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Mundo Deportivo say that Jose Manuel Pinto’s chances of staying at Barcelona beyond the end of this season remain ‘up in the air’.
The 38-year-old has in recent years signed one-year deals with the Catalans, that for the past two seasons have been resolved by the end of the preceding calendar year.
However, Mundo Deportivo believe that negotiations this time with the goalkeeper, who is currently deputising for the injured Victor Valdes, have not yet been addressed in depth.
At the same time as remembering that sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has now travelled out to Argentina to assess Lionel Messi’s recovery from injury, and is focused contract-wise on Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra in particular, the Catalan publication assert both club and Pinto are relaxed over the veteran’s situation.
It is believed that neither party is anxious over this year’s delay and that they are looking to determine his continuation or not with the club as soon as possible.
The attacker will fly to his native country on Thursday for 10 days to allow him to rest and prepare for the second half of the season after the winter break
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has revealed that Neymar has been sent on vacation to Brazil in order to give him some extra rest.
The Brazil international enjoyed a shortened summer break due to his participation at the Confederations Cup and Martino believes the attacker is in need of some extra time off after making 23 appearances to date in his debut European season.
Neymar is suspended for this weekend's La Liga game against Getafe and Martino has therefore opted to send him to his native country three days earlier than initially planned.
"Neymar will go to Brazil this Thursday where he’ll have 10 days of rest," Martino stated at a press conference.
"He’s practically had no rest for months.
"He’s adapted well to the club and he knows the role he has to play. He's very loved by everyone."
The 21-year-old has notched 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for Barcelona to date this season.
The former Santos starlet will return to the Catalan club on January 2 prior to their Liga meeting with Elche two days later.
The Barcelona attacker has become frustrated with constant attempts to tarnish the Argentine star's reputation and says he is still the best in the world
By Ben Hayward
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has alluded to a campaign against both the Catalan club and Lionel Messi by the Madrid media.
Messi’s father was the subject of unsubstantiated reports in a national newspaper earlier this week that linked him with alleged criminal activity, but Cesc says such stories are merely part of a propaganda ploy to unsettle both Barca and the Argentine forward.
"Something is happening,” the former Arsenal captain told sports show Jugones on La Sexta. “There are people taking advantage to say things they shouldn't, with no facts or proof.
“After six years of praise, people start to get bored and look for other things, as if there needs to be a change in who is the best. But Leo is [the best], and he does his talking on the pitch - and that’s where he does it best."
Cesc also spoke of an alleged campaign by the Madrid media in favour of Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo and in detriment to Messi ahead of next month’s Ballon d’Or.
"As soon as he gets injured, it seems as if he has done nothing,” the Catalan complained. “It's like they need another player to mark the rhythm of world football.
"But I have played with him and I have played against him, and I don't think we will see another player like Messi in many, many years."
Barcelona, Real Madrid in European Commission investigation
Dec 18, 2013 3:27:00 PM
The EC announced they are conducting several inquiries that will look into possible illegal state aid for Barca, Madrid and five other clubs in Spain
Barcelona and Real Madrid are among seven Spanish football clubs being investigated by the European Commission over public funding.
Fellow Liga sides Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and Elche, as well as Segunda Division outfit Hercules, are also under the spotlight as the Commission attempts to establish whether state aid received by the clubs complies with regulations set by the European Union.
A statement on the body's website read: "The European Commission has opened three distinct in-depth investigations to verify whether various public support measures in favour of certain Spanish professional football clubs are in line with EU state aid rules.
"None of the measures was notified to the Commission, who was alerted by concerned citizens.
"The Commission has concerns that these measures provided significant advantages to the beneficiary clubs to the detriment of the clubs which have to operate without such support.
"The opening of an in-depth investigation gives Spain and interested third parties an opportunity to comment on the measures under examination; it does not prejudge its outcome."
Going into further detail with regards to the nature of the trio of investigations, the statement continued: "The Commission will firstly investigate possible tax privileges for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Osasuna.
