FC Barcelona News: 11 August 2019

Photo by Gregory Shamus/International Champions Cup/Getty Images

HAIL TO THE VICTORS! | FC Barcelona
For 47 minutes on Saturday at Michigan Stadium, it appeared that Napoli and Barça were headed for a scoreless draw. Then, in the blink of an eye, it was all over.Clinging to a 2-1 aggregate lead after Wednesday’s triumph in Miami, and with the second half barely underway, the Catalans scored four times in 15 minutes to run up a 6-1 aggregate lead over Napoli, for all intents and purposes clinching the La Liga Serie A Cup with over 25 minutes to play.

Suárez tops preseason scoring | FC Barcelona
Luis Suárez is going into the new season in HOT form. His brace against Napoli on Saturday night means he ends the preseason as Barça’s top scorer with three goals. Particularly impressive considering he didn’t even go on the Japan Tour! He’s followed by Carles Pérez and Ivan Rakitic with two goals each. The Barça B forward was on target twice against Vissel Kobe, while the Croatian scored a blinder in Tokyo and then hit home a similarly brilliant finish in Miami.

‘It’s looking difficult’ - Messi set to miss Barcelona’s La Liga opener with calf strain | Goal
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde believes it is “difficult” to see Lionel Messi returning from injury for his side’s La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao on Friday. Messi, 32, missed Barcelona’s trip to the United States, where they claimed two wins over Napoli, due to a calf strain.

Coutinho to stay at Barcelona | Marca
Phillipe Coutinho will remain a Barcelona player after the club admitted that a move away will not happen this summer. Barcelona had been open to selling the midfielder after an underwhelming first full season but, after the English transfer window shut on August 8, have concluded he will stay.

FC Barcelona REFUSE to pay for Neymar return | Football Espana
FC Barcelona have rejected the possibility of paying a transfer fee to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou. According to reports in Marca, the La Liga holders have informed the French club that they are keen to see the Brazilian international back at the club, however they are only interested in a player-swap deal.

Lenglet: The fight for LaLiga Santander is more difficult each year | Marca
Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet believes the challenge facing Barcelona this season will be greater, as they look to retain their LaLiga Santander title. The Frenchman is aware of the division’s quality, and knows Barcelona will have to be at their best to become LaLiga Santander champions for the third consecutive time, while challenging for trophies in all competitions.

Rafinha is on the verge of finally signing for Valencia | Sport
Barça have decided to let Rafinha leave the club this summer before his contract expires in 12 months time. Valencia are the frontrunners for his signature, with the player keen to make the move too, and the two sides aren’t far apart over the fee.

Source: barcablaugranes.com