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علّق المدير الفني لفريق برشلونة، تشافي هيرنانديز، على فوزهم في مباراة الأمس ضد بارباسترو في بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات دور الـ32 من البطولة، موسم 2023/24، حيث فاز برشلونة بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وقال تشافي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “لقد عانينا قليلاً، كان الشوط الأول جديًا للغاية، لكن هذه المباريات دائمًا ما تكون معقدة، كان الأمر أكثر تعقيدًا بالنسبة لنا، لقد وصلنا إلى الدور التالي، وهذا هو الهدف”.

وأضاف: “كنا نعاني من الافتقار إلى التركيز، كانت مباراة خاضعة للسيطرة للغاية، الأمر معقد بالنسبة لنا بسبب أخطائنا”.

وأردف: “لقد كانت مباراة خطيرة للغاية وكانت صعبة بالنسبة لنا، ولكن المهم هو تأهلنا، لم أشاهد ضربة الجزاء، ولكن أخبروني أن هدف فيليكس الملغي كان صحيحًا، من المؤسف أننا لا نمتلك تقنية الفيديو في هذه المسابقة، لا أفهم سبب عدم وجودها”.

وأكد: “لا يوجد أي توتر بيننا وبين بارباسترو، لقد تحدثت للتو مع مدربهم ومع لاعبيهم في غرفة خلع الملابس، لا تبحث عن التوتر حيث لا يوجد”.

وفيما يتعلق بإصابة إينيجو مارتينيز بعد دقائق من نزوله كبديل، عقب تعافيه من إصابة سابقة، قال تشافي: “نأمل ألا تكون خطيرة، ولكنه أخبرني أنها في الساق الأخرى، سنرى الفحوص”.

Newcastle United will head to west London for their Premier League clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium this afternoon, following their comfortable victory on Wednesday night.

The Magpies have been in fine form over their last two fixtures and look to be back to their best in front of goal, with seven scored in less than a week, and Eddie Howe will be hoping that his squad can continue to dominate their opponents when they meet with Thomas Frank's side today.

In terms of injuries, Emil Krafth and Miguel Almiron remain unavailable for selection, and despite the thrashing delivered against West Ham United, the Newcastle boss is prepared to make changes to rotate his team to keep them fresh during the quick turnaround of fixtures.

Howe took to his pre-match press conference to hint that he has no problem with making tweaks to his starting XI for their second game in London this week, so there could well be some rotation in store for the Toon against the Bees.

How could Newcastle line up vs Brentford?

Nick Pope (GK), Kieran Trippier (RB), Fabian Schar (CB), Sven Botman (CB), Dan Burn (LB), Joe Willock (CM), Bruno Guimaraes (CM), Joelinton (CM), Anthony Gordon (RW), Alexander Isak (ST), Allan Saint-Maximin (LW)

Football FanCast predicts that Howe will make three changes to the team that beat West Ham, maintaining his successful 4-3-3 formation.

We expect to see an unchanged defensive setup with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar retaining their centre-back partnership, whilst Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier occupy the wider positions.

The first change we predict will be in the highly competitive midfield three, with Joe Willock replacing Sean Longstaff in the centre of the pitch alongside Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

£80k-per-week ace Willock – hailed "immense" by Rio Ferdinand – has been incredibly influential over the last few weeks with two assists and one goal scored in his last four games, so it would be a no-brainer to include him in the starting XI to add fresh legs and a boost to the attacking threat.

The second and third changes we expect to see are found in the front three, with the in-form Alexander Isak replacing Callum Wilson in the striker role and January signing Anthony Gordon coming in for Jacob Murphy on the right, with only Allan Saint-Maximin retaining his spot in the final third.

With that being said, subtle tweaks and rotation could pay off massively for the Newcastle boss if they can snatch all three points from Brentford this afternoon, and will give him the opportunity to keep his players fresh to ensure their Champions League qualifying dreams are still alive as we go deeper into the run-in.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that club captain Jordan Henderson will remain at Liverpool until here retires.

What's the latest on Jordan Henderson and Liverpool?

The England midfielder has won essentially all he can under Jurgen Klopp. Indeed, the duo have lifted the Premier League, the Champions League, and numerous other trophies during their time at Anfield.

