When club president Amadeo Salvo refused to do a television interview in the aftermath of Valencia's defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening, he went to wait in the player's changing room for manager Miroslav Djukic. The writing was on the wall after the 0-3 loss and even though the Serb emerged to face the media and to leave the Vicente Calderon with his team, a day later he was gone. … [Read more...]
United in for Koke
Manchester United boss David Moyes was in Madrid last night to take a look at Atletico Madrid youngster Koke ahead of a potential January move. 21-year-old Koke has been impressive for a resurgent Atletico Madrid over the past two seasons and secured himself a spot in Vincente del Bosque's full Spain squad during the last international break. It is well known the problems United have in midfield with Michael Carrick injured and Marouane Fellaini struggling to adapt at Old Trafford and Moyes could make another bid to rescue United's title challenge. Moyes was looking at the Spanish market in … [Read more...]
La Real suffer dismal Champions League experience
As Carlos Vela slalomed through a static Lyon defence to delicately chip home a fourth goal for Sociedad back in August, there were few doubts that the side were capable of beating some of Europe's top sides. The Mexican's second of the night in front of almost 29,000 Basques rounded off a 4-0 aggregate win for Sociedad over the French side on a wonderful night that perfectly capped off the previous 12 months of industry. A squad full of creativity, passion and nous were the young trendsetters in European football; the next big thing from behind the Real-Barca curtain. At least it looked that … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 15
The La liga title race came to life, once again, over the weekend as champions and leaders Barcelona finally fell to that inevitable defeat that had been lurking since their talisman, Lionel Messi got injured. Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory earlier on Saturday means the Whites are now only 3 points behind their eternal rivals as well as city rivals, Atletico Madrid. Time for us to reel-out our Team of the week, honouring those players who have impressed during the past round of matches. Sevilla’s Portugese goalkeeper Beto wins our heart in goal after producing crucial and timely saves to give his … [Read more...]
Morata being tracked by Tottenham and Arsenal
The Daily Mail are reporting that both Tottenham and Arsenal are keeping their eyes on out-of-favour Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata. Carlo Ancelotti preferred Jese to Morata for the Champions League game with Galatasaray in midweek which has apparently alerted the two top teams in North London. … [Read more...]
Liverpool open talks with Montoya
Liverpool have made the first move to sign Barcelona defender Martin Montoya after the Reds opened talks with the Nou Camp youngster. Montoya is out of contract in the summer and Barcelona look ready to offload the La Masia graduate in January. Talks have been ongoing between Montoya and Barcelona with the 22-year-old keen on staying at the club but Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre has flown out to discuss a potential fee. … [Read more...]
Football and cars – a match made in heaven
There's nothing pretty about stereotypes, especially when it comes to gender, but if you were putting together a lifestyle website aimed at men you might consider pitching it around the two subjects close to many a man's heart; namely football and cars. Of course, this might have something to do with the fact that the huge wages earn by most top flight footballers seem to go on a fleet of expensive motors before anything else, but in truth there are practical reasons why the two go together for many normal people too. … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 14
The international break is finally over -at least for the next 5 months-and the return of La liga feels like early Christmas. As has become the tradition right here on La Liga blog, we recognise and salute the outstanding performers after every match week in our unique Team of the Week feature. Unsurprisingly, the team is dominated by players from Atletico Madrid (the round's biggest winners). … [Read more...]
Ancelotti not right for Los Blancos claims ex Madrid president
Is Carlo Ancelotti the right man to lead Los Blancos? Not according to Ramon Calderon. "It seems to me that Ancelotti does not have the personality and charisma to lead Real Madrid" said the ex-CEO earlier this month. He went on to attack their style of play under Ancelotti saying it wasn’t 'defined' or 'organized' and that they 'concede too many goals'. In Calderon’s eyes, the hiring of Ancelotti was a mistake. … [Read more...]
Derby defeat for Betis may push Mel closer to the edge
"I don't know if my players are good or if my players are bad, all I know is that they are my players and I have to pick them up” said a dejected Pepe Mel after he had watched his Real Betis side dismantled against Sevilla. He had just had to watch Sevilla's indulge in the 4-0 thrashing with their fans who chanted "Let Pepe Mel jump” around the Sanchez Pijuan and the 2.1 mile journey back to the Villamarin would have felt like the longest of journeys as, in another fact Sevilla's faithful were quick to point out, Betis were heading to the Segunda. … [Read more...]