Tag Archives: vilanova

Chelsea"s David Luiz a summer target for Barcelona

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Barcelona keen to sign Luiz but face battle as Chelsea want to keep their boy from Brazil

By
Paul Collins

PUBLISHED:

22:31 GMT, 13 February 2013

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UPDATED:

23:49 GMT, 13 February 2013

Barcelona are keen to revive interest in Chelsea defender David Luiz in the summer.

The Brazil international has struggled for consistency at Stamford Bridge this season.

And Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is keen to strengthen his defence, despite club captain Carles Puyol only recent signing a new deal at the Nou Camp.

Wanted man: Barcelona are keen to sign David Luiz in the summer

Wanted man: Barcelona are keen to sign David Luiz in the summer

Vilanova met with sporting director
Andoni Zubizarreta, technical secretary Albert Valentn and football co-ordinator Narcis Juli in New York this week where a number of targets were discussed.

Fellow Brazilian Neymar was also on his list, which would allow David Villa to leave.

If he does make the move in the summer
then Luiz could team up with a couple of former Premier League players
in Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas.

Boy from Brazil: Luiz captained the Samba boys against England last week

Boy from Brazil: Luiz captained the Samba boys against England last week

According to Portuguese paper A Bola, Chelsea would be reluctant to sell one of their assets to their European rivals.

But they also suggest that if they were to let him go to Spain, then they would want to recoup a sizeable amount of the 21m transfer fee they forked out for him in 2011.

Another target: Neymar is wanted by Barca

Another target: Neymar is wanted by Barca

Chelsea are third in the Premier League and Luiz and his team-mates face a battle to secure Champions League football next season as they are only one point ahead of fellow London rivals Spurs, and Arsenal an additional four points behind them.

Barcelona lose to Real Sociedad after Gerard Pique red card

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Barcelona stunned as Liga leaders unbeaten record unravels in Sociedad after Pique sees red

By
William Griffiths

PUBLISHED:

23:50 GMT, 19 January 2013

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UPDATED:

01:17 GMT, 20 January 2013

Real Sociedad hit back from two goals down to end Barcelona's unbeaten Primera Division record in stunning fashion at the Anoeta this evening.

All looked to be going to plan for Tito Vilanova's visitors when Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez put them 2-0 up within 25 minutes.

Not used to this: Barcelona kick-off during their 3-2 defeat to Real Sociedad

Not used to this: Barcelona kick-off during their 3-2 defeat to Real Sociedad

No you don't: Sociedad's goalkeeper takes the ball away from Lionel Messi

No you don't: Sociedad's goalkeeper takes the ball away from Lionel Messi

Get off the pitch: Gerard Pique (background) was dismissed by the referee

Get off the pitch: Gerard Pique (background) was dismissed by the referee

But Gonzalo Castro's brilliant strike gave Sociedad hope before half-time and then, after Barca had lost centre-back Gerard Pique to a red card, Castro's curling effort was deflected into his own net by Barca substitute Javier Mascherano.

That sent the home fans wild, but it got even better in stoppage time when Imanol Agirretxe poked Carlos Martinez's cross from the right past Victor Valdes to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win.

Best in the world Sociedad didn't care about Messi's reputation as they turned over the favourites

Best in the world Sociedad didn't care about Messi's reputation as they turned over the favourites

It started off so well: Barcelona went 2-0 up with goals from Messi and Pedro

It started off so well: Barcelona went 2-0 up with goals from Messi and Pedro

Barca had headed to San Sebastian having dropped only two points in La Liga this season – in October's 2-2 Clasico draw with Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid could move within eight points of the leaders if they beat Levante on Sunday, while third-spotted champions Real Madrid can get within 15 points if they overcome Valencia at the Mestalla.

Eyes on the ball: Tito Vilanova could do nothing as his side lost their unbeaten record

Eyes on the ball: Tito Vilanova could do nothing as his side lost their unbeaten record

Pep Guardiola must win Champions League with Bayern Munich – Jamie Carragher

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No easy life for Pep at Bayern… he must deliver Holy Grail

Champions League final on their own turf” class=”blkBorder” />

Beaten: Bayern lost the 2012 Champions League final on their own turf

Arjen Robben

Bastian Schweinsteiger & Philip Lahm

It is a shame he is not coming to the Premier League but he is not shying away from a challenge and he will be aware of the scrutiny. He will have to enter the transfer market more than he did at Barcelona. Bayern’s academy cannot rival Barcelona’s La Masia and so he will be forced to look elsewhere to recruit more often than in the past. But his buying record isn’t flawless.

