Barca's Road To Coutinho: First To Final Deal

FC Barcelona were able to sign Philippe Coutinho for £142m on Saturday from Liverpool and was unveiled to the fans on Monday at Camp Nou.

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu with the newly signed player Philippe Coutinho

The ex-Liverpool midfielder has signed a 5-year deal with a buyout clause of £400m. The Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu mentioned that the club was eyeing the player since last summer.

The Bluagrana had presented three different deals to The Reds before coming into an agreement. While the Brazilian was ready for this dream move from the start, Fenway Sports Group denied any links of the player with Barca at the time.



The Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho

The Liverpool club was against the transfer as they didn't want the players to feel that they could have their way with the club. But when Coutinho started throwing tantrums in August, the coach, Jurgen Klopp was given the choice. Who was willing to sign away his midfielder as he did not want the atmosphere to change in the club effecting the other players.

Another factor that led to the signing was the reduction in transfer fee. While there was no confirmation in terms of number, but the Barcelona Sports Director mentioned that the January deal had a big price reduction.

Jordi Mestre, the Barcelona Sports Director, at the press conference

"The difference with the summer is that there has been a big reduction in the price. By desire of Liverpool, we cannot give the figures, but there has been a very important reduction. If I said something, it would be to break the pact we have with Liverpool.

"It's bad for me but we cannot give any figures."

It was reported that a figure of £11.5m was invested personal by Courtinho to make this deal go through. While welcoming him into the club, Mestre made a note to appreciate this effort.

"Philippe, welcome. We know that you have made a personal and economic effort," said Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre.

Philippe Coutinho with his Barcelona jersey of No.14

While the Brazilian mentioned that he was fulfilling his dream by making this transfer and thanked his previous club for staying true to their word.

"I'm very happy. Like I said before it's a dream. Thanks to lots of people, firstly God, my parents and my family who are here with me in every moment.

"I'd like to thank the president of FC Barcelona, the directors who had so much patience. I would like to thank Liverpool for the five years I had there and the directors, Mike Gordon who understood what I wanted, my dream, and they tried very hard to convince me to stay.

"They were men of their word with me and I gave them everything. It was the right time to come here."

Philippe Coutinho celebrating a goal while playing for Liverpool

Coutinho also thanked the Liverpool fans by saying, "To the fans who shared five years with me, thank you."

The Barcelona fans are both excited and anxious to see the Brazilian play but due to his thigh injury, he will be out of action for atleast a couple of weeks.

Edison Cavani and Angle Di Maria Shines in the Absence of Neymar Against Nice in 3-0 win

With last night's victory, Paris Saint Germain continues to lead the charts of Ligue 1. The match against Nice was missed by Neymar Jr due to suspension but his fellow forwards, Cavani and Di Maria, didn't let that effect the game as PSG won by 3-0.

The first goal came within two minutes of the game, when Di Maria took the free kick awarded to PSG and sent it flying into the crowd where the Uruguayan striker, who was the closest to the net connected with a header. The second goal was also Di Maria assisted. He sent the ball flying over the Nice players and found Cavani to recieve it on the other end.

A couple of attempts were made by the Nice players to score but none of them were successful. They did have good defence with a few exceptions. The third goal was a scramble for the ball that flew in, between Di Maria and the Brazilian defender, Dani Alves. While Dante, the other Brazilian defender and a player at Nice, tried to stop the ball but ended up with an own goal.

This clash left the Argentine forward, Di Maria lying on the pitch crumbled in pain but he was able to continue in the game. Cavani was seen to be in adrenaline rush throughout the play with two goals and an assist under his name. There was a momentary verbal spat between Cavani and the Nice forward, Mario Balotelli.

The ex-Barcelona star, Neymar Jr watch the whole game in the stands and appreciated the efforts of his teammates. PSG now stands with 9 wins in this season and on top of the points chart with a lead of seven points.

My List of Must-Watch Animes

Watching anime is one of my many pass-time pleasures, I blame it on Naturo. It got me hooked. I ended up patiently waiting for each episode and have seen the series more than a couple of time. If you are planning on venturing into the unknown lands of anime, I would recommend the following animes as they appealed to my imagination.

