Xavi Hernandez’s bizarre situation at Barcelona has dominated the headlines, with the 44-year-old seemingly close to being sacked, just weeks after he was convinced to stay on as head coach by Joan Laporta, Deco and co. Now, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has given his views on the matter. Speaking to the media (via Diario […] The post “Very good job” – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addresses Xavi’s uncertain Barcelona future appeared first on Football España.

As recent as last week, it had looked likely that Luka Modric would be leaving Real Madrid. Now, he’s set to remain at the club for another 12 months, following positive meetings with president Florentino Perez. Modric is out of contract at the end of the season, and because of his diminished squad status over […] The post Real Madrid veteran’s agent all-but confirms Real Madrid stay – “He’ll keep writing history” appeared first on Football España.

Following the midweek fixtures of MD36, the La Liga action continues this weekend with MD37, the penultimate round of what has been a fascinating campaign. Real Madrid have already been crowned champions, but several other battles are still very much alive and could reach their conclusions this weekend. Making this matchday extra special is the […] The post La Liga Matchday 37 preview: Various battles could be decided in the penultimate round of the season appeared first on Football España.

The German’s nine-year Anfield tenure has contained some unforgettable highs – and a handful of agonising near-misses Recruiting Jürgen Klopp was a coup for Fenway Sports Group – Liverpool were not what they are now in 2015 – and his willingness to end a planned year-long sabbatical after four months to take the job generated a level of excitement and anticipation among supporters rarely witnessed before. It would not be misplaced. After signing a three-year contract at the city’s Hope Street hotel, and before going for a drink with his family at a bar around the corner, Klopp gave his first interview as Liverpool’s manager. “The message to those Liverpool supporters?” he asks, rhetorically. “We have to change, from doubter to believer. Now.” He had the entire club onside from the word go. Continue reading...

Three days out from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final showdown with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich are sweating on the fitness of one of their most important players, that being Jamal Musiala. Musiala missed Bayern’s demolition of Union Berlin last weekend due to injury, although he was expected to be back to face […] The post Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala suffering with injury problem three days before Real Madrid showdown appeared first on Football España.

Real Madrid will go into Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in good spirits, having won 1-0 against Real Sociedad on Friday night. A heavily-rotated side played that match, so Los Blancos’ regulars will be well-rested for the trip to Bavaria. It means that Ancelotti should be able […] The post Real Madrid welcome back key duo in time for Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich appeared first on Football España.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said on Friday that she hopes the large crowd headed to Stamford Bridge will help her team beat Barça in the Champions League.

Chelsea take a lead into the Champions League semi-final second leg, with the manager plotting a tactical masterclass “It just feels like a longer half-time, that’s all it is,” said Emma Hayes matter-of-factly about the week-long wait between Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League defeat of Barcelona and the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. “We’re at the midway stage of a game that’s a minimum of 180 minutes long. There may be adjustments for half-time and we’re ready for the second half, that’s how I present it to the players.” Continue reading...

In January, Barca legend Xavi announced he would step down as manager at the end of the 2023-24 season. Just 91 days later, he agreed to stay on. What changed and what does it mean moving forward?

Carlo Ancelotti has named a 20-man squad for Real Madrid’s trip to Real Sociedad on Friday night, brought forward 24 hours in order to provide extra rest ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Bayern Munich. The big story of the squad is that Ancelotti has opted not to risk Jude Bellingham. […] The post Jude Bellingham ruled out of Real Madrid’s trip to Real Sociedad after illness concern appeared first on Football España.

Former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain is just a year out into retirement, but has found a way of channeling the competitive energy of an elite athlete. His new hobby is the game sweeping Spain – padel. The former Argentina international retired from football at the age of 34 after a spell […] The post Ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea forward finds new sport after winning competition in Miami appeared first on Football España.

The Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández has reversed his decision to leave the club at the end of the season as 'circumstances have changed'. Xavi originally decided to leave Barça, citing 'a lack of respect' with the belief that the club needed 'a change of direction'. However now he has said 'the main motive wasn’t because of the internal pressure' adding that he is keen to 'continue here with the utmost happiness ... [I am] willing to keep working and building a winning project'. Xavi Hernández to stay on as Barcelona head coach in dramatic U-turn Xavi’s Barça U-turn shows breaking up is hard to do despite tough times Continue reading...

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said he has unfinished business after backtracking on his decision to step down at the end of the season.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday that Xavi Hernandez's decision to stay on as Barcelona manager is the "right decision."