We take a look at some of the biggest stories regarding FC Barcelona doing the rounds today
Topics include the usual player linkups with Barcelona, players still talking about El Clasico and news surrounding the unfortunate tragedy at Chapecoense
Digne Insists Barcelona Have ‘Moved On’
The 23-year-old insisted that it was important that Barcelona enjoyed a convincing and comprehensive victory to help them get over their disappointment of not winning the Clasico against Real Madrid.
The Frenchman didn’t feature in the match, which Barcelona drew 1-1 thanks to a last minute Sergio Ramos header. Barcelona bounced back from that victory with a dominating victory against Borussia Monchengladbach in their final match of the UEFA Champions League Group stages and Digne had a superb game, helping his side keep a clean sheet in the 4-0 victory.
Speaking to Goal, he said “The best medicine after a disappointment is a great team performance and a convincing victory, so now we have moved on. We were disappointed right after El Clasico, because they scored such a late goal. We felt that we deserved a win, but we didn’t get it.”
Digne was given his opportunity to impress after injuries to first-choice left-back Jordi Alba and has continued to feature on the left flank after the Spaniard’s return from injury.
He has featured more than any of Barcelona’s other signings this season and says that he ‘enjoys’ the pressure, saying that it comes with the territory of being a Barcelona player: “I was bought as a part of a new Barca generation. We all need to deliver on the pitch from day one, because at Barca you are in the best team of the world, so you must win every game you play.
“I enjoy that kind of positive pressure. I believe that it makes me grow as a player. As a person I always want to win, and we all do – that is why we are here.”
Chapecoense Accept Barcelona’s Invitation
Post the heartbreaking plane crash that claimed the lives of 77 people, which included the staff and players of the club, there has been an outpouring of tributes and memorials in honour of those who lost their lives and to help the club rebuild so that they may keep competing.
In one such act, Barcelona issued an invitation to the Brazilian side on Thursday to come and participate in the Joan Gamper trophy in 2017.
Barcelona and Chapecoense will compete for the trophy right before the start of the new campaign, which is named in honour of a founding member, former player and ex-President of the club.
Chapecoense President Ivan Tozzo gladly accepted, stating that it would be a privilege. According to Spanish publication MARCA, he said “It’s a huge joy for us to be invited to the Gamper and we are very grateful Barcelona invited us. It’ll be a privilege and our pleasure to play in Europe.”
Barcelona Monitoring Dayotchanculle Upamecano
The La Liga Champions are reportedly monitoring Red Bull Salzburg defender Dayotchanculle Upamecano, an 18-year-old French center-back. He moved to Salzburg from Valencienn According to Spanish publication SPORT, the youngster made his first team debut for the Austrian side in the last campaign and he has held on his starting sport ever since.
The report states that Salzburg are aware of Barcelona’s interest in their young defender, who is apparently considered to be one of the most promising young players in the world. Premier League side Manchester City are also reported to be interested in the defender. He is a regular for France’s youth teams, which is how he caught Barcelona’s attention.
Darijo Srna Wants Barcelona Switch
Aleix Vidal’s exile from the first team and Barcelona’s inability to replace Dani Alves in the summer has seen Luis Enrique deploy midfielder Sergi Roberto in right back.
Hardly a like for like replacement, even if the Spaniard has been putting in decent performances over the course of this campaign. However, he remains their weakest link and Barcelona are desperate to replace him with a proper right back.
Vidal is the only natural right back in the squad and he was recent called back to face Borussia Monchengladbach where he put in arguably his best performance in a Barcelona shirt. However, he was left out of the squad against Osasuna, fuelling speculation that his future post the January transfer window lies elsewhere.
Last month it was rumoured that the Blaugrana were close to signing Shakhtar Donestk veteran Darijo Srna on a temporary basis, till the end of the current campaign.
Now Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the 34-year-old is aware of Barcelona’s interest and is open to making the switch to the Nou Camp to play with some of the best players in the world, after spending 13 years with Shakhtar.
Barcelona reportedly contacted the player’s ‘closest circle’ of representatives to explore the possibility. The report further states that he was introduced to the possibility in the summer and the thought of playing in a war-free zone and a chance to prove himself in a bigger league is appealing to the former Croatia captain, so much so that he has requested Shakhtar to let him go in the upcoming transfer window.