1. Naruto-

 

Naruto is a story about a boy who is treated as a pest by the whole town but he works towards creating friendship and bonds with the right guidence while working towards fulfilling his eternal dream of becoming the Hokage. His comareds and sensei (plural) help him in understanding what it is to be a good hokage. It is not a road that could be easily walked through but with his ninja way, will he make it? The answer lies in the anime. When you are done with Naruto, you will know that the story doesn't end there. So to get the final answer, also watching the Naruto Shippuden. I'm sure you will be compelled to.

 

2. Hunter x Hunter-

 

Hunter x Hunter is the story of a young boy Gon who wants to find his father who is a mystery to him. He has nothing but an image of a man on the shelf to call as his father until an unexpected meeting with a stranger in the forest who claims that Gon's father is a famous hunter. So begans the journey of Gon to become a hunter so he could one day find his father. I had my reservations about this one when I heard all the praises but after watching it, I join the league.

3. 91 Days-

This anime was released only last year with only 13 episodes. It's the story of a teenager named Avilio who comes back to Lawless with a hidden agenda. He makes his way through in to the mafia family of Vanetti but his intentions are not what they seem to be. He has a plan to bring them down. Will his dancing days in the mafia ruled land of Lawless lead to his death or will he succeed in his plan? The answer will be clear when you know who Angelo Lagusa is!

4. Full Metal Alchemist-

How far are you willing to go when it comes to family? Well for the Elric brothers, it is to hell and back. Two little boys try to bring back their mother from death using alchemy, the only problem is that they are unaware of the one rule of alchemy. To gain something you got to lose something. What they lose that night, set them on a journey to finding the true forms of alchemy and claiming back what has been lost that night. But at what cost this time? This anime holds a personal feel for me coz I have a big bother and I know like Edward, he will go to lengths of this world to fix me.

5. Samurai Champloo-

A guy who doesn't give a crap, an intense swordsmen and a thief- that's the combo here. They embark on a journey for vengeance. Along the way they come across different situations that makes the bond between these three strangers into one where they would willingly sacrifice their lives for each other but with a lot of humor. This one is for rolling on the floor and laughing while also having its moments of sorrow.

6. Attack on Titan-

Big beings that look like humans with no clothes, no brains and sometimes no skin trying to eat people around you. That's stuff from the nightmares. But to fight this nightmare is the Military Police Brigade who are equipped with these super cool gadgets that make them fly high enough to reach in level with the Titans and to kill or capture them. What's even more exciting is that some of the humans too could transform in to Titans but is it with their own accord? Here's a spoiler, one of the lead charater suffers from this transformation but does he/she even know of it? Watch it to know it.

7. Death Note-

Just a silly mistake of dropping a book with a super power of causing death of the person who's name is written in it. And who ends up getting it, one of the brilliant minds, Light Yagami. He decides to go after all the criminals who are causing trouble in his town. Guess what, even Ryuk (one of the soul reaper) also enjoyed aiding this teenager. But will he be outsmarted by L Lawliet the world renoun detective or will Light be always two steps ahead of L?

8. K anime

This is a story of a super cool guy named Yashiro with one flaw that he keeps forgetting his school issued PDA. Ain't such a crime. But being acused of murder of Tatara Totsuka, a HOMRA clansmen, is a crime. But did he really do it? Well when the Red clansmen will put their sword to his neck, we will know!

 

 

9.  Tokyo Ghoul-

 

How bad could a date go? As bad as your date turning into a Ghoul and attacking you. Ken Kaneki had to go through one such date which ended up with him in the hospital. After undergoing the operation, he ends up becoming part ghoul. Fortunately for him, he gets a Sensei in the oddest place, a coffee shop. He teaches him to mingle with the normal crowd without ending up eating them. Talk about troubles in life!

10. Bleach-

Ichigo Kurosaki lives in a world were hollows (ghost, not the friendly ones) are killed by Shinigami (soul reaper). In an accident his path crosses with one called as Rukia Kuchiki, who grants him the power of Shinigami due to desparate need of the hour. By the time I was about to give up on this anime, comes byakuya Kuchiki followed by Kisuke Urahara. Sometime you need an alternate motive to watch an anime. (Wink)

I hope you like the list that I have put up and that you enjoy watching them. As for the ones that did not make it to this list but are worth the while are- Fairy Tail, Pyscho Pass, Cowboy Bobep, Akatsuki No Yona, Steins Gate, Sword Art Online, etc.

