A 3-1 scoreline was flattering to the losers and a run of four games without a win in all competitions encapsulates a season threatening to end prematurelyThey were enjoying this down by the river, singing along in the spring sunshine. Diego Simeone led them through the chorus of Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You dedicated to Fernando Torres, “The Kid” who is 33 on Monday and who had come on this time unlike the last, finally returning from that head injury, and they swiftly followed by chanting at Cholo too. Related: Lionel Messi scores twice as Barcelona survive early Valencia shock Luis Enrique amused to see journalist fast asleep during his press conference https://t.co/uMo3cI5L6f "I know I can go...
The strugglers’ new manager felt his job would be an emotional one as well as a tactical one – and his players delivered on all fronts at RiazorPepe Mel packed a bag, climbed behind the wheel and headed north from Seville, taking his staff and a little happiness with him. He did not stop until the village of Villafranca del Bierzo, León: 744km gone, 222km to go. It was dark, late and they still did not know if the journey was going to be worth it, ready to turn back if needs be. Unemployed since he left Betis in January 2016, Mel had published his third novel – about football and aimed at kids this time – but coaching is...
Unexpected promotion meant Osasuna were always going to struggle in La Liga this season. Now, with 12 games still to go, that struggle seems overEnrique Martín Monreal was in Madrid when his club called, the phone ringing as he headed back to the hotel from an awards ceremony held by Marca in early November. He hadn’t won – the award for the second division’s best manager in 2015-16 went to Leganés’s Asier Garitano – but he had been a candidate, having unexpectedly brought Osasuna back up to primera, and that was quite something. Besides, he was there representing the club and in the absence of the president, Luis Sabalza, who had a cold, there could be no one better. Represent...
The manager did things his way in revealing his departure but, despite all he has achieved in a relentless job, few tears were shed around the La Liga clubAt the press conference before Barcelona’s match with Sporting Gijón on Wednesday Luis Enrique was asked if he felt tired, worn out by the demands of being manager at the Camp Nou. He had been a little edgy of late, after all – even for him. “No,” he said, a little pointedly, which is how he says a lot of things, “I’m pletórico.” Plethoric, full of energy.At the press conference after Barcelona’s match with Sporting Gijón on Wednesday night, they had finished asking Luis Enrique questions when he announced that he was...
Even if Eibar don’t make it into Europe – and, no, they probably still won’t – the fact that there is a chance of them getting there is somethingJosé Luis Mendilibar didn’t see the moment his team drew level with Real Sociedad and took a step closer to a place they’ve never been before. Eibar’s manager had long since left the bench having been sent off for doing what he does – shouting at one of his players – and as the final minute slipped away so did he, leaving his place in the stand too. He was heading to the dressing room, defeated, when he heard a noise. He knew something had happened but didn’t know what. When he...