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totalsoccer · 4 years

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Barca train...but no Messi yet

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT VIDEO SHOWS: BARCELONA TRAINING SESSION SHOWS: BARCELONA, SPAIN (SEPTEMBER 5, 2020) (BARCA TV - ACCESS ALL) 1. BARCELONA PLAYERS WARMING UP INCLUDING LUIS SUAREZ (SECOND FROM RIGHT) AND PEDRI (SECOND FROM LEFT) 2. BARCELONA COACH, RONALD KOEMAN WATCHING ON 3. TRAINING SESSION IN PROGRESS 4. SUAREZ TRAINING 5. PLAYERS TRAINING 6. PEDRI THROWING BALL TO TEAM MATE 7. SUAREZ AND TEAM MATE DOING STRETCHES EXERCISE 8. PLAYERS WARMING UP 9. DEFENDER, GERARD PIQUE (RIGHT) THROWING BALL TO MIDFIELDER, CARLES ALENA 10. MIDFIELDER, RIQUI PUIG SMILING WHILE THROWING BALL 11. VARIOUS OF GOALKEEPER, INAKI TRAINING 12. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS DOING A RONDO TRAINING DRILL 13. VARIOUS OF PHILIPPE COUTINHO DOING INDIVIDUAL TRAINING STORY: Barcelona trained on Saturday (September 5) but Lionel Messi was still absent despite announcing he would be staying at the Nou Camp for the 2020/21 season. The club captain will have to undergo a COVID-19 test as part of the La Liga healthcare protocols before he can resume training. Messi is expected to do have that test in the next 24 hours. Barcelona fans will be celebrating the fact they will get to watch their beloved Messi for another season but the result of the high-profile arm wrestle between the world's most iconic soccer player and one of its biggest clubs appears to have ended with neither camp able to claim victory. On the face of it, the 33-year-old six-time world player of the year appears to have backed down in the raging contract row ignited last week when he stated he wanted to leave for free. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, backed by La Liga, insisted Messi's contract, due to expire next summer, contained a release clause, meaning that for him to move to a new club a 700 million euros fee would need to be paid. In a statement on Friday (September 4), Messi said he was staying on reluctantly, rather than face a bitter court battle with the club he joined as a teenager and with whom he has amassed more than 30 major trophies and netted more than 600 goals. This was no ringing endorsement, though. Messi is rich beyond imagination; the fact that he will pocket a 70 million euros loyalty bonus, and get to leave on a free transfer next summer, would not have been a factor in his decision. The Argentine has clearly become disenchanted with life at Barcelona. On the pitch Barcelona's 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League was a humiliation; off it, his relationship with Bartomeu has hit the rocks. Messi's love for Barca, and his adoring fans, means he is unlikely to go through the motions next season but new manager Ronald Koeman, a Bartomeu pick, now has an unhappy player on his hands as he tries to rebuild a squad that has gone stale. Bartomeu may claim victory over Messi's U-turn but the club could now see its greatest asset leave for nothing next summer instead of the mind-boggling sum that would have come after an unprecedented bidding war for his signature. Koeman will take charge of his first match as Barcelona coach when they play Club Gimnastic next Saturday (September 12). (Production: Tim Hart)

