Congratulations on lifting the Copa Del Rey! Two done, one to go now. A nice collection of awards ranked up, too. Well done on winning Manager of the Year.
La Masia
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ScottT - Cheers mate; been a good first season so far. Hopefully we can finish off on a positive note against Liverpool.
Champions League Final 01/06/2019
Barcelona vs Liverpool
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
Gary Lineker - BT Sport Good evening and welcome to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, the venue for this years Champions League Final. I'm joined in the studio by Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, and Michael Owen. Welcome gents; magnificent stadium isn't it.
Glenn Hoddle - Yes its incredible; hopefully we'll witness a game befitting of the stadium.
Gary Lineker - How are you expecting tonight's game to go? Both teams won their respective league's; both play attacking football, with different approaches; Liverpool like to play on the counter and get the ball forward as quick as possible, whereas Barcelona adopt a more controlled approach to the game.
Michael Owen - I'm expecting it to be a highly entertaining game. You know as soon as Liverpool turn over possession; within seconds they'll be within the Barcelona penalty area because that's how ruthless they are going forward. They open up teams for fun.
Rio Ferdinand - It'll be interesting to see how Barcelona combat Liverpool's approach. After the Spanish Cup final the Barcelona manager was already thinking ahead to this game, and talking about this game in his post match interview. Straight away he mentioned the wings and fullbacks; they've got world-class players down both flanks. Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are two of the best in the business when it comes to putting crosses in.
Gary Lineker - What about Barcelona's chances tonight then; it always helps when you've got the best player in the world doesn't it?
Glenn Hoddle - They've got a fantastic chance. They've only lost 4 games all season you know, and drawn 6, so you know, they've been in excellent form all season. Their manager deserves a lot of credit; to have this sort of impact in your first season in charge. The fans love him, and the players are all buying into his philosophy.
Michael Owen - I'm expecting Barcelona to dominate possession like they always do; having said that you wouldn't put it past Liverpool beating them by 3 or 4 goals given how lethal they are on the counter. Its anyone's guess what the score will be, but I am expecting plenty of goals.
Gary Lineker - I'm sure that it is going to be a highly entertaining game. We've just been handed the team news, and Liverpool line-up as followed;
Alisson in goal; Robertson, Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Alexander-Arnold make-up the back four; Fabinho sitting at the base of the midfield 3, with Henderson and Naby Keïta in front of him. Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mané make-up the front 3 completing the line-up.
Barcelona have gone for the same formation;
ter Stegen in goal; Alba, Umtiti, Gerard Piqué and Nélson Semedo are the back-line; Busquets, Arthur and Rakitić as the midfield 3; and Messi, Suárez, and Philippe Coutinho complete Barcelona's starting 11. We're taking a quick break, but when we return the teams shall be entering the field of play to start this years final.
Darren Fletcher - BT Sport Commentator We're just moments away from kick off here; I'm joined in the gantry by Steve McManaman for tonight's game.
Steve McManaman Evening Fletch; yeah really looking forward to this one, I'm sure it's going to be a cracker.
Darren Fletcher 0 Barcelona get the game underway; kicking from left to right; starting the game like everyone would have expected. Plenty of early touches for the defenders; Umtiti has the ball and looks for Coutinho in behind the Liverpool back-line; Coutinho collects the ball and is bearing down on Alisson; he's tried to chip the keeper and it's an easy save. He has the option of passing it to Suárez; either way, Barcelona should already be 1-0 up. Early chance gone begging.
Darren Fletcher 45 A game of few chances so far; Barcelona edging the stats but it remains 0-0 at the break. Coutinho really should have given Barça the lead in the opening minute of play.
Darren Fletcher 69 Double substitution for Barcelona; Rafinha and Dembélé on to replace Arthur and Coutinho. Liverpool are going to make a change as well; Milner is coming on to replace Keïta who in all honesty, has looked like he's been carrying a knock all game
Darren Fletcher 82 Rafinha plays the ball into Messi, who quickly looks to find the run of Dembélé; Dembélé cuts inside and hits one! Alisson tips it behind; fine save from the Brazilian shot stopper.
Steve McManaman Brilliant save Fletch; however, I really think Dembélé should have done better there. He had all the time in the world to pick his spot.
