We take a look at some of the key stories doing the rounds concerning FC Barcelona.
Coutinho labels ‘MSN’ trio as best in the world.
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, the Brazilian states that he thought Barcelona’s attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were his choice for the 3 best players in the world. “My top three players in the world are the MSN trio. One is fast, the other is skilful and then there’s the top scorer, so they really complete each other.”
He also went on to say that he admired some Real Madrid players too, like Cristiano Ronaldo, but insisted that Barcelona’s South American attack completed each other. Coutinho has played with Neymar in the national team set up and these statements come in the midst of him being linked with a move to Barcelona and arch rivals Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old has been on fire for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season and prior to the injury he suffered, he made 14 appearances for Liverpool this season with a return of 6 goals and 6 assists in the process. Liverpool are reportedly lining up a new contract for the Brazilian international in order to fend off interest from the likes of Barcelona and PSG.
Samuel Umtiti labels Guardiola’s Barcelona ‘boring’
Samuel Umtiti joined Barcelona from French side Olympique Lyonnais in June for €30 million. He has been restricted to only 11 appearances in all competitions this season, due to hamstring and ligament injuries. Speaking during an interview to France Football, the French international had some damning words for Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona side, that won 14 trophies and conquered Europe and the World on 2 separate occasions. That side also laid the foundation for the Spanish football’s most successful era on the international stage.
The 22-year-old said that he loved watching the team whilst Frank Rijkaard was at the helm, praising their style and movement of the ball and insisted that no other side did it like them. “There was an incredible winning culture,”he said. He said “The players never seemed satisfied. I almost never missed their matches.” Then he thought that it became less interesting after Guardiola’s arrival. “Then it became less interesting. I said to my friends, ‘I love Barcelona’s style of play, but when they keep the ball for 10 years, it’s as boring. After that, Barcelona evolved again.” [via Fox Sports]
PSG make contact with Messi’s father amidst Inter Milan links
According to RTL, PSG’s Director Of Football Patrick Kluivert met with Lionel Messi’s father Jorge in the past few days, likely to talk about a possible move. The 29-year-old has a contract up until 2018 with Barcelona and there has been no news of a new contract or a renewal, and he may be considering his options after spending 16 years at the club. According to the French outlet, there could be further negotiations and meetings between the Ligue 1 outfit and Messi’s representatives in the coming days or weeks. Recently, Serie A outfit Inter Milan have been linked with a move for the striker, with form Inter director Tronchetti Provera saying, “Messi is the dream, and sometimes dreams can come true.” The Nerazzurri will have the financial backing of their new owners and will have no shortage of funds to spend on the five time Ballon D’or winner.
