La Liga 2014/15 Discussion Thread

Blatter · 19-05-2014 04:54PM

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Whats Messi up to ?

Confusion over whether Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract with Barcelona is continuing, with the player suggesting on social media that he is not sure whether he is staying and amid conflicting reports in the Spanish media.

On Friday, Barca announced that the four-time Ballon D'Or winner had ended prolonged speculation over his future by agreeing a new deal.

However, there was no confirmation of that from Messi or his camp either before or after Barclona missed out on the La Liga title, which was won by Atletico Madrid after a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou on the season's final day.

Speculation in the Madrid media suggested some final details had yet to be ironed out and that Messi's camp were unhappy with some Barca fans for whistling him after a subdued performance during that match.

On Monday, Catalan station TV3, reported by AS, and Sport both said Messi had been to the Camp Nou to sign the new deal before heading off to Argentina to begin preparations for the World Cup.

However a statement on his official account on a Chinese social media site did not mention any new agreement and appeared to suggest he could still leave if he did not receive the "affection" of the "people" at Barcelona.

"The truth is that things have not gone as we expected -- it was a tough year, both personally and in the group," the message said.

"We had the chance to achieve an objective in the final game and we did not know how to take advantage of that. I just apologise to all Barcelonismo and promise that next year we will return to be at the heights required by the club.

"About my own situation, I am happy to stay at my home [Barcelona], as I have always said. This year was not one of my best. But I am convinced that, the same as with the group, next year will be different for me personally.

"It is the people in Barcelona who have to decide what to do about my future, but my choice is to stay once I feel the same affection from them. If not, then I will look for another solution because I will always want the best for this club."

Messi's current deal, which contains a 250 million euro release clause, is due to end in June 2018. Those details are reportedly set to remain unchanged, but Spanish media reports have claimed he will receive a pay rise from 13 million euros to around 20 million euros net a season.

Talks over an improved deal began in the autumn, and there has also been speculation -- dismissed last week by Messi as "crazy stuff" -- that Barca had considered putting him up for sale and using the 250 million euro fee for a complete overhaul of the squad in the summer.

Taken from today:

MisterAnarchy · 19-05-2014 05:00PM

Blatter wrote: »

Taken from today:

Thanks ,that clears that up so .
Those papers in Spain really have an overactive mind ,the stuff they come up with.

JPA · 19-05-2014 06:45PM

Luis Enrique signs 2 year contract.
Business getting done today!

klose · 19-05-2014 07:09PM

Ter stegan signs officially too and pinto isn't getting a new contract either so they'll assumably be in for another keeper too. Deulofeu and rafinha will be in the first team next season so its probably curtains on tellos career and most certainly on cuencas and affelays too.

Would be too funny if they don't sign a cb again.

Amirani · 19-05-2014 07:14PM

JPA wrote: »

Luis Enrique signs 2 year contract.
Business getting done today!

I'm a little bit surprised it's only 2 years. Doesn't really show a great deal of confidence.

Turtwig · 19-05-2014 07:56PM

Diego Simeone wrote: »

Llagostera issued a lifetime ban for this racist fan today. Good to see some clubs may be starting to take action.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bn_7OL-IgAAxiid.jpg:large

Doubly whammy for her. She worked at the Barcelona Museum. Club sacked her.

Also:
Bn8ur7yCcAAvkr7.jpg:large

According to Sid Lowe the crowd spanning a length of about 3 km!

JPA · 19-05-2014 08:26PM

Diego Simeone wrote: »

I'm a little bit surprised it's only 2 years. Doesn't really show a great deal of confidence.

It's optimistic in modern football!

Andersonisgod · 19-05-2014 08:42PM

Prepare for a renaissance of what Barcelona really is. Luis Enrique's appointment is more than that of the appointment of a head coach, it is a symbolic return to what has made Barcelona the most admired and emulated club on the planet. The board still isn't ideal and Zubizarreta wouldn't be every Barcelona fans cup of tea but this is a step in the right direction. A further step in the right direction is the returns of Alcantara and Delofeu, two outstanding talents, two players who can have a very positive impact next season. The signing of Ter Stegen is also good news, the club has been quick and decisive to find the replacement for Valdes. Ter Stegen may never fill the gloves of Valdes, an astronomical ask really, but he should go on to have a fine career at Barcelona.

For those questioning the length of contract that Enrique has signed, it's worth remembering that Pep worked on short term deals each season and it's fair to say that was a success.

A centre back, a striker and perhaps a right back and/or central midfielder is next on my wishlist.