Darren Fletcher 85 Substitution for Liverpool; Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Fabinho.
Darren Fletcher 90+4 Double change coming up for Liverpool; Lallana and Lovre on, to replace Firmino and Alexander-Arnold.
Darren Fletcher 90 Nothing to separate the two sides after 90 minutes; extra time it is!!
Darren Fletcher 90 ET Barcelona to get the first half of extra time under way; they've also made a substitution; Sergi Roberto has come on at right back to replace Nélson Semedo
Darren Fletcher 105 A quick change around as the second half is about to get under way. Barcelona have made their last change; Abel Ruiz coming on to replace Sergio Busquets. There's a lot of tired legs out there right now. Will someone be able to produce one moment of quality and be the hero for their team, or are we going to go to the lottery of a penalty shootout to decide this years final?
Darren Fletcher 108 Corner to Liverpool; Salah swings it in but its headed away by Roberto; Ruiz is first to pick up the loose ball just inside his own half. He dribbles with it down the right hand side before switching the play over to Suárez who can run at Lovren; he tries to knock it past him but Lovren makes the challenge, but its bounced straight back into the path of Suárez!He's one on one...GOAL!!!! Barcelona take the lead through a clinical counter attack! Lovren unlucky with the challenge, but Suárez made no mistake about the finish!!
Steve McManaman He's come back to haunt his old club! Great break from Barcelona; one ed of the pitch to another in a matter of seconds; the Liverpool shape was all over the place with players frantically trying to get back. Lovren makes a good sliding challenge on Suárez but he's so unlucky with how the ball landed. I bet Suárez couldn't believe his luck when the ball landed at his feet 10 yards out from goal. Now can Liverpool muster a comeback late on in extra time?
Darren Fletcher 113 ter Stegen chips the ball into Alba, but Gomez beats him to the header and the ball falls kindly to Rakitić. Rakitić then finds Messi who can run at Liverpool; he slides it in behind to Abel Ruiz who can hit it; and its against the post!! Almost curtains for Liverpool. They've got to push for a goal, but Barcelona could have, and should have ended it right there and then.
Darren Fletcher 113 Jordi Alba with a throw-in; Henderson gets up to win the header, the second ball was won by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the loose ball gathered by Lallana who carries the ball forward; he plays in in between the centre half and full back for Salah to run onto; he gets it onto his favorite left foot and hits one; 1-1!!! Liverpool are level! Moments after they almost went 2-0 down they've managed to draw level!!
Steve McManaman The Egyptian King is at it again!! Brilliant from Mo Salah; brilliant from Liverpool!! Almost heart ache for them moments earlier and now look at them!! 1-1 here we go Fletch! Its going to be a frantic last 5 minutes.
Darren Fletcher 118 Gomez with a throw in deep into the Barcelona half, he finds Robertson who puts a cross in; Rakitić clears, but only as far as Oxlade-Chamberlain who plays it back to Lovren. Lovren into Milner who moves it on to Jordan Henderson out on the right wing who whips it in; Roberto gets his head to the ball; Rafinha and Lallana compete for the second ball and its Lallana who wins it; Milner collects and hits one, but its blocked by Umtiti; Chamberlain gathers; and looks to cross; but again its blocked and falls to Henderson; Henderson plays it in first time to the far post where Robertson can run on to it and volleys it first time near post past ter Stegen!! 2-1 Liverpool!! Late late drama here!! We waited so long for the game to spark into life and we've had 3 goals in 12 minutes!!
Steve McManaman Captain fantastic with the delivery!! The former fourth division player from Scotland has just potentially netted the winner in the Champions League final for Liverpool!! The stuff that dreams are made of for Andy Robertson!!
Darren Fletcher 120 We're in the last minute of extra-time; Rakitić has the ball and plays it to Alba who looks to get forward; but there's no time! The referee has blown his whistle; its Liverpool who are this years Champions League winners! They picked themselves up from last years defeat against Real Madrid; came here and dug in, and managed to find two late goals to secure the title for themselves.
Champions League Winners 2019 - Liverpool
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Barcelona vs Liverpool
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
Gary Lineker - BT Sport Good evening and welcome to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, the venue for this years Champions League Final. I'm joined in the studio by Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, and Michael Owen. Welcome gents; magnificent stadium isn't it.