"In another inquiry it will assess whether a widely reported land transfer between the City of Madrid and the club Real Madrid involved any state aid in favour of the club.
"Finally, it will examine the compliance with EU state aid rules of guarantees given by the State-owned Valencia Institute of Finance for loans that were used to finance the three Valencia clubs Valencia, Hercules and Elche, while those clubs were seemingly undergoing financial difficulties."
Commission vice president in charge of competition policy Joaquin Almunia added: "Professional football clubs should finance their running costs and investments with sound financial management rather than at the expense of the taxpayer.
"Member States and public authorities must comply with EU rules on state aid in this sector as in all economic sectors."
Malaga finally registered an away win in La Liga, triumphing 1-0 win at Elche on Friday.
Ignacio Camacho grabbed the only goal of the game at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, his sixth-minute header giving Bernd Schuster's men a first league victory on the road this season at the ninth attempt.
Elche finished with 10 men following the dismissal of Damian Suarez on the hour mark and have now lost three games in succession.
Full-back Suarez picked up a yellow card in the 28th minute before being booked again to leave his team, who fought gamely in search of an equaliser, with a mountain to climb.
Malaga rise to ninth as a result of their win, which leaves rock-bottom Real Betis as the only La Liga side yet to claim three points on the road.
Elche remain 14th, just four points above the relegation zone.
BARCELONA, Spain — The Spanish league plays the 17th round of matches before taking a two-week break for the winter holidays.
FC Barcelona's Pedro Rodriguez reacts after scoring against Cargagena during a Copa del Rey soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. MANU FERNANDEZ | AP PHOTO
5 things to know about Spanish league
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid maintain their share of the league lead, with Real Madrid trailing by three points.
Here are five things to know about this weekend's matches:
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BLUNTED BARCELONA: Barcelona travels to Getafe on Sunday with a depleted squad missing several key players. Lionel Messi is healing his hurt hamstring in Argentina, Neymar is serving a one-game suspension and has been given permission to start his holidays early, and goalkeeper Victor Valdes is still sidelined. Barcelona hopes to have all three back in January, but it also wants to close out 2013 with a win to make sure it at least keeps its share of the lead.
Neymar scored six goals in his last three appearances to lead Barcelona to a trio of victories. Now the scoring duties will likely fall to Pedro Rodriguez and little-used forward Cristian Tello. "(Getafe) always creates problems for us at its stadium and this Sunday will be a tough game," said Tello, who has played well since returning from a monthlong hiatus due to an injured right ankle. Barcelona may get Dani Alves back from a right leg injury. The Brazil defender trained with the team this week.
WEATHER VANE: Few would think that the road to winning the Spanish league passed through humble Getafe. But for Barcelona, it appears Alfonso Perez Coliseum is critical to the title ever since Getafe earned promotion to Spain's topflight. Barcelona has been crowned league champion in the six seasons it has won at Getafe, and it has come up short in the other three seasons it drew or lost there. Getafe enters the match in eighth place and has lost only twice in eight home matches this season. The teams will play twice more in the Copa del Rey round of 16 in January. Getafe forward Angel Lafita thinks his team has a better chance to get a good result this weekend. "One game is very different. Over 180 minutes, normally the most consistent team wins," Lafita said. "In that sense Barcelona is very strong. That's why it's possible that we can pull something out in the league."
ATLETICO'S CHANCE: Atletico Madrid hosts Levante on Saturday knowing that a win will send it to bed at the top of the table. A ninth victory in as many home games would also put more pressure on Barcelona come Sunday. Atletico has outscored its last five visitors in league play 17-0 at its Vicente Calderon Stadium, and Diego Costa will be looking to move ahead of Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo with both tied on a league-leading 17 goals each. Levante is winless in its last three away games and will be without injured striker Baba Diawara.