 

Just a word of caution, these animes will have fillers inbetween but don't give up on watching them. Coz, after the filler comes the fun twists that set new course to the story.

 



 

 

Trouble Brewing Between PSG Strikers Neymar and Cavani

PSG won three points in their home game against Lyon yesterday. The match saw a fair share of opporunities followed by good defending from both sides. But it also saw clear signs of trouble brewing between Uruguayan forward Edison Cavani and the €222 million sign-in Neymar Jr.

The two goals scored in the 90-minute game were both own goals by Lyon players, which kept the PSG's 100% start to this Ligue 1 season. The match saw moments of disagreement between the PSG players when it came to taking the free kick and penealty kick.

A free kick was awarded to PSG after a foul was commited by Fekir on Neymar. The Brazilian defender Dani Alves was seen talking the ball away from Cavani and making sure that his ex-Barcelona teammate was on the striking end. The free kick did not result in a goal but later in the match, Neymar assisted Mbappe to a goal which was was announced as a owngoal as Morel had the final touch.

Cavani got his chance to get back at the Brazilian left forward when Mendy manhandled Mbappe in the penealty box. This lead to a penealty goal given to the PSG side. When Neymar Jr went to take the goal, Cavani was seen to have an arguement with him and won the chance of taking the shot. His attempt was stopped by the Lyon goalkeeper Lopes but the power struggle was surely made evident.

 Post victory when PSG manager Unai Emery addressed about this tiff, he made it clear that the players had to resolve this fight within themselves. He also made sure to add that he will intervene if necessary.

The PSG boss said "The penalties are to be struck by a few players, one is Cavani and the other is Neymar. It takes a gentleman's agreement on the ground to hit the penalties.

"Afterwards, we will arrange internally for the penalties that are coming in, because I think both are able to score them, and I want the two to alternate in this exercise."

"If there is no agreement, I will decide. I do not want it to be a problem for us," Emery said.

PSG will be facing Montepellier next weekend in there home ground. Will the PSG star duo be able to put aside their disagreement by then?

Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Hfh3uGki0

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdqH-3vmY88

Champions League Round of 8: Barcelona vs Juventus Updates

After a stunning comeback three weeks ago against PSG, Barcelona are all set to take on Juventus on Tuesday night in the Round of Eight. The match will be hosted at the home of the Serie A club Juventus.

The five time champions league winners were facing defeat with a 4-0 in the first round against PSG. Barcelona took the world by surprise when the match was overturned with six goals being scored in the dying minutes of the match. They moved on to the next round with a 6-1 victory and are now set to face the Italian giants.

Both the teams are coming into today's game with a loss in their previous match. La Liga team FC Barcelona lost 0-2 against their rivals Malaga, while Juventus FC faced a 2-3 defeat against Napoli. Nevertheless, hopes are high on what would look like a blood bath  between the two teams. The last time they went against each other at the finale of the champions league, the results were in favor of Barcelona with 3-1.

Tonight is not all good news for Barcelona side as Busquets, Alex Vidal and Rafinha will be missing from the squad and not to say the questionable form of MSN. As for Juventus, Marko Pjaca is the only injured squad member but Mario Manduzkic will be fit to play.

Things to look forward to:-

• Dani Alves will be playing against his former team FC Barcelona.
• The clash between two Argentine forwards Messi and Dybala. 
• Payback for the loss at Champions League 2015 Finals.

The Champions League Quarter Finals will be live telecasted on Ten Sports for all Indian viewers at 12:15am tonight.

“I wouldn’t like to draw Barcelona. It would be too weird for me. If I really have to face them, I’d prefer it to be in the Champions League Final.”

-         Alves told beIN Sports

"Football is so changeable, and a team that everyone thought was knocked out went through to the quarters. They will be full of confidence.”

-          Higuain told UEFA's official website.

"I don't think revenge really exists in football. There are opportunities but not revenge because you cannot retrieve what you lost. 

"Juventus have changed a few players since then, and we have also, so we are only focused on playing a good game and earning a good result here. We will not be thinking of the match in Berlin."

-         Mascherano said at Monday's pre-match news conference.

"People have to know that I am not Messi. I am Dybala and I want to only be Dybala, although I understand that there are comparisons. There's only one Messi, as there was only one Maradona. You can't replace players like them and it's a huge burden that people have expectations about me.”