Schwiiing · 19-05-2014 08:44PM

Andersonisgod wrote: »

Prepare for a renaissance of what Barcelona really is. Luis Enrique's appointment is more than that of the appointment of a head coach, it is a symbolic return to what has made Barcelona the most admired and emulated club on the planet. The board still isn't ideal and Zubizarreta wouldn't be every Barcelona fans cup of tea but this is a step in the right direction. A further step in the right direction is the returns of Alcantara and Delofeu, two outstanding talents, two players who can have a very positive impact next season. The signing of Ter Stegen is also good news, the club has been quick and decisive to find the replacement for Valdes. Ter Stegen may never fill the gloves of Valdes, an astronomical ask really, but he should go on to have a fine career at Barcelona.

For those questioning the length of contract that Enrique has signed, it's worth remembering that Pep worked on short term deals each season and it's fair to say that was a success.

A centre back, a striker and perhaps a right back and/or central midfielder is next on my wishlist.

Beyond the trophies Barcelona's greatest achievement was making Valdes look like a world class keeper. And Pique a world class CB.

Turtwig · 19-05-2014 08:48PM

Andersonisgod wrote: »

to what has made Barcelona the most admired and emulated club on the planet.

Because no singular image does it justice.

.

Andersonisgod · 19-05-2014 08:54PM

Schwiiing wrote: »

Beyond the trophies Barcelona's greatest achievement was making Valdes look like a world class keeper. And Pique a world class CB.

That's fine, and of course many who don't watch Barcelona on a regular basis will believe the same thing because they've been force-fed that belief. Ironically, what I find when I talk to people in person about this is that the same people who believe Valdes to be an average goalkeeper are the same people who seem to think that Diego Lopez is some kind of running joke and are perplexed that Casillas doesn't play every game. It's almost become an unofficial litmus test to find out who hasn't a clue about La Liga.

Meanwhile Gerard Pique is very much a world class defender. Yes he has the odd lapse and he probably wont be lauded for his concentration but in the big games, when he is really needed, Pique shows up and there is few, if any, better.

Andersonisgod · 19-05-2014 08:55PM

Turtwig wrote: »

Because no singular image does it justice.

.

It's been a good day for Barcelona, I'm guessing you wont be joining the love-in so?

kksaints · 19-05-2014 08:57PM

Andersonisgod wrote: »

Prepare for a renaissance of what Barcelona really is. Luis Enrique's appointment is more than that of the appointment of a head coach, it is a symbolic return to what has made Barcelona the most admired and emulated club on the planet. The board still isn't ideal and Zubizarreta wouldn't be every Barcelona fans cup of tea but this is a step in the right direction. A further step in the right direction is the returns of Alcantara and Delofeu, two outstanding talents, two players who can have a very positive impact next season. The signing of Ter Stegen is also good news, the club has been quick and decisive to find the replacement for Valdes. Ter Stegen may never fill the gloves of Valdes, an astronomical ask really, but he should go on to have a fine career at Barcelona.

For those questioning the length of contract that Enrique has signed, it's worth remembering that Pep worked on short term deals each season and it's fair to say that was a success.

A centre back, a striker and perhaps a right back and/or central midfielder is next on my wishlist.

Did you see his Roma team AIG? They were a very average side and he didnt do very much with them. In fact he failed to get them into Europe and he got them knocked out of Europa by Slovan Bratislava.

Ulysses Gaze · 19-05-2014 09:12PM

kksaints wrote: »

Did you see his Roma team AIG? They were a very average side and he didnt do very much with them. In fact he failed to get them into Europe and he got them knocked out of Europa by Slovan Bratislava.

Ah..I wouldn't use that as an indicator. He did quite well with very limited resources at Celta Vigo.

Besides, Rijkaard got Sparta Rotterdam relegated for the first time in their history before he joined Barca and he did pretty well at the Camp Nou.

Andersonisgod · 19-05-2014 09:16PM

kksaints wrote: »

Did you see his Roma team AIG? They were a very average side and he didnt do very much with them. In fact he failed to get them into Europe and he got them knocked out of Europa by Slovan Bratislava.

Personally I always enjoyed watching his Roma side whenever I happened to catch them on tv. Granted the results weren't great but he was tasked with changing an entire club's culture virtually overnight. This time he is returning to a club which he knows and which knows him, he returns to a familiar structure in which he has worked previously, he returns to find a club in need of saving from outside influences, that must return to the roots of the philosophy upon which it's success has been built. Today has been a good day because today the ground work for that return has begun. Luis Enrique is a Barcelona man, Lionel Messi has renewed and in Rafinha and Delofeu you have two players of the next crop of great Barcelona players.

MD1990 · 19-05-2014 09:35PM

Andersonisgod wrote: »

Personally I always enjoyed watching his Roma side whenever I happened to catch them on tv. Granted the results weren't great but he was tasked with changing an entire club's culture virtually overnight. This time he is returning to a club which he knows and which knows him, he returns to a familiar structure in which he has worked previously, he returns to find a club in need of saving from outside influences, that must return to the roots of the philosophy upon which it's success has been built. Today has been a good day because today the ground work for that return has begun. Luis Enrique is a Barcelona man, Lionel Messi has renewed and in Rafinha and Delofeu you have two players of the next crop of great Barcelona players.

