Connect with us

Sports

Coach Xavi Hernandez Announces Departure From Barcelona

Published

on

In a dramatic twist for Barcelona, Coach Xavi Hernandez has made the tough call to part ways with the club following a disappointing season.

The revelation was brought to light by renowned sports and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on Saturday.

This choice follows Barcelona’s significant loss, conceding five goals to 14th-place Villareal on the night.

In a statement, Xavi was quoted saying, “I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change. As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave.

“I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.”

Xavi boasts an illustrious history with Barcelona, having dedicated 17 years to the club as a player.

His remarkable legacy includes an impressive 767 games played and an impressive collection of 25 trophies, featuring eight league crowns and four Champions League triumphs.

In a strategic move in November 2021, Barcelona appointed the iconic former midfielder and captain as the first-team coach.

This decision came in the aftermath of the dismissal of Ronald Koeman, with Xavi signing a coaching contract set to run until 2024.

Barcelona secured Xavi’s managerial prowess by fulfilling the terms of his contract release from Qatari side Al-Sadd.

In his inaugural full season as the club’s manager, Xavi achieved success by capturing both the 2022–23 Supercopa de España and the 2022–23 La Liga title.

Nevertheless, the current season has proven to be underwhelming for Barca, marking a stark contrast to Xavi’s initial managerial triumphs.

Barcelona faced a setback on Wednesday as they were ousted from the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, succumbing to a 4-2 extra-time defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Following the Villareal match, Xavi openly conveyed his disappointment with the criticism he has encountered during his tenure at the club.

In a candid statement to reporters, he addressed the comparisons to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, asserting, “You asked me many times if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barça… the truth is that it will NEVER happen here.”

“You guys won’t allow it. Being Barça coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you. This club needs a change of dynamic.

“I’m the most responsible one, so the players will finally feel free now. The club will improve with this decision,” he declared.

 

 

Sports

Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

Published

on

Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Continue Reading

Sports

Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

Published

on

Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

Continue Reading

Sports

Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

Published

on

 

RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release

The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.