Latest news with #Flick
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lamine Yamal seals Champions League award despite MVP frustration
Barcelona's UEFA Champions League title challenge ended in the semi final stage as Hansi Flick missed out on a quadruple. The Catalans settled for a domestic treble as part of a sensational first season in charge for Flick with the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup sealed. Advertisement Defeat in a chaotic semi final to Inter Milan saw a controversial end of the road for Flick's team as the Serie A giants went on to lose to PSG in the final. Following PSG's 5-0 demolition of Simone Inzaghi's team at the Allianz Arena, UEFA's technical committee confirmed a host of individual awards, including one for Lamine Yamal. Lamine Yamal wins Champions League goal award Both semi final clashes with Inter Milan were sensational spectacles as Barcelona secured a 3-3 home draw before a crazy 4-3 loss at the San Siro. After falling 2-0 down early on at home, Lamine Yamal led the Barcelona response, as the 17-year-old curled home a special goal to drag the hosts back into the contest. It was another strike for the growing Lamine Yamal collection despite Barcelona's frustration at not reaching the final. Doue beats Lamine Yamal in U21 MVP race 19-year-old Desire Doue scored twice in PSG's final win over Inter Milan to bring him up to 15 goals scored in all competitions in 2024/25. Advertisement Both he and Lamine Yamal netted five in the UCL, but UEFA's committee opted to give him the UEFA Champions League Young Player of the tournament award, after a special role in Munich. UEFA were firm in their recognition of Luis Enrique's first-time winners and there was a Barcelona connection in the main player award. Former La Blaugrana winger Ousmane Dembele has been transformed in Paris – with a whopping 33 goals in all competitions – and his eight in Europe helped him to the top MVP trophy.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Flick convinced Raphinha to stay at Barcelona
Barcelona winger Raphinha said he had considered leaving the club but decided to stay after a call with coach Hansi Flick, who gave him a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Raphinha initially struggled under previous coach Xavi Hernandez, saying the Spaniard and his staff did not show much trust in his abilities. He became a regular starter under Flick, compared to just 17 starts in LaLiga during the 2023–24 season. The 28-year-old Brazilian was instrumental in Barcelona's LaLiga title run, contributing 34 goals and 25 assists in all competitions. However, Raphinha said he had not even thought about reaching those numbers before the campaign began. "Honestly, I didn't expect it. The personal goals I had were below these numbers... It has been the best season of my life," Raphinha told Spanish daily SPORT in a interview published on Friday. Raphinha conceded that neither he nor those around him saw him continuing at Barcelona before Flick arrived and persuaded him to stay. "I didn't think it was just me, a lot of people wanted me to leave here. Many fans, maybe the board was not happy with what I was doing, many people. I am a person who thinks that if you are not welcome in a place, it is better not to be in it," he said. "There is no point in banging your head against the wall. I know the way I dedicate myself to my profession and I knew that when the coach changed I had a new opportunity to show my potential and my way of working. "The coach had called me and told me that he was counting on me. That call was very important because it changed my way of thinking. The only person who could stop me was him and he did." Last week, Raphinha signed a contract renewal that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2028. He is set to play in Brazil's World Cup qualifiers, facing Ecuador away on June 5 and Paraguay at home on June 10. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Flick convinced Raphinha to stay at Barcelona
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Villarreal - Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain - May 18, 2025 FC Barcelona's Raphinha lifts the trophy after winning LaLiga REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo (Reuters) -Barcelona winger Raphinha said he had considered leaving the club but decided to stay after a call with coach Hansi Flick, who gave him a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Raphinha initially struggled under previous coach Xavi Hernandez, saying the Spaniard and his staff did not show much trust in his abilities. He became a regular starter under Flick, compared to just 17 starts in LaLiga during the 2023–24 season. The 28-year-old Brazilian was instrumental in Barcelona's LaLiga title run, contributing 34 goals and 25 assists. However, Raphinha said he had not even thought about reaching those numbers before the campaign began. "Honestly, I didn't expect it. The personal goals I had were below these numbers... It has been the best season of my life," Raphinha told Spanish daily SPORT in a interview published on Friday. Raphinha conceded that neither he nor those around him saw him continuing at Barcelona before Flick arrived and persuaded him to stay. "I didn't think it was just me, a lot of people wanted me to leave here. Many fans, maybe the board was not happy with what I was doing, many people. I am a person who thinks that if you are not welcome in a place, it is better not to be in it," he said. "There is no point in banging your head against the wall. I know the way I dedicate myself to my profession and I knew that when the coach changed I had a new opportunity to show my potential and my way of working. "The coach had called me and told me that he was counting on me. That call was very important because it changed my way of thinking. The only person who could stop me was him and he did." Last week, Raphinha signed a contract renewal that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2028. He is set to play in Brazil's World Cup qualifiers, facing Ecuador away on June 5 and Paraguay at home on June 10. (Reporting by Shifa Jahan in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Key reason why Luis Diaz is Hansi Flick's top choice to strengthen Barcelona's attack
