Latest news with #LaBlaugrana
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xavi Hernandez ready to delay managerial return to 2026
Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is not expected to return to a management position until at least 2026. The ex-midfielder has been out of the game since his departure from La Blaugrana in May 2024 after controversial end to his tenure. Advertisement Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge in 2022/23 but his final months in charge were filled with negativity. The 45-year-old has spoken openly about his eagerness to take on a new role but there still some lingering frustration over how it ended at Barcelona. 'There's no hurry for me, but I'd like a good project. Like, 'You have four years to work and make a project'. I'd love to work in the Premier League, I love the passion there. In Spain, it's too much about the result,' he told an interview with The Athletic. 'I'm ready to 'suffer' again, but I don't think I'll suffer more than I suffered at Barca. It was too emotional for me because I was a supporter, too.' Xavi's Premier League ambition for 2026 Xavi's comment on the Premier League reiterates the widely held view that England is his next destination – but he is happy to wait. Advertisement Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham could all potentially be in the market for a new manager this summer with reports from Diario AS indicating he will wait. Xavi Hernandez looks on from down the tunnel. All three hold a degree of uncertainty, with Ruben Amorim unable to make an impact at Old Trafford, and Ange Postecoglou's Europa League success could gift him a second chance at Spurs. International option for Xavi? The above report indicates Xavi was offered the chance to be Tite's assistant at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a view to replacing him as Brazil boss in 2023. That door is now obviously closed with Carlo Ancelotti taking charge of the Samba Boys – and Luis de la Fuente is enjoying a superb run as Spain boss – but the France and England jobs will be vacant after the 2026 World Cup.


Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Copa del Rey 2025 final: Lamine Yamal's four-word post-match reaction to Real Madrid sparks fan frenzy; see here
Finally, in a nail-biting finale, Barcelona won the Copa del Rey since 2021 after beating Real Madrid 3-2 on Saturday night. The celebration for Barcelona doesn't seem to have just begun, and Lamine Yamal, the teenage winger, has once again reacted to Real Madrid's loss, which has left fans in a frenzy. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old was a key cog for Barcelona in their victory over Real Madrid as he turned out to be the architect of the first two goals, setting up Pedri and Ferran Torres. Lamal, in his post-match comment, said, 'Even if we concede one goal, no problem. Even if we concede two goals, it's still no problem.' 'This year, they simply can't beat us. We've proven that. I'm really happy. Visca Barça!" he added. 'Si ens marquen un gol, no passa ens marquen dos, no passa aquest any no poden amb nosaltres.'Lamine Yamal, caràcter i actitud 💙♥️ La Blaugrana is one step closer towards a potential treble in 2025 After Barcelona's win in the Copa del Rey title in Sevilla, La Blaugrana have taken another step closer towards a potential treble this season. On April 30, Barcelona hosts Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a four-point lead at the top of La Liga. On the other hand, in the upcoming match scheduled for May 11, Flick's charges take on Real Madrid once more in 2025. However, despite Real Madrid's impressive comebacks during the final, Lamine Yamal had a straightforward message for his rivals at full-time. Lamine Yamal's post-match message leaves fans in a frenzy The 17-year-old found the net in the first two matches, and while he didn't score in the recent final, he provided two key assists for Pedri and Ferran Torres. As well as that, he also continues to top the La Liga assists chart this season with 12, ahead of teammate Raphinha on eight. These are some of the reasons why Yamal always hears from his fans, but his post-match comment against Real Madrid leaves fans in a frenzy. One user on Reddit said, "He knows the truth". "Let the baby goat speak his shit. Both his passes for goals were impeccable," another said. "Ha Ha … barely 18 but knows how to trash talk. Just hope Madrid fans sees this 🤣" "Lamine yamal at 17 and man already bagged many cups". Lamine yamal at 17 and man already bagged many cups "This kid having his way with Real Madrid 😃 . Lamine Yamal is different man!," another user on X said. This kid having his way with Real Madrid 😃 . Lamine Yamal is different man!
