Articles by "Ligue 1"
Showing posts with label Ligue 1. Show all posts

The bargain of the transfer market next summer has a name: Antoine Griezmann . Costs only  100  million  of  euros  and is pirran big for him.


The  FC Barcelona  seems to have taken the lead for months. But  Real Madrid  is also lurking, like the two big  Manchester,  United and  City.

The  Atletico  of  Madrid  assumes that lose big star. Especially after checking that he has regained his best moment of form this 2018.

The Little Prince lowered his performance late last year and was whistled by the Calderón . With the return of Diego Costa and the recovery of Gameiro , the Frenchman has two strikers at his side with whom he understands perfectly.

The arrival of Costa and the recovery of the best Griezmann have served Atlético to chain seven consecutive wins, five of them in the league . In the last month, they only know the victory.

Atlético, to bite against Barça

In the absence of the day of the inter-weekly league, the key day will be next Saturday: Barça hosts Atleti at the Camp Nou with the desire to give another blow to the League . The difference in the table is seven points .

Precisely in the pre-match of the game have resurged the rumors about the signing of Griezmann by Barca . An operation that fueled Guillermo Amor with controversial statements at the end of the year.


The director of institutional relations azulgrana was little skillful to not deny outright that  Barca  met with  Griezmann  to negotiate their future. He left an open door that mounted the mess.

Beyond this issue, the real problem in the locker room has been generated with  Leo  Messi.  The Argentine star is not in favor of the signing of the  Little Prince.

The main reason is very obvious:  Griezmann  arrives to generate competition in the azulgrana attack. This means that  Dembelé, Coutinho  or  Luis  Suárez  can be harmed.

Griezmann, fan of Real Madrid

And if there is someone to whom  Messi  does not want to be touched -and less after the departure of another of his great partners,  Javier Mascherano- ,  that is  Suárez.  He wants it to his side and it is not clear that the three are compatible.

For more inri , there are some controversial statements running through the network that recall the feeling of Real Madrid  Griezmann.  He was always a fan of  Real  Madrid.

His great idol was  David  Beckham  and celebrated the titles that conquered the current white coach,  Zinedine  Zidane,  as if they were their own. This is discussed in  Madrid.  And in the French press.

Lethal confidentiality from France

"People close to  Griezmann  push him to go to  Real  Madrid,  if by Griezmann he would be in Real Madrid, he is Real Madrid and his dream is to play for Real Madrid ", says  Frederic Hermel , correspondent of  L'Équipe  in Madrid .

The same French newspaper, likewise, insists on Madrid's interest   in hiring him. Florentino  does not renounce the  Little Prince.  It lost interest in him with the irruption of  Mbappé,  but now that the Gaul is in the  PSG,  Griezmann  returns to be a very interesting alternative to replace the possible losses of the BBC .

There is a problem with Ousmane Dembélé. The French arrived this past summer in exchange for 150 million euros. The second most expensive signing in the history of Barça. It was Neymar's replacement. But not to mention. The Frenchman not only offers very little when he plays, he starts not to enter the plans of Ernesto Valverde. 
The Barça did not find yesterday before the Chelsea its better game. I needed more mordant up. And Valverde decided to take Aleix Vidal before Dembélé. A signing of 150 million euros surpassed by a player who a few months ago was more out than inside. The mess starts to be very serious. 
And in these, Luis Suarez has leaked an operation that can take Dembélé from Barça this summer . And the directive flies over the idea of a transfer for the former Borussia Dortmund. 
With only 20 years, there are those who think it is still early to give him the responsibility to succeed in a team like Barça. Part of the culé directive has an idea in mind: include it in the Griezmann operation. 
Barça could offer Atletico a two-season assignment in exchange for a reduction of the Antoine clause , which by style of play fits much better in the FC Barcelona than Ousmane. It would be a way to get a player already established in Spain and Dembélé was tanning in national football . An option far from absurd. 