At 32 years of age now, however, it remains unclear how many years Henderson has left in him at the very top. He still has a contract that runs until 2025, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll see that out.

By the end of his current deal, he will be turning 35 that summer. So he may want to leave then, or even before that stage, to allow him a final few years at a new club to experience a different challenge.

However, while speaking about the player on his YouTube channel, Talbot insisted that Henderson will remain with Liverpool until he opts to retire.

The journalist explained (32:01): “Henderson won't go for a while man. Henderson is going to be at that Liverpool club until retirement because he's too much of a dressing-room presence.

"You know, the relationships he has there. And sometimes that's important. It's not just about your ability on the ball."

How long has Henderson been at Liverpool?

Klopp certainly has been a big fan of Henderson over the years. After all, the Englishman has played 292 games for his current manager – more than any other coach in his career.

And even this season, the 32-year-old has played 31 games across all competitions. However, he has started just 14 Premier League games which suggests the German may be ready to move on from over-relying upon his captain who currently earns £140,000 per week,

What's more, there has been plenty of talk about how Liverpool want to revamp their midfield in the summer with a couple of big names. For instance, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Gavi and Matheus Nunes have all popped up in the media as possible targets.

With that being the case, Henderson could soon see his minutes diminish further and so he could eventually feel as though he'd rather join somewhere else so he can see out his career on the pitch instead of on the bench.

However, Talbot seems to think he'll remain at Liverpool regardless and after so many good years with the club – having joined from Sunderland back in 2011 – any loyalty would be understandable.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is on the cusp of something special with the Old Trafford side. Humiliations against Manchester City and Liverpool aside, the club have won their first trophy in six years and are still in the hunt for a total of four trophies this term.

The Dutchman has made some impressive signings, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen boosting the midfield, while defender Lisandro Martinez has been a revelation at the club.

The Argentinian centre-back has received an average rating of 7.07 via Sofascore for his Premier League performances and ranks first in the squad for accurate passes per game (47.6), second for clearances (3.5) and fifth for both interceptions (1.2) and tackles (1.9).

Despite the impressive displays by the player, the 7-0 and 6-3 drubbings by their biggest rivals, plus the fact United have conceded 47 goals in all competitions this season, perhaps suggest that the defence could be improved.

If only the manager could have a player that Sir Alex Ferguson signed in January 2006 at the club right now as he would certainly make a difference – Nemanja Vidic.

How did Nemanja Vidic perform at Manchester United?

The 36-cap Serbian warrior became arguably Fergie’s greatest defensive signing in his final decade in charge of the side and he was the lynchpin of United’s last great era under the Scot.

He played 300 matches for the Red Devils and was even dubbed “unbeatable” by Paul Scholes, while another Rio Ferdinand also lauded him with praise, saying: “He became a defender that was feared. He could fight with the most physical, he crunched into tackles, he attacked the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen. But as he will tell you with a smile, he could also play with the ball too, which made him complete and a great defender.”

Vidic was even voted as the greatest-ever Premier League defender in a Twitter poll by Sky Sports News, defeating Virgil van Dijk with 54.5% of the votes and that illustrates just good he really was.

The enforcer averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.17 or higher in the five seasons he played in the Premier League while the statistics were available, which is considerably better than the 6.79 rating Martinez has managed this term and suggests that the Serbian would be a significant upgrade on United’s current options in that position.

Imagine him in ten Hag’s backline now at his peak. The tank would be incredible, based on his impressive aforementioned statistics, and would shore up the United defence.

Martinez has been great so far, yet there is always room for improvement, and anyone that wants to be at the heart of the United defence for years should take inspiration from Vidic and all that he achieved.

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada ahead of a potential move as a free agent in the summer.

The Lowdown: Kamada profiled

Kamada is establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe, ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals, as well as in the top 10% of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for the likes of assists, touches and progressive passes received per game (FBRef).

His contract at Frankfurt is up in the summer, meaning that he can leave on a free transfer once it expires.

With a market value of just under £30m, Kamada is sure to attract plenty of interest as a free agent.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘keeping tabs’

Co-writing for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle are among a number of clubs that are ‘keeping tabs’ on Kamada’s situation at Frankfurt ahead of a possible move this summer.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also doing the same, while FC Barcelona, PSG and Borussia Dortmund are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The Verdict: Smart business

The St. James’ Park outfit may be tempted to splash the cash in the summer, but signing Kamada on a free transfer would be a really smart piece of business.

