Barca Blaugranes - All Posts#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2024-03-19T11:00:00+01:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/current/2024-03-19T11:00:00+01:002024-03-19T11:00:00+01:00FC Barcelona News: 19 March 2024
<figure>
<img alt="PUMA Island Showcase" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a2M0_YpW2ZEq2ZaMy9fuChBEl1I=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73217183/1548120815.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images for PUMA</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors</p> <p id="nRc71w"><a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3936306/recovery-session-after-atletico-win">Recovery session after Atlético win - FC Barcelona</a><br>Arecovery day for the blaugranes after their 3-0 win against Atlético Madrid in La Liga. Goals from João Félix, Lewandowski and Fermín handed Barça a vital win that takes them into second place in La Liga, ahead of the revelation of the season Girona.</p>
<p id="9nFKOd"><a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3936192/robert-lewandowski-still-working-his-magic">Robert Lewandowski still working his magic - FC Barcelona</a><br>Robert Lewandowski is continuing to torment opposing defences. The Polish international posted one of his best performances to date in a blaugrana jersey against Atlético Madrid, scoring one goal, setting up two more and going home with the MVP award. That takes his goal participation tally for the season up to 20 goals, and it's the 13th year in a row that he's done that. Sheer class.</p>
<p id="9dhqkh"><a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3936363/the-meteoric-rise-of-fermin">The meteoric rise of Fermín - FC Barcelona</a><br>Fermín López is being given chances by Xavi Hernández and is making the very most of them. The 20-year-old Andalusian started the game against Atlético Madrid on Sunday after Andreas Christensen was hit by fitness issues, and ended up playing a key role in the win at the Metropolitano, not just creating plays, but finishing them too.</p>
<p id="iQvrxw"><a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3936183/casado-la-masia-is-the-essence-of-barca">Casadó: 'La Masia is the essence of Barça' - FC Barcelona</a><br>Marc Casadó got his first Liga experience on Sunday at the Civitas Metropolitano, coming on after 82 minutes, and told the club media afterwards that "it’s a dream for me. I’d made my Champions League debut but this was my first game in La Liga and when they told me I was going on, the emotions you go through when playing your first game for the Barça first team, there are so many... It’s been a dream since I was little and I’m very happy."</p>
<p id="nFroJ4"><a href="https://www.football-espana.net/2024/03/18/andreas-christensen-injury-update-barcelona-defender-to-miss-international-fixtures">Andreas Christensen injury update - Barcelona defender to miss international fixtures - Football España</a><br>Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen will not be heading on international duty with Denmark during the break over the next two weeks, instead recovering in Catalonia. The 27-year-old was a late injury absence from Barcelona’s win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.</p>
<p id="QrlpPU"><a href="https://www.football-espana.net/2024/03/18/barcelona-president-joan-laporta-leaning-towards-breaking-nike-deal-to-sign-puma-sponsorship">Barcelona President Joan Laporta leaning towards breaking Nike deal to sign Puma sponsorship - Football España</a><br>Barcelona Pesident Joan Laporta is set on ending their sponsorship agreement with Nike in order to accept an offer from Puma, as per the latest coming out of Catalonia. The American sportswear brand have been synonymous with Barcelona over the past two decades, but the Blaugrana are looking for a better deal.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/19/24105195/fc-barcelona-news-19-march-2024-andreas-christensen-pulls-out-denmark-squad-puma-nike-new-sponsorRenato Gonçalves2024-03-19T08:00:00+01:002024-03-19T08:00:00+01:00Casado: La Masia is the ‘essence of Barcelona’
<figure>
<img alt="Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EY4JHvfKraQ96wTjuu9glCUazSQ=/1x0:5500x3666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73217093/2084807761.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dream day for the midfielder</p> <p id="jWiWXj">Marc Casado has been chatting about life at Barcelona after making his La Liga debut in <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/17/24103267/atletico-madrid-barcelona-la-liga-final-score-match-report-recap-reaction">Sunday’s 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid</a>.</p>
<p id="0uKao2">The midfielder came on late in the win at Atletico Madrid and admits it was a dream to make his first league appearance for Xavi’s side.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="z4MCDv">“It’s a dream for me. I’d made by Champions League debut but this was my first game in La Liga and when they told me I was going on, the emotions you go through when playing your first game for the Barca first team, there are so many, it’s been a dream since I was little and I’m very happy,” he told the club’s media.</p>
<p id="u2FJev">“My team-mates helped me to stay relaxed, they encouraged me that it would go fine. In these moments you remember everyone but the most important thing is to concentrate and get it right on the field.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="81Ysk5">Casado is the latest academy graduate to feature for Barcelona this season and is loving seeing some more La Masia stars forcing their way into the first team.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="lLonCJ">“It’s spectacular for the young players. A lot of lads from La Masia are playing and we must be grateful to the club and the boss. I think La Masia is the essence of Barcelona and should stay that way,” he added.</p>