Glenn Hoddle - Yes its incredible; hopefully we'll witness a game befitting of the stadium.
Gary Lineker - How are you expecting tonight's game to go? Both teams won their respective league's; both play attacking football, with different approaches; Liverpool like to play on the counter and get the ball forward as quick as possible, whereas Barcelona adopt a more controlled approach to the game.
Michael Owen - I'm expecting it to be a highly entertaining game. You know as soon as Liverpool turn over possession; within seconds they'll be within the Barcelona penalty area because that's how ruthless they are going forward. They open up teams for fun.
Rio Ferdinand - It'll be interesting to see how Barcelona combat Liverpool's approach. After the Spanish Cup final the Barcelona manager was already thinking ahead to this game, and talking about this game in his post match interview. Straight away he mentioned the wings and fullbacks; they've got world-class players down both flanks. Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are two of the best in the business when it comes to putting crosses in.
Gary Lineker - What about Barcelona's chances tonight then; it always helps when you've got the best player in the world doesn't it?
Glenn Hoddle - They've got a fantastic chance. They've only lost 4 games all season you know, and drawn 6, so you know, they've been in excellent form all season. Their manager deserves a lot of credit; to have this sort of impact in your first season in charge. The fans love him, and the players are all buying into his philosophy.
Michael Owen - I'm expecting Barcelona to dominate possession like they always do; having said that you wouldn't put it past Liverpool beating them by 3 or 4 goals given how lethal they are on the counter. Its anyone's guess what the score will be, but I am expecting plenty of goals.
Gary Lineker - I'm sure that it is going to be a highly entertaining game. We've just been handed the team news, and Liverpool line-up as followed;
Alisson in goal; Robertson, Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Alexander-Arnold make-up the back four; Fabinho sitting at the base of the midfield 3, with Henderson and Naby Keïta in front of him. Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mané make-up the front 3 completing the line-up.
Barcelona have gone for the same formation;
ter Stegen in goal; Alba, Umtiti, Gerard Piqué and Nélson Semedo are the back-line; Busquets, Arthur and Rakitić as the midfield 3; and Messi, Suárez, and Philippe Coutinho complete Barcelona's starting 11. We're taking a quick break, but when we return the teams shall be entering the field of play to start this years final.
Darren Fletcher - BT Sport Commentator We're just moments away from kick off here; I'm joined in the gantry by Steve McManaman for tonight's game.
Steve McManaman Evening Fletch; yeah really looking forward to this one, I'm sure it's going to be a cracker.
Darren Fletcher 0 Barcelona get the game underway; kicking from left to right; starting the game like everyone would have expected. Plenty of early touches for the defenders; Umtiti has the ball and looks for Coutinho in behind the Liverpool back-line; Coutinho collects the ball and is bearing down on Alisson; he's tried to chip the keeper and it's an easy save. He has the option of passing it to Suárez; either way, Barcelona should already be 1-0 up. Early chance gone begging.
Darren Fletcher 45 A game of few chances so far; Barcelona edging the stats but it remains 0-0 at the break. Coutinho really should have given Barça the lead in the opening minute of play.
Darren Fletcher 69 Double substitution for Barcelona; Rafinha and Dembélé on to replace Arthur and Coutinho. Liverpool are going to make a change as well; Milner is coming on to replace Keïta who in all honesty, has looked like he's been carrying a knock all game
Darren Fletcher 82 Rafinha plays the ball into Messi, who quickly looks to find the run of Dembélé; Dembélé cuts inside and hits one! Alisson tips it behind; fine save from the Brazilian shot stopper.
Steve McManaman Brilliant save Fletch; however, I really think Dembélé should have done better there. He had all the time in the world to pick his spot.
Darren Fletcher 85 Substitution for Liverpool; Oxlade-Chamberlain on for Fabinho.
Darren Fletcher 90+4 Double change coming up for Liverpool; Lallana and Lovre on, to replace Firmino and Alexander-Arnold.
Darren Fletcher 90 Nothing to separate the two sides after 90 minutes; extra time it is!!