-         Dybala said on Monday.

 

Post El-Clasico Defeat Against Real Madrid, FC Barcelona Is All Set To Face The Other Madrid.

FC Barcelona lost 1-2 against Real Madrid

Saturday night saw the end of the winning streak for FC Barcelona as they lost to arch-rivals in El Clasico. Since last October Barca were 39 games unbeaten until the fateful night of 1-2 loss against Los Blancos.

But as per the Spanish defender, Gerard Pique, they have left the disappointment behind and are charged up to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Barcelona defender said, "What we like are challenges, and again we play on Tuesday against a great rival. We have to win to show why we have won everything and are looking forward to doing it again."

The 29-year old, came straight out in praising Atletico to be better than Zidane's squad. He told the reporters, "They're having an excellent season, it will be more difficult than the Clasico."

"We always try to win the tie in the first leg, so we will go all out from the start, trying to score as many goals as possible."

Pique admitted that they are bring the game on from the first minute to take down Rojiblancos,"We are mad with desire to play on Tuesday.

"I'm convinced we will win the league and do everything to reach the Champions League final.

"Saturday was a defeat like any other, we had gone 39 games unbeaten before and now we have a unique opportunity to return to winning ways in a great match." 

Some Legends Are Never Forgotten- Johan Cruyff

The Dutch Flying Man, Johan Cruyff, dies at 68

The Barcelona legend, Johan Cruyff, bid goodbye to football and the world on March 26th, 2016. Tributes pour in from all around the world and as a Barcelona fan and a football fan, I dedicate this article to the late (Original) Flying Dutchman.

The Ballon d'Or winner played
 for Ajax since age 15.

The playmaker made quick
fans at FC Barcelona

Born as Hendric Johannes Cruyff, the Dutch player saw a successful career as a player followed by coaching the top clubs he played for like Ajax and Barcelona. In 1971, Cryuff became the first Dutch player to win the Ballon d'Or Award as European Footballer of the Year.

Cruyff continued his career in United States, playing for Los Angeles Aztecs in 1979-80 and the Washington Diplomats the next year. He also played for Levante UD and went back to home club Ajax before retirement. He ended his career   with Feyenoord.

As a player Cruyff scored 392 times over a 19-year career in 520 games. He landed Holland in the World Cup finals in 1974. He was voted Player of the Year on three occasions.

After his retirement, he went on to becoming coach with his clubs, Ajax and Barcelona. In his coaching career he had won 242 victories, 70 losses and 75 draws of the 387 matches.

The Dutch man took Holland to World Cup finals in 1974

The Holland star shared about his illness in public only last year in October. He was a heavy smoker until his heart surgery in 1991. It was only a month ago that the 68 year old had share that he was 2-0 up in his fight with lung cancer.

Support and Consolation poured in from fans and football fraternity:-

The World of Johan Cruyff website posted, "On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief."

The Dutch Football federation wrote, "With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff. Words are not enough."

FC Barcelona paid tribute sharing, "FC Barcelona would like to express its pain and sorrow at the passing away of Johan Cruyff, who was both an FC Barcelona player and a coach and who will forever be a legend at the Club.

“FC Barcelona wishes to send its most heartfelt sympathy to Johan Cruyff’s family at such a painful moment, a sentiment which the Club members, fans and the whole world of football and sport will share. Rest in peace. Thank you Johan."

The Catalonian club, FC Barcelona, held a tribute event in the memory of the late Barca player and coach.

Cruyff's home club Ajax issued a statement saying, "Johan Cruyff has died in Barcelona at the age of 68. The greatest Ajax player of all time had suffered with lung cancer since October last year. Ajax share in this great loss and wish the families much strength."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute saying, "Johan Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of the greatest players the world has ever known. A symbol of elegant play. An inspiration. A source of admiration for fans. He has marked football history for ever. I'm very saddened by his death. He will be terribly missed."

Former Barcelona striker Gary Lineker wrote: "Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history."

The current Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi wrote, "RIP Johan Cruyff. Your legacy will live on forever."

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos wrote: "Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff."

Manchester City central defender Vincent Kompany were among the first ones to share, he wrote, "Johan Cruyff, true football royalty. I don’t think anyone has ever influenced the game as much as he has done. We have all been touched and inspired by his vision and his believes. Football will miss him but we will never forget. #JohanCruyff."