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Xavi on Busquets: “Sergio Busquets is the smartest player I’ve ever seen or played with — he’s a genius. We lose the best central midfielder of our history — he has been a ‘10’ on everything he did on and of the pitch.”
Xavi on Mateu Alemany leaving Barcelona: “It reminds Busquets’ exit… we lose key person, he has been crucial to rebuild Barcelona. Mateu did an excellent job together with Jordi Cruyff.”
Barcelona remain keen on signing Ilkay Gundogan, but he wants to focus on the end of the season with Manchester City, so there’s no decision on his future just yet, despite an important offer from Barca.
Discussions between Deco and Barcelona are progressing well — negotiations will continue in the coming days to find an agreement on the details of the role. Deco, is tempted by this opportunity after Mateu Alemany left Barca in order to join Aston Villa.
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro on Xabi Alonso and Spurs/Real Madrid links: “I’m sure Xabi Alonso will stay with us next season. We’re enjoying working on this project together. He’s under contract until June 2024, we hope to keep Xabi for long time.”
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic: “Mazraoui will stay with us — he’s got great class. We would love to keep also Benjamin Pavard. We’re currently in talks with him and his management.”
Chelsea are now set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach – full agreement in place as expected. Pochettino has accepted all conditions and will soon sign a long-term deal following negotiations, which have been advanced since April.
Pochettino will sign his contract in the next days but he will start this new Chelsea chapter in June, now now, with Lampard staying on as caretaker coach. Poch will bring in his people for coaching staff, and he will discuss transfer strategy with club immediately.
Chelsea explored other options, such as Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, which is absolutely normal for a top club, but late in April Pochettino became the leading candidate. He speaks perfect English and has experience in the Premier League, which was not true of some of the other candidates, while he’s also dealt with a difficult dressing room at Paris Saint-Germain. He’s really appreciated because of these factors, and has…
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