one back for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining.

However, Luis Suarez restored the home side’s three-goal lead in the 87th minute to give them a commanding lead going into next week’s second leg.

Di Francesco insists things would have been different, if match official Danny Makkelie had awarded his side two penalties.

“It’s going to be very difficult to qualify from here but it would be less difficult if the referee hadn’t helped them, especially with the big decisions,” Di Francesco said in his postgame news conference.

“But we made mistakes and we made it easy for them, which you can’t do against Barca. Daniele [De Rossi] has made a mistake, which can happen, then [Kostas] Manolas was unfortunate with the second own goal.

“Evidently that’s our fault, but Barca are good enough without help from the officials. Semedo on Dzeko is a clear penalty and then later there’s another on Pellegrini,” he added.

Asked if he felt the scoreline was unfair, Di Francesco added: “Yes, absolutely, given how we played. We had a lot of chances. I think it’s a result that doesn’t demonstrate what we did on the pitch.

“We have to keep dreaming, though. Why not? It’s a result that favours Barca but I want my team to put on a show in front of our fans next week.”

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Messi Explain His New Role In Barcelona, Says He Don't Play Selfish Game Anymore

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Messi Explain His New Role In Barcelona, Says He Don't Play Selfish Game Anymore

Barcelona star, Lionel Messi has explained his new role at the club.

Messi revealed that he has become less selfish and has evolved into more of a team player.

The 30-year-old disclosed that he does not play individual football like before.

According to Messi, he tries to move the team from one position to another on the pitch.

“Before, I used to try to steal the ball and make something happen on my own — or at least try to do something on my own,” Messi told America TV.

“Now, I try to make the team play more. I pass the ball more and I try not to be so selfish, if you will. I try to move the team from one position to another. I still run as much as ever, just in a different way.”

Meanwhile, Messi is effectively the second forward in a 4-4-2 formation under manager, Ernesto Valverde.

The forward increasingly finds himself in a deeper position, often dropping into his own half to get on the ball in central positions and dictate play.

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Laliga: Busquets Is Irreplaceable, Barcelona Boss, Valverde Reveals

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Laliga: Busquets Is Irreplaceable, Barcelona Boss, Valverde Reveals

Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde, has admitted it would be difficult to replace Sergio Busquets against Athletic Bilbao this weekend, hailing the midfielder as “the best in the world” at what he does.

Busquets, 29, broke a bone in his foot in the Champions League win against Chelsea on Wednesday and will be sidelined for the next three weeks.

He is one of five players missing for Athletic’s visit to Camp Nou on Sunday. Thomas Vermaelen, Nelson Semedo and Denis Suarez are also out due to injury and Luis Suarez is suspended.

Valverde has called up the Barca midfielder, Carles Alena, who he said has a “very big future” at the club.

“It’s always bad to lose players of [Busquets’] calibre.

“Busquets is fundamental for the team. He is the best player in the world in his position, so it’s not easy to replace him, but there are alternatives — [Ivan] Rakitic has played that role very well.

“Rakitic is having an extraordinary season. Maybe his role isn’t as attacking as it was at Sevilla, but players do move around. They don’t always stay in the same position. Rakitic is a very important player for us,” Valverde told a press conference on Saturday.

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Champions League: Barcelona Vs Chelsea, Busquets Reveals Blues Players To Pay Attention To

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Champions League: Barcelona Vs Chelsea, Busquets Reveals  Blues Players To Pay Attention To

Barcelona midfielder, Sergio Busquets, has said they need to pay “special attention” to Willian, when they host Chelsea in their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday night.

Willian hit the post twice before scoring the first goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg three weeks ago.

Since then, the Brazilian has netted against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, to earn praise from manager Antonio Conte, who labelled the Brazilian as “fantastic” following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Eagles.

“We have to pay special attention to him, but [also Alvaro] Morata, Pedro or Hazard. They have specific attack profiles. They are a good team,” Busquets told reporters on Tuesday.

With Chelsea needing to score to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Busquets admitted that even a goalless draw will suit the hosts today.

“It is going to be a hard match, this is the Champions League. We are playing against a very good team with a defensive play.

“We will try to get the ball, they are well prepared and it will be hard. We will try to play hard to get the win, but 0-0 could be a good result. If they score we could be really suffering for that,” he said.

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Champions League: Conte Plans To Stop Barcelona Starts Giroud, Team Details

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Champions League: Conte Plans To Stop Barcelona Starts Giroud, Team Details

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, is set to start Olivier Giroud against Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night.

The Italian has come under criticism for fielding Eden Hazard as a false nine in recent big matches and is ready to take a brave decision.

Conte however admits that it will still be a difficult game for the Blues, after the first leg ended 1-1.

“I think that every single player playing this type of game against Barcelona at Camp Nou must be excited to play this type of game.

“We know the difficulty we can face tomorrow. But if you want to go through to the next round, we must stay in the game in every moment,” he told a press conference on Tuesday in Spain.

Giroud is expected to spearhead the attack, flanked by Hazard and Willian who scored at Stamford Bridge and also hit the post twice.

PROBABLE TEAMS
BARCELONA Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Paulinho, Rakitic, Iniesta; Suarez, Messi.

CHELSEA Courtois; Moses, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Alonso; Kante, Fabregas; Willian, Hazard, Giroud.

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Transfer: Neymar's Father Reacts To His Return To Barca, Real Madrid Rumours

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Transfer: Neymar's Father Reacts To His Return To Barca, Real Madrid Rumours

Neymar “has a future” at Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazil international’s father said on Tuesday, amid reports of an exit from the French club.

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Antero Henrique, visited Neymar this week in Brazil, as he continues to recover from surgery on a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

They both met with the player and his father, Neymar Sr, who also acts as his agent.

While they were there, Neymar Sr and Al-Khelaifi moved to silence rumours about a possible Real Madrid move or a return to Barca.

“Neymar already has a future at PSG,” Neymar Sr said at a press conference.

“Neymar already has a present at PSG.”

Al-Khelaifi added: “Neymar is happy, highly motivated and excited to come back as soon as possible. He is doing his best to come back as soon as possible – he is in good shape.”

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Transfer: Neymar Regrets Leaving Barcelona, Plans To Come Back

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Transfer: Neymar Regrets Leaving Barcelona, Plans To Come Back

 

Neymar has told Barcelona that he wishes to return to Camp Nou.

A source at Barcelona told Spanish news outlet, Mundo Deportivo, that the Brazilian international regrets his decision to leave for PSG.

Neymar was said to have left the Catalan giants to PSG in order to step out of the shadow cast by Lionel Messi.

The 25-year-old now wants to know what it will take to return to Catalunya.

The report suggests that the 26-year-old will spend one more year in Paris before attempting to engineer a move back to Spain in 2019.

Neymar was released from his Barcelona contract, after the La Liga giants accepted a €222m bid from PSG last summer.

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