Luis Enrique shoots down questions about Real Madrid past

Next question. That was Luis Enrique s response when the Barcelona coach was quizzed on his playing past with arch-rivals Real Madrid.

As Barcelona prepare to do battle with Sampdoria in Wednesday s Joan Gamper Trophy clash, a rematch of the 1992 European Cup final, Luis Enrique refused to answer a question about the club s Wembley triumph 24 years ago.

Luis Enrique was playing for Madrid at the time, before he eventually joined Barca on a free transfer in 1996.

Asked about his memories of Barca s 1-0 win in London, the 46-year-old replied: I don t remember and it s almost better that I don t remember.

You all already know where I was at a professional level at that time, so next question.

I don t recognise myself, not even on the football sti…

Rodgers sympathises with ´poor guy´ Allardyce

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has questioned the tactics employed by undercover reporters in the sting operation that has placed Sam Allardyce s position as England boss in jeopardy.

The Football Association is investigating allegations that Allardyce used his position to negotiate a £400,000 deal and offer advice on how to circumvent rules on transfers after the Telegraph published hidden camera footage claiming to be from a meeting between the 61-year-old and two undercover reporters purporting to be part of a Far East firm.

In the video, Allardyce explains to the two men how they might get round rules regarding third-party ownership of players, which was banned by FIFA last year and has been outlawed in England s top flight since 2008.

But Rodgers, who b…

Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid: Rodrygo and Valverde lead Los Blancos´ derby dance

Real Madrid returned to the summit of LaLiga by beating neighbours Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a full-throttle derby.

Racist chanting in reference to Vinicius Junior from a large group of Atleti fans outside the Civitas Metropolitano soured Sunday s meeting before kick-off, but Carlo Ancelotti s team delivered the perfect rebuttal on the pitch.

Rodrygo continued his excellent form with a superb finish from Aurelien Tchouameni s exquisite pass before Federico Valverde doubled Madrid s tally.

An improved second-half display from Atleti led to an 83rd-minute goal from substitute Mario Hermoso, who was then sent off as Madrid held firm to make it nine wins from nine in all competitions this season.

Atleti defender Felipe had the first chance in the sixth minute, h…

Carvalho committed to ´making statement´ in Liverpool pre-season

Fabio Carvalho is determined to force himself into Arne Slot s Liverpool plans by making a statement during pre-season.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan, enduring mixed fortunes as he first went to RB Leipzig before joining Hull City.

While he struggled for game time in Germany, Carvalho cemented his place at the Championship side, making 20 appearances in the league for the Tigers.

The midfielder had made just 21 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions before that, netting three goals, and with his future under the new manager still uncertain, he is ready to play for a place in Slot s squad.

I ve had a few conversations with the manager which I m not going to go into detail about, but he wants me to get my head down and work hard and see …

Messi´s €555m Barcelona contract ´leaked´, biggest deal in sports history

Lionel Messi s Barcelona contract is the biggest in the history of sport, landing the superstar forward more than €555million over four years.

That is the astonishing claim made by El Mundo, with the Spanish newspaper reporting on Sunday that it had obtained details of the deal signed by the 33-year-old in 2017.

The mega-money agreement, which expires in June this year, would see Messi receive up to €555,237,619 across four seasons, providing a number of conditions are met.

Messi was at the centre of a major transfer storm when he attempted to force a move away from Camp Nou last August, but was left frustrated when Barca refused to sanction an exit.

Amid a fraught presidential election campaign, it has remained apparent that all is not well at…

I used to buy armbands for myself – Aubameyang honoured to be Arsenal captain

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is honoured to have been named Arsenal s captain, having been so desperate to lead teams when he was younger he bought armbands for himself.

Aubameyang was confirmed as Arsenal s new skipper earlier this month, when Granit Xhaka was stripped of the responsibility following his angry confrontation with fans in October s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Speaking in the club s matchday programme ahead of Saturday s game against Southampton, his first home match since being confirmed as club captain, Aubameyang said: Arsenal has a great history of wonderful captains like Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams. It is a privilege to follow in their footsteps and I will honour the armband by doing my very best on and off the pitch.

When I was younger, …

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino praises Pep Guardiola work after treble-winning season at Manchester City (Video)

Regardless of the ongoing proceedings against Manchester City, their 2022/23 achievement is extraordinary, and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino appreciates the work City and Pep Guardiola have put into their team.

It s a amazing to see how a club works for many years and gives the tools and the resources to the coach.

Mauricio Pochettino praises Pep Guardiola and Manchester City on their treble winning season

— Football Daily (@footballdaily)

 

´No regrets´ insists Tuchel after Chelsea lose to Liverpool in FA Cup final

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he has no regrets about his team s performance in the FA Cup final against Liverpool, despite defeat.

The Blues were beaten by Jurgen Klopp s side for the second time at Wembley – having also lost the EFL Cup final in February – and again it was on penalties.

After a goalless 120 minutes, Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount failed to score from the spot, and though Edouard Mendy saved from Sadio Mane, Kostas Tsimikas won it for Liverpool with his effort from 12 yards.

It was another tight contest between Chelsea and Liverpool, having drawn both league games against one another this season, but Tuchel was not in the mood to be too downtrodden by events, despite disappointment at missing out on another cup to his German counterp…

Burnley´s Long-est serving player signs new deal

Burnley have announced defender Kevin Long has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

The Republic of Ireland international has been with Burnley since he joined from Cork City in January 2010, starting 16 Premier League games last term.

Despite his Premier League action being restricted to one substitute appearance this season, Burnley s longest serving player is thrilled to have extended his contract for the second year in a row.

Ever since I ve been here the club has gone from strength to strength, Long, 28, told Burnley s website. 

It s progressed massively, and I think it will continue to do, as long as we keep making sure the performances on the pitch are moving forward.

The centre-back is in the Republic of Ireland squad for thei…

Ramos hails Bale as Madrid captain predicts success

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos labelled Gareth Bale a great player and backed his team-mate after a difficult off-season.

Bale was tipped to leave Madrid with a shock move to the Chinese Super League on the cards, however, the Wales star remained at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Unwanted by head coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale – who has won four Champions League titles and LaLiga among other honours since arriving from Tottenham in 2013 – has featured in all three LaLiga matches this season, scoring a brace in Madrid s 2-2 draw with Villarreal last time out.

Amid criticism of Bale and his reported disconnect from the Madrid squad, Ramos told the Daily Mail: I think Bale s a great player and he s been really important for the club in the years he s been with us.

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