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at July 12, 2019 0

LIVERPOOL center-back Virgil van Dijk’s agents quickly rebuffed an approach from Barcelona, it has been claimed.


The Mirror report that Barcelona made inquiries to the representatives of the Dutch center-back to find out whether or not he might be tempted by a move to the Nou Camp.
But it is claimed any chance of a big-money move away from Liverpool for Van Dijk - who is managed by Neil Fewings of the Wasserman Media Group - was shut down.
That will be welcome news to Reds supporters, with the 28-year-old has been a revelation at Anfield since his £75million move from Southampton 18 months ago. 
The Netherlands international has transformed the club’s defense since his arrival, establishing himself as one of the best center-backs in the world in the process.
Van Dijk was crucial as Liverpool went on to win the Champions League last season, beating Tottenham in Madrid in their sixth European Cup triumph.
His defensive talents saw him named the PFA Player of the Year as the Merseyside outfit also lost just once in the Premier League and managed the best defensive record in the division, conceding 22 goals in 38 games.
Liverpool missed out on the league title to an imperious Manchester City side but Van Dijk will be crucial if the club is to end their 30-year wait for a championship next term - and he isn’t going anywhere says The Mirror.
His performances have even seen Van Dijk tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year, with Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi seemingly his biggest rival for the award.
Speaking before the Champions League final, Van Dijk declared to the club’s official website: “It’s my club definitely and I'm very proud to be wearing this shirt every day. 
“But it's also one of the reasons when I came here - how everyone lives around Liverpool, lives and dies for the club, want to do everything for us, will be there in tough times. 
“They will also be with us in the good times.
“I think this is a real football club and you don't have too many at this level that is living and breathing for a club like Liverpool.“It was a very important decision [for me] to make, but so far it has gone pretty well.”
And ESPN report that Van Dijk - the most expensive defender in the world - is keen to sign a new deal with the European champions.
Neither the club or the player are said to be in a rush to open negotiations but it is thought terms will be agreed without any issues. 
Van Dijk is among the club’s top-earning stars on around £180,000-a-week, with Mohamed Salah thought to the best-paid of Jurgen Klopp’s squad on around £200,000-a-week.
The pair will not return to Klopp’s contingent until later this month, having been in international action for Holland at the UEFA Nations League and Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations respectively. 
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at May 02, 2019 1

LIONEL MESSI riled Liverpool supporters when the Barcelona star showed the ugly side of his game in their 3-0 win on Wednesday evening.

As he danced past a host of Liverpool players down the right wing, he was finally tackled by a tenacious Andy Robertson.
And after being humiliated by a cute body feint, James Milner was keen to get revenge.
The veteran midfielder gave Messi a shoulder barge which sent him tumbling.
Messi was keen to make the most of it, rolling around on the touchline provoking an angry reaction towards Milner from the home supporters.
He then held up an imaginary yellow card to try and get Milner booked.
After, Lionel Messi turned to a nearby camera and smiled to toy with fans back home who could see what he was up to.
It created an iconic Champions League image and in the second half, Messi was about to back up his antics by letting his football do the talking.
After Liverpool came flying out of the blocks in search on a crucial away goal, Barcelona was clinical.
Luis Suarez kneed the ball onto the crossbar after a slick counter-attack.
The danger wasn’t cleared as Alisson and Robertson lay helpless in the crowded penalty box, Messi was on hand to calmly chest and slot home.
After being blocked off by Fabinho, Messi had sight of goal from 35 yards.
What followed was spectacular. He bent the ball around the wall and into the top left corner giving Alisson no chance.
It was his eighth goal directly from a free-kick this season and his 600th for Barcelona.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson
Lionel Messi: The Barcelona star fired a stunning free-kick past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson (Image: GETTY)


After the match Jurgen Klopp insisted he was happy with the performance of his team despite losing 3-0 thanks to Messi and co.
He said: "Football is like this. It's about scoring goals, and they scored three and we scored none.
"Our performance was really good, the boys played a super game. But against Barcelona just a few opportunities can be enough [for them].
"I was happy with the performance, not too happy with the result. That's football. It was a hard result but we have to accept it."
Liverpool now have a mountain to climb at Anfield, having not scored an away goal.
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at May 01, 2019 0

BARCELONA manager Ernesto Valverde has a couple of vital selection decisions to make ahead of his side's Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool tonight (8 pm).