Rudi Garcia has done a much better job with Roma than Enrique. Enrique has done avery good job at Celta though. Your also overhyping Rafinha & Deulofeu.Deulofeu i think will have to learn when to let off the ball.I would rate Jese a better prospect than him.

Amirani · 19-05-2014 09:41PM

Andersonisgod wrote: »

Prepare for a renaissance of what Barcelona really is.

Sid Lowe reckons Enrique is going to try and change things a decent bit and move away from the Guardiola model. Make of that what you will.

Turtwig · 19-05-2014 09:43PM

Tata tried changing things and look where that got him.

He really deserves another shot in Spain or Europe.

MisterAnarchy · 19-05-2014 09:50PM

Schwiiing wrote: »

Beyond the trophies Barcelona's greatest achievement was making Valdes look like a world class keeper. And Pique a world class CB.

I was critical of Valdes but I think he was a much better goalkeeper than many people gave him credit for .
The role he played ,almost as a sweeper is a very difficult role and fraught with risk.

He was excellent for the last few years and made very few errors.

His biggest flaw was that he was prone to nerves on certain occassions and would make a clanger but overall he was an excellent keeper.

Ironically, what I find when I talk to people in person about this is that the same people who believe Valdes to be an average goalkeeper are the same people who seem to think that Diego Lopez is some kind of running joke and are perplexed that Casillas doesn't play every game. It's almost become an unofficial litmus test to find out who hasn't a clue about La Liga.

It baffles me that Lopez isnt in the Spanish squad ,he is a vastly superior keeper to Reina .
Capello wanted to make him his no 1 at Madrid years ago .

Turtwig · 19-05-2014 09:52PM

Lopez didn't make the Spanish Squad!:eek:

Amirani · 19-05-2014 09:52PM

Turtwig wrote: »

Lopez didn't make the Spanish Squad!:eek:

Iker, Reina and De Gea. Valdes probably would've been in without the injury, so Lopez is likely 5th choice.

Turtwig · 19-05-2014 09:54PM

Diego Simeone wrote: »

Iker, Reina and De Gea. Valdes probably would've been in without the injury, so Lopez is likely 5th choice.

Well, it's still hard to argue with that. I'd have Lopez instead of Reina but I haven't seen as much of Reina. So hard to say.

gimmick · 19-05-2014 10:05PM

Schwiiing wrote: »

Beyond the trophies Barcelona's greatest achievement was making Valdes look like a world class keeper. And Pique a world class CB.

Indeed. Both coincidences.

carlop · 19-05-2014 10:38PM

Reina is purely there because of his popularity within the camp. In a dressing room that has a fairly natural divide to it, he does wonders for morale. While he initially made national squads on merit, for at least two years now he is purely there for his personality.

I guess I would rate Lopez ahead of Reina, but I would have him behind Casillas, Valdes and De Gea. I find the current set up at Real Madrid to be a bit of a joke to be honest. To have a goalkeeper for the league and a goalkeeper for the Champions League makes no sense.

You choose who your best goalkeeper is and you play them in the important games. While I feel Spanish people have a tendency to overrate San Iker, I do think he is ahead of Diego Lopez.

Bateman · 20-05-2014 09:08AM

In fairness the so-called "divide" in the dressing room was easily enough overcome over the last few tournaments was it not? Players from Barcelona and Madrid were actually friends with each other and would regularly be on the phone to each other, the experts tell us this was what wound JM up so much and led to him falling out with many senior RM players...

I honestly don't think you need to pick a goalkeeper for morale purposes, you should go with your best players, not to say Lopez is better than Reina (although my own non-expert opinion is that he is) but this "morale" thing may be overblown.

Amirani · 21-05-2014 11:16AM

This is cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3C3zSkFEIA

Nuri Sahin · 21-05-2014 01:06PM

That's brilliant, thanks for posting that ^

Antibac · 21-05-2014 01:54PM

Diego Simeone wrote: »

This is cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3C3zSkFEIA

Brilliant thanks for posting that

SantryRed · 21-05-2014 02:32PM

There is an absolutely ridiculous team ethic within that Atletico team. I really don't think they have the legs to beat Real Madrid next weekend, but with that level of team unity, you just never know. Really, really hope they pull it off.

SantryRed · 26-05-2014 01:40PM

The small and tiny club of Eibar were officially promoted to the Primera Division last night. However, due to some crazy rules, they could actually be relegated back to Segunda B. Stadium only holds just over 5k.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SD_Eibar

La Liga 2014/15 Discussion Thread

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