FC Barcelona News: 31 October 2018

Match Preview: Cultural Leonesa vs FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
Fresh off a historic rout of Real Madrid in the first El Clásico of the season—and riding an impressive, three-game winning streak after vanquishing a trio of Europe’s most formidable sides in a week that unceremoniously commenced with Leo Messi’s fractured arm—FC Barcelona eagerly embark on a noble quest in search of a never-before-seen, fifth consecutive Copa del Rey championship.

Squad announced for Copa first leg at Cultural Leonesa | FC Barcelona
On Tuesday, Ernesto Valverde announced which 18 players he’ll be taking to the Reino de León, and the list goes as follows: Semedo, Denis Suárez, Arthur, Dembélé, Rafinha, Cillessen, Malcom, Lenglet, Samper, Munir, Sergi Roberto, Vidal, Aleñá, Miranda, Riqui Puig, Iñaki Peña, Cuenca and Chumi.

Ernesto Valverde: ‘This is not a friendly, we don’t want any surprises’ | FC Barcelona
“Our opponents have been building up to this game for days. They have a lot to win here and they’ll do all they can to do it. ”Ernesto Valverde was speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey opener against second division Cultural Leonesa (9.30pm CET).

Leo Messi returns to training | FC Barcelona
Messi worked out alongside Gerard Piqué and Jordi Alba, two of the players that coach Ernesto Valverde had given the day off. The defensive duo were not included in the squad for the trip to Leon, where FC Barcelona will play Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.

Cillessen: “I’ve not had offers and I don’t want to leave Barça” | Sport
Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen says he never planned to leave the club despite being No.2 to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. In an interview with SPORT, the Dutch goalkeeper, who will start on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey, says he didn’t have any concrete offers to leave.

Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt priced at €50m | Football Espana
Ajax have placed a €50m valuation on defender and reported Barcelona target Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports. Diario Sport cite a report in Tuttosport which speaks not only of interest from Juventus but that the central defender is valued at the maximum level by the Dutch club.

Jose Mourinho wants to pay Jordi Alba’s release clause | Sport
Jose Mourinho was close to leaving Manchester United a few weeks ago but feels stronger due to recent results. The Portuguese is even thinking about reinforcements to improve the quality of a squad that hasn’t stood up in the big games.

Source: barcablaugranes.com