Darren Fletcher 90 ET Barcelona to get the first half of extra time under way; they've also made a substitution; Sergi Roberto has come on at right back to replace Nélson Semedo
Darren Fletcher 105 A quick change around as the second half is about to get under way. Barcelona have made their last change; Abel Ruiz coming on to replace Sergio Busquets. There's a lot of tired legs out there right now. Will someone be able to produce one moment of quality and be the hero for their team, or are we going to go to the lottery of a penalty shootout to decide this years final?
Darren Fletcher 108 Corner to Liverpool; Salah swings it in but its headed away by Roberto; Ruiz is first to pick up the loose ball just inside his own half. He dribbles with it down the right hand side before switching the play over to Suárez who can run at Lovren; he tries to knock it past him but Lovren makes the challenge, but its bounced straight back into the path of Suárez!He's one on one...GOAL!!!! Barcelona take the lead through a clinical counter attack! Lovren unlucky with the challenge, but Suárez made no mistake about the finish!!
Steve McManaman He's come back to haunt his old club! Great break from Barcelona; one ed of the pitch to another in a matter of seconds; the Liverpool shape was all over the place with players frantically trying to get back. Lovren makes a good sliding challenge on Suárez but he's so unlucky with how the ball landed. I bet Suárez couldn't believe his luck when the ball landed at his feet 10 yards out from goal. Now can Liverpool muster a comeback late on in extra time?
Darren Fletcher 113 ter Stegen chips the ball into Alba, but Gomez beats him to the header and the ball falls kindly to Rakitić. Rakitić then finds Messi who can run at Liverpool; he slides it in behind to Abel Ruiz who can hit it; and its against the post!! Almost curtains for Liverpool. They've got to push for a goal, but Barcelona could have, and should have ended it right there and then.
Darren Fletcher 113 Jordi Alba with a throw-in; Henderson gets up to win the header, the second ball was won by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the loose ball gathered by Lallana who carries the ball forward; he plays in in between the centre half and full back for Salah to run onto; he gets it onto his favorite left foot and hits one; 1-1!!! Liverpool are level! Moments after they almost went 2-0 down they've managed to draw level!!
Steve McManaman The Egyptian King is at it again!! Brilliant from Mo Salah; brilliant from Liverpool!! Almost heart ache for them moments earlier and now look at them!! 1-1 here we go Fletch! Its going to be a frantic last 5 minutes.
Darren Fletcher 118 Gomez with a throw in deep into the Barcelona half, he finds Robertson who puts a cross in; Rakitić clears, but only as far as Oxlade-Chamberlain who plays it back to Lovren. Lovren into Milner who moves it on to Jordan Henderson out on the right wing who whips it in; Roberto gets his head to the ball; Rafinha and Lallana compete for the second ball and its Lallana who wins it; Milner collects and hits one, but its blocked by Umtiti; Chamberlain gathers; and looks to cross; but again its blocked and falls to Henderson; Henderson plays it in first time to the far post where Robertson can run on to it and volleys it first time near post past ter Stegen!! 2-1 Liverpool!! Late late drama here!! We waited so long for the game to spark into life and we've had 3 goals in 12 minutes!!
Steve McManaman Captain fantastic with the delivery!! The former fourth division player from Scotland has just potentially netted the winner in the Champions League final for Liverpool!! The stuff that dreams are made of for Andy Robertson!!
Darren Fletcher 120 We're in the last minute of extra-time; Rakitić has the ball and plays it to Alba who looks to get forward; but there's no time! The referee has blown his whistle; its Liverpool who are this years Champions League winners! They picked themselves up from last years defeat against Real Madrid; came here and dug in, and managed to find two late goals to secure the title for themselves.
Champions League Winners 2019 - Liverpool
Post-Match Press Conference:
Patricia Carmona - Diario Sport Commiserations Miguel; you were so close to winning the Champions league in your fist season, as well as completing a famous treble. How are you feeling and how do you think this loss will impact this group of players?
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Right now, its tough. I'm very disappointed to not win this trophy. The players played well, they controlled the game, but the became very tired at the end and just couldn't hold on. Congratulations to Liverpool, I hope they enjoy their success. For us, the objective is to always be challenging to win this type of trophy; hopefully we won't have to wait to long before we win this.
