Shiladitya Ray

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed that plans to remodel the Camp Nou had been approved and that they would play their home games in 2023-2024 season not in their iconic stadium, but at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium. Renovation work on the Camp Nou, the epicentre of the Espai Barça project, will begin this June, as soon as the football season has ended, and in accordance with the building permit approved this morning, the Catalan giants said in an official statement released on Thursday. The work will focus on the first and second tier, technological aspects, the environs of the stadium, and exterior urbanisation, Barcelona said. ,Also read | Jurgen Klopp to stay at Liverpool beyond 2024? FSG in talks for contract extension,Actions inside the Camp Nou will include the demolition of the additional structure in the South Goal zone where the Medical Centre was located, restoration work, anti-carbonation and waterproofing of the stands, as well as structural finishes and the improvement and renovation of retransmission systems, the club added, explaining the renovation plans for the Camp Nou. While Barcelona had initially planned to start the renovations at the end of this season, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the consequent economic uncertainty drove club president Joan Laporta to push back the renovation by a season. Barcelona will continue to play at the Camp Nou in the 2022-2023 season, while renovations of the first and second tiers of the stadium go on. Work on the two tiers will begin this June after the conclusion of the current season. After the new first and second tiers are completed, work will begin on the third tier in the summer of 2023. Also read | Tuchel on Rudiger leaving Chelsea at season end: Will miss him a lot,The demolition of the third tier will therefore go ahead in the summer of 2023, which will win time given the current uncertainty of prices, and will ensure that the Camp Nou can operate at virtually full capacity next season. Demolition any earlier would have meant having to play the 2022/23 season with just 50% of capacity, Barcelona explained in its statement. While renovations go on at the 99,354-seater Camp Nou, Barcelona will miss out on a significant chunk of home support as the Olympic Stadium, which was the venue for the 1992 Olympics, only has a capacity of 55,926. Renovations to the Camp Nou are expected to be fully completed by the 2025-2026 season.

{\"time\":1651152154574,\"strCount\":2987,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> on Thursday confirmed that plans to remodel the Camp Nou had been approved and that they would play their home games in 2023-2024 season not in their iconic stadium, but at the&nbsp;Montjuic Olympic Stadium.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Renovation work on the Camp Nou, the epicentre of the Espai Barça project, will begin this June, as soon as the football season has ended, and in accordance with the building permit approved this morning,\\\" the Catalan giants said in an official statement released on Thursday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The work will focus on the first and second tier, technological aspects, the environs of the stadium, and exterior urbanisation,\\\" Barcelona said.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/jurgen-klopp-to-stay-at-liverpool-beyond-2024-fsg-in-talks-for-contract-extension\\\">Jurgen Klopp to stay at Liverpool beyond 2024? FSG in talks for contract extension</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Actions inside the Camp Nou will include the demolition of the additional structure in the South Goal zone where the Medical Centre was located, restoration work, anti-carbonation and waterproofing of the stands, as well as structural finishes and the improvement and renovation of retransmission systems,\\\" the club added, explaining the renovation plans for the Camp Nou.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While Barcelona had initially planned to start the renovations at the end of this season, the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/russian-troops-intensify-offensive-in-ukraines-east-captures-several-villages\\\">ongoing war</a> in Ukraine and the consequent economic uncertainty drove club president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> to push back the renovation by a season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona will continue to play at the Camp Nou in the 2022-2023 season, while renovations of the first and second tiers of the stadium go on. Work on the two tiers will begin this June after the conclusion of the current season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After the new first and second tiers are completed, work will begin on the third tier in the summer of 2023.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/pl-coach-thomas-tuchel-on-antonio-rudiger-leaving-chelsea-at-season-end-will-miss-him-a-lot\\\">Tuchel on Rudiger leaving Chelsea at season end: Will miss him a lot</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The demolition of the third tier will therefore go ahead in the summer of 2023, which will win time given the current uncertainty of prices, and will ensure that the Camp Nou can operate at virtually full capacity next season. Demolition any earlier would have meant having to play the 2022/23 season with just 50% of capacity,\\\" Barcelona explained in its statement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While renovations go on at the 99,354-seater Camp Nou, Barcelona will miss out on a significant chunk of home support as the Olympic Stadium, which was the venue for the 1992 <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/olympics\\\">Olympics</a>, only has a capacity of&nbsp;55,926.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Renovations to the Camp Nou are expected to be fully completed by the 2025-2026 season.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Barcelona will play home games in the 2023-2024 season at Spain's Olympic Stadium</li>
 <li>Renovation of the Camp Nou will begin in June 2022</li>
 <li>A bulk of the work will begin in 2023</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Central

Barcelona to move to Olympic Stadium in 2023-24 as Camp Nou gets renovated

Barcelona

JoanLaporta

Laliga

Soccer

Spain

Football

Sports

Madrid,Spain

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona announced new measures on ticket sales on Tuesday to keep a high number of visiting fans from attending matches at the Camp Nou Stadium.The measures come after more than 30,000 Eintracht Frankfurt supporters took over the Camp Nou in a Europa League match last week, even though only about 5,000 tickets were sold directly to the visitors.Barcelona will now require tickets for big games to be registered to an individual so they can be more easily traced. It will also try to better control the resale of tickets by third-party agents. After an internal investigation, the Catalan club said many Eintracht fans got in through the resale of tickets by organized groups and unofficial agents, and through Barcelona fans who misused their own season tickets.The club apologized “to all those who were disturbed by the massive presence of German fans inside the stadium.”It said about 7,400 members who bought tickets at a 50% discount — starting at 22 euros ($23.7) — “ended up largely in the hands of German fans.” Some 7,000 other tickets in areas reserved for season-ticket holders were also used by Eintracht supporters. “We can’t know for sure how many season tickets were used,” club president Joan Laporta said. “It’s just estimates. We don’t want to go after anyone but we are very disappointed.The club said a lot of German residents in Spain got tickets. It said it rejected 27,201 purchases by German IP addresses or cards until its system “overflowed.”Barcelona said “organized ticket touts and unauthorized agents ended up distributing most of the 29,435 tickets that the club did not sell to German fans. A crowd of 79,468 watched Eintracht's 3-2 win that allowed it to advance to the semifinals of the second-tier European competition. Laporta had earlier said that what happened was embarrassing, and fans were upset with the club.One of Barcelona’s main fan groups protested on Monday by leaving a section of the stadium empty behind one of the goals in the team's 1-0 loss to Cádiz in the Spanish league. Barcelona had not lost two consecutive games since 2003.The club said the measure requiring tickets to be registered to fans will be in effect for Barcelona's game in the semifinals of the women's Champions League on Friday. Members will still be able to transfer their tickets but the club will always know who is the final recipient. ___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports___Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni

Barcelona acts on ticket sales after Eintracht 'disturbance'

Madrid

EintrachtFrankfurt

EuropaLeague

ChampionsLeague

Barcelona,Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Some Barcelona fans are expected to gather near the Camp Nou Stadium before the team’s Spanish league match on Monday to protest against the influx of Eintracht Frankfurt supporters for their Europa League game last week.Only about 5,000 tickets were sold to the visiting fans but nearly 30,000 made it to the Camp Nou to see their team defeat the Catalan club and advance to the semifinals of the second-tier European competition.The Barcelona fan group Nostra Ensenya said in a statement Sunday that the local supporters felt humiliated and accused the club’s officials of putting them in danger. Barcelona President Joan Laporta said after the match that what happened was embarrassing. The club had already said it would investigate how so many German fans were able to buy tickets in sections reserved for the Barcelona supporters.It would look into the possibility that some club members re-sold their tickets, and if the Germans were able to purchase entry on the internet despite being abroad.The Eintracht fans filled the streets around the Camp Nou before the game and stayed to celebrate with their players long after the final whistle in the 3-2 win that secured the team's spot in the last four as a result of a 4-3 aggregate result. Barcelona, second in the Spanish league, hosts relegation-threatened Cádiz on Monday. The Catalan club is 12 points behind leader Real Madrid, which visits third-place Sevilla on Sunday.___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

Barca fans upset after influx of Eintracht fans at Camp Nou

RealMadrid

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona’s general assembly ratified the agreement with Spotify on Sunday, with the club calling it the greatest sponsorship deal in its history and saying the brand will be linked to the Camp Nou Stadium for at least 12 seasons.The agreement, initially announced in March, was approved by 89% of votes in Sunday’s general assembly.“Due to a confidentiality clause, applicable in all of Spotify’s global agreements, we cannot give exact figures but what we can say is that it is the best jersey and stadium agreement in financial terms that FC Barcelona has received,” president Joan Laporta said. Spanish media said the partnership with the audio streaming company will give the club more than 400 million euros ($440 million) during its multi-year deal. The club said Spotify will be associated with the Camp Nou during the four seasons in which it will undergo renovation work as well as the following eight seasons. The stadium will be renamed Spotify Camp Nou.Spotify will also appear on the front of both the men’s and women’s team shirts for four seasons beginning in 2022-23, and will sponsor the training shirts for three seasons, also beginning in 2022-23.The club said its members will have discounts and other benefits with Spotify, and that the streaming company will launch its application in Catalan.___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Barcelona: Spotify linked to Camp Nou for at least 12 years

FCBarcelona

MADRID (AP) — It wasn’t long ago that Ousmane Dembélé was being jeered by Barcelona fans at the Camp Nou.He had just refused to leave the club after being told he wasn’t wanted anymore.There had been back-and-forth accusations, with Barcelona saying it only wanted fully committed players and Dembélé saying he would not give in to blackmail.The relationship appeared well beyond saving.Fast forward a few weeks, though, and everyone is smiling again. The grievances are suddenly gone and peace has apparently been restored.Dembélé looks happy. He is playing well and scoring, and fans have been cheering instead of booing him.The club again wants him to stay.“He still has our offer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta told radio station SER. “As I said before, I think he is an extraordinary player — one of the best in the world in is position. Hopefully he will rethink his decision at the end of the season.”Laporta, who in the past called Dembélé better than Kylian Mbappé, told the France forward to look for another club in January after he rejected a “very good offer” to extend his contract. The negotiations had been ongoing for several months ahead of the end of the contract this season.Barcelona has been restructuring its finances and had to renegotiate the salaries of several of its players recently, reducing some of them, including of veterans Gerard Piqué and Sergio Busquets.The 24-year-old Dembélé didn’t accept the financial terms to renew his contract, nor accept joining another club on loan despite “at least two good offers” — including from an English club — at the end of the winter transfer window.Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández left him out of the squad during the dispute but eventually decided to bring him back. Dembélé stayed on the bench in the league match against Atlético Madrid at the beginning of February, when the crowd at Camp Nou showed its discontentment with the player by loudly booing him.Xavi said Dembélé kept acting professionally and eventually gave him more minutes, putting him back in the starting lineup in a 4-1 league win at Valencia.A couple of matches later, Dembélé was scoring his first goal since returning, a tough-angled shot into the top of the net after getting past a defender inside the area in the team's 4-0 rout of Athletic Bilbao. He showed the kind of form that had convinced Barcelona to break its own signing record to acquire him from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 in a deal worth up to 147 million euros (then $175 million).Dembélé was touted as the replacement for Neymar after the Brazilian transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, but he never met the expectations in part because of a series of injuries.He is healthy again, though, delivering good performances and — more importantly — staying in good terms with the club, fans and Xavi.“It’s not up to me if he will stay or not, but I have to say that he has been working well, Xavi said. “I’ll give him that.”___More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports___Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni

Playing well again, Dembélé back in good terms at Barcelona

SergioBusquets

Shuvrajit Das Biswas

Andres Iniesta, once a pillar in the Barcelona midfield, has expressed a desire to return to his former club, as per a Twitch interview with journalist Gerard Romero. ,The 37-year-old was reported saying, I would love to return to Barcelona. I would like to help the institution. There are many variables involved and it is difficult to know what will happen in the future. ,It has been four years since Iniesta left the Catalans for the Japanese side, Vissel Kobe. While he's aware that his playing days are nearing an end, Iniesta hasn't ruled out a return to Camp Nou. ,Also Read | Barcelona manager Xavi 'angered' by Champions League anthem ahead of Napoli tie,In the Twitch interview, he said, Barça is my home and I couldn’t be better than there. Today I like to think a lot about playing. That’s what fascinates me the most today. Time is running against me as they say, but I do not know where I see myself when I retire. While the magician in midfield hasn't hung up his proverbial boots yet, Iniesta has put some thought into retirement. He spoke to Romero, saying, Many times it crosses my mind that I would like to get the title of coach or prepare to be a sporting director. I would like to be linked to football, yes. The news of Iniesta's desire to return to the club comes at a time when Barcelona is struggling to live up to its reputation and glory days. Over the last two seasons, Barcelona has been sliding, further facing an early Champions League exit this season. They're playing Europa for the first time in over a decade, and look to be out of the La Liga title race too. ,However, under Xavi's managerial prowess, the team has slightly turned things around with some interesting signings. Some familiar faces, like Dani Alves is also back. Iniesta spoke about the club's current condition, in this Twitch interview, saying, I want the same thing that all Barcelona fans want: for the team to do well, to come back and win points. And to achieve whatever is possible. Everything needs time. Everything. ,Also Read | Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona, as player's family struggles with Paris move: reports,While it remains to be seen whether Joan Laporta, current Barcelona president, and coach Xavi, act on Iniesta's comments. Earlier, Laporta had left the door open for a potential Iniesta and Messi return, noting that age is merely a number.

{\"time\":1645048340726,\"strCount\":3058,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Andres Iniesta, once a pillar in the Barcelona midfield, has expressed a desire to return to his former club, as per a Twitch interview with journalist Gerard Romero.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 37-year-old was reported saying, \\\"I would love to return to Barcelona.&nbsp;I would like to help the institution. There are many variables involved and it is difficult to know what will happen in the future\\\".&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It has been four years since Iniesta left the Catalans for the Japanese side, Vissel Kobe. While he's aware that his playing days are nearing an end, Iniesta hasn't ruled out a return to Camp Nou.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/barcelona-manager-xavi-angered-by-champions-league-anthem-ahead-of-napoli-tie\\\">Barcelona manager Xavi 'angered' by Champions League anthem ahead of Napoli tie</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the Twitch interview, he said, \\\"Barça is my home and I couldn’t be better than there. Today I like to think a lot about playing. That’s what fascinates me the most today. Time is running against me as they say, but I do not know where I see myself when I retire\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While the magician in midfield hasn't hung up his proverbial boots yet, Iniesta has put some thought into retirement. He spoke to Romero, saying, \\\"Many times it crosses my mind that I would like to get the title of coach or prepare to be a sporting director. I would like to be linked to football, yes\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The news of Iniesta's desire to return to the club comes at a time when Barcelona is <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/luuk-de-jong-scores-late-as-barcelona-stay-unbeaten-against-rival-espanyol\\\">struggling</a> to live up to its reputation and glory days. Over the last two seasons, Barcelona has been sliding, further facing an early Champions League exit this season. They're playing Europa for the first time in over a decade, and look to be out of the La Liga title race too.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, under <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-xavi-hernandez\\\">Xavi's</a>&nbsp;managerial prowess, the team has slightly turned things around with some <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/english/barcelona-sign-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-on-a-three-year-deal\\\">interesting signings</a>. Some familiar faces, like Dani Alves is also back. Iniesta spoke about the club's current condition, in this Twitch interview, saying, \\\"I want the same thing that all Barcelona fans want: for the team to do well, to come back and win points. And to achieve whatever is possible. Everything needs time. Everything\\\".&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/lionel-messi-could-return-to-barcelona-as-players-family-struggles-with-paris-move-reports\\\">Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona, as player's family struggles with Paris move: reports</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While it remains to be seen whether <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/joan-laporta-elected-barcelona-club-president-with-a-landslide-win\\\">Joan Laporta</a>, current Barcelona president, and coach Xavi, act on Iniesta's comments. Earlier, Laporta had left the door open for a potential Iniesta and Messi return, noting that age is merely a number.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Andres Iniesta is interested in return to Barcelona, as per a Twitch interview with journalist Gerard Romero</li>
 <li>Iniesta currently plays for the Japanese side Vissel Kobe&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Barcelona has familiar faces like Dani Alves return</li>
</ul>

Iniesta hints at Barcelona return, wants to get club back on track: Report

Xavi

Shivam Pratap Singh

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has confirmed that club legend Xavi will be helming the Catalan giants. Xavi had already said farewell to his club in Qatar Al Sadd on Friday to complete the formalities of signing the contract at Camp Nou. Xavi will be our manager. He’s set to join Barça as new coach - we’re preparing and signing the contracts”, Laporta confirmed to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano also tweeted about Xavi's imminent arrival at Camp Nou and said that the Barcelona legend will be signing a contract with the Catalan giants till the end of the 2024 season. Earlier in the day, Al Sadd had confirmed an agreement with Barcelona about relieving Xavi from managerial duties so he could join the La Liga club as a replacement for recently sacked Ronald Koeman. The administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future, Al Sadd CEO Turki Al-Ali said in a statement. Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success, the statement added. Barcelona are currently ninth in La Liga with just four wins and four draws from 11 games. Sergi Barjuan took over as interim manager after Koeman's dismissal and led the club to a draw against Alaves and the 1-0 win over Dinamo Kyiv that took the Catalans to second place in their Champions League Group E. ,The former Barca full-back is expected to be in charge for Saturday's encounter against Celta Vigo before Xavi takes over the reins.

{\"time\":1636149145278,\"strCount\":2312,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> President <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> has confirmed that club legend <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/xavi\\\">Xavi</a> will be helming the Catalan giants. Xavi had already said farewell to his club in Qatar Al Sadd on Friday to complete the formalities of signing the contract at Camp Nou.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Xavi will be our manager. He’s set to join Barça as new coach - we’re preparing and signing the contracts”, Laporta confirmed to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano also tweeted about Xavi's imminent arrival at Camp Nou and said that the Barcelona legend will be signing a contract with the Catalan giants till the end of the 2024 season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Earlier in the day, Al Sadd had confirmed an agreement with Barcelona about relieving Xavi from managerial duties so he could join the La Liga club as a replacement for recently sacked <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-ronald-koeman?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Ronald Koeman</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future,\\\" Al Sadd CEO Turki Al-Ali said in a statement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success,\\\" the statement added.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona are currently ninth in&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/laliga\\\">La Liga</a>&nbsp;with just four wins and four draws from 11 games. Sergi Barjuan took over as&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sergi-barjaun-announced-as-the-new-interim-manager-of-fc-barcelona\\\">interim manager</a>&nbsp;after Koeman's dismissal and led the club to a&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-dim-start-for-barcelona-under-sergi-barjuan-with-draw-against-alaves\\\">draw against Alaves</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ucl-ansu-fati-winner-against-dynamo-kyiv-keeps-barcelonas-last-16-hopes-alive\\\">1-0 win over Dinamo Kyiv</a>&nbsp;that took the Catalans to second place in their Champions League Group E.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-sergi-barjaun\\\">former Barca</a>&nbsp;full-back&nbsp;is expected to be in charge for Saturday's encounter against Celta Vigo before Xavi takes over the reins.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>"Xavi will be our manager. He’s set to join Barça as new coach," Joan Laporta said</li>
 <li>Earlier in the day, Al Sadd had confirmed an agreement with Barcelona about relieving Xavi</li>
 <li>Reports said that Xavi will be joining Barcelona with a contract till 2024</li>
</ul>

Xavi will be our next manager: Barcelona President Joan Laporta

LaLigaSantander

Shubham Banerjee

Al Sadd, Doha, Qatar

Midfield legend Xavi Hernandez will take over as Barcelona head coach after Qatari club Al Sadd on Friday confirmed an agreement to terminate his contract. Xavi will now replace Ronald Koeman as permanent manager, although Barcelona have not made an official announcement yet. ,The administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future, Al Sadd CEO Turki Al-Ali said in a statement. ,Also Read | Messi ‘hurt’ by Laporta claims but keen on Barca return after PSG stint,Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success. Barcelona had made contact with Xavi a few weeks ago, eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Koeman, who was fired after the defeat to Rayo Vallecano last Wednesday. While the 41-year-old was keen on a return, negotiations with Al Sadd were proving harder than expected with the Doha-based club not keen on letting their manager go. ,Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way. Barca are currently ninth in La Liga with just four wins and four draws from 11 games. Sergi Barjuan took over as interim manager after Koeman's dismissal and led the club to a draw against Alaves and the 1-0 win over Dinamo Kyiv that took the Catalans to second place in their Champions League Group E. ,The former Barca full-back is expected to be in charge for Saturday's encounter against Celta Vigo before Xavi takes over the reins. Xavi is one of the most decorated players in both Barcelona and Spain's history and was an intergral member during both teams' golden years. He won eight La Liga, four Champions League and other manjor honours in 767 appearances in the Blaugrana, apart from the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

{\"time\":1636113393385,\"strCount\":3017,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Midfield legend <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/xavi\\\">Xavi Hernandez</a> will take over as <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> head coach after <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/qatar\\\">Qatari</a> club Al Sadd on Friday confirmed an agreement to terminate his contract. Xavi will now replace <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman\\\">Ronald Koeman</a> as permanent manager, although Barcelona have not made an official announcement yet.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future,\\\" Al Sadd CEO Turki Al-Ali said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/lionel-messi-hurt-by-joan-laporta-claims-but-keen-on-barcelona-return-after-paris-saint-germain-stint\\\">Messi ‘hurt’ by Laporta claims but keen on Barca return after PSG stint</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona had made contact with Xavi a few weeks ago, eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Koeman, who <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/fc-barcelona-sack-ronald-koeman-from-managerial-duties\\\">was fired</a> after the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-barcelona-still-winless-away-from-home-after-rayo-vallecano-loss\\\">defeat to Rayo Vallecano</a> last Wednesday. While the 41-year-old was keen on a return, negotiations with Al Sadd were proving harder than expected with the Doha-based club not keen on letting their manager go.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca are currently ninth in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/laliga\\\">La Liga</a> with just four wins and four draws from 11 games. Sergi Barjuan took over as <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sergi-barjaun-announced-as-the-new-interim-manager-of-fc-barcelona\\\">interim manager</a> after Koeman's dismissal and led the club to a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-dim-start-for-barcelona-under-sergi-barjuan-with-draw-against-alaves\\\">draw against Alaves</a> and the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ucl-ansu-fati-winner-against-dynamo-kyiv-keeps-barcelonas-last-16-hopes-alive\\\">1-0 win over Dinamo Kyiv</a> that took the Catalans to second place in their Champions League Group E.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-sergi-barjaun\\\">former Barca full-back</a> is expected to be in charge for Saturday's encounter against Celta Vigo before Xavi takes over the reins.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Xavi is one of the most decorated players in both Barcelona and Spain's history and was an intergral member during both teams' golden years. He won eight La Liga, four <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/championsleague\\\">Champions League</a> and other manjor honours in 767 appearances in the Blaugrana, apart from the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Xavi won 8 La Liga, 4 Champions League and other major honours as a Barcelona player</li>
 <li>He was intergral in Spain's Euros wins in 2008 and 2012 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup triumph</li>
 <li>Xavi has been manager of Qatari club Al Sadd since 2019</li>
</ul>