The Catalan club host Liverpool at the Nou Camp for the first leg of their semi-final, having comfortably seen off Manchester United in the last round.
And Barcelona is in high spirits ahead of the match having secured yet another La Liga title last time out against Levante.
Valverde’s squad has an almost completely clean bill of health prior to the Reds’ visit, meaning some big decisions will need to be made regarding team selection.
Barcelona talisman Lionel is certain to start having been rested at the weekend, although the Argentine did come off the bench to score the winner.
Luis Suarez will keep his place up front while Valverde must choose between Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele for the final spot in the attacking trio.
Both started on Saturday but neither player has really nailed down a regular spot in the side, with the Barca boss preferring to regularly rotate his options.
Sergio Busquets should anchor the midfield while Ivan Rakitic is expected to be joined by Arthur in the engine room, with the Brazilian ahead of Arturo Vidal in the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Valverde must also choose between Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto at right-back after rotating the duo this season.
Barcelona team news predicted line up Liverpool
Barcelona team news: Lionel Messi and his team-mates trained on Wednesday (Image: GETTY)

Semedo could get the nod due to his extra pace, although the Portuguese defender has started Barca’s last three La Liga matches while Roberto featured from the off in the previous European match against United.

Clement Lenglet is set to start alongside Gerard Pique in central defence at the expense of Samuel Umtiti while Jordi Alba will line up at left-back.
Rafinha is the only player ruled out through injury, while opponents Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The victors of the semi-final will face either Tottenham or Ajax at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on June 1.
Barcelona team news predicted line up Liverpool
Barcelona team news: Is this how Barca will line up against Liverpool? (Image: buildlineup.com)

Barcelona predicted line-up vs Liverpool – Champions League

(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Arthur; Messi, Coutinho, Suarez
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at May 01, 2019 0

Leo Messi has made clear his preferences for the eleven that the club will put against Liverpool. And he does not want Ousmane Dembélé, a player he accuses of being very irregular.
The French crack is very intermittent and, although in most crashes leaves more than one detail of great quality, he does not see it reliable enough to dispute the 90 minutes. He prefers to see it as revulsive. 
To be part of the game, he likes Coutinho, a footballer who, despite having starred in a mediocre season, has reacted and left a good taste in his last performances.
In addition, the Brazilian is more hardworking and more combinative. That is to say, it brings more fluidity to the team than Dembélé, more destabilizing and individualistic. And in matches of this level, they need a more compact block than loose individualities . For that, Messi is already here.
 
To all this, we add the motivational factor that assumes that the '7' is facing his old team. They insist that the former's law take effect and that 'Couti' can be the protagonist to help the Barça team achieve its goal: reach the final of the Champions League.
And if it does well, it would recover part of its cache and then be sold at a better price.
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at April 30, 2019 0

BARCELONA have been told to stop two key Liverpool players in particular if they are to progress to the Champions League final.

The Catalan giants host Jurgen Klopp's men tomorrow night (8 pm) in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Barca will go into the game as betting favorites after securing the La Liga title over the weekend.
They are attempting to become just the fourth team to beat Liverpool this season, after Chelsea and Wolves defeated them in cup competitions, while Manchester City inflicted the only league defeat that the Reds have suffered.
And it has been suggested that Barca will take a similar approach to the game as City did, with high pressing and wide attacking.

