Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top stories involving Barcelona from 9 November 2021.
Philippe Coutinho dismisses claims he refused to come on against Celta Vigo
It has been claimed in the media over the past couple of days that Philippe Coutinho refused to come on during Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo. Interim coach Sergi Barjuan had asked Coutinho to warm up to replace the injured Ansu Fati. However, Alejandro Balde was brought in place for the teenager in the second half.
Coutinho has now rubbished the claims that he was being unprofessional. In a press conference on Monday, Coutinho said:
Pep Guardiola discusses Raheem Sterling to Barcelona rumours
Raheem Sterling is a player who has been extensively linked with Barcelona in recent weeks. The Englishman has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City following the arrival of Jack Grealish this summer. Sterling has started just three Premier League games so far this season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola discussed the rumors and said that he is not aware of Barcelona’s interest in the 26-year-old. Guardiola said (via Manchester Evening News):
Xavi wants Luuk De Jong, Samuel Umtiti and Neto offloaded in January
One of the first things that Xavi wants to get around to at Barcelona is clearing the deadwood at the club. According to Fichajes, Xavi has already identified three players he wants offloaded in January.
Samuel Umtiti, Luuk De Jong and Neto Murara are the three players he wants out of the club in January. Umtiti was deemed surplus to requirements this summer and was set to be sold in the transfer window. However, the Frenchman reportedly convinced Joan Laporta to give him another chance.
But that hasn’t worked out for Umtiti, who is yet to start a single La Liga game this season. Luuk De Jong has proven to be a terrible loan signing. He has scored just a single goal in nine appearances across all competitions.
Finally, Xavi wants to back youngsters Inaki Pena and Arnau Tenas instead of 31-year-old goalkeeper Neto who is unlikely to displace Marc Andre ter Stegen.
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