WOUNDED VALENCIA: Madrid visits Valencia on Sunday hoping to take advantage of the team's turmoil after the firing of coach Miroslav Djukic this week. Valencia barely edged third-division Nastic Tarragona in the Copa del Rey on Thursday to advance 1-0 on aggregate, needing goalkeeper Vicente Guaita to make a diving save in stoppage time to avoid an ignominious ousting by the minnow. Valencia's youth squad coach, Nico Estevez, appears set to direct the team for a second straight game while the club seeks a permanent replacement for Djukic. "The team is in a difficult situation," said Estevez. "It's an awkward moment, but the players are trying their hardest and showing a good attitude."
MUNIAIN'S MOMENT: Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain is blossoming into the Basque side's most potent weapon. Muniain turned 21 years old on Thursday, and he celebrated by scoring two goals and setting up another to lead a 4-0 rout of Celta Vigo and send Bilbao through to the next round of the Copa del Rey. That gives Muniain four goals in his last five games, including the winner in Bilbao's 1-0 victory over Barcelona this month. Bilbao hosts lowly Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Ernesto Valverde's side hasn't lost in nine games in all competitions at its new San Mames Stadium, and with the way his team is playing over the last three months another win looks likely.
The forward has become locked in a dispute with club vice-president Javier Faus but his coach has stressed it is nothing more than a private issue
Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino claims there is no way Lionel Messi will leave the club.
The Argentine star has become embroiled in a dispute with club vice-president Javier Faus after claiming in a radio interview that the Blaugrana director "doesn't understand football."
With speculation rife over whether the player will be offered a new and improved contract, his future at the club has been cast into some doubt, but Martino has made it clear he is not concerned by what he believes is a private discussion between the pair.
"It's not true," he told a press conference when asked whether Messi could be sold next summer.
"Personally I'm concerned with how the team plays. I'm not distracted by these issues which have no relation to football.
"I only want to sit in on footballing matters, to make sure the team plays better, that they win. It seems to me that, as coach of Barcelona, these are the most important things that should concern me.
"I cannot continue on it because I'm not well informed. I don't what the vice-president said, nor what Leo said, as these are specific discussions."
Messi is currently recovering from a hamstring injury in his native Argentina and Martino revealed he plans to visit the 26-year-old during the winter break to check on his progress first hand.
"It's not something that was planned but, for sure, he will be training in Rosario in the days after Christmas, and I will go to see one of these sessions," said Martino. "We are totally informed of his progress."
One player who has committed his future to the club is Andres Iniesta, who has reached an agreement to extend his contract at Camp Nou, and Martino admits the news is massive for the club.
"In the NBA they call players franchises; Iniesta is the same for us. He must be very happy to sign a renewal. We are all very happy."
The Argentine admits he is open to the idea of bolstering his squad if the right players become available
Diego Simeone has revealed he intends to dip into the January transfer market as Atletico Madrid look to maintain their push for La Liga.
Los Rojiblancos have emerged as surprise contenders for the league title after taking 43 points from their opening 16 games - a run that sees them sat in second place and level on points with leaders Barcelona.
That has come despite the fact the club sold star striker Falcao to Monaco for €60 million over the summer, but Simeone has no intention of resting on his laurels and says he will buy if the right player becomes available.
The coach told reporters: "When the market opens I am open to everything because this is football. The sporting directors know of our needs. We shall see if there is potential to generate something. And if not, then no."
The 43-year-old then reflected on the last 12 months as Atleti prepare for their final game of the year against Levante on Sunday, while dismissing any concerns that the focus of his players could falter ahead of the winter break.
"It has been an important year for the club," he continued.
"Especially also for the players who have made an enormous effort to maintain balance. Everything is an incentive to keep improving and continue along this path.
"Am I concerned about the focus already being on the winter break? It will be the same for Levante. The break will come in handy. The boys are going to work as they have been and will certainly return to us in the best manner."
La Liga Wrap: Barcelona return to summit, Real enjoy dramatic win
23 December 2013
Barcelona moved back to the top of La Liga as a Pedro hat-trick helped them to a 5-2 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Despite the comprehensive nature of the scoreline, Gerardo Martino's men were made to work hard for their victory as they found themselves two goals down after 14 minutes.