<p id="LfbG4i">“The ultimate goal is to keep getting playing time wiht the first team and that means a lot of hard work.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="pzzL6D">Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have already become fixtures in the team this season, while Fermin Lopez and Hector Fort have also seen game time. Casado will be hoping he can follow in their footsteps and earn some more call-ups as the season progresses.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/19/24104935/marc-casado-says-la-masia-is-the-essence-of-barcelona-after-making-la-liga-debutGill Clark2024-03-19T05:00:00+01:002024-03-19T05:00:00+01:00Christensen pulls out of Denmark squad due to injury
<figure>
<img alt="FC Barcelona v SSC Napoli: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0dDMPvqWJp3V78sfE5T7V2gzp00=/0x12:1509x1018/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216932/2081111230.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The defender will recuperate over the international break</p> <p id="5AvgML">Andreas Christensen has pulled out of the Denmark squad for friendlies against Switzerland and Faroe Islands over the international break.</p>
<p id="ZmGncR">Denmark have confirmed that the Barcelona defender has dropped out of the squad with a “minor knock” and been replaced by Brøndby’s Jacob Rasmussen.</p>
<div id="PTyBAe">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="da" dir="ltr">Andreas Christensen må desværre melde afbud til de kommende kampe med en mindre skade. <br><br>Landstræner Kasper Hjulmand har i stedet udtaget Brøndbys Jacob Rasmussen, som kan få debut for Herrelandsholdet <br><br>God bedring til AC, og kæmpe velkommen til Jacob.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/herrelandsholdet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#herrelandsholdet</a>… <a href="https://t.co/E0U91EnVTh">pic.twitter.com/E0U91EnVTh</a></p>— Fodboldlandsholdene (@dbulandshold) <a href="https://twitter.com/dbulandshold/status/1769688168876441746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="93qG2n">Christensen was named in Barcelona’s starting XI against Atletico last time out <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/17/24103689/barcelona-lose-andreas-christensen-to-injury-ahead-of-atletico-clash">but dropped out after feeling some discomfort in the warm-up</a>.</p>
<p id="GDFwsD">Xavi offered an update on the defender after the game and admitted it’s an ongoing problem that the center-back is dealing with.</p>
<p id="sfEPiO">“Christensen is not injured per se. He has some achilles discomfort, the same thing I had when I played,” he told reporters. “It’s painful, but it depends on the day. Today he told us that he couldn’t play.”</p>
<p id="KrYt6x">Christensen will now be able to get some time to rest with Barcelona not due to return to La Liga action until the end of the month when they resume against Las Palmas.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/19/24104682/barcelona-andreas-christensen-pulls-out-of-denmark-squad-due-to-injuryGill Clark2024-03-19T02:00:00+01:002024-03-19T02:00:00+01:00Xavi facing another ban for Atletico red card
<figure>
<img alt="Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VivY1dpWS1QHwqesPoB-cd6hfxg=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216747/2092179536.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Another sanction for the coach</p> <p id="FnPnSr">Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is set to receive another touchline ban for his red card during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid.</p>
<p id="ys12LI">Xavi talked himself into trouble yet again on Sunday night, earning himself a red card for dissent after haranguing the match official.</p>
<p id="TZYLN1">The sending off is likely to result in Xavi being sanctioned with a two-match ban which will see him miss the games against Las Palmas and Cadiz, according to Mundo Deportivo.</p>
<p id="iDejZG">However, Diario Sport reckon there’s also a chance he gets an extra game, as he’s a repeat offender, which would see him banned for El Clasico.</p>
<p id="9xnVYZ">Referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martínez has detailed the reasons for Xavi’s dismissal in his match report.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="wRh4nY">“In the 41st minute, coach Xavier Hernandez Creus was reprimanded for the following reason: For making technical observations on one of my decisions,” he wrote.</p>
<p id="t4DR5I">“In the 42nd minute, coach Xavier Hernández Creus was sent off for the following reason: For making technical observations on one of my decisions, shouting, making inconsiderate gestures and after having been previously warned by the 4th referee.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="9nXEoz">The red card is Xavi’s second of the season as <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2023/8/16/23834533/xavi-and-raphinha-suspended-two-games-for-red-cards-in-barcelonas-la-liga-opener">he was also sent off against Getafe</a> and hit with a two-match touchline ban.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/19/24104662/xavi-set-to-receive-ban-for-red-card-during-barcelonas-win-over-atleticoGill Clark2024-03-19T00:34:00+01:002024-03-19T00:34:00+01:00What does the future hold for Barcelona and Xavi now?