Sarah van den Heuvel - FC Update.NL Miguel, that was a very close game today. I know that you must be disappointed with the result, but how do you rate your team's performance in the final?
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager I'm very proud of my players. We were so close to achieving a great victory. They played very well. Its not easy to play two finals in the space of a week, you have to be very mentally tough. You also need a little bit of luck in order to have everyone at 100% fitness. The games were both really close, and I think my players just ran out of steam. We learn from this, and look to improve next season.
Tin Sio Kai - World Football Andy Robertson's late goal must have been a real kick in the teeth. How will that goal affect the team?
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager The dressing room is very quiet. When you lose a game like this, I do not want a happy, or loud dressing room. I want my players sitting there, feeling the pain of this loss. So that they know next time, to never want to experience this again. We want to win everything always, because this is Barcelona. We do not come second. Thank you, but now I need to return to my players. No more questions; thank you.
Patricia Carmona - Diario Sport Commiserations Miguel; you were so close to winning the Champions league in your fist season, as well as completing a famous treble. How are you feeling and how do you think this loss will impact this group of players?
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Right now, its tough. I'm very disappointed to not win this trophy. The players played well, they controlled the game, but the became very tired at the end and just couldn't hold on. Congratulations to Liverpool, I hope they enjoy their success. For us, the objective is to always be challenging to win this type of trophy; hopefully we won't have to wait to long before we win this.
Sarah van den Heuvel - FC Update.NL Miguel, that was a very close game today. I know that you must be disappointed with the result, but how do you rate your team's performance in the final?
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager I'm very proud of my players. We were so close to achieving a great victory. They played very well. Its not easy to play two finals in the space of a week, you have to be very mentally tough. You also need a little bit of luck in order to have everyone at 100% fitness. The games were both really close, and I think my players just ran out of steam. We learn from this, and look to improve next season.
Tin Sio Kai - World Football Andy Robertson's late goal must have been a real kick in the teeth. How will that goal affect the team?
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager The dressing room is very quiet. When you lose a game like this, I do not want a happy, or loud dressing room. I want my players sitting there, feeling the pain of this loss. So that they know next time, to never want to experience this again. We want to win everything always, because this is Barcelona. We do not come second. Thank you, but now I need to return to my players. No more questions; thank you.
Such a heartbreaking way to miss out on the ultimate prize in European club-football, after seemingly winning it in extra-time after a quiet ninety minutes. All of a sudden, Liverpool manage to pull it out the bag and turn the game on its head. Unlucky... 
ScottT - Tough result to take. Tried to see it out when we went 1-0 up; taking off Busquets and bringing on Abel Ruiz made us a lot more dangerous going forward, but that lack of cover hurt us. Maybe I should have stuck with things and brought on another midfielder, and taken penalties. We learn, and go again next season!
End of Season Board Meeting:
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman Thank you for joining me, and the other board members Miguel. First off; congratulations on the domestic double; we're very proud of what you have achieved with us in your first season. You were unlucky in the champions league final; the players looked very tired towards the end of play, and Liverpool were the fresher of the two teams.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Thank you; its been a great season; we can always improve though. I'm still learning ; this was my first season in charge, I think it went better than I could have ever imagined.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman The main focus of today's meeting is going to be planning for next season. We have some plans that we want to implement, and wanted your input as we look to build on this season's success. As you know; the B team won their respective league, and the u19s team won their cup competition. We want you to bring some of these players into the first team and look to develop them. We have spent big already securing Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, which has taken a significant amount of our transfer budget. Also; the club has been running at a significant loss all season due to the high wage bill that we have in place here. Therefore; we shall not be sanctioning any more signings until the club becomes more stable. This process shall involve certain first team players leaving, if we recieve acceptable offers from them.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager If you're going to want me to develop academy stars and turn them into first team players; which I am more than willing to do so; I need to be reassured that I am going to be given the time, and backing to do so. We had a great first season, but if I replace 4 or 5 first team players with teenagers, the standard is going to drop, and it will take time for them to develop. There's nothing more that I want to see other than our young players breaking into the first team. I am just trying to be realistic; If we lose a world class midfielder such as Rakitić for example; bringing in a 19 year old isn't going to be at the same quality.