However, ESPN pundit Gab Marcotti explained that Barca will have to take a different tactical approach, and cut off the attacking prowess of full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Yeah, I don’t necessarily buy that,” Marcotte said of Barca copying City.
“Manchester City have the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane out wide, whereas Barcelona has Lionel Messi, who is an entirely different player.
“I think that the lesson to take from that is the importance of the midfield.
Liverpool
Manchester City are the only team to have beaten Liverpool in the league (Image: GETTY)
“Barcelona are going to feel that if they can starve Liverpool’s front men’s supply from the middle of the park and also pin back the full-backs of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson with Jordi Alba and Messi.
“Then, they can overload the midfield, dominate the game and pick their spots.”
Marcotti agreed with Klopp's claim that Wednesday night’s game might not be a classic Liverpool performance and suggested that instead, it could be a more cagey affair.
“They feel that they have an edge there, and Jurgen Klopp even said himself that we’re not going to see the crash bang wallop heavy metal football that we’re used to seeing from them,” he continued.
Liverpool
Barcelona have been told to stop Andy Robertson attacking (Image: GETTY“We might see a much more measured approach, this is a more mature team than last year, one which can pace itself, and that knows the tie is going to last 180 minutes.
“Even if they don’t do it at the Camp Nou, they will have chances to go and win it at Anfield.”
The return fixture will be played at Anfield on May 7, just days before their final Premier League game of the season against Wolves.
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at April 29, 2019 0

LUIS SUAREZ insists he will show no mercy if he gets the chance to dump former club Liverpool out of the Champions League.

But he believes that whatever fate awaits the Reds against his Barcelona, the glory days are definitely returning to Anfield.
Suarez, 31, spent four years on Merseyside and admits the club will always have a place reserved in his heart.
But ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg showdown at the Nou Camp on Wednesday Suarez said if he gets the chance to pile on the misery he will not hesitate.
Liverpool will always be important for me - for giving me an opportunity, for playing a big part in my development, and of course for the amazing fans,” Suarez said.
“But this is a Champions League semi-final and all that will matter is helping Barcelona fight to get one step closer to another trophy.”
The Uruguay international played four seasons at Anfield between 2010-14 wearing the fabled No 7 shirt, scoring 69 goals in 110 appearances before leaving for Catalonia.
In his final season in a Red jersey, Suarez came agonizingly close to landing the Premier League in his final season under Brendan Rodgers, losing out to Manchester City.
In the penultimate game, the sight of the striker sobbing under his shirt as Crystal Palace’s stunning comeback from 3-0 down shattered Liverpool’s hopes become one of the most memorable images of the campaign.

Suarez says he is keeping his fingers crossed Jurgen Klopp’s current outfit can put things right and edge their gripping battle with City for this season’s crown.
Yet whatever happens over the course of the final two games, the striker feels it is only a matter of time before Liverpool regain their place at the summit of English football.
“Liverpool are now in a position where their future looks very bright again. The race is so tight in England this season it is impossible to say out of Liverpool and Manchester City who will be champions,” Suarez said.
“But Liverpool are now in a position where they will be challenging in the future.
“When we nearly won the title there was so much disappointment because I think there was a feeling that was our moment and we wouldn’t get another.
“But now Liverpool have the squad, the investment, the set up where this will not be a one offseason.”
Barcelona goes into the Champions League semi-final on a high having wrapped up a fourth La Liga title in the last five years with victory over Levante at the weekend.
And the Catalan giants are still in a with a shout of a domestic and European treble with their dates with Liverpool standing in the way of a first Champions League final since 2015 and with Valencia their opponents in the Copa Del Rey Final on May 25.
Suarez has made a significant contribution to that success, firing in 21 goals in the league and three in the domestic cup, he has so far failed to score in the Champions League this season.

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at April 27, 2019 0

This year is happening with a huge difference of Barcelona over the other teams in LaLiga, even in the Champions League has not existed a set that so far can decipher the number of variants that have included the Catalans to that possession game at They has got used to the world of football.

Lionel Messi, as usual, has been the main star, this season the Argentine has recovered his best version as if the 31 years with which he already has not weighed at all. The Blaugrana crack is far surpassing a Cristiano Ronaldo who has had to settle for Serie A Italian, seeing their chances ended with a painful elimination against Ajax.