However, Pedro struck three times in just eight minutes before the break to turn the game on its head, with Cesc Fabregas' double, including one from the spot, making life even more comfortable for the defending champions.
The victory ensures Barca top the table going into the winter break, while title rivals Real Madrid were also made to sweat as they beat Valencia 3-2 at the Mestalla.
In what was the first league game for temporary Valencia manager Nico Estevez, goals from Pablo Piatti and Jeremy Mathieu twice brought the hosts level after efforts from Angel di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the hosts were denied a point by a late goal from substitute Jese Rodriguez.
It ensured Real did not lose any further ground in the title race as they remain five points behind Barca and Atletico Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao ended 2013 in a UEFA Champions League spot after they finished the year with a 2-1 win over relegation-threatened Rayo Vallecano - Mikel San Jose and Mikel Rico the men on target
Sunday's early kick-off saw Espanyol survive a late Valladolid fightback to win 4-2 at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.
The hosts looked to be cruising to a sixth league win of the campaign as Cristian Stuani's brace and further goals from Sergio Garcia and Victor Sanchez Mata put them 4-0 ahead with 20 minutes remaining.
However, Javi Guerra and Victor Perez made life difficult for the home side with goals in the final 15 minutes, although Javier Aguirre's men held on to secure victory.
At the Estadio de Balaidos, Celta Vigo and Osasuna played out a 1-1 draw with Emiliano Armenteros and Augusto Fernandez scoring in the first half as Javi Gracia's men were unable to take full advantage of the defeats suffered by Rayo and Real Betis beneath them.
Xabi Alonso is to undergo further tests after Real Madrid revealed he suffered a perforated ear drum in Sunday's victory at Valencia.
The Spain midfielder was caught by France defender Jeremy Mathieu when challenging for a header on the hour mark in Real's 3-2 win at the Mestalla.
Alonso was able to continue, but he was sent for scans in Valencia after the game and Real stated on the club's official website on Monday morning that he had perforated his left eardrum.
The former Liverpool man was due to fly back to Madrid for further medical examinations to discover the extent of the problem and how long he will be sidelined.
It is a another stroke of bad luck for Alonso, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool as well as their Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, after he missed two months at the start of the season due to a knee problem.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are five points behind the top two of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid - both locked on 46 points - heading into the mid-season break.
Ancelotti confident of catching Barcelona, Atletico Madrid
23 December 2013
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his side is more than capable of catching the La Liga leaders after their 3-2 win over Valencia.
Madrid came out on top despite being second best at times, but the Spanish capital club still remains five points behind top two Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Ancelotti credited Valencia's spirited performance to the presence of their new coach, Juan Antonio Pizzi, but praised Real's battling display believing that next year could be momentous for the club.
"Five points is quite a lot but I believe today's match was very important, because we had a lot of pressure because we started the game 8 points off the leaders," Ancelotti said.
"I think we have lost some points looking for a way of playing, nowadays we like to battle so I think 2014 could be a great year for Real Madrid.
"At this moment of the season the table standings is very clear but, as I said, I am really looking forward for the second part of the season."
Madrid are next in action in the league on January 6 at home to Celta Vigo, with La Liga off due to the winter break.
Monday December 23 2013
Betis confirm Stosic’s exit
By Football Espana staff
On from recently dispensing with Coach Pepe Mel’s services, Real Betis have confirmed today that sporting director Vlada Stosic is leaving too.
The former Yugoslavia international midfielder had been in his role with Los Beticos since December 2010, but had recently come under criticism for work carried out this summer in replacing players sold in the transfer window.
On from the club’s poor first half to the season, which cost Coach Mel his place on the bench three weeks ago, Los Verdiblancos were widely reported yesterday evening as having taken action to remove Stosic as sporting director, six months before his contract was due to expire.