Xavi to be next Barca manager as Al Sadd confirm agreement

RonaldKoeman

Paris, France

Lionel Messi has admitted he was “hurt” by the “inappropriate” claims made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta on his exit from the club, saying he was never asked to play for free. Barca were hoping to sign the Argentine on a new five-year-deal that would see his salary reduced by half. ,However, it later became clear that the club will not be able to afford to renew Messi’s contract amid dire financial troubles. Messi then bid goodbye to his boyhood club in a teary press conference before joining Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. ,Laporta had later claimed he hoped Messi will agree to play for free until the final moments before his emotional departure. Reacting to those comments in an interview with Spanish outlet Sport, Messi said, “Never at any moment did they ask me to play for free. They asked me to reduce my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem.”,Also Read | Ligue 1: Lionel Messi blanks as Paris Saint-Germain play out stalemate with Marseille, “We were willing to help the club more. My desire and that of my family was to stay in Barcelona. No one asked me to play for free, but at the same time, the president's words were inappropriate. It hurt because I don't think there was any need to say that.”,It's like taking the ball from you and not accepting the responsibility or taking charge of things. That makes people think and generates doubts that I don't think I deserve,” Messi said. ,He also said he will return to Barcelona and live in the city after his PSG contract expires in 2023, but was not sure if he will return to the club in any capacity. He also said he would love to contribute to the club’s growth in the future as a technical director at some point. Also Read | Laliga: Barca striker Aguero forced off with apparent breathing issues,“I've always said I'd love to be able to help the club do well in any way that I can be useful. I'd love to be a technical director at some point. I don't know if that'll be at Barcelona or if it might work out differently.”,“If the option is there, I'd love to contribute again in any way that I can because it's the club that I love and I'd love it to keep doing well, growing and remain one of the best in the world.”

{\"time\":1635782765864,\"strCount\":2685,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi\\\">Lionel\\nMessi</a> has admitted he was “hurt” by the “inappropriate” claims made by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a>\\npresident <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> on his exit from the club, saying he was never asked to\\nplay for free. Barca were hoping to sign the Argentine on a new five-year-deal\\nthat would see his salary reduced by half. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, it\\nlater became clear that the club will not be able to afford to renew Messi’s\\ncontract amid dire financial troubles. Messi then bid goodbye to his boyhood club\\nin a teary press conference before joining <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/parissaintgermain\\\">Paris Saint-Germain</a> as a free agent.\\n\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta had\\nlater claimed he hoped Messi will agree to play for free until the final\\nmoments before his emotional departure. Reacting to those comments in an\\ninterview with Spanish outlet Sport, Messi said, “Never at any moment did they\\nask me to play for free. They asked me to reduce my salary by 50 per cent and I\\ndid it without any problem.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ligue-1-lionel-messi-blanks-as-paris-saint-germain-play-out-stalemate-with-marseille\\\">Ligue 1: Lionel Messi blanks as Paris Saint-Germain play out stalemate with Marseille</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"&nbsp;“We were willing to help the club more. My\\ndesire and that of my family was to stay in Barcelona. No one asked me to play\\nfor free, but at the same time, the president's words were inappropriate. It\\nhurt because I don't think there was any need to say that.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It's\\nlike taking the ball from you and not accepting the responsibility or taking\\ncharge of things. That makes people think and generates doubts that I don't\\nthink I deserve,” Messi said. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He also said\\nhe will return to Barcelona and live in the city after his PSG contract expires\\nin 2023, but was not sure if he will return to the club in any capacity. He\\nalso said he would love to contribute to the club’s growth in the future as a technical\\ndirector at some point.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/laliga-barcelona-striker-sergio-aguero-forced-off-with-apparent-breathing-issues\\\">Laliga: Barca striker Aguero forced off with apparent breathing issues</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“I've\\nalways said I'd love to be able to help the club do well in any way that I can\\nbe useful. I'd love to be a technical director at some point. I don't know if\\nthat'll be at Barcelona or if it might work out differently.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“If the\\noption is there, I'd love to contribute again in any way that I can because\\nit's the club that I love and I'd love it to keep doing well, growing and\\nremain one of the best in the world.”\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Lionel Messi said he was “hurt” by the “inappropriate” claims made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta on his exit</li>
 <li>Laporta had claimed he hoped Messi will agree to play for free until the final moments before his departure</li>
 <li>"Never at any moment did they ask me to play for free," Messi said</li>
</ul>

Messi ‘hurt’ by Laporta claims but keen on Barca return after PSG stint

LionelMessi

ParisSaintGermain

EuropeanFootball

Kartik Chawla

Barcelona striker Sergio Agüero was forced off the field in his side’s game against Deportiva Alaves on Saturday. ,The 33-year-old Argentine made his second start in a row for the Catalan giants but could only play 40 minutes of the clash. He was substituted after falling to the pitch with apparent breathing problems. Aguero pointed to his chest while receiving the medical aid on the ground. A stretcher was on hand to take the Argentine centre-forward away, however, the former Manchester City player eventually made it back to his feet. Also Read: La Liga: Dim start for Barcelona under Sergi Barjuan with draw against Alaves,He walked down the tunnel, with Philippe Coutinho coming on in his place. The Argentine was taken from Camp Nou in an ambulance, as is standard procedure in such situations. Aguero was taken away, interim manager Sergio Barjuan said to Movistar following the game when asked about the player’s health. Also Read: Premier League: Ronaldo puts Tottenham to bed, saves Solksjaer's job,I have asked him. He told me he was a little dizzy. I have found out now that they have taken him to the hospital to see what he really has. I do not know anymore. Aguero was diagnosed with coronavirus earlier this year, and he missed seven games for the Citizens as a result. Due to a calf injury, the five-time Premier League winner has already missed nine matches for the Blaugrana this season. Also Read: Bundesliga: Bayern Munich rout Union Berlin, salvages midweek loss,Meanwhile, the Catalan club was held to a 1-1 draw by the relegation battling Deportivo Alaves. It was their first match since the sacking of their former manager Ronald Koeman. In the 49th minute, Memphis Depay gave Barcelona the lead with a shot from outside the box, only for Luis Rioja to dribble through the heart of the hosts' woefully weak defence and equalise three minutes later. Barca president Joan Laporta decided to part ways with Ronald Koeman after the Dutchman won only one of his past four league matches. Following the defeat against Rayo Vallecano, Koeman was relieved of his duties, and Barjuan was appointed as interim manager while a new manager is sought.

{\"time\":1635642252105,\"strCount\":2797,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> striker&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/sergioaguero\\\">Sergio Agüero</a> was forced off the field\\nin his side’s game against Deportiva Alaves on Saturday. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 33-year-old Argentine made his second start in a row\\nfor the Catalan giants but could only play 40 minutes of the clash. He was\\nsubstituted after falling to the pitch with apparent breathing problems.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Aguero pointed to his chest while receiving the medical\\naid on the ground. A stretcher was on hand to take the Argentine centre-forward\\naway, however, the former <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/manchestercity\\\">Manchester City</a> player eventually made it back to his\\nfeet.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-dim-start-for-barcelona-under-sergi-barjuan-with-draw-against-alaves\\\">La Liga: Dim start for Barcelona under Sergi Barjuan with draw against Alaves</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He walked down the tunnel, with Philippe Coutinho coming\\non in his place.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Argentine was taken from Camp Nou in an ambulance, as\\nis standard procedure in such situations.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Aguero was taken away,\\\" interim manager Sergio\\nBarjuan said to Movistar following the game when asked about the player’s\\nhealth.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-cristiano-ronaldo-puts-tottenham-to-bed-saves-ole-gunnar-solksjaers-job\\\">Premier League: Ronaldo puts Tottenham to bed, saves Solksjaer's job</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I have asked him. He told me he was a little dizzy.\\nI have found out now that they have taken him to the hospital to see what he\\nreally has. I do not know anymore.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Aguero was diagnosed with coronavirus earlier this year, and he missed\\nseven games for the Citizens as a result.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Due to a calf injury, the five-time Premier League winner\\nhas already missed nine matches for the Blaugrana this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/bundesliga-bayern-munich-rout-union-berlin-salvages-midweek-loss\\\">Bundesliga: Bayern Munich rout Union Berlin, salvages midweek loss</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile, the Catalan club was held to a 1-1 draw by the\\nrelegation battling Deportivo Alaves. It was their first match since the sacking\\nof their former manager <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman\\\">Ronald Koeman</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the 49th minute, Memphis Depay gave Barcelona the lead with a&nbsp;shot\\nfrom outside the box, only for Luis Rioja to dribble through the heart of the\\nhosts' woefully weak defence and equalise three minutes later.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> decided to part ways with\\nRonald Koeman after the Dutchman won only one of his past four league matches.\\nFollowing the defeat against Rayo Vallecano, Koeman was relieved of his duties,\\nand Barjuan was appointed as interim manager while a new manager is sought.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Sergio Agüero made his second start in a row for Barcelona</li>
 <li>He could only play 40 minutes of the clash&nbsp;</li>
 <li>He pointed to his chest while receiving the medical aid on the ground</li>
</ul>