True, he turned Gerard Pique into one of the best defenders in the world after plucking him from Manchester United’s reserves but there were expensive blemishes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for starters, at €49.5million (41m), was not a success coming from Inter Milan in 2009. And Alexis Sanchez, at €26m (22m), has not justified such a huge fee since joining from Udinese.

Missing link Barca boss Tito Vilanova will not be able to assist Guardiola

Missing link Barca boss Tito Vilanova will not be able to assist Guardiola

Another problem will be working without Tito Vilanova. Guardiola would be the first to acknowledge the support Vilanova has provided down the years. He will surely bring his own people in but he enjoyed a special rapport with Vilanova.

He is not, however, going into a club with huge problems. Bayern have Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, two of the world’s best wingers, who will be perfect fits for Guardiola’s 4-3-3.

Borussia Dortmund will be formidable domestic opponents, but it would be no surprise if Guardiola adds a couple of Bundesliga titles to his CV before coming to England. Can he deliver the big one Whatever happens, it won’t be easy.

John Hartson says Martin O"Neill is the right man to be the next Manchester United manager

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Only one man to succeed Fergie, according to John Hartson… the 'genius' Martin O'Neill

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UPDATED:

16:44 GMT, 27 December 2012

The question of who will take over as manager of United (if Sir Alex can ever be removed from Old Trafford) is likely to become a hot topic of debate in the coming year.

But one former footballer reckons he’s already got the answer, and it’s not who you’d expect.

Former Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson says there’s only one man for the job, and that’s… Martin O’Neill.

Hartson feels that O'Neill would be a better choice than a foriegn manager

British Connections: Hartson feels that O'Neill would be a better choice than a foriegn manager

‘Only one man could have got Sunderland out of the hole they were in..’ Hartson tweeted. ‘That’s the genius Martin o'neill.. Next man united manager..’

He followed that assertion by adding: ‘Moyes not in the same class. Mourinho is proven but is a liability with his behaviour. Pep taking a break not sure for how long..o’neill cert.’

Now it’s true that Sunderland have seen an improvement during their year under O’Neill.

They’re on track to finish a few places higher than last year in the Premier League, and the Northern Irishman will be riding the high of beating Manchester City for quite some time.

Ferguson's perseverance has been mirrored by United's comebacks this season

Never-say-die: Ferguson's perseverance has been mirrored by United's comebacks this season

Pep Guardiola may be a long-shot for the Manchester side, especially now that Barcelona are in need of a manager in the absence of Tito Vilanova.

However, the idea that O’Neill would be a contender ahead of Jose Mourinho is slightly questionable.

Real Madrid are sitting 16 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and it is widely thought Mourinho's stay in then Spanish capital will not last past the end of the season.

What he does have is extensive experience of topping European tables, whereas O’Neill has yet to lead a team to a finish in the top five of the Premier League.

Last season Real Madrid won their 32nd League title and scored a record-breaking number of goals. Mourinho’s ‘behaviour’ hasn’t made him too much of a liability for the Spaniards it seems.

Mourinho looks set to leave Madrid in the Summer after falling too far behind Barca

Not a happy bunny: Mourinho looks set to leave Madrid in the Summer after falling too far behind Barca

Moyes has been installed as the front-runner for the job owing to his success with limited resources

Popular: Moyes has been installed as the front-runner for the job owing to his success with limited resources

And as far as Moyes is concerned, the Scot has an impressive record with Everton, having taken them from a side that continually finished in the bottom half of the table to one that has made consistent appearances in the top half at the end of each season.

There are also some similarities between Ferguson and Moyes which might make him a preferable option. Both are long-serving managers for one thing.

And of course, there is the Scottish connection. But who knows, maybe the Welshman will be proved right. It’s doubtful though.

Michu is proving to be one of Spain"s best exports

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Bargain buy Michu is proving his worth alongside some of Spain's greats

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UPDATED:

16:08 GMT, 23 December 2012

Before the start of the season, most fans in England had never heard of him. Now, Swansea City’s Michu is one of the most talked-up, threatening midfielders in the Premier League.

The Spaniard pegged back Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium, making sure Sir Alex knew exactly who he was, and in doing so recorded his 13th goal of the season to earn his side a hard-earned point.

