There are many legitimate criticisms to be made over how relevant Barcelonas ‘more than a club’ motto is these days, but what undoubtedly remains true is that the question of style of how Bara should go about winning is still more important than for any other team.Its for that reason Baras announcement earlier this week that Ernesto Valverde would be extending his contract as head coach was met with mixed reviews.
By renewing Ernesto Valverdes contract we are guaranteeing the continuation of a coach and person who so excellently represents the FC Barcelona values and our way of understanding football. Were sharing a winning project for Bara pic.twitter.com/wAaGeorjW5— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) February 15, 2019Virtually anywhere else, the decision to continue working with a coach who won a league and cup double in his first season, and is still on course for a treble in his second, would be seen as a no-brainer.But not at Camp Nou; or at least, not for a vocal section of the Barcelona support.
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The Blaugranas 1-0 win over Valladolid on Saturday will have done little to change the minds of Valverdes critics.Bara got the job done, taking a victory that ensured their lead at the top of La Liga remains comfortable, but it wasnt exactly a performance to tell the grandkids about in years to come. Peppered with moments of quality but at other times disjointed and lacking the zip on the ball Bara are known for at their best, the win was, in part, built upon individual excellence from key players like Gerard Pique, and also upon Valladolids chronic lack of quality up front; their ability to squander excellent counter-attack situations was often perplexing.
| GOAL! | Penalty Barcelona, Messi fires it home! The #LaLiga leaders are in front pic.twitter.com/fJ2To5W6kx— Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) February 16, 2019For much of the match Barcelona played with a number of second-string players, and it is hardly a revelation that Kevin-Prince Boateng does not deliver the same qualities as Luis Suarez, nor Arturo Vidal the same as Arthur.
4En lo tctico, est cado el Barcelona como equipo. La prdida de los impulsos individuales de Arthur ha terminado por confirmarlo.— David Len (@DavidLeonRon) February 16, 2019With Valverdes record in his 97 official games now extending to 66 wins, 22 draws and only nine defeats, that seems harsh to say the least. A near 70 percent win percentage is not achieved without a thorough grasp of tactics and a clear plan, even if they arent the tactics some would prefer.
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4Question for Bara fans not happy with Valverde: who would you rather have and why?— Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) February 15, 2019Of the few names that tend to be put forward, there is always at least one significant caveat to be added.Real Betis boss Quique Setin, for example, favours an exciting style of football but has struggled to produce consistent results from his top flight teams; Betis have not won back-to-back games in LaLiga since December.Home-grown options such as former Bara Juvenil A coach scar Garca or current B team boss Garca Pimienta tend to be founded in a romantic view that they can repeat the exceptional step up made by Pep Guardiola, but that likely wouldnt stop the knives from coming out should results not quickly be delivered to match the more palatable brand of football.Results are what Valverde produces better than most, and even if the displays may not be as consistently dazzling as Guardiolas team, or as electric as the best of Luis Enriques, the ridiculously high standards in the Catalan capital make the current side out to be far more simplistic than it truly is.
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And the Blues' transfer ban means Liverpool have an advantage in the battle for Lewandowski's signature. The Bayern Munich striker became the fifth ever player to reach 200 Bundesliga goals on Saturday when he scored twice against former club Borussia Dortmund. Lewandowski is renowned for being one
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Brighton 0-1 Liverpool. Liverpool moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Brighton. Jurgen Klopp's side did not manage a shot on target in the first half, but were ahead early in the second after Pascal Gross fouled Mohamed Salah in the area and the Egyptian fired in the spot-kick.
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Spurs given Premier League ultimatum before Brighton, or maybe Huddersfield. The Premier League has told Tottenham Hotspur that it will not permit them to move into their new stadium this
All-time Premier League table. The all-time Premier League table is a cumulative record of all match results, points and goals of every team that has played in the Premier League since its inception in 1992. The table that follows is accurate as of the end of the 2018-19 season. Teams in bold are part of the 2019-20 Premier League.
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to rival Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez. According to El Pais (h/t Football Espana), both clubs are keeping tabs on the
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Ever since he arrived, it was clear that Salomon Rondon would play a key role at Newcastle. Rafa Benitez pushed hard to bring him in, even allowing Dwight Gayle to go the opposite way. Gayle has done well in front of goal for West Brom, but Rondon has been much more inspirational at his new club.
Rafael BenÃtez presses Mike Ashley to change Newcastle's
SAVE! Saka cuts in from the right flank and he tries to bend a strike towards the bottom corner, but Vagner gets across to make the stop. 16'GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Qarabag (Lacazette) GOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! LACAZETTE PUTS ARSENAL AHEAD!! 1-0!!!! The Gunners have the lead as Ozil and Lacazette combine in the box.
Lacazette strike secures win for young Arsenal side - BeSoccer
Liverpool's Champions League stars Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah show off the club's smart new away kit Manchester United duo Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial arrive back from Dubai followed
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Five players the Gunners should sell this summer, including Mesut Ozil see naija April 23, 2019 Leave a comment Gunners boss Unai Emery will reportedly sanction a clearout at the Emirates in order to fund transfers.
4 players Arsenal should sell this summer - sportskeeda.com
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