Lauded as a ‘joy to watch’ and an ‘incredible talent’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the Japan International was instrumental in Frankfurt’s UEFA Europa League win last campaign, five goals and making one assist as he started all but one match (Transfermarkt).

He has taken that fine form into this season, netting 13 times and supplying 5 assists in total across all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with Jonjo Shelvey allowed to go to Nottingham Forest in January, Kamada would be perfect to slot straight into the squad for next term.

Leeds United target Marcelo Gallardo appears to have become the latest manager to turn down a move to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Corberan and Iraola snub Leeds

The Whites have seemingly missed out on two of their top managerial targets in West Brom’s Carlos Corberan and Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola.

Former Whites assistant Corberan rejected an 18-month contract in favour of extending his stay at The Hawthorns, while one Spanish reporter suggested that Iraola turned down Leeds in favour of fulfilling his contract with Los Vallecanos.

The Latest: Gallardo also rejects Leeds

Gallardo, formerly of River Plate, was thought to be on Leeds’ four-man managerial shortlist, with Phil Hay stating that Victor Orta is an admirer of the 47-year-old.

ESPN journalist Jorge Baravalle has now said on Twitter that Gallardo was actually contacted by Leeds and received a proposal from Elland Road, but the Argentine didn’t consider a move and wants a return to management in the summer.

The Verdict: Arne Slot or interim boss?

Leeds’ search for a new manager hasn’t exactly gone swimmingly, with three coaches now appearing to turn down the vacant position.

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot could be the Whites’ last option, with reports claiming that an approach has been made for the Dutchman.

Should that fail to materialise, then Andrea Radrizzani, the 49ers and Victor Orta may have to look down the route of an interim manager, something which has already been spoken about amongst the Elland Road hierarchy.

West Ham United could be about to let go of another player after Craig Dawson as talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook shares news on Darren Randolph.

The Lowdown: Dawson departs…

The Hammers have completed one signing in Danny Ings from Aston Villa with defender Craig Dawson departing for the Midlands with Wolves.

It’s one in, one out at the London Stadium as manager David Moyes attempts to upgrade his ranks and push on from their 2-0 win over Everton at the weekend.

Balancing the books will be a key part of the January transfer process with news coming to light on another ‘imminent’ departure from the Premier League club.

The Latest: West Ham exit ‘imminent’

Taking to Twitter, reporter Alex Crook has now claimed that Randolph’s departure from east London is expected as he nears a Bournemouth.

Commenting on Nicolas Jackson’s potential arrival at Bournemouth, the journalist claimed:

“Another imminent new arrival at #AFCB is #WHUFC goalkeeper Darren Randolph, brings a wealth of experience and will be a good addition to a young dressing room.”

The Verdict: A good servant…

Randolph has done his utmost when called upon across two spells at West Ham, first signing for the club in 2015 before joining Middlesbrough and re-signing for the Irons in 2020.

Perhaps most notably, he played in-between the sticks during West Ham’s final game at the Boleyn Ground in May 2016 – a match forever etched in history for the fanbase.

Randolph enjoyed a brilliant spell at Boro in-between his two spells at West Ham, being selected for the EFL Championship PFA Team of the Year and Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year in 2019.

The club re-signed him as a capable back-up to Fabianski in 2020 after the Pole’s injury as they were to desperate for cover at the time.

When called upon, Randolph did a job and earned praise for his occasional performances from the West Ham faithful, with a few supporters stating they wish they had never let him go to Boro.

Overall, the 35-year-old, who has 50-caps for the Republic of Ireland, has been a good servant and Bournemouth will be acquiring an experienced figurehead.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that the West Ham United board are yet to hold any meeting regarding the future manager David Moyes amid growing pressure.

What’s the latest?

In their latest Premier League fixture, the Hammers fell to yet another defeat – this time losing 1-0 away from home against Wolves – meaning they now sit inside the bottom three.

Aware of media rumours that he could be sacked, Moyes seemed to plea with the club’s fans after the game, telling the press (via Evening Standard): “I think what we’ve given West Ham supporters in the last few years, I hope they’ll give us back when we’re in a difficult period.”