Despite this advantage, Messi wants to secure the Golden Ball without any surprise at the last minute, in that sense, he is aware that he must play the Champions League final. The moment of form and the security of the southpaw is such, that he has bet with Piqué and Suárez that will mark in both parties against Liverpool and that they will pass, a meal was played with them.
Now the English are worried, since it is not the first time that Messi makes some bet inside the dressing room that ends up fulfilling in the parties, it is only necessary to remember that anecdote of Yaya Touré, in which the culé star commented to him which soccer players of the picture rival were going to be the victims of their pipes.

After several campaigns without being able to be protagonists in the European championship at the level of clubs of greater prestige, Barcelona does not think to miss this opportunity in which it seems oriented the way towards the conquest of that Oregon that was targeted as the course began. Sixth Golden Ball for Messi?

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at April 22, 2019 0

Jose Mourinho looks ahead to Liverpool FC's clash with FC Barcelona in the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho has claimed that Liverpool FC has a “50 percent” chance of beating FC Barcelona to reach the Champions League final.

The Reds booked their place in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition last week thanks to an impressive 4-1 win over FC Porto in Portugal.
Jurgen Klopp’s side is now looking to try and reach the Champions League final for the second successive season after they lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in last year’s showpiece.
Former Manchester United manager Mourinho feels that Liverpool FC have improved significantly since last season and he seems to think that they have a great chance of reaching the final at FC Barcelona’s expense.
Speaking in an interview with Russia Today, Mourinho said: “The reality is that Liverpool last season played the final, and this season they are in the semi-finals with, in my opinion, a 50 percent chance of being in the final,
“I think they are better [than last season]. I would say Barca without Messi, Liverpool is favorites. But Barca with Messi… Messi is Messi.”
Liverpool FC will host Huddersfield Town at Anfield in their next Premier League game on Friday night.
The Reds are aiming to try and win the Premier League and Champions League this season as they search for their first piece of major silverware since Klopp’s appointment at Anfield back in October 2015.
Liverpool FC will travel to FC Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday 1 May, before the return leg at Anfield six days later. 
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at April 21, 2019 0

The Champions have left interesting news for Barcelona , which at this stage of the campaign begins to show a superlative football, coinciding the highest point of performance with the crucial moments, this has invaded almost the entire staff. Against Manchester United was the resurrection of one of the most criticized players of the Culé cast, but a gesture ended closing the door to continue for the following year.

When the tie against United was already uphill for the English, the final touch to close a magical night was Philippe Coutinho with a goal worthy of his best version, however, he made the decision to celebrate with a gesture that was aimed at the stands, specifically to its detractors, who has been the target of many criticisms.

This behavior was disapproved by Messi , as it seems incongruous to retaliate against the fans when he has had a really unfortunate year, far from the level that was expected when he was fully adapted to Barça . The Argentine crack thinks that it lacks maturity and that it would be better in another institution.

The main club interested to facilitate his departure is Juventus , Cristiano Ronaldo already knows that he is negotiating for the Brazilian and believes that he can contribute a lot to the squad, which begins to strengthen to reduce the anger of the Portuguese for the sport failure.
The fate of Coutinho is increasingly distant from Barcelona , and when the player finally began to wash his football image, he makes an improper mistake of someone who represents an exemplary club. The couple Coutinho - Ronaldo can bring many joys to the Juventus squad that seeks answers to a premature elimination that was not in the prognosis or the biggest pessimist.
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at April 20, 2019 0

BARCELONA are expected to rotate their squad for the visit of Real Sociedad to the Nou Camp this evening (7.45pm) following their win over Manchester United.