source https://sports.yahoo.com/barca-train-no-messi-yet-132453973.html?src=rss

#football #soccer

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sportsleague365 · 4 years

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The 2019/20 Premier League season has only just finished, but the transfer market is open and already in full swing. Chelsea have been the busiest in the summer window so far, with deadly attackers Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech already joining in big-money deals from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively. Werner has already been training with Chelsea following his move from RB LeipzigAnd more arrivals could be coming to Stamford Bridge as Frank Lampard accelerates his efforts to sign Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Manchester City are said to be close to sealing their first signing of the summer with Valencia starlet Ferran Torres close to joining in a £40million deal, and Nathan Ake may well follow too. But what position does every Premier League club – including newly-promoted sides Leeds and West Brom – need to strengthen in this summer? Find out below… LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS GOSS Transfer news live: Spurs in Deeney talks, Chelsea's £50m Pope bid, Man United targetLATEST Aubameyang quizzed on Arsenal future, Arteta 'wants to build squad around him'GOSS Arsenal transfer news live: Aubameyang 'sounds like' he is leaving, Guendouzi to JuveEMOTIONAL Martinez breaks down in tears as Arsenal keeper sheds light on 'long' journeyPAINFUL Pulisic and Azpilicueta to miss Bayern clash with injuries suffered in FA Cup finalGOSS Chelsea transfer news live: £50m goalkeeper swoop, starlet wanted in BundesligaGOSSIP Man United transfer news live: Juve's Smalling swoop, £13.5m ace wanted, Sanchez feeINJURY Heartbreak for Pedro as he dislocates shoulder in last minutes as Chelsea playerCLUMSY Arsenal FA Cup hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drops trophy during celebrationsEND OF ERA Eddie Howe leaves Bournemouth by mutual consent ARSENAL – MIDFIELDER With William Saliba joining up with the Gunners squad for the first time since his impressive loan spell at Saint-Etienne, it seems there is now a defender to genuinely be excited about at the Emirates. And although another is definitely needed, Arsenal should now be prioritising a move for an attacking midfielder to replace the out-of-favour Mesut Ozil. Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a loan move but he seems to have lost his magic touch and Mikel Arteta should go all out to sign Dominik Szoboszlai from Red Bull Salzburg. The Hungarian midfielder has had an excellent campaign, having scored nine goals and added 10 assists in 27 league appearances. He has a release clause of just £22million which would make him a viable option for the club. Szoboszlai has been a long-term target of Arsenal and he is available on the cheapAFP or licensorsASTON VILLA – STRIKER Their struggles at the top of the pitch has been clear for all to see this season so a proven goalscorer simply must be a priority this summer. Dean Smith should look no further than former marksman Tammy Abraham. The Chelsea ace had a great league campaign in 2019/20, finding the net 15 times, but became a bit-part player at the end of the season due to the red-hot form of Olivier Giroud. What’s more, the arrival of Werner at Chelsea could see his game time limited even more so perhaps a loan move back to Villa would be a no-brainer for both parties. Villa should go all out to sign Abraham on loan this summerBRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION – MIDFIELDER Graham Potter has been praised for keeping the Seagulls up whilst playing an expansive brand of football this campaign, but he will know there must be additions if he is to keep his side in the Premier League next season. A new defensive midfielder is a must and Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure would be a great option, though he won’t come cheap. If not, Huddersfield’s Jonathan Hogg could be a handy acquisition as he is good on the ball and could work well with former teammate Aaron Mooy. Doucoure is a workhorse in Watford’s midfield and he will now be a wanted manGettyBURNLEY – WINGER Speculation has been rife about the future of Sean Dyche, who has so far refused to rule out leaving Turf Moor this summer. The Clarets will barely have any money to spend this summer, but if they do find any cash they need to sign a new wide man. Johann Berg Gudmundsson has barely featured this term due to a string of injury setbacks while Dwight McNeil and Ashley Barnes need more help in the final third. Perhaps a deal for Watford’s Gerard Deulofeu could be a smart acquisition. Like Doucoure, Deulofeu will be a wanted man now that Watford have been relegatedCHELSEA – GOALKEEPER A left-back will almost certainly be signed this summer but right now a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga will be a priority for Lampard. The Spaniard has kept just eight clean sheets in the Premier League in 2019/20 and just ONE clean sheet away from home all season. Perhaps