The Brazilian was involved in all four goals as the Blues secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League win an easy win in Baku
The team comes first. Willian has always subscribed to that view; his renowned work-rate proves as much. So, the Brazilian will be delighted that, first and foremost, his sensational showing in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Qarabag sealed Chelsea's place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Willian's performance - in his 200th outing for the Blues - may have also earned him a place in the starting line-up for Saturday's crunch Premier League clash with Liverpool. Such a scenario appeared unlikely before kick-off.
Willian has been poor this season and he was starting to become a target of his side's fan base after managing just one goal and two assists in his 17 previous appearances in all competitions.
After a summer of uncertainty in which he seemed open to the idea of being reunited with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, Willian appeared to have lost his way. 
However, he made a timely return to centre stage in Baku. Indeed, Willian was involved in all four goals as Chelsea swept 10-man Qarabag aside.
Antonio Conte described the game as the most important game of the season so far but the ease of the win allowed the Italian to promptly turn his attention to the weekend trip to Anfield, which was a most welcome bonus, given Liverpool had already been given the benefit an additional 24 hours to prepare for the match on Merseyside.
Chelsea had Willian to thank for making light work of potentially arduous assignment. He combined brilliantly with Eden Hazard to end the game as a meaningful after 21 minutes.
The 29-year-old won a penalty that resulted in a red card for Qarabag captain Rasad Sadiqov before being coolly converted by Hazard, who, in doing so, became the highest-scoring Belgian in Champions League history, with eight goals.
Willian
Hazard returned the favour by assisting Willian for a stunning second goal that displayed the duo's vision and speed of thought, as they carved open the underdogs.
Willian then won a second penalty in similar circumstances, after his shirt was again pulled following another surge into the area, thus allowing Cesc Fabregas the chance to get on the scoresheet.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk ace then concluded the scoring with a fierce long-range strike to net his 34th goal for Chelsea, thus putting the perfect seal on a thrilling performance that should help him rediscover his very best form. In fact, it was his 16th goal in 61 career Champions League appearances, displaying his love affair with European competition. 
Many will hope that this is a rebirth for Willian. He scored 12 goals last season, playing a key role in Chelsea's Premier League title triumph, as well as their run to the FA Cup final, and that was no mean feat given his personal plight.
Willian lost his mother last October and it understandably affected his form. He was replaced in the starting line-up by Pedro and although he remains a permanent fixture in Tite's Brazil squads, he faces a constant battle for his shirt with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.
Willian GFX
In London, it has proven even more difficult to secure regular game time and his future was starting to come under the microscope, with talk of a move to AC Milan in recent weeks - despite the fact that Willian has repeatedly stated that he is happy in West London.
All the while, Hazard has been raising the bar at Chelsea. He has bagged six goals in his last seven appearances, three in five Champions League appearances and he matched Eidur Gudjohnsen's 78 goals for Chelsea in all competitions on Wednesday night.
So, while it may have only been a 10-man Qarabag side, Willian needed a night like this to remind everyone at Chelsea of his worth

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sell Willian in January in order to fund a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Lucas Moura.
According to Le 10 Sport (h/t the Mirror), Chelsea want in the region of £27 million for the Brazilian, with that money to be spent on his compatriot.
Willian has made 198 appearances for the Blues since his arrival in 2013, producing 32 goals and 30 assists in that time.
The 29-year-old, who has won 51 caps for Brazil, drew Chelsea fans' ire for his performance against Manchester Cityearlier in the season, per Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes:
However, he is typically a dependable performer whose work rate helps the side defend from the front as he presses to regain possession in the opponent's half. 
He's a real threat from set pieces, too, per OptaJoe:
While the Blues should perhaps not be in a rush to cast Willian aside, Lucas could make for a useful player at Stamford Bridge.
With the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to compete with, not to mention Julian Draxler and Angel Di Maria, Lucas has played just 71 minutes of football this season split between five cameo appearances, though he has still managed to contribute a goal and an assist in that time.

The 25-year-old had appeared to lose his place even before Neymar and Mbappe were in the team, per ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson:
That's difficult to explain after he racked up 19 goals and 11 assists last season, which was his best campaign in a PSG shirt and one that suggested his problems with inconsistency were becoming a thing of the past.
It appears he has little future at the Parc des Princes, and his sale can contribute to PSG's efforts to keep in line with financial fair play regulations, so he should be attainable in January.
As things stand, he would be eligible to play in the UEFA Champions League as he's yet to feature in the competition this season.
He can provide a greater attacking threat than Willian—from open play, at least—so he could be a good option for Chelsea in the final third.  
Recent reports suggested that Neymar could be unhappy in France, and although the Brazilian has rubbished those claims, Real are said to be chasing the player's signature.
According to Don Balon, Los Blancos are said to be open to offering the French giants midfielder Toni Kroos and winger Gareth Bale in exchange for the 25-year-old.
It is believed that Neymar could cost the Spaniards about €400 million (R6.6 billion), but president Florentino Perez apparently feels letting these two players go the other way could minimise costs.
PSG are unsurprisingly unwilling to sell their world record signing, who has been tipped to be Cristiano Ronaldo's successor at Real.
Neymar became tearful in a recent press conference while on international duty with Brazil, where he pleaded with the media to stop spreading fake stories about him.
Neymar Prioritises UCL Over Ballon d'Or
Despite the reports, the player has insisted he is happy in France, and has no issues with his coach Unai Emery or his teammate Edinson Cavani, with whom he is said to have fallen out with in the past couple of months.