Ernesto Valverde’s side booked their spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a comfortable 3-0 win over United on Tuesday, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Lionel Messi was in superb form, scoring twice while Philippe Coutinho also bagged a brilliant curling goal before proceeding to taunt his critics with an inflammatory celebration.
Despite his strike, the Brazilian could be set to drop out of the starting XI as Barca look to rotate in preparation for their meeting with Liverpool next month.
Ousmane Dembele came on as a substitute against United and should be named in the starting XI against Sociedad, who are currently 10th in La Liga.
While Messi and strike partner Luis Suarez is expected to continue in the attack, Valverde could ring the changes in midfield with Arturo Vidal and Carles Alena selected.
Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are most likely to be rested while Arthur will keep his place following an impressive display in midweek.
Meanwhile, Samuel Umtiti has missed training this week and looks set to miss out again – having been plagued by injury troubles this season.
Clement Lenglet will deputize in his absence and Nelson Semedo should start at right-back in place of Sergi Roberto after being benched against United.
Barcelona team news predicted line up Sociedad
Barcelona team news: Samuel Umtiti has been struggling with injury this season (Image: GETTY)
Rafinha and Thomas Vermaelen are the only other injury concerns for Valverde.
Barcelona is currently nine points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga with just six matches remaining.
The defending champions were held to a goalless draw against Huesca last weekend but will be looking for another three points as they continue to chase a hat-trick of trophies.
As well as La Liga and the Champions League, Barca is into the final of the Copa del Rey and will face Valencia at the end of May so squad rotation in the next few weeks will be key.
Barcelona team news predicted line up Sociedad
Barcelona team news: Is this how Barca will line up against Real Sociedad? (Image: buildlineup.com)

Barcelona predicted line-up vs Real Sociedad – La Liga

(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Lenglet, Pique, Alba; Vidal, Alena, Arthur; Messi, Dembele, Suarez
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at April 20, 2019 0

Philippe Coutinho does not stop and continues his business. After the gesture in his celebration, in which he insults and provokes the Barça crowd, he has now posted a photo on Instagram that sets the Camp Nou on fire.
Far from asking for forgiveness, what he does is take away guilt and send another hint to the fans. " We must never listen to people who can discourage us because their discourses will only deviate us from the true approach we must take ."
A philosophical phrase in which he takes pride in what he has done and leaves a clear message. He does not care what they say about him, even though the criticisms are more than justifiable.
But it does not end there. To culminate, release a " Never in my life I did not respect anyone on or off the field " that has filled the patience of the wardrobe and the board.
No one is stupid and it is well known that Coutinho's gesture was a clear offense. At least, they expected an apology, or to show their faces. But nothing. The '7' tries to hide and find excuses that are of little value.
It is a 'hot potato' and there is no remedy or solution. It will leave Barça, although it does not yet have a definite destination, in a sale to the downside, since no club seems willing to pay the same that was paid for it a year ago, 160 million euros.
Is on the street.
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at April 18, 2019 0

The former Anfield favorites will return with Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Liverpool will come up against former Anfield favorites Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Reds secured their place in the last four of the competition with a 4-1 away win against Porto, completing a 6-1 aggregate success.
They will now face Barcelona in a mouthwatering semi-final following their thrashing of Manchester United on Tuesday.
Suarez and Coutinho have both not played against Liverpool in a competitive match since their moves from Anfield to the Nou Camp.
Coutinho left in a £140m deal in January 2018 while Suarez ended his stay on Merseyside in the summer of 2014.
Both are likely to feature in the two legs, fitness permitting, and Jurgen Klopp was asked about the proposition of taking on two former Liverpool stars.
"Honestly, the only thing I am thinking about is Cardiff on Sunday," the Reds boss said.
"For these two boys, it is very special, because they are Liverpool legends.
"But I don't think it will be a friendly game, we have to fight and work and they will do that as well.
"It is a wonderful game, Liverpool vs Barcelona in the semi-finals. Now let's try to do the best there and we will see what happens.
Barca also faces the unenviable task of trying to stop Lionel Messi with the Argentine scoring twice to down United at the Nou Camp.

On coming up against the Barca skipper, Klopp added: "Thank God I don’t have to think about that tonight. I have a few nights.
"No one has so far managed it but we will try. We have a few jobs before that."


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