the most realistic target is a deal for Burnley’s Nick Pope, who has made 83 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets since joining from Charlton in 2016. The 28-year-old has been a standout performer in Sean Dyche’s XI ever since he replaced now-Aston Villa ace Tom Heaton. Pope kept 15 clean sheets this seasonAFP or licensorsCRYSTAL PALACE – WINGER Ryan Fraser has left Bournemouth after seven years on the south coast and he represents a ready-made replacement for Wilfried Zaha, whose time with the Eagles may come to an end this window. Fraser has undeniable talent and although he’s not been at his best this season, he would suit the Eagles’ counter-attacking style well. However, some bigger clubs in the division may well swoop in for the Scot, who has plenty of years ahead of him in the Premier League at the age of 26. Zaha is a fan favourite at Selhurst Park but he may not be at his boyhood club next seasonGetty Images - GettyEVERTON – WINGER Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott have both struggled for the Toffees since moving from Arsenal, and Bernard, despite impressing in bursts, has also lacked consistency. Therefore, a young and direct winger should be targeted this summer and Ismaila Sarr from Watford fits the bill. The Senegal forward impressed against Liverpool and Arsenal this season and has been a standout player for the Hornets in their disappointing relegation to the Championship this season. He is a constant threat on the counter attack and already has plenty of admirers in the top-flight following Watford’s fall into the second tier. Sarr could seek a Watford exit now they are relegated to the ChampionshipAFP or licensorsLEEDS – STRIKER Canada international Jonathan David looks certain to be heading for a new club this summer and Elland Road could be his new destination. The Gent striker scored 18 goals, with eight assists, in just 27 games in the Belgian league this season to put him on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs. David is still only 20 and has enormous potential so his next move will be intriguing. The two clubs leading the race appear to be the Whites and Ligue 1 side Lille. It would be an enormous coup if Bielsa could snap him up. David has been on sublime form for Gent this seasonGetty ImagesLEICESTER CITY – WINGER The resumption of football couldn’t have gone much worse for the Foxes, but it’s still been a great season for Brendan Rodgers’ men. The need for more firepower is evident as that was clear from the absence of James Maddison in the last quarter of the season. Harvey Barnes has improved hugely this season and Ayoze Perez has been good in in parts, but another attacker to help Jamie Vardy up top needs to be brought in. Perhaps Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen would be a good signing for Leicester. The Jamaican, who has been linked with Chelsea in the past, is direct, quick and has a good goal-scoring record in the Bundesliga. Bailey, 22, has a good goal-scoring record in the BundesligagettyLIVERPOOL – LEFT-BACK James Milner has been a superb deputy for Andy Robertson when the Scot has been sidelined, but injuries are slowly starting to catch up with the veteran midfielder. A back-up for Robertson is needed and Jurgen Klopp should consider a move Norwich’s Jamal Lewis Lewis, who plays internationally for Northern Ireland, is well accustomed to the rigours of Premier League football, making him a very attractive option indeed. Lewis could be on the move this summer and several top clubs may be interestedGetty Images - GettyMANCHESTER CITY – CENTRE-BACK Pep Guardiola has spent an astonishing amount of money on defenders since he has been at the Etihad, but has remarkably never had a solid back four. However, Nathan Ake is set to seal a £41m move from Bournemouth in the coming days. City have also identified their replacement for Leroy Sane, with Ferran Torres set to join from Valencia, and other rumours have suggested that another centre-back could be signed. Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who has been linked with a move to England for several years, is said to be the next man on Guardiola’s wish-list. He fits the bill for the type of defender the Spaniard wants, with excellent distribution and an aerial presence to match. Kalidou Koulibaly is still one of the highest rated centre-backs in EuropeGetty Images - GettyMANCHESTER UNITED – WINGER The Red Devils seem to have finally cemented a solid back four after years of disarray, and now their focus must be on adding strength in depth in midfield. Another attacking midfielder – namely Jack Grealish – has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but a move for an out-and-out winger is a must and Jadon Sancho could be man to take the iconic no.7 shirt. The Borussia Dortmund ace had a blistering Bundesliga campaign, hitting 17 goals and the same amount of assists this season. A deal for the England ace looks to be edging closer by the day. Sancho is a long-term target for Man United and a deal could be finalised soonAFPNEWCASTLE UNITED – STRIKER Joelinton has had a torrid first season at St James’ Park