BARCELONA news is coming thick and fast with the Catalan giants currently sitting comfortably at the top of the La Liga table. Express Sport brings you all the latest from the Nou Camp.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi reportedly thinks Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is past his best.
The 32-year-old has struggled for Real this season, managing to score just once from 11 La Liga outings.
And Spanish website Don Balon claim that Messi thinks he will never rediscover the form of old.
The Barcelona No10 also supposedly plans to keep hitting the goal trail to boost his chances of winning the game’s individual awards next season.
Ronaldo was crowned FIFA’s best player last month, despite his stuttering start to the new campaig


Barcelona star Lionel Messi reportedly fears Neymar could join Real Madrid.
The Brazil international has been tipped to move to the Bernabeu as a replacement for the struggling Cristiano Ronaldo.
And Don Balon say Messi is among the Barcelona players trying to prevent him from moving to the Spanish capital.
It is said Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez are also attempting to stop him leaving Paris Saint-Germain so early into his time in France.
Neymar has been rumoured to be unhappy at the Parc des Princes but whether he departs at the end of the season remains to be seen.
Barcelona news Messi Ronaldo NeymarGETTY
Barcelona news: Ernesto Valverde has been warned about Luis Suarez's form
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has been told to get Luis Suarez firing again by Sky Sports’ Terry Gibson.
Gibson said on the La Liga Weekly Podcast: "I am interested to see how Valverde handles the Suarez situation, looking at the bigger picture.
"If he was to bench him or take him off in every game I don't think we will see the best version of Luis Suarez. 
“It's interesting to see how an experienced manager handles a massive superstar when he is out form.
"We expect him to get his form back at some stage, with his all-round play and scoring goals on a regular basis, and that enhances Barcelona more than Paco Alcacer can."

Neymar faced the awkward moment of reuniting with Lionel Messi in the public eye at the Best FIFA Best Awards.
Neither of the South American stars claimed the top prize as Cristiano Ronaldo scooped the men's player of the year.

But the PSG forward discussed chatting with his former team-mate after spending four seasons together.
"I spoke to Bartomeu in a normal fashion," Neymar revealed to Radio Marca. "[Messi and I] didn't speak about football, only other things.
He is my friend and wherever we are, we will be together."
The animosity between Neymar and Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu exists after the Brazilian's contract was bought out for almost £200m.
Bartomeu's bitterness stems from his belief Neymar's departure was fuelled by greed and money.

FC-Barcelona-v-RC-Celta-de-Vigo-La-Liga.jpg
Neymar and Messi played together for four seasons(Image: Getty Images Europe)
The-Best-FIFA-Football-Awards-Green-Carpet-Arrivals.jpg
Lionel Messi and wife Antonella Roccuzzo arrive(Image: Getty Images Europe)

The votes from the manager and captain of each national team nominates were revealed. A media representative from each country was given the same opportunity.
Argentina captain Messi voted for Luis Suarez (first), Andres Iniesta (second) and Neymar (third).

The-Best-FIFA-Football-Awards-Show.jpg
The shortlist for the top men's player of the year was Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar
England captain Jordan Henderson voted for Ronaldo then Messi and then former team-mate Suarez. Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, opted for Ronaldo, Modric and Toni Kroos.
Wales captain Ashley Williams did not take part in the vote. His manager Chris Coleman did, however. He picked Ramos, Modric and Harry Kane.
Tottenham striker Kane also picked up nominations from British Virgin Islands captain Troy Ceasar Kavon, France skipper Hugo Lloris, Motserrat's Anthony Griffith and Dio Godet of the Bahamas.
Other Premier League players to pick up nominations include Alexis Sanchez, N'Golo Kante, Eden Hazard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The-Best-FIFA-Football-Awards-Green-Carpet-Arrivals.jpg
Harry Kane picked up a few votes