Oscar Grau - Managing Director We understand what you are saying Miguel. Don't worry; you shall be backed and given the necessary time we can assure you. We all want; including the fans; to see our talent coming through La Masia and playing for Barcelona for many many years. This is why we want to restructure our business model.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman We'd also like to make significant changes to the backroom staff also. As you know; Denis Silva has already left to become the new head coach of Getafe, so we're going to need a new youth team manager. We have also had discussions with Eric Abidal; he is going to transfer roles from being our chief scout, to our director of football. The rest of the moves shall be left to you; the whole club is in much need of a shake-up.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Will I have an input into player sales; as there are certain players that we simply cannot afford to lose if we want to stay at the top level. I'm talking about the likes of Alba and Busquets. PSG have been heavily linked with both since the first day that I became manager.
Ariedo Braida - Director Yes you will have a voice when it comes to player sales. We shall all sit down and discuss any offer when we receive one. We are only here to advise though; it is the chairman who has the final say.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Understood.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman Now unless there is anything else that anyone would like to add; I think we are finished here until preseason. Congratulations again Miguel of the success of your first season. We look forward to the next campaign under your leadership.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Thank you once again; I look forward to the next campaign in charge of this great club.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman Thank you for joining me, and the other board members Miguel. First off; congratulations on the domestic double; we're very proud of what you have achieved with us in your first season. You were unlucky in the champions league final; the players looked very tired towards the end of play, and Liverpool were the fresher of the two teams.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Thank you; its been a great season; we can always improve though. I'm still learning ; this was my first season in charge, I think it went better than I could have ever imagined.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman The main focus of today's meeting is going to be planning for next season. We have some plans that we want to implement, and wanted your input as we look to build on this season's success. As you know; the B team won their respective league, and the u19s team won their cup competition. We want you to bring some of these players into the first team and look to develop them. We have spent big already securing Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, which has taken a significant amount of our transfer budget. Also; the club has been running at a significant loss all season due to the high wage bill that we have in place here. Therefore; we shall not be sanctioning any more signings until the club becomes more stable. This process shall involve certain first team players leaving, if we recieve acceptable offers from them.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager If you're going to want me to develop academy stars and turn them into first team players; which I am more than willing to do so; I need to be reassured that I am going to be given the time, and backing to do so. We had a great first season, but if I replace 4 or 5 first team players with teenagers, the standard is going to drop, and it will take time for them to develop. There's nothing more that I want to see other than our young players breaking into the first team. I am just trying to be realistic; If we lose a world class midfielder such as Rakitić for example; bringing in a 19 year old isn't going to be at the same quality.
Oscar Grau - Managing Director We understand what you are saying Miguel. Don't worry; you shall be backed and given the necessary time we can assure you. We all want; including the fans; to see our talent coming through La Masia and playing for Barcelona for many many years. This is why we want to restructure our business model.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman We'd also like to make significant changes to the backroom staff also. As you know; Denis Silva has already left to become the new head coach of Getafe, so we're going to need a new youth team manager. We have also had discussions with Eric Abidal; he is going to transfer roles from being our chief scout, to our director of football. The rest of the moves shall be left to you; the whole club is in much need of a shake-up.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Will I have an input into player sales; as there are certain players that we simply cannot afford to lose if we want to stay at the top level. I'm talking about the likes of Alba and Busquets. PSG have been heavily linked with both since the first day that I became manager.
Ariedo Braida - Director Yes you will have a voice when it comes to player sales. We shall all sit down and discuss any offer when we receive one. We are only here to advise though; it is the chairman who has the final say.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Understood.
Josep Maria Bartomeu - Barcelona Chairman Now unless there is anything else that anyone would like to add; I think we are finished here until preseason. Congratulations again Miguel of the success of your first season. We look forward to the next campaign under your leadership.
Miguel Rodríguez - Barcelona Manager Thank you once again; I look forward to the next campaign in charge of this great club.
An interesting stance for the board to take, but a semi-understandable decision given the deteriorating finances at the club. Given the recent success of the 'B' side and the U19's, it's an opportunity to invest in these young players and give them some opportunities. A nice promotion for Eric Abidal, too!