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Robert Lewandowski's injury could seal shock Ansu Fati return
Hansi Flick will need to rotate his Barcelona attack in the coming weeks following Robert Lewandowski's injury. La Blaugrana extended their lead at the top of La Liga with a superb 4-3 comeback win at home to Celta Vigo this weekend but Lewandowski's setback overshadowed the final result. Advertisement Flick confirmed medical tests would offer an insight on the Poland star's status and he is now predicted to miss three weeks of action with a hamstring issue. That window will include Flick being without the 25-La Liga goal scorer for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on April 26 and their two UEFA Champions League semi final clashes with Inter Milan. Ferran Torres is expected to come in as Lewandowski's direct cover through the middle of Flick's attack flanked by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The Spain international has netted 17 goals in all competitions this season, despite his limited role, and Flick needs him more than ever now. Advertisement However, with so many games incoming in quick succession, Ansu Fati could also be utilised, despite appearing on the verge of leaving the club this summer. Ansu Fati on the bench. Fati was offered a departure ahead of the 2024/25 campaign but no deal was reached as he looked to prove himself to Flick. His struggles to regain full power, and Flick's lack of faith in the 22-year-old, have contributed to a tiny impact in 2025. Fati played four minutes off the bench at Dortmund in midweek, in his first appearance in four months, but he did not feature against Celta Vigo. Images from DAZN captured Fati's angry reaction at not being brought on in that game, as the furious striker returned to the bench after being sent out to warm up by Flick. The cramped schedule means Flick needs everyone available in his squad and Fati could be handed a role to protect Torres as Lewandowski's replacement.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona confirm Robert Lewandowski joins Copa del Rey final squad
Barcelona will have a few unexpected faces in their travelling squad for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid this weekend. Hansi Flick's side have landed in Sevilla ahead of their huge El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid on April 26. Advertisement La Blaugrana are pushing to win a potential trophy treble this season with Carlo Ancelotti chasing down a domestic double following their UEFA Champions League exit this month. The final will end one those quests and the stakes are sky high for both Flick and Ancelotti on the road in Andalucia. Barcelona are in red-hot form across all competitions in 2025, but their preparations have been hit by major injury setbacks, with two key players out injured. Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde will both miss out with their return dates not planned until May. Robert Lewandowski However, as per reports from Mundo Deportivo, rumours of a late recovery from Lewandowski look to be wide of the mark, but the pair will travel with the squad as Flick is keen to keep every first team player involved in the build-up. Advertisement Long term absentees Marc Casado and Marc Bernal will also be at the Estadio La Cartuja with the duo sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. Balde has a 50-50 chance to be back for Barcelona's Champions League semi final first leg against Inter Milan on April 30, but Lewandowski is set to miss out on that game, and the reverse clash at the San Siro on May 6. Flick shuffled his attack for the midweek win over Mallorca, with Ansu Fati handed a rare start, alongside goal scorer Dani Olmo. However, the former Bayern Munich boss will revert to his strongest available front three against Los Blancos, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha starting, either side of Ferran Torres as Lewandowski's direct replacement through the middle of the attack.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lamine Yamal: I knew an important goal was coming for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal: I knew an important goal was coming for Barcelona Lamine Yamal: I knew an important goal was coming for Barcelona Barcelona star Lamine Yamal believes a message has been fired to their La Liga title rivals. La Blaugrana now head into the March international break back on top of the table ahead of Real Madrid on head-to-head record. Advertisement Hansi Flick's team produced an incredible late performance at Atletico Madrid to seal a 4-2 fightback win at Atletico Madrid. Barcelona were trailing 2-0 heading into the final 20 minutes but the tie was flipped on its head as Diego Simeone's team were unable to react. Robert Lewandowski and substitute Ferran Torres quickly dragged the contest to 2-2 to leave th home crowd in shock. Barcelona star Ferran Torres However, just as the game appeared to be heading for a battling draw in the capital, Lamine Yamal's long range rocket deflected past Jan Oblak to trigger wild scenes for the visitors. Torres added his second goal deep into added time on a sensational night in a thrilling title race. Advertisement Lamine Yamal admitted the players were celebrating in the dressing room, as he emerged for his post match interview, with a beaming smile for the cameras. Despite his brilliant assist record of 11 so far in league action this season, the 17-year-old has been without a goal in La Liga since October. A typically confident Lamine Yamal claimed he knew he would return to the goal trail when his team needed him most. 'I'm very happy with the win. It was a very important match, and getting three points is the most important thing, so I'm happy,' he said. 'Robert's first goal was important, and then Ferran's goal because it was the equaliser, after that, my goal and Ferran's fourth came naturally. 'I knew when I scored again in La Liga, it would be in an important match. Ultimately I don't care about not scoring as long as the team wins.'