Laliga: Barca striker Aguero forced off with apparent breathing issues

SergioAguero

Sport

Xavi is not alone on Barcelona's list of potential replacements for Ronald Koeman. The Catalan giants are considering other possible coaches besides their club legend to take over the managerial role. The name of Xavi is all over the news but Barça has other options, club President Joan Laporta said, without naming names. Laporta faced a barrage of questions about the widespread speculation linking Xavi to the position. Each time, he lauded the former midfielder while not revealing details of the job hunt. One reason that other candidates are being looked at might be down to the fact that Qatari club Al-Sadd, Xavi's current employer, appears intent on making him see out his contract that ends in 2023. In response to what's circulating recently, the Al-Sadd management reaffirms that Xavi has a two-year contract with the club and is fully focused on the team's upcoming matches, to maintain our lead at the top of the league and to defend the title, it said in a statement. The 41-year-old Xavi joined Al-Sadd after leaving Barcelona in 2015 following 25 titles in 17 seasons. He played for Al-Sadd until becoming the team's coach in 2019. Laporta started his second stint as Barcelona president midway through last season after his predecessor stepped down amid the club's financial crisis and the team's poor results. Laporta said he often speaks with Xavi, who played for Barcelona during Laporta's first stint as president, as friends who like to chat about the team. I have never changed what I say about Xavi. One day he will become the coach of Barcelona, and I would even like for that to be while I am in charge. What I don't know is when, Laporta said. ,It is true that the scouting reports we have on him are very good. All the inputs and news we have on Xavi are good, even though he has not been coaching a long time, he added. Koeman was let go on Wednesday following a 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano that left Barcelona in ninth place in the Spanish league. That followed painful losses to Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, and Bayern Munich this season. Barcelona promoted reserve team coach Sergi Barjuan the next day to act as caretaker coach. Laporta said Barjuan will be in charge of Saturday's home game against Alavés and possibly next week's Champions League match at Dynamo Kyiv. (With AP inputs)

{\"time\":1635550127559,\"strCount\":2998,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Xavi is not alone on <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a>'s list of potential replacements for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-ronald-koeman?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Ronald Koeman</a>. The Catalan giants are considering other possible coaches besides their club legend to take over the managerial role.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The name of Xavi is all over the news but Barça has other options,\\\" club President <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> said, without naming names.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta faced a barrage of questions about the widespread speculation linking Xavi to the position. Each time, he lauded the former midfielder while not revealing details of the job hunt.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"One reason that other candidates are being looked at might be down to the fact that Qatari club Al-Sadd, Xavi's current employer, appears intent on making him see out his contract that ends in 2023.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"In response to what's circulating recently, the Al-Sadd management reaffirms that Xavi has a two-year contract with the club and is fully focused on the team's upcoming matches, to maintain our lead at the top of the league and to defend the title,\\\" it said in a statement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 41-year-old Xavi joined Al-Sadd after leaving Barcelona in 2015 following 25 titles in 17 seasons. He played for Al-Sadd until becoming the team's coach in 2019.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta started his second stint as Barcelona president midway through last season after his predecessor stepped down amid the club's financial crisis and the team's poor results.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta said he often speaks with Xavi, who played for Barcelona during Laporta's first stint as president, \\\"as friends\\\" who like to chat about the team.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I have never changed what I say about Xavi. One day he will become the coach of Barcelona, and I would even like for that to be while I am in charge. What I don't know is when,\\\" Laporta said. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It is true that the scouting reports we have on him are very good. All the inputs and news we have on Xavi are good, even though he has not been coaching a long time,\\\" he added.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Koeman <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/fc-barcelona-sack-ronald-koeman-from-managerial-duties?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">was let go</a> on Wednesday following a<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-barcelona-still-winless-away-from-home-after-rayo-vallecano-loss?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\"> 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano</a> that left Barcelona in ninth place in the Spanish league. That followed painful losses to Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, and Bayern Munich this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona promoted reserve team coach <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-sergi-barjaun?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Sergi Barjuan</a> the next day to act as caretaker coach. Laporta said Barjuan will be in charge of Saturday's home game against Alavés and possibly next week's Champions League match at Dynamo Kyiv.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"(With AP inputs)\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>One reason that other candidates are being looked at might be because Al-Sadd don't want Xavi to go</li>
 <li>The 41-year-old Xavi joined Al-Sadd after leaving Barcelona in 2015</li>
 <li>Laporta said he often speaks with Xavi as a friend</li>
</ul>

Xavi not the only option: Barcelona's hunt for a manager goes on

Gauri Gaur

Sergi Barjaun Esclusa has been appointed as the interim manager of FC Barcelona. The decision was made following the sacking of head coach Ronald Koeman after a humiliating defeat against Rayo Vallecano. He presently works as the head coach of Barcelona B. Also Read - FC Barcelona announce Sergi Barjaun as the interim manager,The 49-year-old was born in Les Franqueses del Valles in Barcelona. As a child he played for the ‘Granollers’ between 1978 and 1988 before joining the youth side of FC Barcelona. He had to climb a long ladder in order to reach the first team. ,The youth product spent two seasons at Barcelona C (1990-1992) and a season at Barcelona B (1992-1993) before receiving his call up to the senior side. ,Yet to make an appearance in the Spanish league La Liga, the youngster was summoned by the first team manager and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff to play in a group stage match away from home in the UEFA Champions League. Also Read -Ronald Koeman firing: Social media left in frenzy, discusses replacement,Following his first appearance against Galatasaray S.K. which ended in a stalemate in November 1993 he became Cruyff’s favourite. ,He solidified his place as a starter in Barcelona’s XI and went on to win three leagues, two cups and two supercups in addition to the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup (1997) and the UEFA Super Cup. ,However, his dream run with his boyhood club came to an end when coach Louis van Gaal informed the player that he is no longer required in the team. Also Read - FC Barcelona being investigated for sketchy transfer deal by Italian authorities,Sergi moved to domestic rivals Atletico Madrid where he played for 3 seasons before hanging up his boots. While he enjoyed a good spell and made 85 appearances for the Rojiblancos, he was prone to receiving yellow cards. His club career ended with 394 appearances. He represented the national side Spain in the 1994 World Cup, 1996 Euros, 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000. The left back accumulated 56 caps in international matches. Also Read - Who is Ronald Koeman, the manager who was sacked by FC Barcelona?,His coaching career began in 2009 and since then he has enjoyed stints at Barcelona (youth side), Recreativo, Almeria, Mallorca, Zhejiang Greentown, Barcelona B and now he has been appointed as the interim coach of FC Barcelona.

{\"time\":1635436218222,\"strCount\":2975,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sergi Barjaun\\nEsclusa has been appointed as the interim manager of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">FC Barcelona</a>. The decision\\nwas made following the sacking of head coach <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman\\\">Ronald Koeman</a> after a humiliating\\ndefeat against Rayo Vallecano. He presently works as the head coach of\\nBarcelona B.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read -&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sergi-barjaun-announced-as-the-new-interim-manager-of-fc-barcelona\\\">FC Barcelona announce Sergi Barjaun as the interim manager</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 49-year-old\\nwas born in Les Franqueses del Valles in Barcelona. As a child he played for\\nthe ‘Granollers’ between 1978 and 1988 before joining the youth side of FC\\nBarcelona. He had to climb a long ladder in order to reach the first team. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The youth\\nproduct spent two seasons at Barcelona C (1990-1992) and a season at Barcelona B\\n(1992-1993) before receiving his call up to the senior side. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Yet to make\\nan appearance in the Spanish league <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/laliga\\\">La Liga</a>, the youngster was summoned by the\\nfirst team manager and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff to play in a group stage\\nmatch away from home in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ucl\\\">UEFA Champions League</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"&nbsp; Also Read -<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ronald-koeman-firing-social-media-left-in-frenzy-discusses-replacement\\\">Ronald Koeman firing: Social media left in frenzy, discusses replacement</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Following his\\nfirst appearance against Galatasaray S.K. which ended in a stalemate in\\nNovember 1993 he became Cruyff’s favourite. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He solidified\\nhis place as a starter in Barcelona’s XI and went on to win three leagues, two\\ncups and two supercups in addition to the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup (1997) and the\\nUEFA Super Cup. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However,\\nhis dream run with his boyhood club came to an end when coach Louis van Gaal informed\\nthe player that he is no longer required in the team.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"&nbsp; Also Read -&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/fc-barcelona-being-investigated-for-sketchy-transfer-deal-by-italian-authorities\\\">FC Barcelona being investigated for sketchy transfer deal by Italian authorities</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sergi moved to domestic rivals <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/atleticomadrid\\\">Atletico Madrid</a> where he played for 3 seasons before\\nhanging up his boots. While he enjoyed a good spell and made 85 appearances for\\nthe Rojiblancos, he was prone to receiving yellow cards. His club career ended\\nwith 394 appearances.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He\\nrepresented the national side Spain in the 1994 World Cup, 1996 Euros, 1998\\nWorld Cup and the Euro 2000. The left back accumulated 56 caps in international\\nmatches.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"&nbsp; Also Read -&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-ronald-koeman\\\">Who is Ronald Koeman, the manager who was sacked by FC Barcelona?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"His\\ncoaching career began in 2009 and since then he has enjoyed stints at Barcelona\\n(youth side), Recreativo, Almeria, Mallorca, Zhejiang Greentown, Barcelona B and\\nnow he has been appointed as the interim coach of FC Barcelona.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Sergi Barjaun is a retired Spanish footballer</li>
 <li>The 49-year-old has been appointed as the interim manager of FC Barcelona</li>
 <li>His coaching career began in 2009&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Buzz

Who is Sergi Barjaun?

AtleticoMadrid

Sergi Barjaun will be taking over as the interim manager of FC Barcelona following the sacking of Ronald Koeman. The retired Spanish footballer is the current coach of Barca B and his interim position will end once the club announces the hiring of a full-time head coach as replacement for the Koeman. Also Read -Ronald Koeman firing: Social media left in frenzy, discusses replacement,In an official statement the Spanish giants wrote, “FC Barcelona hereby announces that Sergi Barjuan, the current coach of Barça B, shall be taking provisional charge of the technical management of the senior squad. His interim position as first team head coach shall end as soon as the club has hired full-time head coach to replace the dismissed Ronald Koeman.”,“FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, shall be officially introducing Sergi Barjuan to the first team squad this afternoon before the training session at the Ciutat Esportiva.”,Also Read - Who is Ronald Koeman, the manager who was sacked by FC Barcelona?,Lastly, “Sergi Barjuan will be attending to the media tomorrow Thursday from 1.00pm CEST in the pressroom at the Ciutat Esportiva to discuss the game against Alavés, with president Joan Laporta also appearing.”,The side led by Gerard Pique are going through a horrible season as they sit on the ninth spot in the La Liga table. On top of that they are in danger of not qualifying for the next round of the UEFA Champions League as they sit behind Bayern Munich and Benfica in the Group table. Also Read - FC Barcelona being investigated for sketchy transfer deal by Italian authorities,They are yet to win an away fixture this season and have won just 2 of their last 5 league games, having lost the other three. Their next fixture is against Alaves on October 31. ,Barcelona have been spiraling downwards ever since the departure of Lionel Messi and while it was expected to see them struggling this season, Ronald Koeman was expected to do a lot better with a young and talented squad at his disposal.