Barcelona are closely watching Liverpool star Luis Diaz, and according to Mundo Deportivo, manager Hansi Flick has made it clear he is a big fan of the Colombian winger for one key reason. Even though Diaz could cost over €80 million, Flick sees him as a perfect fit for the kind of squad he wants to build at Barcelona. Advertisement What makes Diaz stand out is his versatility. Flick learned an important lesson this season that having players who can adapt to different roles is key to success. At Barça, this approach is already visible. Eric Garcia, mainly a centre-back, was used as a right-back due to Jules Kounde's injury and even as a pivot. Other players like Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Ferran Torres, and even Dani Olmo have all played in roles outside their usual positions under Flick. A winger who can also score as a striker Diaz is naturally a left-winger, but reports show he is also effective when playing through the middle. Hansi Flick really likes Luis Diaz. (Photo by) This season at Liverpool, he has played as a centre-forward in 15 games and managed to score eight goals. He is also found the net twice while playing as a false nine. This ability to switch roles without losing impact is exactly what Flick wants. Advertisement The coach values tactical flexibility, and Diaz's profile fits perfectly into that plan. His ability to play both wide and centrally gives Barcelona an attacking edge that's been missing at times. Barcelona are keeping Diaz high on their list of targets, but pulling off the deal won't be easy. Liverpool value the Colombian highly, and it's unlikely they will give the Catalan side any favours in negotiations. The transfer could cost Barça more than €80 million, a fee that will require careful planning given the club's financial situation. Still, with Flick looking to build a flexible, hard-working team, Diaz ticks all the boxes.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Four Florida football players among SI's 2026 NFL draft big board rankings top 50
Four Florida football players among SI's 2026 NFL draft big board rankings top 50 There are still 11 months between now and the 2026 NFL draft, but that does not mean we cannot start looking ahead to next spring's annual selection event. Especially if you are a fan of Florida football. The Gators currently hold the longest streak in the Southeastern Conference — and second-longest in the nation — when it comes to placing former players in the draft dating back to 1952. The early predictions ahead of next April indicated that the streak will continue for at least one more season. One of the members of the sports media to weigh in with their prognostications is Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick, who recently published his 2026 NFL draft big board rankings of the top 50 prospects, which included four current members of the Orange and Blue. Take a look below at who was mentioned and where they land among their peers. Austin Barber, OT (No. 17) "Barber plays with the physicality, balance, body control and athleticism of a starting left tackle. The 6' 6", 322-pounder rarely loses his pad level in pass protection, and he's smooth-footed with the quickness to match speed rushers. His sturdy base helps him anchor, and he's long enough to control rushers early in the snap. In the run game, he takes good angles and positions his body to seal rushing lanes, and he can also redirect edge defenders out of lanes. He's quick out of his stance and effective at the second level," Flick notes. "Barber has experience at both left and right tackle, and his game fits at either. Barber needs to sustain blocks longer in the run game, and he's a solid finisher, but he has the strength and tenacity to put defenders in the turf more often in 2025. He allowed only two sacks and three quarterback hits in 2024, according to PFF." Caleb Banks, DT (No. 26) "An ascending piece in the middle of Florida's defensive line, the 6' 6", 325-pound Banks had 4.5 sacks and 29 total pressures in 2024. When Banks uncoils his hands, people move—he's strong, physical and violent at the point of attack, moving linemen in the run game," Flick offers. "His rushes are power and effort-oriented, and he can condense pockets, though adding more nuance to his hands and plan are necessary moving forward. Banks, however, has the physical tools and competitive demeanor to be a force inside." Jake Slaughter, C (No. 43) "A first-team All-SEC and AP All-American selection in 2024, Slaughter has the smarts and athleticism to warrant next-level looks. He has active eyes, is quick off the ball and is a fluid mover when he pulls. Slaughter has a solid base and anchors well in pass protection. He does a good job displacing defenders on down blocks, and he has smooth feet with the quickness to redirect and pick up linebackers at the second level," Flick says. "The 6' 4", 294-pounder lacks great length and is controlled too often by opposing defensive tackles, and he doesn't always sustain blocks long enough to spring runs. He's best suited for a zone-based offense." Tyreak Sapp, EDGE (No. 48) "An athletic 6' 3", 272-pound edge, Sapp took a step forward in 2024, logging seven sacks and 26 total pressures. He's proportionally well built with the length and hands to discard blockers and make plays against the run, and he's quick and explosive enough to win with speed," Flick points out. "Still ascending with too many cold spells on his game, Sapp needs to find high-level consistency in 2025." Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