The club confirmed the news through a Press conference held on Monday, attended by Stosic, director Jose Antonio Bosch and President Miguel Guillen.
“Today is the saddest day of my life. I assume responsibility where it is applicable,” began Stosic to reporters.
“I want to thank my colleagues. We have been giving it everything for Betis.
“I hope that when I leave service here as of today, that my cries will turn into cheers and support for the team.
“From now on, I will be one of the stand as a partner and a shareholder.”
Stosic was seen as set to be replaced in the immediate short term by Sergio Fernandez, who had arrived as part of Juan Carlos Garrido’s coaching staff, but who has previously acted as a sporting director with Hercules and Murcia.
However, Bosch has confirmed that: “The assistant Coach will not be the sporting director. In the winter period we will have no sporting director. We have a superb technical staff that will not change.”
Monday December 23 2013
Mourinho wants Diego Lopez again
By Football Espana staff
Jose Mourinho has reportedly asked Diego Lopez to consider joining him at Chelsea in the summer, on from their time together at Real Madrid.
The goalkeeper was signed by the Portuguese Coach in the January 2013 transfer window initially as cover for Iker Casillas, who had fractured his hand that month.
On from maintaining the former Villarreal and Sevilla man as his No 1 for the season, and subsequently seeing the ‘keeper continue to keep Casillas out of the first-team picture under Carlo Ancelotti, Mourinho is believed keen to once more sign the 32-year-old.
A Bola are running the line that the 50-year-old has already contacted Diego Lopez over a possible move to Chelsea next June, as Petr Cech and Mark Schwarzer’s respective futures at Stamford Bridge remain uncertain, whilst the Coach is described as aware of Barcelona’s interest in Thibaut Courtois, so reluctant to plan ahead exclusively with him.
Diego Lopez is believed to have responded positively to Mourinho, but indicated that he would only be willing to consider leaving Real Madrid should he lose his long-term place in the team back to Casillas.
Thiago Alcantara has mused once more on his summer move from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, saying that whilst he misses ‘the good times’, he has no regrets.
The youngster took advantage of a lowered buyout clause in his Barca contract last summer to reunite with Pep Guardiola in Bavaria.
Back in Barcelona today for a publicity event, the 22-year-old was asked if he regretted leaving the Camp Nou.
“In life I will never regret what I did but I do miss Barca for the good times I had there,” Thiago has considered today to reporters.
“Although I will not say that I regret it. Players are always coming and going, the club is great and we are only a part. No club will muss any players.
“Barca’s current playing style? They may be more direct, but in football results prevail, regardless of style, and Barca are winning, whilst also playing great.
“Barca will be going for first in the Champions League, League and Copa del Rey very much so. The club is fine.”
Thiago has played with two of the three 2013 Ballon d’Or finalists and was asked who he believes deserves the award.
“Messi is the best in the world, but Ribery has won everything this season and this is a team sport.”
The Spain goalkeeper has hinted at a possible departure from the Santiago Bernabeu, suggesting he wants to play for a club where he would be considered No.1
Iker Casillas has dropped the biggest hint yet that his future lies away from Real Madrid.
The goalkeeper, who is currently understudy to Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu, has spoken of his desire to be first choice again at club level.
Casillas has been linked with a string of top European sides ahead of next summer's World Cup when he faces a battle to keep his position as Spain's No.1.
The 32-year-old was expected to attend a training camp in Doha - backed by the Iker Casillas Foundation - for around 20 specially selected, young goalkeepers from around the world.
But, due to the possibility of his wife, Sara Carbonero, giving birth to the couple's first child this week, he opted out after medical advice.
Casillas instead spoke to the keepers on a conference call on Friday, dispensing advice from his own experiences and passing on tips for career progression.
At the end of the discussion, he took questions from the group and was asked directly if he was interested in joining Manchester City, the Premier League club managed by his former Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini.
"I'm not going anywhere I'm going to be No.2," said Casillas, who is under contract with Madrid until 2017.