{\"time\":1635425269985,\"strCount\":2732,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sergi Barjaun will be\\ntaking over as the interim manager of<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\"> FC Barcelona</a> following the sacking of\\n<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman\\\">Ronald Koeman</a>. The retired Spanish footballer is the current coach of Barca B\\nand his interim position will end once the club announces the hiring of a full-time\\nhead coach as replacement for the Koeman.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read -<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ronald-koeman-firing-social-media-left-in-frenzy-discusses-replacement\\\">Ronald Koeman firing: Social media left in frenzy, discusses replacement</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In an official\\nstatement the Spanish giants wrote, “FC\\nBarcelona hereby announces that Sergi Barjuan, the current coach of Barça B,\\nshall be taking provisional charge of the technical management of the senior\\nsquad. His interim position as first team head coach shall end as soon as the\\nclub has hired full-time head coach to replace the dismissed Ronald Koeman.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“FC\\nBarcelona president, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a>, shall be officially introducing Sergi\\nBarjuan to the first team squad this afternoon before the training session at\\nthe Ciutat Esportiva.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read -&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-ronald-koeman\\\">Who is Ronald Koeman, the manager who was sacked by FC Barcelona?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Lastly, “Sergi Barjuan will be attending to the\\nmedia tomorrow Thursday from 1.00pm CEST in the pressroom at the Ciutat\\nEsportiva to discuss the game against Alavés, with president Joan Laporta also\\nappearing.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The side led by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/gerardpique\\\">Gerard\\nPique</a> are going through a horrible season as they sit on the ninth spot in the\\nLa Liga table. On top of that they are in danger of not qualifying for the next\\nround of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/uefa\\\">UEFA</a> <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/championsleague\\\">Champions League</a> as they sit behind <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/bayernmunich\\\">Bayern Munich</a> and Benfica\\nin the Group table.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read -&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/fc-barcelona-being-investigated-for-sketchy-transfer-deal-by-italian-authorities\\\">FC Barcelona being investigated for sketchy transfer deal by Italian authorities</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They are yet to win an\\naway fixture this season and have won just 2 of their last 5 league games,\\nhaving lost the other three. Their next fixture is against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/alaves\\\">Alaves</a> on October\\n31. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona have been\\nspiraling downwards ever since the departure of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi\\\">Lionel Messi</a> and while it was\\nexpected to see them struggling this season, Ronald Koeman was expected to do a\\nlot better with a young and talented squad at his disposal.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>FC Barcelona sacked Ronald Koeman following their defeat to Rayo Vallecano</li>
 <li>Sergi Barjaun will be taking over as the interim manager of the club</li>
 <li>He will be introduced to the team by President Joan Laporta</li>
</ul>

FC Barcelona announce Sergi Barjaun as the interim manager

news

Aman Butani

Spanish club FC Barcelona removed Ronald Koeman from his position of first-team coach on Wednesday, the team management announced in an official statement. The 58-year-old was informed of the decision by Joan Laporta, the President of the club. According to the statement, Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva. He leaves with the club in ninth place in the Spanish league standings with 15 points from 10 matches. The Spanish club has so far not made any official announcements about Koeman's replacement. Also Read: La Liga 2021-22: Will Messi exit be the making or breaking of Barca?,Barcelona has recorded a string of poor performances in their appearances in La Liga, including the most recent one against Rayo Vallecano, where the team lost 1-0. ,The team also lost to rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, before which Koeman said that side cannot be afraid of Real Madrid when the two teams clash. ,We have to play without fear, the Barcelona coach said, according to reports from Associated Press. We have to show that we can win and that we will be motivated to win from the start. Among the team’s five losses this season were 3-0 results in the Champions League against Bayern Munich at home and at Benfica. The loss to Rayo marked the team’s fifth away match without a win, something that hadn’t happened to the club in nearly two decades. Barcelona won five matches and drew three this season under the Dutch coach who took over shortly after the team’s 8-2 loss to Bayern in the Champions League last year. His only title with the Catalan club was last season's Copa del Rey, according to reports from Associated Press,Koeman had been publicly at odds with Laporta, though the club had recently expressed its support for the coach, including after he was harassed by a small group of fans outside the stadium after the home loss to Madrid last weekend.

{\"time\":1635378016167,\"strCount\":2511,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Spanish club <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">FC Barcelona</a> removed <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-ronald-koeman\\\">Ronald Koeman</a> from his position of first-team coach on Wednesday, the team management announced in an official statement. The 58-year-old was informed of the decision by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ronald-koeman-will-continue-as-barcelona-coach-regardless-atletico-result-joan-laporta?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Joan Laporta</a>, the President of the club.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"others\",\"source\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\">FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1453486114644299777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"embed\":\"<div class=\\\"others-embed\\\"><blockquote class=\\\"twitter-tweet\\\">FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href=\\\"https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1453486114644299777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\\\">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src=\\\"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\\\" charset=\\\"utf-8\\\"></script></div>\",\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":null}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"According to the statement, Koeman will \\\"say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He leaves with the club in ninth place in the Spanish league standings with 15 points from 10 matches.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Spanish club has so far not made any official announcements about&nbsp;Koeman's replacement.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-will-lionel-messi-exit-be-the-making-or-breaking-for-barcelona?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Will Messi exit be the making or breaking of Barca?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona has recorded a string of poor performances in their appearances in La Liga, including the most recent one against&nbsp;Rayo Vallecano, where the team lost 1-0. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The team also lost to rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, before which Koeman said that side cannot be afraid of&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/realmadrid\\\">Real Madrid</a>&nbsp;when the two teams clash.&nbsp; &nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"We have to play without fear,\\\" the Barcelona coach said, according to reports from Associated Press. \\\"We have to show that we can win and that we will be motivated to win from the start.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Among the team’s five losses this season were 3-0 results in the Champions League against Bayern Munich at home and at Benfica.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The loss to Rayo marked the team’s fifth away match without a win, something that hadn’t happened to the club in nearly two decades.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona won five matches and drew three this season under the Dutch coach who took over shortly after the team’s 8-2 loss to Bayern in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/search/all/ChampionsLeague\\\">Champions League</a> last year. His only title with the Catalan club was last season's Copa del Rey, according to reports from Associated Press\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Koeman had been publicly at odds with Laporta, though the club had recently expressed its support for the coach, including after he was harassed by a small group of fans outside the stadium after the home loss to Madrid last weekend.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Koeman will leave the club at the Ciutat Esportiva on Thursday</li>
 <li>No announcements about replacements have been made</li>
 <li>Koeman was fired following a 1-0 loss against Rayo Vallecano</li>
</ul>

FC Barcelona sack Ronald Koeman from managerial duties

Europe

Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Saturday gave his vote of confidence to under-fire manager Ronald Koeman, saying the club will not sack the Dutchman anytime soon. Laporta said Koeman deserves time and confidence and insisted he has faith the Dutchman can still turn things around at Camp Nou. ,His comments came ahead of Barcelona's clash against champions Atletico Madrid on Saturday, which was rumoured could be Koeman's last. However, Laporta brushed aside those runours, saying Koeman will continue regardless the result. ,Today, regardless of the result, Koeman will still be Barcelona’s coach. He has a contract, we hope that he can get us back on the winning path, playing the way we want. I know he will give it his all, Laporta told reporters in Madrid. ,Also Read | PL: Townsend cheekily imitates Ronaldo as Everton draw at Man Utd,The Catalans are off to their worst-ever start in the Champions League after losing both their opening games against Bayern Munich and Benfica 3-0 without registering a shot on target. Meanwhile, Barca are seventh after three draws and three wins from six games in La Liga, although they have a game in hand against leaders Real Madrid. But given their dismal form, the Blaugrana are favourites to lose against Atletico. Laporta said the Dutchman will be given time to change Barca’s fortunes and get the club back to competing at the highest level. ,“Ronald Koeman will continue as the coach of Barca, he deserves a margin of confidence. Koeman is a cule and a reference point for Barcelona. I have spoken with him and I have drawn my conclusions. I really appreciate that he is leading Barca at a time of difficulty,” Laporta said. ,Also Read | Paul Riley sexual misconduct case: All we know so far,He also said the club’s fortunes will change with the return of a string of first team players, including Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Aguero. Ansu Fati recently made a goal-scoring return from a long-term injury layoff, giving fans something to cheer about. ,And Laporta expects the return of the rest of the stars will bring about more cheer. “When our injured players recover, we will have more of an edge. (Koeman) has had moments of discouragement but he has recovered his spirit and now that our injured players are recovering, he deserves to have time and our confidence,” the president said.

{\"time\":1633192080947,\"strCount\":3163,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> on Saturday\\ngave his vote of confidence to under-fire manager <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman\\\">Ronald Koeman</a>, saying the\\nclub will not sack the Dutchman anytime soon. Laporta said Koeman deserves time and confidence\\nand insisted he has faith the Dutchman can still turn things around at Camp\\nNou. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"His comments came ahead of Barcelona's clash against champions <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/atleticomadrid\\\">Atletico Madrid</a> on Saturday, which was rumoured could be Koeman's last. However, Laporta brushed aside those runours, saying Koeman will continue regardless the result.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Today, regardless of the result, Koeman will still be Barcelona’s coach. He has a contract, we hope that he can get us back on the winning path, playing the way we want. I know he will give it his all,\\\" Laporta told reporters in Madrid.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-andros-townsend-cheekily-imitates-cristiano-ronaldo-as-everton-draw-at-manchester-united?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">PL: Townsend cheekily imitates Ronaldo as Everton draw at Man Utd</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Catalans are off to their worst-ever start in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/championsleague\\\">Champions League</a>\\nafter losing both their opening games against Bayern Munich and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/champions-league-barcelonas-season-goes-from-bad-to-worse-humbled-by-benfica?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Benfica</a> 3-0\\nwithout registering a shot on target.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile, Barca are seventh after three draws\\nand three wins from six games in La Liga, although they have a game in hand against\\nleaders Real Madrid. But given their dismal form, the Blaugrana are favourites\\nto lose against Atletico.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta said the Dutchman will be given time to change Barca’s fortunes and get the club\\nback to competing at the highest level. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“Ronald Koeman will continue as the coach\\nof Barca, he deserves a margin of confidence. Koeman is a cule and a reference\\npoint for Barcelona. I have spoken with him and I have drawn my conclusions. I\\nreally appreciate that he is leading Barca at a time of difficulty,” Laporta\\nsaid.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/paul-riley-sexual-misconduct-case-all-we-know-so-far?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Paul Riley sexual misconduct case: All we know so far</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He also said the club’s fortunes will\\nchange with the return of a string of first team players, including Ousmane\\nDembele and Sergio Aguero. Ansu Fati recently made a goal-scoring return from a\\nlong-term injury layoff, giving fans something to cheer about. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And Laporta expects the return of the rest\\nof the stars will bring about more cheer. “When our injured players recover, we\\nwill have more of an edge. (Koeman) has had moments of discouragement but he\\nhas recovered his spirit and now that our injured players are recovering, he\\ndeserves to have time and our confidence,” the president said. \"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>"Today, regardless of the result, Koeman will still be Barcelona’s coach," Laporta said&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Barca's clash against Atletico on Saturday was rumoured to be Koeman's last</li>
 <li>Laporta said the Dutchman will be given time to change Barca’s fortunes</li>
</ul>