Edinson Cavani bailed out Paris Saint-Germain and the dismissed Neymar with a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against Marseille in Le Classique.
PSG trailed twice and had looked destined for a first defeat to their fierce rivals since November 2011 - with Neymar sent off for two bookable offences – before Cavani curled a dramatic late free-kick into the top corner to rescue a point.
Marseille led through Luiz Gustavo in the first half, before Neymar equalised, and then again moved in front when Florian Thauvin lit up a dreary second half.
But the greatest drama was still to come as Neymar - who had been jeered throughout and endured a host of missiles from the home supporters at one point - clashed with Lucas Ocampos moments after his first booking and received his marching orders.
Bouna Sarr squandered an opportunity to seal the points for Marseille and that would prove costly as Cavani - fouled by the substitute - netted a stunning strike to break Marseille hearts.
Cavani and Neymar have not always seen eye to eye this term, with the pair infamously arguing over penalty duties, but it was the Uruguayan's set-piece expertise that ensured his team-mate's indiscipline would not prove costly.
PSG have seen their lead at the Ligue 1 summit cut to four points by champions Monaco this weekend, but they remain unbeaten this term and, for that, both Neymar and Unai Emery must be relieved.
Layvin Kurzawa squandered the first huge opportunity of the night, blasting high over the crossbar after benefiting from a fortunate ricochet as Adil Rami stepped across to challenge on the left-side of the area.
A frantic pace contributed to a series of early stray passes from both sides and one such Hiroki Sakai error gave Cavani the opportunity to curl a low effort into Steve Mandanda's grateful arms.
But the opener arrived at the other end after Neymar's uncharacteristically poor first touch gifted possession to Rami. Dimitri Payet moved the ball square to Luiz Gustavo, who drove forward to arrow a magnificent strike into the bottom-left corner of Alphonse Areola's goal.


Alvaro Morata has joined up with his team-mates in training ahead of Chelsea‘s mouthwatering clash with Roma on Wednesday evening


The 24-year-old has been out of action after sustaining a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester City on September 30 in the lead-up to the international break.
Antonio Conte spoke about Morata’s hamstring problem after the Blues’ dismal defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday and was hopeful the Spaniard would be fit for the Champions League encounter in midweek.
And on Sunday afternoon, Chelsea’s official account tweeted out pictures of the striker taking part in training drills at the club’s training base in Cobham.
As you know very well we have three injured players. Morata, I hope to have him back very soon, I hope for the next game against Roma,’ Conte said after the disappointment at Selhurst Park.
N’Golo Kante and Alvaro Morata (Picture: Action Images/Reuters/Andrew Couldridge) Chelsea have ruled out the prospect of Alvaro Morata and N’Golo Kante playing against Crystal Palace on Saturday, reports say. Karma? England fans are sharing that video of Wales celebrating Iceland's goal However, the club believes the Chelsea pair will be involved when Roma come to Stamford Bridge next Wednesday in the Champions League. Morata was sent back to London by Spain who declared he had suffered a grade two tear in his hamstring and would miss at least a month. The Daily Star claim Chelsea do not agree with that assessment and are much more optimistic about the recovery time.Morata hurt himself playing against Manchester City (Picture: Getty) Morata is due to return to running this week as Chelsea target a step up in his injury comeback. The Spain international has been assessed by the medical staff at Cobham and has been cleared to step up his recovery. Chelsea resume their league campaign against Palace with the London club rock bottom of the table and the Blues aiming to cut the gap between them and the top two. (Picture: Getty) Six points separate Chelsea and Manchester City and Manchester United and they will be confident they can inflict the eighth straight defeat on Palace.
The Eagles have yet to score this season in the league and Morata would have been eager to face a defence that has been leaking goals. Chelsea welcome Roma to Stamford Bridge in the third game of their Champions League campaign and the Blues have marked that match as the return date for their top scorer.
Antonio Conte will welcome the news from the Chelsea medical team on Morata after Kante limped off against Bulgaria last week. The Chelsea midfielder will return to London on Tuesday night with fears growing he could have suffered a hamstring injury. But, the Blues remain hopeful and think Kante could return in time to join Mor




Antonio Conte is frustrated with Chelsea’s board after failing to sign Fernando Llorente as a back-up option to Alvaro Morata, according to reports.
The Spain international has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge having joined from Real Madrid for a club record fee, but now faces around a month on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Conte wanted more attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window and had asked Chelsea’s board to sign Llorente after failing to sign the Spaniard from Swansea City in January.
But The Times claims that Chelsea’s hierachy were reluctant to sign Llorente due to his lack of resale value and questions surrounding his mobility.

Fernando Llorente was wanted by Antonio Conte this summer. (Getty Images)
Alvaro Morata has scored seven goals for Chelsea this season. (Getty Images)