Coutinho offers encouragement at end of dark Barça week | Sport
But on a grey day at Camp Nou, there was a ray of light. A ray of light called ‘Phil’. Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian, who was unable to play in the Champions League (cup-tied from his appearances with Liverpool earlier in the season) had moments during the Valencia win which meant the fans went hime with some hope. Because while Barça seem to be dragging themselves over the finish line, tired and loaded with minutes, it was a breath of air to see the shoots of encouragement offered by Coutinho on Saturday.
Dembele: I won’t leave after just one season | Marca
Los Cules made the French international their record signing following Neymar’s departure, although an early injury put paid to any hopes of Dembele hitting the ground running.
“I’m not going to leave after just one season,” he explained in an interview with Telefoot. I signed a five-year contract with Barca and I’ll be here for a long time.”
“I’m not at the top of my game right now. Little by little, I will return to my best. I’m working on my cardio, because I get tired very quickly.”
Andres Iniesta will announce his decision after the Copa del Rey final | Sport
Andres Iniesta’s uncertain future will soon be revealed. Although everything is pointing to an end to his glorious era at Barca, the playmaker will keep his decision quiet. He says he has decided and will later make his announcement, which will not come until after the Copa del Rey final against Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Iniesta does not want his personal situation to distract from the team’s goals in an important week, with the Blaugrana facing Celta Vigo away from home on Tuesday and then playing Sevilla in the Copa final on Saturday.
Suarez: Barcelona critics are ignoring merits of La Liga domination | Goal
Luis Suarez: “Statistics are there to be broken. We knew the fans could be angry, but we’re hurting, too. It seems like there’s no merit to winning the league, now. We’ve tried to confirm the great league season we’re having after the blow of the other day. We were able to get the three points, which is the most important thing. It’s one more step to completing the objective. It’s a good lead and we have to think about the game on Tuesday [against Celta Vigo]. The most important thing was the 1-0, knowing the mood wasn’t good, and we saw how it finished.”
Your hosts break down the questions in everyone’s minds: Who could replace Valverde if he was to be sacked? What led to the evident burn-out that most Barcelona key players showed in Roma? Who is to blame for Barca’s inability to control games efficiently in the final third of the season? Why are Barca not relying on La Masia graduates and non-regulars in La Liga? Listen now:
Barça Legends v Seleçao Pernambucana: Rivaldo-centred win (1-0) | FCBarcelona.com
Barça Legends are more and more popular and this time 18,000 people came out to see them play at the Arena Pernambucano in Brazil. The game generated plenty of media attention due to Rivaldo’s return to his hometown.
The match served to prove that class is permanent as Abidal and Saviola, in particular, performed excellently. The only goal of the game came in the 8th minute, from a powerful Giovanni shot.
Barça Legends: Bonano, Belletti, Dehú, Aloisio, Saviola, Rivaldo, Giovanni, Edmilson, Mendieta, Sorín and Abidal. Also played: Frank De Boer, Sánchez-Jara, Dani, Simao, Nadal and Goikoetxea.
Best soccer team in Europe isn’t always the top team from its league | LA Times
Manchester City is putting the finishing touches on one of the most dominant seasons in English Premier League history, moving within a win of its third league championship since 2012 on Saturday while remaining on pace to break EPL records for victories, goals and points. What it won’t do, however, is play in the Champions League semifinals.
Ditto Barcelona and the incomparable Lionel Messi, who are unbeaten with six La Liga games to play, leaving them all but certain to win their seventh Spanish crown in a decade.
What next for Valverde and Barcelona this season? | The Barcelona Podcast