<figure>
<img alt="FC Barcelona Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J7Lig4emgPWVNN8RHWTwIrY5W-Q=/0x0:5168x3445/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216645/2068282604.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He’s leaving at the end of the season... or is he?</p> <p id="unAGDc"><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a>’s 3-0 win over Atlético de Madrid, which came on the heels of finally moving past the first knockout round of the UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> with a win over Napoli, have put a different perspective on Xavi’s time as manager.</p>
<p id="TeD1Ig">Despite all the injuries and playing with a few teenagers in the lineup, Barcelona played with confidence and put the capital club to the sword.</p>
<p id="PMciqn">Xavi announced he would leave at the end of the season when the team was reeling after disappointing results, but things have changed now.</p>
<p id="CBy7ic">There are many within the club and outside of it who think Xavi’s done a good job, and should be given another year at the helm. In fact, many players have publicly asked for Xavi to stay.</p>
<p id="NJM5k5">It’s not out of the realm of possibility. Barcelona still has not settled on a new coach in the post Xavi era. He does not have an obvious next destination, either. It would be unusual, but again, not unthinkable.</p>
<p id="uUmY6y">Still, it could be that Xavi has just become a bit jaded by the experience and is in need of a break. Being Barcelona’s manager is one of the most high-stress positions in the world of football. Having taken the decision to stop, and announcing it publicly, it does not seem likely that Xavi would go back on that.</p>
<p id="e8m1FG">There’s still the rest of the season to go through first. Barcelona are unlikely to win La Liga due to the points gap with <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>. They have a shot of winning the Champions League, but they are at best something like fourth favorite to claim that title. They may hit yet another slump.</p>
<p id="Xz5ysX">But what if Barcelona takes this inexperienced, injury-riddled squad far in the Champions League? Who’s going to do a better job next season? That’s a real discussion brewing inside of the team’s front office.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/19/24105116/what-does-the-future-hold-for-barcelona-and-xavi-nowLuis Mazariegos2024-03-18T23:43:00+01:002024-03-18T23:43:00+01:00Cancelo: Pepe asked me to join Real Madrid, but I told him I’m a Barça fan
<figure>
<img alt="FC Barcelona v SSC Napoli: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pb0jFaqMMK7VVZiv5Q_pCgwhZho=/1x0:5500x3666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216581/2084788007.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The fullback is happy to be in Catalonia</p> <p id="V5lxas">João Cancelo, who is on loan to <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a> from <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>, has <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/cancelo-pepe-decia-jugador-madrid-99655643">revealed</a> that his national team colleague Pepe tried to convince him to join <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>.</p>
<p id="XPaAEw">“Pepe said that I was a player for Madrid, but I told him that I am a Barça fan,” Cancelo said.</p>
<p id="gCOekU">Pepe played 10 years for Real Madrid and has represented the Portuguese national team alongside Cancelo for a long time.</p>
<p id="Ja66NL">“I am delighted to be at Barcelona, it is the club I always wanted to be at. After Benfica, it is the club that I have always liked,” Cancelo said.</p>
<p id="obWvgd">He also revealed his opinions on his national team coach, Roberto Martínez: “He is a modern coach, he likes an offensive team. He gives us a lot of freedom. He knows each player perfectly. He learned Portuguese very quickly and tried to speak Portuguese with us... He won over the group, it was important.”</p>
<p id="sPLyy5">Another topic of discussion was Cristiano Ronaldo.</p>
<p id="43dlks">“He is an important player, but the peak of a player is between 25 and 32 years old. We do not depend on him,” Cancelo said.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/18/24105146/joao-cancelo-pepe-asked-me-to-join-real-madrid-but-i-told-him-im-a-barcelona-fanLuis Mazariegos2024-03-18T22:00:00+01:002024-03-18T22:00:00+01:00Barca ‘worried’ about Gundogan ahead of Germany fixtures