A snip at just 2million, he represents one of the league’s biggest bargains. But where does he stand among his country’s best

The main man: Michu has proved to be a great signing for Swansea so far

The main man: Michu has proved to be a great signing for Swansea so far

Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona
Barcelona’s Xavi turns 33 next month but has just signed a contract extension, keeping him at Camp Nou until 2016.
A true dead-ball specialist and an expert in both expansive and contained possession, he is not the biggest goal-threat, having only crept into double figures once in his career.
Estimated market value: 68million
Games: 17
Goals: 4
Shots: 25

Xavi Hernandez

Andres Iniesta

Barca duo: Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta are two of Spain and Barcelona's best

Andres Iniesta, Barcelona
He smashed in the goal which won Spain the World Cup in 2010 and his humble approach is eternally endearing. An accomplished technician, Iniesta makes up for anything he lacks in physical prowess with intelligence and versatility.
Estimated market value: 61.5million
Games: 12
Goals: 1
Shots: 16

Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona
One of the game’s modern-day greats, Fabregas is a superb passer, an accomplished finisher, was the very heart of Arsenal’s midfield and is proving indispensable for the Primera Liga greats.
He also has nine assists to his name and has dropped into Tito Vilanova’s highly-charged, switch-driven approach with ease.
Signed from Arsenal for 35million
Games: 15
Goals: 5
Shots: 21

Back home: Cesc Fabregas joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011

Back home: Cesc Fabregas joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011

David Silva, Manchester City
Silky Silva had a slow start with Manchester City, often finding he was easily out-muscled and dispossessed, but since settling with the Premier League champions, he’s been lively and exciting.
A true playmaker, his absences through injury this season have certainly been felt.
Signed from Valencia for 24million
Games: 15
Goals: 1
Shots: 25

Little master: David Silva has proved to be a key player for City

Little master: David Silva has proved to be a key player for City

Andres Iniesta: Secret to Barcelona"s success – constant evolution

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Football perfection Impossible. Constant evolution is secret of Barcelona's success

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UPDATED:

09:48 GMT, 21 December 2012

Barcelona star Andres Iniesta believes football perfection is impossible to attain and that instead his team focus on evolving every year.

The midfield magician, who is up for the this year’s FIFA's Ballon d'Or award against superstars Leonel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, says improvement not perfection is the aim of the squad at the Nou Camp.

Speaking to BBC's Football Focus programme, the 28-year-old said: 'There is no such thing as the perfect player. Everyone can improve and things can be done better. I rate myself as someone who enjoys the learning process and someone who tries to be better every year.

Team ethic: Iniesta believes football perfection is impossible

Team ethic: Iniesta believes football perfection is impossible

'Perfection doesn't exist. There are players who are close but it is almost impossible to be perfect. If that was the case there wouldn’t be evolution in football.

'I don't consider myself a star. I consider myself a footballer who tries to improve myself by doing things well. What really makes me happy is when I feel I've improved at the end of each year and I hope this feeling can go on and on.'

Iniesta is a key part of the record-breaking Barcelona and Spanish national team that has won both the World Cup and last two European Champions and completed another year at the top of the FIFA world rankings.

United front: Iniesta was among the players present at the press conference where boss Tito Vilanova's cancer relapse was announced

United front: Iniesta was among the players present at the press conference where boss Tito Vilanova's cancer relapse was announced

United front: Iniesta was among the players present at the press conference where boss Tito Vilanova's cancer relapse was announced

Barcelona announced on Thursday that Tito Vilanova’s operation on his parotid gland had gone 'as expected' as the 44-year-old began a second battle with cancer.

Vilanova, who also had a tumour removed from his throat in November last year, will now start six weeks of chemotherapy.

In a statement, the club said: 'Vilanova’s surgical procedure has gone as expected. His clinical progress will determine how long he remains in hospital.

'The expected timeframe has been maintained. Tito asks for his privacy and confidentiality to be respected.'

Gold standard: Iniesta was among the Ballon D'Or nominees

Gold standard: Iniesta was among the Ballon D'Or nominees

You can watch the full interview on Saturday at 12.15pm on BBC One.

Lionel Messi beats Muller"s goalscoring record as 86th strike of 2012 opens scoring for Barcelona at Real Betis

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EIGHT SIX goals in ONE year… and he's not done yet! Messi breaks Muller record with early double strike against Betis

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UPDATED:

21:25 GMT, 9 December 2012

MESSI SPECIAL

Click here for Sportmail's month-by-month, goal-by-goal video, picture and stats special to mark Messi's achievement

Lionel Messi has surpassed Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals for club and country in a calendar year after scoring twice in the opening 25 minutes for Barcelona against Real Betis.

The Argentinian, who started the match on 84 goals, required just 15 minutes to break the deadlock and equal the record.

Collecting the ball on the inside right channel, he drove diagonally into the penalty area, beating three defenders before picking out the bottom corner.

His 86th arrived ten minutes later in a move he started and finished before firing the ball into the same corner.

Messi has also become Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga, with his tally now standing on 192, two ahead of Cesar Rodriguez.