And while some may well be expecting a sacking to happen in the very near future, it seems as though the board are yet to hold any major discussions about the manager in the aftermath of the loss at Molineux.

Indeed, as revealed by Ex on the West Ham Way Patreon Page, any rumours of a meeting have been denied by his ‘well-placed source’ and so Moyes is expected to be in charge for the club’s next game.

The insider wrote: “Rumours that a board meeting took place have been described as “news to me” by a well-placed source that I messaged earlier. I have also messaged a couple of the playing staff who are also unaware of anything.

“Of course a meeting could happen on Sunday but so far there appears to be no plans. It is expected that the Everton game will still see David Moyes in charge despite another poor performance at Wolves.  If we hear anything different we will let you know.”

Last chance saloon?

Before the break for the winter World Cup, Moyes was under pressure and it feels as though very little has improved since the return of Premier League football in England.

Indeed, in that period, the Hammers have played four league matches, losing three and drawing one – though did at least beat Brentford in the FA Cup. However, the board still seem to be backing the manager.

In fairness, Moyes led the club to sixth and seventh in the last two seasons – sixth being the best the club have achieved since 1999 – but there has been a sharp drop-off in form this term.

As a result, West Ham now sit 18th in the division but are level on points with the only two teams in the division lower than them – all having played 19 games so far this season.

Every game is beginning to feel like this last chance to salvage the mess. Perhaps that will finally be the case against Everton next weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte wants two big signings every transfer window and this winter market will be no different.

What’s the word?

Insider Dean Jones has suggested the Italian demands two big additions during every transfer window and this window may now seem bigger than those gone by with his future in north London under serious scrutiny.

Speaking on the Ranks FC podcast amid the January window, the transfer guru said: “Conte wants two significant signings every single transfer window. These aren’t signings that are backup players, these are players of [Dejan] Kulusevski’s nature. He feels at the moment when Kulusevski’s not available in this team, there’s nobody else of that level.”

The Lilywhites have picked up from where they left off before the World Cup break and not in a good way as their defensive frailties continue to show following their draw against Brentford and defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.

And with the north London side sliding down the table and outside of the Champions League spots, Jones expects Conte to demand at least two new starters during this month’s transfer window.

January magic needed

As Jones suggested, Conte is expected to want at least two significant signings but if his time in north London is now uncertain, then is Daniel Levy likely to grant him his demands?

The Italian now has just a matter of months remaining on his deal at Spurs and there will be question marks as to whether his long-term future is at Tottenham with the Londoners struggling in the way that they are.

And if Conte is to leave either at the end of the season or even before that, will Levy provide Conte with the players he wants when he may potentially have to find a new manager in the coming months?

But with their current form in mind, it has to be said for the good of their chances in qualifying for next season’s Champions League, signings are needed.

During the game against Aston Villa, Harry Kane had to wait 20 minutes for his first touch of the ball and come the end of the game only had 35 touches to his name (via SofaScore).

And their defensive frailties are there for all to see, so it seems as if it could be a big summer for Fabio Paratici if the club’s owners are to provide the funds needed to bolster their Champions League push.

Aston Villa could sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in a swap deal with Emiliano Martinez, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Martinez feud rumour

Unai Emery is still adjusting to his new surroundings at Villa Park and he will likely be looking for new signings in the January transfer window.

In terms of outgoings, however, it could be that Martinez potentially departs, after recent reports suggested he and Emery clashed during their time at Arsenal.

Now, a new rumour has emerged regarding a possible exit deal with a sweetened pot.

The Latest: Swap deal in the offing?

According to Calciomercato, Juventus are keen on signing Martinez and are planning to offer McKennie to Villa in a swap deal next month.

Both players are believed to be valued at around £22.5million, so there may not be additional fees involved in the trade.

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The Verdict: Could be a good compromise

Ideally, Villa would keep hold of Martinez, considering what a strong performer he has been between the sticks for the club – Matty Cash has described him as ‘unbelievable’ – and is also proving to be for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

Should he not want to work with Emery, however, the only solution will be for him to be sold, at which point a swap deal with McKennie could be the best outcome.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a good World Cup for the USA, starting four times alongside Tyler Adams, with ESPN commentator and reporter Eugenio Leal hailing the American midfield as ‘sensational’.