News: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻: The 2020-2021 Season Thread

Sid Lowe weighs in on the same topic: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-push-to-offload-players-to-keep-lionel-messi

 

Barca win 4-0. Was 0-0 at halftime but Gimnastic had to play entire second half with 10 men. And 3 of the goals came in the final six minutes so not a blowout despite the final scoreline.

Pretty strong starting XI for Barca which included Dest, Pique, Umtiti, Neto, Roberto ( ), Pjanic and Puig.

 

Barcelona ‘offered chance’ to rescue Donny van de Beek from Manchester United and could offer Samuel Umtiti to complete transfer
Joe Coleman

 

I can see why all coaches don't rate Puig at all. Look like a 17 years old player than a 22 years old. Weak physique as well.
Pjanic, imo, can be handled better if Koeman figures it out.

 

A strong midfielder is what Barca need. Maybe even an older Rakitic can improve this team.

 

I truly hope you jest

 

Well, we have Roberto.

 

Good review of how the new La Masia kids have looked so far in preseason with the "first team" at least those available. Yusuf Demir is of course not really La Masia, just signed to Barca B this summer, but is expected to stay at Barca B for at least this year. Not sure if any others are new signings, not to my recollection:

https://www.sport.es/en/news/barca/...s-have-fared-so-well-this-pre-season-11939177

 

Only 3,000 fans will be allowed for the Gamper. Looks like another season where Barca won't get much revenue from match-going fans or from the museum.

 

Seems Depay had a great game.

First goal the control by Memphis from an epic long ball into the box from Frenkie and the sombrero flick to fool his marker followed by a smooth volley into the goal. Great stuff all-round.

Second goal was also created by Depay. Got on the end of a pass, the control and strength to shield the ball and hold off his marker while waiting for Griezmann to make the run and give him a skillful disguised pass leaving Griez only to cross it into an onrushing Demir for a tap in.

Third goal Depay gave a nice over the top pass to Roberto who was in a lot of space to give the ball to Griezmann who then waited smartly for the run by Puig who slotted the ball in via the post.

 

The main difference being that Messi does this consistently, while Depay can be very inconsistent. Let’s hope Koeman can iron out those inconsistencies.

That last over the top pass that led to the third goal was outside of the foot too. The guy is obviously very talented.

 

Add in brackets ( scary times ahead )

 

Speaking on Reach PLC's Transfer Window podcast, Ian McGarry says United have made contact with Messi's representatives.

The Red Devils are claimed to have proposed a contract worth £42million (€50m) across two seasons.

United have already signed Jadon Sancho for £73m this summer and are closing in on a deal to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

However, they are now interested in Messi though PSG are leading the way with a much higher proposal.

 

Rivaldo knew more than anyone it seems !!

Back in February !!

 

Never fear. Ansu is here. Images of him on the training field fills me with hope and excitement. If anything he is the closest thing to an heir presumptive we have to Messi, albeit different type of players. IMO still the biggest Masia talent of his generation up to this point.

Let’s just hope that this injury and long period off the pitch doesn’t have any lasting negative effect on his game. We need him at his best, though we also need to be patient with his re-introduction of course.

It’s a shame Gavi is injured for the game vs Juve. Or at least I hope that’s the only reason Koeman took Pjanic over him. Sigh. I hoped that Pjanic would have already been sold by now honestly.

 

will there be fans in the stadium for the Gamper tomorrow?