FC Barcelona News: 25 August 2018

Match Preview - Valladolid vs FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
In his pre-match press conference on Friday evening, Ernesto Valverde noted that: “Valladolid are a team that plays very well, with the lines close together. They were great defensively against Girona and earned a draw.”“Outside of the Camp Nou, it’s always more difficult because of the rival’s enthusiasm. It’s possible that both teams will be equal because of the joy of the last promotion.”

Ernesto Valverde: ‘All away games are difficult’ | FC Barcelona
Facing the press before the game against Valladolid, Ernesto Valverde immediately acknowledged the difficulties that away games present. “Outside of the Camp Nou, it’s always more difficult because of the rival’s enthusiasm,” he said. As explained by the coach, the whole of Pucela will also be spurred on by Valladolid’s promotion to the First Division.

The squad for Valladolid | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will face Real Valladolid in the second match of the League season, and the game will be played this Saturday, August 25, at 10.15pm CEST. Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 18 players: Ter Stegen, Ezkieta, N.Semedo, Piqué, I.Rakitic, Sergio, Coutinho, Arthur, Suárez, Messi, Dembélé, Malcom, Lenglet, Jordi Alba , S.Roberto, Vidal and Umtiti.

Ernesto Valverde ‘counting on’ Ivan Rakitic amid reports of €90m PSG bid | ESPN
Ernesto Valverde warned Barcelona against selling Ivan Rakitic in the final week of the transfer window amid reports Paris Saint-Germain will offer €90 million for the midfielder. Rakitic, 30, has been an ever-present contributor under both Valverde and Luis Enrique since joining the La Liga champions from Sevilla in 2014.

Ernesto Valverde wants Rafinha to stay at Barcelona despite Real Betis interest | ESPN
Ernesto Valverde expressed his desire for Rafinha to stay at Barcelona but stopped short of ruling out a move to Real Betis, who have confirmed their interest in the midfielder. Rafinha, 25, impressed during preseason after returning from a loan spell with Inter Milan and started the Spanish Super Cup win over Sevilla earlier this month.

Pique set for landmark 300th league appearance against Valladolid | Marca
Gerard Pique is set to make his 300th LaLiga Santander appearance for his childhood club Barcelona when they face Real Valladolid on Saturday. The centre half debuted in LaLiga as a Zaragoza player, on loan from Manchester United, on September 24, 2006 where he made his mark with a goal in the 90th minute.

Sergi Puig extends Barça deal, goes on loan to Conquense | Sport
Two in one. A contract renewal and a loan move for Sergi Puig. SPORT revealed a few days ago that he was set to go out on loan again. He had an offer from Salamanca UDS, but in the end has joined Conquense.

Source: barcablaugranes.com