ScottT - Most months we were running at a loss of around £20m so we've got to balance the books somehow. Plus, like you said, gives a great opportunity to the youngsters at the club to see if they can make it as Barcelona players. Going to try and bring more former players in as well if possible to become part of the coaching staff at the club.
Transfer Update - 17/06/2019:
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Dharmesh Sheth - Sky Sports Following their champions league final defeat to Liverpool; Barcelona have already started to adjust their squad for the upcoming season. French central defender Clément Lenglet has joined premier league side Arsenal, for a fee believed to be around £50m. Box to box midfielder Arturo Vidal is set to join Paris Saint-Germain when the transfer window officially opens for a fee of £20m. Finally; Sergi Samper is leaving the club to join FC Shakhtar Donetsk after they met his buyout clause of £17.75.
Dharmesh Sheth - Sky Sports Following their champions league final defeat to Liverpool; Barcelona have already started to adjust their squad for the upcoming season. French central defender Clément Lenglet has joined premier league side Arsenal, for a fee believed to be around £50m. Box to box midfielder Arturo Vidal is set to join Paris Saint-Germain when the transfer window officially opens for a fee of £20m. Finally; Sergi Samper is leaving the club to join FC Shakhtar Donetsk after they met his buyout clause of £17.75.
Transfer Update - 19/07/2019:
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Dharmesh Sheth - Sky Sports More out goings to tell you about from Barcelona. Paco Alcácer made his loan deal a permanent one at Borussia Dortmund, agreeing a 4 year deal, with a transfer fee of just over £20m. André Gomes who was on loan at Everton last season has moved to Italy in order to join Inter Milan for £22.5m. Finally; Denis Suárez who was on loan at Arsenal from Barcelona, has transferred to Galatasaray for £16m. Our sources have told us here at sky sports that we can still expect to see a couple more players leave the club before the window shuts. In terms of players coming in; Barcelona had already agreed the signing of Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong from Ajax at the beginning of last season. However; that does appear to be the only signing that the club shall be making, as they look to balance the books, as well as promote players from within their setup. We understand that both Riqui Puig and Jorge Cuenca have been moved into the first team ahead of the new season, and if the moving on of players continues, then I am surer that we will see a couple more moved into the first team.
Dharmesh Sheth - Sky Sports More out goings to tell you about from Barcelona. Paco Alcácer made his loan deal a permanent one at Borussia Dortmund, agreeing a 4 year deal, with a transfer fee of just over £20m. André Gomes who was on loan at Everton last season has moved to Italy in order to join Inter Milan for £22.5m. Finally; Denis Suárez who was on loan at Arsenal from Barcelona, has transferred to Galatasaray for £16m. Our sources have told us here at sky sports that we can still expect to see a couple more players leave the club before the window shuts. In terms of players coming in; Barcelona had already agreed the signing of Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong from Ajax at the beginning of last season. However; that does appear to be the only signing that the club shall be making, as they look to balance the books, as well as promote players from within their setup. We understand that both Riqui Puig and Jorge Cuenca have been moved into the first team ahead of the new season, and if the moving on of players continues, then I am surer that we will see a couple more moved into the first team.
Sunday 18th August 2019 - Spanish Super Cup
Barcelona 1 - 0 Atlético Madrid
Barcelona Celebrate Spanish Super Cup Success Again!
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In another close encounter against Atlético Madrid; it was Barcelona who came out as victors in the 2019/20 Spanish Super Cup courtesy of a Luis Suárez strike. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was the venue for this years final; playing host to Real Madrid's two biggest rivals in World football. As always when these two sides meet; it was Barcelona who dominated the stats, and as always; Atlético looked dangerous on the counter. It took until the 45th minute for the only goal of the game to arrive, and it was last season's La Liga top goalscorer who came up with the goods. It was good, controlled build up from Barcelona which led to the goal; playing the ball around well before Dembélé played it around the corner for Suárez to strike first time from the edge of the area and find the bottom left corner of the Atlético net. Riqui Puig made his first competitive start for the first team; playing the full 90 minutes, whilst new signing de Jong had to wait until the 75th minute before making his Barcelona debut. This result means that Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup 2 years in a row now, and is current manager; Miguel Rodríguez's fourth trophy in charge of the club since taking over at the beginning of the 2018/19 season. Next up for Barcelona; they face Rayo Vallecano away from home to kick start their defence of the league title.