Koeman will continue as Barcelona coach regardless Atletico result: Laporta

Losing its greatest-ever player and icon in
unceremonious fashion to a major European rival, while dealing with financial
woes that had been preventing the club from registering summer signings, isn’t
the ideal way for Barcelona to embark on a quest to wrest a first La Liga title since 2019. ,The importance of Lionel Messi for this
club cannot be understated – the Argentine helped Barca win 35 titles,
including 10 La Ligas, four Champions Leagues and others, since his debut in
2004 – making for the most successful and profitable player-club partnership in
football history. ,But the club is always bigger than any
player, and that Barca have to prove in the upcoming season. ,Maybe president Joan Laporta can take a
leaf from his Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez’s book and seamlessly move
on from the departure of a club legend. Since he has wholly backed Perez in
plans for the European Super League and rejecting the CVC-La Liga deal, Laporta
should have learnt a trick or two in that regard by now. 
,And there is enough in the ranks to help
ease the transition and build a new future for a superclub the size and stature
of Barcelona. Among its greatest footballing assets right now, like always, is
the youth.,Also Read | 'Very happy' Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG,An injury-hit 2020-21 season restricted
Ansu Fati to just 10 appearances across competitions, but the 18-year-old has
already been deemed by the fans as the heir-apparent to Messi’s throne. His
Spain teammate Pedri, also 18, played an astonishing 73 games last season for
club and country and is fast gaining repute as one of the brightest midfield
talents in the world. ,This season may also be the long-awaited
one where prodigal son Riqui Puig explodes onto the scene. Other up-and-coming
talents like winger Yusuf Demir, striker Rey Manaj, midfielder Nico Gonzalez
have also impressed in pre-season and can look to make an impression this
season.,Also Read | La Liga 2021-22: Are Real Madrid still a contender for the Spanish title?,Barca have also done some sound business
over the summer, bringing the likes of Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero and Memphis
Depay on free transfers. Memphis has already shown he is ready for the step-up
from Lyon’s Groupama Stadium to the Camp Nou and his fluidity in the final
third is a perfect fit for Barca’s style. 
,Penalty-box specialist Aguero will be
expected to fill in at centre-forward sporadically, but the conditions couldn’t
be better for France international Antoine Griezmann to be finally come into
his own and be Barca’s main man. ,The former Atletico Madrid striker is
coming off the back of his best season for the Catalans, directly involved in
33 goals in 51 games, and with Messi gone, he can make the free-roaming right
winger position his own. ,Sergio Busquests enjoyed a brilliant Euro
2020 campaign with Spain and will still be Barca’s controller-in-chief in
midfield with Frekie de Jong well suited to play either as the second in a
double pivot or as a number six in a midfield three.,Also Read | La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?,Garcia and Ronald Araujo have potential to forge
a long-term centre-back pairing to settle the Catalans’ rocky backline, but the
experienced trio of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti need to ensure
more clean sheets than ever, now that the primary attacking force has been
lost. ,History has witnessed clubs being
thrown in turmoil after the departure of an influential figure - Manchester
United after Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal after Arsene Wenger, Real Madrid after Cristiano Ronaldo.,Also Read | La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?,Although one can
argue the former two were managers who stayed with their clubs for decades and a comparison with players isn't fair, players like Messi and Ronaldo are giants of the sport and have impacted the footballing world in a way never seen before.  ,The transition to a post-Messi era can be a
very tricky one for Barcelona and the focus for manager Ronald Koeman and the
board should be to rediscover togetherness and their erstwhile collective brilliance
to ensure their recent dominance over the Spanish top-flight does not peter
out.

{\"time\":1628973889712,\"strCount\":6176,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Losing its greatest-ever player</a> and icon in\\nunceremonious fashion to a major European rival, while dealing with financial\\nwoes that had been preventing the club from <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-barcelona-register-memphis-depay-eric-garcia-after-substantial-gerard-pique-wage-cut?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">registering summer signings</a>, isn’t\\nthe ideal way for <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> to embark on a quest to wrest a first <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/laligasantander\\\">La Liga</a> title since 2019. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The importance of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi\\\">Lionel Messi</a> for this\\nclub cannot be understated – the Argentine helped Barca win 35 titles,\\nincluding 10 La Ligas, four <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/championsleague\\\">Champions Leagues</a> and others, since his debut in\\n2004 – making for the most successful and profitable player-club partnership in\\nfootball history. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But the club is always bigger than any\\nplayer, and that Barca have to prove in the upcoming season. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Maybe president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> can take a\\nleaf from his <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/realmadrid\\\">Real Madrid</a> counterpart Florentino Perez’s book and seamlessly move\\non from the departure of a club legend. Since he has wholly backed Perez in\\nplans for the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/europeansuperleague\\\">European Super League</a> and rejecting the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-clubs-vote-for-multibillion-dollar-cvc-injection-4-clubs-opt-out?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">CVC-La Liga deal</a>, Laporta\\nshould have learnt a trick or two in that regard by now.&nbsp;\\n\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And there is enough in the ranks to help\\nease the transition and build a new future for a superclub the size and stature\\nof Barcelona. Among its greatest footballing assets right now, like always, is\\nthe youth.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/very-happy-lionel-messi-ready-to-play-with-the-best-at-psg?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">'Very happy' Lionel Messi ready to play with the best at PSG</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"An injury-hit 2020-21 season restricted\\nAnsu Fati to just 10 appearances across competitions, but the 18-year-old has\\nalready been deemed by the fans as the heir-apparent to Messi’s throne. His\\nSpain teammate Pedri, also 18, played an astonishing 73 games last season for\\nclub and country and is fast gaining repute as one of the brightest midfield\\ntalents in the world. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"This season may also be the long-awaited\\none where prodigal son Riqui Puig explodes onto the scene. Other up-and-coming\\ntalents like winger Yusuf Demir, striker Rey Manaj, midfielder Nico Gonzalez\\nhave also impressed in pre-season and can look to make an impression this\\nseason.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-are-real-madrid-still-a-contender-for-the-spanish-title?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Are Real Madrid still a contender for the Spanish title?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca have also done some sound business\\nover the summer, bringing the likes of Eric Garcia, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/sergioaguero\\\">Sergio Aguero</a> and Memphis\\nDepay on free transfers. Memphis has <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/memphis-depay-announces-his-barcelona-arrival-with-brilliant-goal-vs-stuttgart-watch?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">already shown</a> he is ready for the step-up\\nfrom Lyon’s Groupama Stadium to the Camp Nou and his fluidity in the final\\nthird is a perfect fit for Barca’s style.&nbsp;\\n\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Penalty-box specialist Aguero will be\\nexpected to fill in at centre-forward sporadically, but the conditions couldn’t\\nbe better for France international <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/antoinegriezmann\\\">Antoine Griezmann</a> to be finally come into\\nhis own and be Barca’s main man. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The former Atletico Madrid striker is\\ncoming off the back of his best season for the Catalans, directly involved in\\n33 goals in 51 games, and with Messi gone, he can make the free-roaming right\\nwinger position his own. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sergio Busquests enjoyed a brilliant Euro\\n2020 campaign with Spain and will still be Barca’s controller-in-chief in\\nmidfield with Frekie de Jong well suited to play either as the second in a\\ndouble pivot or as a number six in a midfield three.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-atletico-madrids-best-chance-at-title-defence?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Garcia and Ronald Araujo have potential to forge\\na long-term centre-back pairing to settle the Catalans’ rocky backline, but the\\nexperienced trio of Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti need to ensure\\nmore clean sheets than ever, now that the primary attacking force has been\\nlost. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"History has witnessed clubs being\\nthrown in turmoil after the departure of an influential figure - Manchester\\nUnited after Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsenal after Arsene Wenger, Real Madrid after <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/cristianoronaldo\\\">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-2021-22-atletico-madrids-best-chance-at-title-defence?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga 2021-22: Atletico Madrid's best chance at title defence?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Although one can\\nargue the former two were managers who stayed with their clubs for decades and a comparison with players isn't fair, players like Messi and Ronaldo are giants of the sport and have impacted the footballing world in a way never seen before.&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The transition to a post-Messi era can be a\\nvery tricky one for Barcelona and the focus for manager Ronald Koeman and the\\nboard should be to rediscover togetherness and their erstwhile collective brilliance\\nto ensure their recent dominance over the Spanish top-flight does not peter\\nout.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Lionel Messi helped Barcelona win 35 titles, including 10 La Ligas and 4 Champions Leagues</li>
 <li>Messi's exit has opened the door for Antoine Griezmann to become Barca's talisman</li>
 <li>Barca have signed Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero on free transfers this summer</li>
</ul>

La Liga 2021-22: Will Messi exit be the making or breaking of Barca?

GerardPique

MemphisDepay

AntoineGriezmann

<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi">Lionel Messi</a> is on the verge of reuniting
with former teammate <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/neymar">Neymar</a> as <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/ligue1">Ligue 1</a> giants <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/parissaintgermain">Paris Saint-Germain</a> are close to
signing the Argentine superstar. Messi’s slated contract extension at <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona">Barcelona</a>
broke down with the <a href="https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">club confirming</a> they cannot afford to renew the 34-year-old’s
deal because of financial restrains from La Liga. ,PSG are now close to agreeing terms with
Messi, French media outlet L’Equipe reported on Friday. Earlier in the day, manager
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the club’s interest in the forward and said he was
an “option” that was being considered by the club, according to Reuters.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">All the facts you need to know about Lionel Messi’s legendary Barca career</a>,Messi’s former contract with Barcelona
expired on July 1 and he has been a free agent ever since. But both the player
and the club had agreed to terms to extend the contract, with reports
suggesting only formalities remained to be completed as Messi was focussed on the
Copa America campaign with Argentina. ,However, in a sensational turn of events,
Barcelona on Thursday confirmed that Messi will no longer be continuing at the
club, citing economical and structural obstacles and La Liga’s salary limit as
the main obstacles for the contract renewal. ,This came after the six-time Ballon d’Or
winner had reportedly agreed to a 50% salary cut for the new,
five-year-contract that he was about to sign.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/end-of-an-era-messi-leaves-barcelona-social-media-in-dismay?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">End of an era: Messi leaves Barcelona, social media in dismay</a>,In a press conference on Friday, Barca president
Joan Laporta said they were forced to allow Messi to leave as his high wages and
the constraints from La Liga would have jeopardised the club’s future. He also
blamed the previous administration for the club’s financial crisis, which he
said prevented it from keeping Messi. ,Saying the club and Messi did everything to
ensure the contract could have been renewed, but said it was not possible and
an investment of that size would have been a “great risk” for the club.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/memphis-depay-announces-his-barcelona-arrival-with-brilliant-goal-vs-stuttgart-watch?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Memphis Depay announces his Barcelona arrival with brilliant goal | Watch</a>,Messi had tried to leave the club in August
2020, formally requesting the club for a transfer after breaking down of relations
with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, but Laporta had convinced him to
stay. ,Messi has spent his entire professional
career at Barcelona, after joining the club’s youth ranks as a 13-year-old in 2000.
He is the club’s highest-ever goalscorer, having scored 672 goals in 778 games
across competitions.

