Archives for November 2013

Florentino Pérez opens the doors up for Sergio Ramos exit

According to Spanish sports paper Marca, journalist José Ramón de la Morena said on his radio program “El Larguero” on Cadena Ser, that Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez told defender Sergio Ramos that he would accept an offer of around 60 million euros for him if he were to receive offers from outside. More on Sergio Ramos

Ajax exploited Barcelona’s weaknesses

The Catalan giants came away from the Amsterdam Arena on Tuesday night after losing to an Ajax team that had them on the ropes for the first half of the match. The Dutchmen only eased off after Veltman was red carded for bringing down a man in the box. However, with the Dutch team down to ten men, Barcelona was still unable to unlock the door to the Ajax defense. More on Ajax and Barcelona

Barca suffers first defeat of season against Ajax

After a glorious run of 28 matches, the Catalan giants suffered their first defeat of the season under new manager Tata Martino. Ajax went 2 goals up in the first half with Barca grabbing a goal in the second after Xavi Hernández converted a penalty kick. Barca pressed the Dutch team for an equaliser but it was not to be, and came away from the Amsterdam Arena last night with a 2-1 loss. Match report here

We have to keep winning and aiming for excellence says Barca coach

Tata Martino was evaluating in a pre-match press conference before the Ajax clash that although a draw will be enough for the Catalan giants to go top of the group, the coach only has winning on his mind. The coach said: “we’re not thinking about anything other than winning. We have to keep winning and aiming for excellence”. More on tonight’s game

Barca continues to find net against Granada

Barcelona proved it was immune to any virus against its strike force with a 4-0 win over Andalusian side Granada at the Camp Nou. Goals came courtesy of Iniesta (penalty), Cesc (penalty), Alexis and Pedro. Alexis Sánchez is still on fire for Barcelona and put in a great performance.Although there are still concerns about Martino’s way of playing, Barca continue to notch up the points. Read the rest of the match report

Mourinho makes it difficult for Courtois and Barca

Thibaut Courtois is not going to have it easy signing for Barcelona despite being one of Barca’s top preferences to replace Victor Valdes who will leave the Nou Camp next June. The major obstacle is none other than José Mourinho. The Chelsea manager doesn’t want to let Courtois go as he thinks of him as the ideal replacement for current number one, Petr Cech. More on the Courtois saga

Messi’s injuries nothing to do with Guardiola leaving says Zubizarreta

Barca’s Sports Director Andoni Zubizarreta was speaking out about Leo Messi’s situation on Radio station, Cope: “Messi’s injuries have nothing to do with the leaving of Pep Guardiola. I think Messi is the best player in the world. He has been throughout the year. More on Zubizarrata’s interview

Valdes out of action for six weeks!

There is bad news for Barca fans as number one keeper Victor Valdés looks like being sidelined for up to six weeks. Spain was playing South Africa in a friendly match in the Soccer City and was beaten by a solitary goal to nil. Valdés came on for Casillas in the second half only to be substituted by Pepe Reina after picking up a calf injury. More on Valdés’ injury