Over the past few weeks, Barcelona news have been largely dominated by the Spanish club's imminent voting in of a new President. The elections, which will be held later this month has not even started yet and there are several stories about it that pop up each day.
The story that has surfaced this time around is that two of the candidates in the running to be the Catalan giant's new president in persons of Pere Riera and AgustiBenedito have dropped out of the race and are no longer in the running for the position. This now means that there are just five candidates left in the picture who are willing to battle it out to become the next president.
Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho is set to undergo scan on the knee injury that he picked up during the disappointing draw at home to Eibarin the Spanish La Liga. Philippe Coutinho sustained the knee injury after coming on as a second half substitute during the week 16 league game which ended in a 1-1 draw and the Brazilian international had to limp out of the match. He had come on for fellow midfielder Miralem Pjanic shortly before the midpoint of the second half.
Ronald Koeman had to turn to Philippe Coutinho with Barcelona trailing 1-0 at home to Eibar and his arrival coincided with the equaliser from another substitute, OusmaneDembele. Barcelona had themselves to blame for a poor performance in front of goal especially in the first half when they failed to capitalise on the award of a spot kick. Regular spot kick taker Lionel Messi missed the game with a small ankle issue and Martin Braithwaite had to step up to take the penalty in the first half. The Danish striker failed to convert the spot as Barcelona missed out on a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in the first half as both teams went into the break with no goals.
Spanish giants Barcelona have lost top spot to Juventus at the end of Group G campaign in the Champions League this season after they were beaten at home by the Italians in their final group game at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night. Barcelona came into the matchday six clash at home to Juve with the only perfect record in the competition and the Spaniards needed at least a 2-0 loss or better to lose their place as the top team in the group.
Barcelona had a three-point lead over Juventus in second place ahead of their meeting in Catalonia. In the end, the Spanish team managed to lose its place at the top of Group G to Juventus after they were beaten 3-0 by their visitors with Cristiano Ronaldo getting a brace via two penalties in addition to a Weston McKennie strike. Juve scored two goals in seven minutes to take a 2-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes.
Not many would know John Bostock and quite fairly that’s because his story is one of almost. The current 28-year old, who has played for 13 different clubs is without one now. He almost joined FC Barcelona 14 years back but now it’s a case of unfulfilled potential.
Bostock is like several ‘wonderkids’ that caught the attention of the biggest clubs but eventually nothing came of it. The footballer said he got the attention of Barca, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool and other top sides, preferring to follow the route advertised at Camp Nou.
Bostock idolized Ronaldinho at the time so it was probably not so much of a decision for him then. Seeing how the Brazilian was enjoying his time in the La Liga, scoring and assisting goals, winning titles and winning the Ballon d’Or, Bostock was sold.
Lionel Scaloni has said that Lautaro Martinez will be better playing with his countrymen Lionel Messi. He has been linked with a move to Barcelonaas the summer transfer window is approaching. Barca has shown keen interest on signing the playerand the speculations have only grown regarding his transfer to the club. He had a splendid season in Serie A which gained a lot of attention to him. He has scored 16 goals by appearing in 31 matches before the league was suspended due to coronavirus.
Argentina football coach has said that playing with Messi will improve Martinez a lot. But unlike in Inter, he has to fight for his position in the club. If he decides to change clubs then everyone has to be calm about it. Maybe he will not be included directly into the first team but as long as he is given enough playing minutes everything is good. With enough playing time, he will be in form and Scaloni also said that he has a great future and has a lot more to develop.
Dani Alves has said that Neymar's return to Barcelona will help the club and Lionel Messi regain their position back as giants of La Liga. He was transferred from Barca to PSG in 2017 for a record-breaking € 222 million. The transfer was to help him move away from the shadow cast on him by the Argentinian star Messi. But since his departure from Camp Nou, there have been talks regarding his possible return to the club.
Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta is concerned that Lionel Messiwill leave the club. He is scared that the player will decide to leave due to the current issues in the board of the club. His current contract with the club will end in2021 but the chance of extension seems impossible as his relationship with the current president Maria Bartomeuisn’t on good terms. Even though Bartomeu has reassured that Messi will not be leaving the club and will surely extend the contract with Barca, Laporta is not convinced by this.
Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has insisted that the club have no plans to part ways with Lautaro Martinez and Barcelona will need to meet his release clause to land his signature. The Argentina international has been identified as the prime target for the Blaugrana this summer as they aim to find a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.
Barcelona coach Quique Setien says that footballers who play alongside with Lionel Messi will be encouraged to play a better game and will be motivated by him. He also has praised about Lautaro Martinez’ style of play and how he will be a benefit to the team. Martinez is one of the top priorities of Barcelona along with Neymar. The winger, as per the reports by Goal, will be offered £9 million per year to be part of the Spanish club.
Even though Lautaro wasn’t on his best form when he played for Inter Milan initially. But with Antonio Conte being the head coach he has transformed to be one of the best strikers of European leagues.
Barcelona head coach Quique Setien has opened the possibility of Philippe Coutinho playing for the Blaugrana next term. The Brazil international is currently out on loan with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga but the German side are expected to turn down the option of signing him on a permanent deal.
