FC Barcelona News: 9 November 2019

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Match preview: Barça v Celta | FC Barcelona
Despite 3-1 defeat at Levante last week, Barça are still top of the Liga table with a game in hand on everyone apart from Real Madrid. With the final international break of 2019 to follow, Saturday 9 November (9.00pm CET) brings a home fixture against third-from-bottom Celta.

The squad for the visit of Celta | FC Barcelona
The weekend means the return of La Liga and the third game in eight days for the blaugranes ahead of the upcoming international break. Barça play host to Celta Vigo who are currently in 18th position in the table after a run of four successive defeats and are now coached by former Barça player Òscar Garcia. Ahead of Saturday’s game at Camp Nou, coach Ernesto Valverde announced his 19 man squad for the fixture.

‘He is used to a different type of football’ - Valverde says Griezmann must adapt to Barca’s style of play | Goal
Antoine Griezmann must learn to play to Barcelona’s strengths if his Camp Nou career is to take off, according to head coach Ernesto Valverde. The France international joined Barca from Atletico Madrid for in July but has failed to find his best form in Catalonia.

Barcelona players come to Valverde’s rescue | Marca
Lionel Messi and the rest of the team vouched for the former Athletic Club tactician to stay at the end of last season when the pressure was mounting on his job, and they continue to trust him despite some bad results. Valverde has built a thorough understanding with Barcelona’s superstars and the Argentine was the one to openly back his coach after their defeat against Valencia in last season’s Copa del Rey final.

Barcelona coach Valverde: “I feel supported and respected by the club” | Sport
Ernesto Valverde spoke to the press on Friday after two disappointing results, a 3-1 loss to Levante in La Liga and a goalless draw against Slavia Prague in the Champions League. However, the Barcelona coach revealed he still has the backing of president Josep Maria Bartomeu despite some criticism this season.

Kick off time announced for FC Barcelona v Mallorca | FC Barcelona
The Spanish Football League announced on Friday the kick off times for week 16 of the league season. Barça host Mallorca at Camp Nou on Saturday 7 December at 9.00pm CET, the first meeting between the two clubs in La Liga since the 2012/13 season.

Sources: Barcelona facing Suarez dilemma amid MLS interest | ESPN
Barcelona are facing a Luis Suarez dilemma with sources telling ESPN FC they would be unsure what to do should the Uruguayan striker receive a concrete offer from Major League Soccer. Suarez’s international teammate Nicolas Lodeiro, who plays for Seattle Sounders, revealed this week that the Barca frontman is keen to move to MLS when his time in Spain is up.

River Plate coach Gallardo disputes Barcelona rumours | Goal
Marcelo Gallardo played down rumours he could take over as Barcelona coach, saying his focus was on River Plate. Gallardo has been linked with a move to Camp Nou amid reports Ernesto Valverde will leave no later than the end of the season.

Source: barcablaugranes.com