{\"time\":1628302943050,\"strCount\":3467,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi\\\">Lionel Messi</a> is on the verge of reuniting\\nwith former teammate <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/neymar\\\">Neymar</a> as <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ligue1\\\">Ligue 1</a> giants <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/parissaintgermain\\\">Paris Saint-Germain</a> are close to\\nsigning the Argentine superstar. Messi’s slated contract extension at <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/fcbarcelona\\\">Barcelona</a>\\nbroke down with the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">club confirming</a> they cannot afford to renew the 34-year-old’s\\ndeal because of financial restrains from La Liga. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"PSG are now close to agreeing terms with\\nMessi, French media outlet L’Equipe reported on Friday. Earlier in the day, manager\\nMauricio Pochettino confirmed the club’s interest in the forward and said he was\\nan “option” that was being considered by the club, according to Reuters.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/all-the-facts-you-need-to-know-about-lionel-messis-legendary-barcelona-career?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">All the facts you need to know about Lionel Messi’s legendary Barca career</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Messi’s former contract with Barcelona\\nexpired on July 1 and he has been a free agent ever since. But both the player\\nand the club had agreed to terms to extend the contract, with reports\\nsuggesting only formalities remained to be completed as Messi was focussed on the\\nCopa America campaign with Argentina. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, in a sensational turn of events,\\nBarcelona on Thursday confirmed that Messi will no longer be continuing at the\\nclub, citing economical and structural obstacles and La Liga’s salary limit as\\nthe main obstacles for the contract renewal. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"This came after the six-time Ballon d’Or\\nwinner had reportedly agreed to a 50% salary cut for the new,\\nfive-year-contract that he was about to sign.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/end-of-an-era-messi-leaves-barcelona-social-media-in-dismay?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">End of an era: Messi leaves Barcelona, social media in dismay</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In a press conference on Friday, Barca president\\nJoan Laporta said they were forced to allow Messi to leave as his high wages and\\nthe constraints from La Liga would have jeopardised the club’s future. He also\\nblamed the previous administration for the club’s financial crisis, which he\\nsaid prevented it from keeping Messi. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Saying the club and Messi did everything to\\nensure the contract could have been renewed, but said it was not possible and\\nan investment of that size would have been a “great risk” for the club.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/memphis-depay-announces-his-barcelona-arrival-with-brilliant-goal-vs-stuttgart-watch?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Memphis Depay announces his Barcelona arrival with brilliant goal | Watch</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Messi had tried to leave the club in August\\n2020, formally requesting the club for a transfer after breaking down of relations\\nwith former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, but Laporta had convinced him to\\nstay. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Messi has spent his entire professional\\ncareer at Barcelona, after joining the club’s youth ranks as a 13-year-old in 2000.\\nHe is the club’s highest-ever goalscorer, having scored 672 goals in 778 games\\nacross competitions. \"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said Messi was an "option"</li>
 <li>Messi left Barcelona as financial obstacles prevented his contract from being extended</li>
 <li>Barca president Joan Laporta said a new contract for Messi would have jeopardised the club's future</li>
</ul>

Lionel Messi close to joining Paris Saint-Germain: Reports

<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona">Barcelona</a> president <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta">Joan Laporta</a> insisted Sunday that the controversial <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/europeansuperleague">Super League</a> project "is still alive" despite it being widely condemned as a crude land grab. Laporta also labelled <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/uefa">UEFA</a> as a "de facto monopoly."&nbsp;,"The project is alive," Laporta said at a meeting of club members where he claimed the competition would be worth "a minimum of 700 million euros ($830.3 million) per season for Barcelona".,Despite opposition from UEFA, fans, and rival clubs, Laporta insisted the Super League would mean "financial sustainability for the clubs and makes for a more attractive competition".,"Do not make us apologise for thinking about or organising a competition, or for wanting to be masters of our own destiny in the world of football.",<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona">Barcelona</a>, <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/realmadrid">Real Madrid</a>, and <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/juventus">Juventus</a> are the last three clubs that remain in the project after the other nine founding clubs <a href="https://opoyi.com/super-league-dead-as-italian-and-spanish-clubs-follow-english-exodus">backed down</a> in the face of opposition from fans, players, and organisations.,UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out abandoning disciplinary action against the remaining rebels, telling AFP on the eve of Euro 2020 that the Super league trio have "lost the moral and sporting battle".,European football's governing body has suspended legal action "until further notice" against the three clubs.

{\"time\":1624222146240,\"strCount\":1718,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> insisted Sunday that the controversial <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/europeansuperleague\\\">Super League</a> project \\\"is still alive\\\" despite it being widely condemned as a crude land grab. Laporta also labelled <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/uefa\\\">UEFA</a> as a \\\"de facto monopoly.\\\"&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The project is alive,\\\" Laporta said at a meeting of club members where he claimed the competition would be worth \\\"a minimum of 700 million euros ($830.3 million) per season for Barcelona\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite opposition from UEFA, fans, and rival clubs, Laporta insisted the Super League would mean \\\"financial sustainability for the clubs and makes for a more attractive competition\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Do not make us apologise for thinking about or organising a competition, or for wanting to be masters of our own destiny in the world of football.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona\\\">Barcelona</a>, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/realmadrid\\\">Real Madrid</a>, and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/juventus\\\">Juventus</a> are the last three clubs that remain in the project after the other nine founding clubs <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/super-league-dead-as-italian-and-spanish-clubs-follow-english-exodus\\\">backed down</a> in the face of opposition from fans, players, and organisations.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out abandoning disciplinary action against the remaining rebels, telling AFP on the eve of Euro 2020 that the Super league trio have \\\"lost the moral and sporting battle\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"European football's governing body has suspended legal action \\\"until further notice\\\" against the three clubs.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Laporta insisted the Super League would mean "financial sustainability"</li>
 <li>Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus are the last three clubs that remain in the project</li>
 <li>European football's governing body has suspended legal action "until further notice" against the three clubs</li>
</ul>

Joan Laporta terms UEFA a de-facto monopoly, says Super League still alive

EuropeanSuperLeague

UEFA

Juventus

Football Club <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona">Barcelona</a> president <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta">Joan Laporta</a> on Friday said that he was "moderately optimistic" about the club's talisman <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi">Lionel Messi</a> staying with the team for the next season. But he added that manager <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman">Ronald Koeman's</a> future with the club was not certain, reports AFP.,Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/ryan-giggs-faces-january-trial-date-on-ex-girlfriend-assault-charge">Ryan Giggs faces January trial date on ex-girlfriend assault charge</a>,Messi's current contract expires this summer, which would allow the Argentinian to leave the club for the next season for free. Laporta confessed that in spite of the talks with the forward "going well", Barcelona's offer would be marred by the club's financial problems, reports AFP.,"We can make an offer within our means," said Laporta in his first press conference after being elected as president in March. "He deserves more and could get a better contract somewhere else but I'm convinced he appreciates the efforts we are making. I think he is keen to stay. For Leo, it's not about money, it's about winning. And that's what we are working on", quoted AFP.,Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/former-us-president-barack-obama-talks-to-manchester-united-rashford-about-his-campaign-for-kids">Barack Obama talks to footballer Rashford about his campaign for kids</a>,When asked how optimistic he was that Messi would stay, Laporta answered, "Moderately optimistic". He added, "The new contract is going well but it's not done yet". Laporta has also been in talks with Koeman about his future with the club after an under-par end to the season, reports AFP.,Koeman has a year left on his contract after only being appointed last year. "We've always worked with great respect for Koeman," said Laporta. "He still has a contract in place. We don't believe in transitional projects or seasons. We spoke to Koeman and we will continue to talk to him next week before making a decision", quoted AFP.

{\"time\":1622219129637,\"strCount\":2177,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Football Club <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/barcelona\\\">Barcelona</a> president <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/joanlaporta\\\">Joan Laporta</a> on Friday said that he was \\\"moderately optimistic\\\" about the club's talisman <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/lionelmessi\\\">Lionel Messi</a> staying with the team for the next season. But he added that manager <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topic/ronaldkoeman\\\">Ronald Koeman's</a> future with the club was not certain, reports AFP.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ryan-giggs-faces-january-trial-date-on-ex-girlfriend-assault-charge\\\">Ryan Giggs faces January trial date on ex-girlfriend assault charge</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Messi's current contract expires this summer, which would allow the Argentinian to leave the club for the next season for free. Laporta confessed that in spite of the talks with the forward \\\"going well\\\", Barcelona's offer would be marred by the club's financial problems, reports AFP.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"We can make an offer within our means,\\\" said Laporta in his first press conference after being elected as president in March. \\\"He deserves more and could get a better contract somewhere else but I'm convinced he appreciates the efforts we are making. I think he is keen to stay. For Leo, it's not about money, it's about winning. And that's what we are working on\\\", quoted AFP.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/former-us-president-barack-obama-talks-to-manchester-united-rashford-about-his-campaign-for-kids\\\">Barack Obama talks to footballer Rashford about his campaign for kids</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"When asked how optimistic he was that Messi would stay, Laporta answered, \\\"Moderately optimistic\\\". He added, \\\"The new contract is going well but it's not done yet\\\". Laporta has also been in talks with Koeman about his future with the club after an under-par end to the season, reports AFP.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Koeman has a year left on his contract after only being appointed last year. \\\"We've always worked with great respect for Koeman,\\\" said Laporta. \\\"He still has a contract in place. We don't believe in transitional projects or seasons. We spoke to Koeman and we will continue to talk to him next week before making a decision\\\", quoted AFP.\"}}]}

Pratheek S

<ul>
 <li>Messi's current contract expires this summer</li>
 <li>Laporta confessed that the club's offer would be marred by the club's financial problems</li>
 <li>Laporta also will be holding talks about manager Ronald Koeman's future&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Barca president optimistic on Lionel Messi's contract extension

Barcelona on Thursday finally released a <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/news/2114445/fc-barcelona-announcement-on-the-super-league?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=fcbarcelona&amp;utm_campaign=4b5e891a-1dc8-498b-8377-8fd95ac48965">public statement</a>, stating it would have been a "historical error" to turn down the chance to join the <a href="https://opoyi.com/what-is-european-super-league-1">European Super League</a> (ESL) and the club has decided to remain part of the project for now.,Only three teams - Barca, Real Madrid and Juventus - are yet to pull out formally after the withdrawal of the six English clubs prompted an incredible collapse of the plans of a breakaway league late on Tuesday.,In the unapologetic statement on the club website, Barca said it would carry out an "in-depth analysis" of the proposed competition before putting the final decision to a vote among the club's members.,However, Barcelona stressed it would have been "an historical error to turn down the opportunity to be part of this project as one of its founding members".,ALSO READ | <a href="https://opoyi.com/florentino-perez-despite-nine-clubs-backing-out-real-madrid-prez-says-european-super-league-is-on-stand-by">Despite nine clubs backing out, Real Madrid prez says ESL is 'on stand-by'</a>,The statement continued: "Barcelona expressly reserves the right to submit such an important decision to the final approval of its members following a careful and very necessary study of the proposal.","Barcelona appreciates that a much more in-depth analysis is required into the reasons that have caused this reaction in order to reconsider, if necessary and to what extent, the original proposal and to resolve all those issues, always for the good of the general interest of the football world,"&nbsp;the club added.,"Such an in-depth analysis needs time and the necessary composure to avoid taking any rash action.",Barca president Joan Laporta had earlier described the ESL as a "necessity".,With total debts of more than a billion euros, Barca are struggling to keep up with Europe's elite, making the prospect of a hugely lucrative new tournament particularly attractive.,"We understand it is a necessity but on the other hand, the members will have the last word," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.,"It is absolutely necessary the big clubs are able to express our opinion about the distribution of wealth given we contribute a lot.,"It has to be an attractive competition based on sporting merit. We are open to dialogue with UEFA.",ALSO READ | <a href="https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-churn-out-3-points-against-aston-villa-amid-esl-chaos">Manchester City churn out 3 points against Aston Villa amid ESL chaos</a>,Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas seemed keen to ease tensions with Spain's three breakaway clubs when he said football's governing bodies were looking for "protective measures" instead of punishments.,Atletico Madrid announced they had pulled out of the ESL on Wednesday.,"We're not talking about sanctions," said Tebas in a press conference. "Everyone wants to cut everyone's head off but we have procedures. We don't need to rush into things.,"The most important thing is these clubs have been sanctioned by their own fans. The sanction is the hit to their reputations."