Messi has been in hot pursuit of Muller's record, set in 1972 when he scored 85 goals for Bayern Munich and West Germany in all competitions.

Record breaker: Lionel Messi needed just 25 minutes to get the two goals he needed to break Gerd Muller's calendar year goalscoring record

Record breaker: Lionel Messi needed just 25 minutes to get the two goals he needed to break Gerd Muller's calendar year goalscoring record

Double trouble: Messi scored the two goals after 15 and 25 minutes as Barcelona seized control of their match at Real Betis

Double trouble: Messi scored the two goals after 15 and 25 minutes as Barcelona seized control of their match at Real Betis

Teamwork: Messi is congratulated by his Barcelona teammates after breaking the record

Teamwork: Messi is congratulated by his Barcelona teammates after breaking the record

There had been some doubt about
whether Messi would make the team after bruising his left knee in the
midweek Champions League draw with Benfica.

But he was able to train with his
teammates on Saturday after making a swift recovery and coach Tito
Vilanova passed him fit to make the journey to Seville.

Barcelona can establish a six-point lead at the top of La Liga if they beat fifth-place Betis.

Clash of eras: Messi (top) has broken the record set by Bayern Munich and West Germany striker Gerd Muller set in 1972 (bottom)

Clash of eras: Messi (top) has broken the record set by Bayern Munich and West Germany striker Gerd Muller set in 1972 (bottom)

Lionel Messi passed fit to play Real Betis as he attempts to break Gerd Muller scoring record

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Messi passed fit for Betis match as he attempts to break Muller's goalscoring record

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UPDATED:

12:48 GMT, 9 December 2012

Lionel Messi has been passed fit to play for Barcelona against Real Betis tonight, as he attempts to break Gerd Muller's long-standing calendar year goalscoring record.

The Argentinian needs two more goals to surpass Muller's record of 85 for the highest number of goals scored in a 12 month period for club and country, set while playing for Bayern Munich and West Germany in 1972.

But his attempt appeared in jeopardy on Wednesday night when he was stretchered off with a bruised knee during Barcelona's 0-0 Champions League draw with Benfica.

Ready to play: Lionel Messi pictured at Barcelona airport en route to Seville this morning

Ready to play: Lionel Messi pictured at Barcelona airport en route to Seville this morning

Injury concern: Messi suffered a bruised knee in Barcelona's 0-0 Champions League draw with Benfica on Wednesday night

Injury concern: Messi suffered a bruised knee in Barcelona's 0-0 Champions League draw with Benfica on Wednesday night

Recovery: Despite being stretchered off, Messi has been passed fit to face Real Betis in La Liga tonight

Recovery: Despite being stretchered off, Messi has been passed fit to face Real Betis in La Liga tonight

However, club officials confirmed on Sunday morning that the damage wasn't as bad as first feared and Messi was included in the party that flew to Seville on Sunday morning.

Manager Tito Vilanova and his coaching team will make a final decision just before kick-off on whether to play Messi from the start or keep him on the bench.

Messi trained with the rest of the squad on Saturday, and Vilanova was confident he would make tonight's match.

He said: 'If there was even the smallest risk then Messi would not travel with the rest of the team.

'This means he has recovered and is ready to play. However, we will assess his conditions tomorrow (Sunday) and then decide whether he can play 90 minutes or not.'

Confident: Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova was sure Messi would be available to him for the trip to fifth-placed Betis

Confident: Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova was sure Messi would be available to him for the trip to fifth-placed Betis

The match with fifth-placed Betis is one of four opportunities Messi has to grab the required goals before the New Year.

In midweek, Barca travel to second division Cordoba in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Next Sunday, they host Atletico Madrid in the league and then travel to Valladolid a week later.

Healed: Despite his injuries, Messi was able to attend a promotional event on Thursday and trained with Barcelona on Saturday

Healed: Despite his injuries, Messi was able to attend a promotional event on Thursday and trained with Barcelona on Saturday

Messi has scored 84 times in 2012 – including 72 goals in 56 matches for Barcelona across all competitions and 12 goals in nine games for Argentina.

In 1972, Muller scored 72 goals in 53 games for Bayern and 13 in seven games for West Germany.

Messi is also on the brink of becoming Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga – he is currently tied on 190 with Cesar Rodriguez.

Barcelona can move nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid with a win.

Celtic 2 Barcelona 1: Neil Lennon – I"ll never top this night

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I don't know if I'll ever top this night, says Celtic boss Lennon after brilliant Barca win

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UPDATED:

00:24 GMT, 8 November 2012

Neil Lennon hailed his players as heroes after the shock result of the Champions League. 'It's one of the greatest nights in the club's recent history,' said Lennon.