<figure>
<img alt="FC Barcelona v SSC Napoli: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qDHl01sKVxR2H6q09Ledy9_bQhw=/0x0:4511x3007/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216384/2081244859.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The midfielder has played a lot of football</p> <p id="ck0Tld">Barcelona are said to be worried about Ilkay Gundogan after seeing the midfielder play in virtually every single game this season.</p>
<p id="gqOxjI">Gundogan moved on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer and has quickly become a key player for Xavi’s side.</p>
<p id="EJgUyo">The German has started 26 La Liga games this season and all but one of Barca’s Champions League outings.</p>
<p id="hiamTu"><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/3/24089547/frenkie-de-jong-forced-off-with-ankle-injury-for-barcelona-against-athletic">Injuries to Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong</a> have made it tricky for Xavi to rest Gundogan, leading to concern he’s playing too much football, according to Diario Sport.</p>
<p id="mvW6sj">Gundogan isn’t expected to get much rest over the international break either. The midfielder has been called up by Germany for games against France and the Netherlands.</p>
<p id="2fJs64">With Euro 2024 fast approaching, it’s thought Gundogan is likely to feature in both games as Germany try to fine-tune preparations for the summer tournament.</p>
<p id="HPDoIx">Gundogan will then head back to Barcelona with some key fixtures on the horizon, as Barca play Real Madrid in La Liga in April as well as taking on PSG in the Champions League.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/18/24105044/barcelona-worried-about-ilkay-gundogan-ahead-of-germany-fixturesGill Clark2024-03-18T19:00:00+01:002024-03-18T19:00:00+01:00Felix sends strong message to Atletico fans after Barca win
<figure>
<img alt="Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pFvH6-Hoa1rQyp4g_KyZLgtF7-U=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215758/2092224366.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He insists he’s not ‘the bad guy’</p> <p id="BW14ec">Joao Felix has sent out a strong message to Atletico fans after scoring in <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/17/24103267/atletico-madrid-barcelona-la-liga-final-score-match-report-recap-reaction">Barcelona’s 3-0 win over his parent club</a>.</p>
<p id="WbBwbh">Atletico supporters burned a replica of his shirt and spat on Felix’s plaque outside the ground before the game, making their feelings about the forward pretty clear.</p>
<div id="L3bU6u">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="ca" dir="ltr">João Félix’s jersey has been set alight <a href="https://t.co/wie2z5tIYo">pic.twitter.com/wie2z5tIYo</a></p>— Into the Calderón (@intothecalderon) <a href="https://twitter.com/intothecalderon/status/1769443339475046910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="PXoKhl">Yet Felix insists he’s not the “bad guy” and claims fans don’t really know what went on during his time at Atletico.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="tRoRG4">“As I said before, the fans in the stands do not know the things that happened here during the time I’ve been here,” he said.</p>
<p id="s6LSVp">“What they say from the outside is that I get along poorly with my former teammates, and that’s not true, as you could see I was just now talking with Samuel [Lino] and Lemar, and everyone who passed by hugged me, came to talk to me and asked how I was, my family, and everything else, so you can see that I have nothing against them and they have nothing against me.</p>
<p id="t8XTRu">“The fans don’t know what happened here inside, I perfectly understand their reactions, but I shouldn’t be seen as the bad guy in this situation.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="It32ho">Felix didn’t help his cause by saying it was his dream to play for <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2023/7/18/23799433/joao-felix-issues-come-and-get-me-plea-to-barcelona">Barcelona while he was still an Atletico player</a>. The forward was subsequently granted a loan move to Xavi’s side but looks set to return to Atletico in the summer.</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/3/18/24104643/joao-felix-sends-strong-message-to-atletico-fans-after-barcelona-winGill Clark