Goal Scorer(s):
Luis Suárez (45)
Man of the Match:
Luis Suárez - 8.3 Match Rating
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Barcelona 1 - 0 Atlético Madrid
Barcelona Celebrate Spanish Super Cup Success Again!
In another close encounter against Atlético Madrid; it was Barcelona who came out as victors in the 2019/20 Spanish Super Cup courtesy of a Luis Suárez strike. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was the venue for this years final; playing host to Real Madrid's two biggest rivals in World football. As always when these two sides meet; it was Barcelona who dominated the stats, and as always; Atlético looked dangerous on the counter. It took until the 45th minute for the only goal of the game to arrive, and it was last season's La Liga top goalscorer who came up with the goods. It was good, controlled build up from Barcelona which led to the goal; playing the ball around well before Dembélé played it around the corner for Suárez to strike first time from the edge of the area and find the bottom left corner of the Atlético net. Riqui Puig made his first competitive start for the first team; playing the full 90 minutes, whilst new signing de Jong had to wait until the 75th minute before making his Barcelona debut. This result means that Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup 2 years in a row now, and is current manager; Miguel Rodríguez's fourth trophy in charge of the club since taking over at the beginning of the 2018/19 season. Next up for Barcelona; they face Rayo Vallecano away from home to kick start their defence of the league title.
Goal Scorer(s):
Luis Suárez (45)
Man of the Match:
Luis Suárez - 8.3 Match Rating
A respectable result to begin the campaign. There have been a lot of departures, in which were perhaps required to improve the poor finances. I'm keen to see if this will have an impact in some regard, although it appears to have made little difference to begin with!
ScottT - Always very little between the 2 sides when they meet. The games between them have either finished 1-1 or 1-0 to Barcelona. Not going to be selling any more players this window; shall revisit transfers when the January window opens. The players that we have got rid of didn't feature to much last season; the one's that weren't out on loan that is. So its not going to have a huge impact on the starting 11; it is going to impact the depth of the squad however; which may leave us a little short towards the business end of the season.
Saturday 24th August 2019 - La Liga
Rayo Vallecano 1 - 3 Barcelona
Barcelona kick start their title defence with an away win..
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It was Barcelona who took the spoils in a game in which neither team got going until the second half. Santi Comesaña gave the hosts the lead shortly after the break, before Luis Suárez pulled Barcelona level on the 75th minute. From that point on, Barcelona took control of the game and laid a relentless onslaught onto the Vallecano goal. Barcelona finally took the lead 4 minutes after pulling level; Iñigo Lekue had the misfortune to deflect the ball into his own net from a Barcelona corner; it also happened to be his debut for Rayo. Luis Suárez put the result beyond any doubt on the 86th minute; giving Barcelona a 2 goal cushion. His third goal in 2 games. Up next; Barcelona are at home to Celta de Vigo.
Goalscorer(s)
Santi Comesaña (48), Luis Suárez (75, 86), Iñigo Lekue own goal (80)
Man of the Match:
Luis Suárez - 8.8 Match Rating
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Rayo Vallecano 1 - 3 Barcelona
Barcelona kick start their title defence with an away win..
It was Barcelona who took the spoils in a game in which neither team got going until the second half. Santi Comesaña gave the hosts the lead shortly after the break, before Luis Suárez pulled Barcelona level on the 75th minute. From that point on, Barcelona took control of the game and laid a relentless onslaught onto the Vallecano goal. Barcelona finally took the lead 4 minutes after pulling level; Iñigo Lekue had the misfortune to deflect the ball into his own net from a Barcelona corner; it also happened to be his debut for Rayo. Luis Suárez put the result beyond any doubt on the 86th minute; giving Barcelona a 2 goal cushion. His third goal in 2 games. Up next; Barcelona are at home to Celta de Vigo.
Goalscorer(s)
Santi Comesaña (48), Luis Suárez (75, 86), Iñigo Lekue own goal (80)
Man of the Match:
Luis Suárez - 8.8 Match Rating
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