Casillas has been linked with City after Pellegrini recently dropped Joe Hart, but the England goalkeeper has since won his place back and started in the 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Thursday.
But, intriguingly, the Spanish icon - who has a record 152 caps for his country - has left the door open for any club where he would be guaranteed to be first choice.
Los Blancos will allegedly make a move for the Germany international when the midfielder recovers from his longstanding back problem
Real Madrid have a "considerable" interest in signing Ilkay Gundogan, according to the Borussia Dortmund star's father and representative, Irfan.
With Xabi Alonso out of contract at the end of the season, Los Blancos are reportedly keen to strengthen in midfield, with Gundogan said to be one of their primary transfer targets.
The Germany international has seen his campaign blighted by a persistent back problem but Irfan is confident that talks over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu will begin as soon as Iklay is fully fit.
“Madrid’s interest in my son is considerable and they want to negotiate for him," he told AS.
"But, at the moment, we can’t do anything until Ilkay has completely recovered from his back injury.
"When he is playing regular football we can begin talks.”
Gundogan suffered a recurrence of a back problem on international duty at the start of the season but is hopeful of making his return to action when the Bundesliga resumes in January.
The Spain international is asked to perform a variety of roles by the Blaugrana, so the 26-year-old gets upset when journalists and fans question his work-rate
Barcelona ace Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he is annoyed by accusations that he is lazy.
The former Arsenal captain has yet to nail down a regular position in the Blaugrana line-up since returning to Catalunya in 2011 and is regularly switched between midfield and attack.
Consequently, Fabregas, who has hit seven goals in La Liga this season, is upset by the perception within the media and among certain sections of the Camp Nou crowd that he does not work hard enough for the team.
"I know I have that reputation and it annoys me, because I don't stop moving around the whole pitch," he told AS. "Perhaps too much, because by moving so much it seems like I'm nowhere.
"Maybe [I am only appreciated for my goals] but after the game against Villarreal [on December 14], which I admit was my weakest match of the season so far, I was happy because I had played a part in the move that led to the [second] goal."
Barcelona, of course, are currently having to make do without talismanic forward Lionel Messi because of a hamstring injury, but Fabregas is keen to look on the bright side, believing that the Argentine's absence will mean that he is in peak physical condition for the business end of the 2013-14 campaign.
When asked if he was worried by Messi's injury problems, the Spain international replied: "No, because he'll be fine at the most important time of the season. That's what I told him when he got injured."
The pair reportedly didn't see eye to eye during the Chelsea boss's time in charge of Real Madrid, but the Portuguese forward has no ill feelings towards his former coach
Cristiano Ronaldo says he would be happy to work with former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho again in the future.
The relationship between the pair was reportedly a distant one by the time Mourinho left the Santiago Bernabeu for Chelsea at the end of last season.
But Ronaldo insists he holds no grudge against his former coach and after his compatriot recently hailed him as the best player he has coached in his career, the 28-year-old revealed he is open to a reunion one day.
"Forgive Mourinho? I forgive everyone. We never had a confrontation and I have never spoken ill about anyone," he told A Bola TV.
"I would work with Mourinho again and with other coaches I have had, like [Sir Alex] Ferguson, [Manuel] Pellegrini, and [Laszlo] Boloni. I learned a lot from them."
Ronaldo has been named on the final three-man shortlist of contenders for the Ballon d'Or and admitted he would love to win the award.
"Like last year and the year before, I always think I deserve the Ballon d'Or. I'd like to win it every year."
The 28-year-old recently made his return from a hamstring injury after making a stunning start to the season, in which he has scored 18 goals in just 16 Liga games.
Saturday December 28 2013
Koke release clause at €60m
By Football Espana staff
Koke has been on the wishlist of a number of top European clubs this January, but AS have revealed that suitors will have to pay €60m.
The young midfielder has been exceptional this term for the capital club, and as such, has been linked with switches to Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
But the Madrid-based sports daily has claimed on Saturday that whoever wants to buy the 21-year-old will have to offer up his release clause.