'It was very poignant to be playing Barcelona on our 125th anniversary and we did so decimated by injuries.'

Lennon, who succeeded Tony Mowbray two years ago, has had a sometimes traumatic tenure at the Glasgow club.

Great night: Lennon guided Celtic to a famous win over Barcelona at Parkhead

Great night: Lennon guided Celtic to a famous win over Barcelona at Parkhead

He described Wednesday night as 'up there with anything I've done in my life, not just in football. As a manager I don't know if I'll top that – I hope I do.'

Celtic travel to Benfica in a fortnight as second team in the group. They may need only one more point to qualify for the even more lucrative knockout stages.

Shock result: The hosts saw off the challenge from Barcelona to win 2-1 on Wednesday evening

Shock result: The hosts saw off the challenge from Barcelona to win 2-1 on Wednesday evening

'We've got a chance,' added Lennon, 'a greater chance than we maybe expected.

'The problem now will be the expectation level. There's still a lot of work to do. But that's for the future.'

In unison: Celtic supporters will remember their side's win over Barca for years to come

In unison: Celtic supporters will remember their side's win over Barca for years to come

Lennon praised his goalkeeper, England squad man Fraser Forster, who made two outstanding saves from Lionel Messi.

'You need your goalkeeper to be fantastic to beat Barcelona. You need luck as well and Barcelona hit the bar and the post.

Hero: Forster denied Messi on two occasions

Hero: Forster denied Messi on two occasions

'But the difference between me and Tito Vilanova (Barca's coach) is that he can bring on Cesc Fabregas and David Villa, I bring on Tony Watt, an 18-year-old signed for 50,000 from a club called Airdrie.

'When I took the job on, I said I wanted to bring the thunder back and I've never seen an atmosphere like I did tonight.'

Hexham-born Forster, 24, recalled the heartbreak of the last-minute defeat when Celtic travelled to Barcelona.

He said: 'Words can't describe it. We put in so much effort in the Nou Camp and couldn't see it through, but tonight we did.

Rod Stewart bursts into tears after Celtic"s historic win over Barcelona

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We are WAILING! Rod Stewart bursts into tears after Celtic's historic win over Barca

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UPDATED:

22:55 GMT, 7 November 2012

It all got a little bit much for Rod Stewart as he watched his beloved Celtic run out victors against one of the best sides in world football at Parkhead.

The former Faces frontman was in the stands cheering on his Bhoys – on the week of the club’s 125th anniversary – on a momentous night in Glasgow.

Victor Wanyama and teenager Tony Watt bagged a goal a piece, as a Lionel Messi-led fightback came all too late for the Spanish giants, handing Celtic a 2-1 win.

We are wailing: Emotions got the better of Rod Stewart as he burst into tears after the final whistle

We are wailing: Emotions got the better of Rod Stewart as he burst into tears after the final whistle

We are wailing: Emotions got the better of Rod Stewart as he burst into tears after the final whistle

But as the swathes of Celtic fans bounced to the tune of Depeche Mode’s I Just Can’t Get Enough at the final whistle and Neil Lennon ran onto the pitch, an overwhelmed Stewart was left in flood of tears as he came to grips with one of Celtic’s great nights in European competition across the ages.

As he blubbers uncontrollably and holds a handkerchief to his eyes and mouth, a friend grabs him as if to say: ‘We’ve done it!’

Celtic were unable to hang on for a draw two weeks ago at the Nou Camp, where Jordi Alba grabbed a last-dicth winner after Barca relentlessly pressed throughout the second half.

But this time a robust Celtic outfit were more than up to the task.

All smiles: Earlier in the game Stewart appeared a little calmer

All smiles: Earlier in the game Stewart appeared a little calmer

Messi finally beat the near-impregnable Fraser Forster just after the 90th minute, but there wasn’t enough time for Tito Vilanova’s men to spoil the party this time.

So strong is the 67-year-old rocker’s love for Celtic, that he mentions the club in his 1977 hit You’re In My Heart.

He sings: ‘You're an essay in glamour/Please pardon the grammar/But you're every schoolboy's dream/You're Celtic, United, but baby I've decided/You're the best team I've ever seen’

But based on the images on Sky Sports after Celtic’s 2-1 win, another of his hits springs to mind.

‘It’s a heartache, nothing but a heartache…’

Disbelief: 18-year-old Tony Watt took 11 minutes before scoring against Barcelona

Disbelief: 18-year-old Tony Watt took 11 minutes before scoring against Barcelona