{\"time\":1619127063170,\"strCount\":3323,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona on Thursday finally released a <a href=\\\"https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/news/2114445/fc-barcelona-announcement-on-the-super-league?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=fcbarcelona&amp;utm_campaign=4b5e891a-1dc8-498b-8377-8fd95ac48965\\\">public statement</a>, stating it would have been a \\\"historical error\\\" to turn down the chance to join the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/what-is-european-super-league-1\\\">European Super League</a> (ESL) and the club has decided to remain part of the project for now.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Only three teams - Barca, Real Madrid and Juventus - are yet to pull out formally after the withdrawal of the six English clubs prompted an incredible collapse of the plans of a breakaway league late on Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the unapologetic statement on the club website, Barca said it would carry out an \\\"in-depth analysis\\\" of the proposed competition before putting the final decision to a vote among the club's members.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, Barcelona stressed it would have been \\\"an historical error to turn down the opportunity to be part of this project as one of its founding members\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/florentino-perez-despite-nine-clubs-backing-out-real-madrid-prez-says-european-super-league-is-on-stand-by\\\">Despite nine clubs backing out, Real Madrid prez says ESL is 'on stand-by'</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The statement continued: \\\"Barcelona expressly reserves the right to submit such an important decision to the final approval of its members following a careful and very necessary study of the proposal.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Barcelona appreciates that a much more in-depth analysis is required into the reasons that have caused this reaction in order to reconsider, if necessary and to what extent, the original proposal and to resolve all those issues, always for the good of the general interest of the football world,\\\"&nbsp;the club added.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Such an in-depth analysis needs time and the necessary composure to avoid taking any rash action.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barca president Joan Laporta had earlier described the ESL as a \\\"necessity\\\".\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With total debts of more than a billion euros, Barca are struggling to keep up with Europe's elite, making the prospect of a hugely lucrative new tournament particularly attractive.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"We understand it is a necessity but on the other hand, the members will have the last word,\\\" Laporta told Catalunya Radio.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It is absolutely necessary the big clubs are able to express our opinion about the distribution of wealth given we contribute a lot.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"It has to be an attractive competition based on sporting merit. We are open to dialogue with UEFA.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-churn-out-3-points-against-aston-villa-amid-esl-chaos\\\">Manchester City churn out 3 points against Aston Villa amid ESL chaos</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas seemed keen to ease tensions with Spain's three breakaway clubs when he said football's governing bodies were looking for \\\"protective measures\\\" instead of punishments.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Atletico Madrid announced they had pulled out of the ESL on Wednesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"We're not talking about sanctions,\\\" said Tebas in a press conference. \\\"Everyone wants to cut everyone's head off but we have procedures. We don't need to rush into things.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"The most important thing is these clubs have been sanctioned by their own fans. The sanction is the hit to their reputations.\\\"\"}}]}

Sayantan Guha

<ul>
 <li>Barcelona said turning down ESL would have been "historical error"</li>
 <li>Only three teams - Barca, Real Madrid and Juventus - are yet to withdraw</li>
 <li>Barca said it would carry out an "in-depth analysis" of the proposed competition</li>
</ul>

To avoid 'historical error', Barcelona joined European Super League

Sevilla, Spain

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he is "convinced" Lionel Messi wants to stay at the club after he scored twice in the team's thumping 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.,Messi is yet to confirm whether he will stay this summer, with the possibility that his seventh Copa del Rey triumph could be the last trophy he wins for Barca.,Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/revisiting-lionel-messis-iconic-copa-del-rey-final-goal-against-athletic-bilbao">Revisiting Lionel Messi's iconic Copa del Rey final goal against Athletic Bilbao</a>,"Leo is the best player in the world, he is a player who is deeply rooted in the club, who loves Barca," said Laporta after the final in Seville.,"I am convinced that he wants to stay and we already know that we are going to do everything in our power, within the possibilities of the club, to ensure he continues with us. It is what we want the most.",Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/zinedine-zidane-hopes-there-will-be-more-clasicos-for-lionel-messi-and-sergio-ramos">Zidane hopes there will be more Clasicos for Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos</a>,Messi scored a spectacular goal that he started in his own half at La Cartuja before rounding off the victory with a strike into the corner for his 31st goal of the season.,It is the 13th consecutive campaign that Messi has scored more than 30 goals for Barcelona.,"Leo put on an exhibition today," Laporta added.

{\"time\":1618702218340,\"strCount\":1465,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he is \\\"convinced\\\" Lionel Messi wants to stay at the club after he scored twice in the team's thumping 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Messi is yet to confirm whether he will stay this summer, with the possibility that his seventh Copa del Rey triumph could be the last trophy he wins for Barca.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/revisiting-lionel-messis-iconic-copa-del-rey-final-goal-against-athletic-bilbao\\\">Revisiting Lionel Messi's iconic Copa del Rey final goal against Athletic Bilbao</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Leo is the best player in the world, he is a player who is deeply rooted in the club, who loves Barca,\\\" said Laporta after the final in Seville.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I am convinced that he wants to stay and we already know that we are going to do everything in our power, within the possibilities of the club, to ensure he continues with us. It is what we want the most.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/zinedine-zidane-hopes-there-will-be-more-clasicos-for-lionel-messi-and-sergio-ramos\\\">Zidane hopes there will be more Clasicos for Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Messi scored a spectacular goal that he started in his own half at La Cartuja before rounding off the victory with a strike into the corner for his 31st goal of the season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It is the 13th consecutive campaign that Messi has scored more than 30 goals for Barcelona.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"Leo put on an exhibition today,\\\" Laporta added.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Messi scored two goals for Barcelona in the final game</li>
 <li>The match against Athletic Bilbao ended with a 4-0 score</li>
 <li>Messi has won the title seven times</li>
</ul>

Joan Laporta 'confident' about Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona

CopaDelRey

AthleticBilbao

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona President on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay.,Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the hugely successful appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble-winning team of 2008/09.,In total, the club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge.,The 58-year-old will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa, the other two candidates to gain enough support to make the final stage.,Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 and Freixa 4,769.,Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/real-madrid-still-in-la-liga-title-race-with-a-draw-against-leaders-atletico">Real Madrid still in La Liga title race with a draw against leaders Atletico</a>,Amid champagne celebrations shared with his team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted with a grin on his face: "Now let's go to Paris and see if we can make another 'remontada' happen!",Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg.,Longer-term, Laporta's task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic, its reputation damaged and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer.,He has said he will do everything possible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and campaigned heavily on the idea he was the best-placed candidate to convince the Argentinian, owing to their relationship during his previous time in charge.,A change of regime also leaves coach Ronald Koeman's position uncertain, with Laporta insisting the Dutchman "deserves respect" for his work this season while maintaining his future will depend on results.,Koeman's contract runs until 2022.,"I am not worried because I have a contract and when we know who is going to be the president of course we will talk and I want him to show me his way," Koeman said on Friday.,Laporta's main rival for the presidency was Font, who was the early favourite after claiming he would bring former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach.,But the team's progress under Koeman and Laporta's superior campaign cast doubt over the promise, with Laporta questioning last week why Xavi had not come out in support of Font publicly.,Xavi may have been keen to keep his options open and the Spaniard caused a stir on Sunday by liking, and then unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta casting his ballot.,Laporta will also have to make decisions on Xavi's other former team-mates still at the club like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have contributed so much but whose peak years are now behind them.,Perhaps most importantly, his job will be to heal the deep mistrust that has developed between the board of directors and the dressing room, led by Messi and Pique.,The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club's members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him.,But Bartomeu quit before facing the vote after overseeing a disastrous final year that included Messi attempting to leave, the team being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 billion euros.,Bartomeu spent the night in prison last Monday after being arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption.,Voters had been due to go to the polls on January 24 but were prevented due to restrictions in relating to the pandemic, meaning the election was postponed.,Ballots on Sunday were held at six different polling stations in Catalonia and Andorra between 9am and 9pm, while just over 22,000 voters were able to vote by post for the first time.

{\"time\":1615159883739,\"strCount\":3855,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona President on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay.\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1368699485145202694\",\"embed\":\"FCBarcelona/status/1368699485145202694\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the hugely successful appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble-winning team of 2008/09.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In total, the club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 58-year-old will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa, the other two candidates to gain enough support to make the final stage.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 and Freixa 4,769.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/real-madrid-still-in-la-liga-title-race-with-a-draw-against-leaders-atletico\\\">Real Madrid still in La Liga title race with a draw against leaders Atletico</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Amid champagne celebrations shared with his team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted with a grin on his face: \\\"Now let's go to Paris and see if we can make another 'remontada' happen!\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Longer-term, Laporta's task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic, its reputation damaged and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He has said he will do everything possible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and campaigned heavily on the idea he was the best-placed candidate to convince the Argentinian, owing to their relationship during his previous time in charge.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A change of regime also leaves coach Ronald Koeman's position uncertain, with Laporta insisting the Dutchman \\\"deserves respect\\\" for his work this season while maintaining his future will depend on results.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Koeman's contract runs until 2022.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"I am not worried because I have a contract and when we know who is going to be the president of course we will talk and I want him to show me his way,\\\" Koeman said on Friday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta's main rival for the presidency was Font, who was the early favourite after claiming he would bring former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But the team's progress under Koeman and Laporta's superior campaign cast doubt over the promise, with Laporta questioning last week why Xavi had not come out in support of Font publicly.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Xavi may have been keen to keep his options open and the Spaniard caused a stir on Sunday by liking, and then unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta casting his ballot.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Laporta will also have to make decisions on Xavi's other former team-mates still at the club like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have contributed so much but whose peak years are now behind them.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Perhaps most importantly, his job will be to heal the deep mistrust that has developed between the board of directors and the dressing room, led by Messi and Pique.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club's members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But Bartomeu quit before facing the vote after overseeing a disastrous final year that included Messi attempting to leave, the team being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 billion euros.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Bartomeu spent the night in prison last Monday after being arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Voters had been due to go to the polls on January 24 but were prevented due to restrictions in relating to the pandemic, meaning the election was postponed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ballots on Sunday were held at six different polling stations in Catalonia and Andorra between 9am and 9pm, while just over 22,000 voters were able to vote by post for the first time.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010</li>
 <li>The club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge</li>
 <li>He will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa</li>
</ul>

#JoanLaporta