but by his own admission he isn’t an out and out striker and prefers playing out wide. Therefore, Steve Bruce should give him a run-out on the wing and sign a goal-getter who actually knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. Troy Deeney is Premier League proven and could be a great option, but if that fails, a move for former striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could be smart – though that will depend on whether Fulham are promoted. Deeney could be a good option for Newcastle now that Watford are downGETTYSHEFFIELD UNITED – GOALKEEPER There has been a lot of speculation regarding the future of Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan at Bramall Lane. Manchester United could make him their new no.1 in place of David de Gea next season as the Spaniard has struggled for form throughout the campaign. Other reports have claimed Chelsea could also make a bid for the 23-year-old, who has been a standout performer for the Blades on their return to the Premier League. Aaron Ramsdale has been touted as a possible replacement for Henderson should the England stopper return to Manchester United. It is believed the Cherries will demand around £11m for their glovesman. Ramsdale is a reported target for Sheffield United this summerGETTYSOUTHAMPTON – CENTRE-BACK Saints had a brilliant turnaround following their 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton, but they have still shipped in a disappointing 59 goals in the Premier League season. That is more than any team not directly involved in the relegation battle since lockdown and Ralph Hasenhuttl is in the market for at least two new centre-halves. Valladolid’s Mohammad Salisu, who has a £10.9m release clause, is said to be one his main targets in the market. Real Valladolid defender Salisu is a reported target for Southampton this summerGETTY IMAGESTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – LEFT-BACK Spurs need to strengthen in several positions, including in midfield and on the wings, but their need for new full-backs is the biggest necessity. Japhet Tanganga had to fill in as a makeshift right-back earlier this season when Serge Aurier was suspended, whilst Danny Rose was loaned to Newcastle and will probably stay there permanently. A cheap option for Jose Mourinho could Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer for the Dutch club over the last two seasons and would reportedly be available for £20m. The Argentine provided five goals and five assists for Ajax in all competitions in 2019/20 and back in May, his agent admitted that the left-back would be looking for a new club in the summer. Tagliafico could be a cheap full-back option for MourinhoWEST BROMWICH ALBION – ATTACKING MIDFIELDER Slaven Bilic has done a brilliant job to get the Baggies back in the big time but they need signings or they could go straight back down. One player who should be high up on his wish-list should be QPR’s playmaker Ebere Eze. The 22-year-old has racked up 14 goals and eight assists in 46 Championship outings for Rangers this season. West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also said to be considering a move. Eze is a target for a host of Premier League clubsGetty Images - GettyWEST HAM UNITED – STRIKER The form of Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek undoubtedly saved West Ham’s season and perhaps showed that the flashier signings such as Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson shouldn’t be relied on. A striker needs to be brought in to partner Antonio and West Ham should go all out for Brentford ace Ollie Watkins, who has been brilliant this season with 25 goals in the second tier. If Brentford are promoted through the play-offs, a deal for the 24-year-old would be unlikely, however. Watkins netted 25 goals in the Championship this seasonGetty Images - GettyWOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS – CENTRE-BACK Ryan Bennett is set to return from Leicester after failing to make an impact at the King Power Stadium, but he may not play a further part for the club with Roman Saiss cementing himself as the third centre-back behind Conor Coady and Willy Boly. Nevertheless, Nuno Espirito Santo will need another centre-back and who better to add than Jan Vertonghen? He’s as experienced as they come and would do enormous things for the club’s squad depth, as well as provide fresh competition for any one of the centre-backs who has a dip in form. It would be a great signing if they managed it, but a host of top European clubs are circling on the Belgian. Vertonghen has left Tottenham after almost a decade with the clubGetty Images - Getty #PremierLeague #CrystalPalace #ManchesterCity

#PremierLeague #CrystalPalace #ManchesterCity

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thisdaynews · 5 years

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English football's iconic player of the decade: Who is yours?

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/english-footballs-iconic-player-of-the-decade-who-is-yours/

English football's iconic player of the decade: Who is yours?

Pick your most iconic player of the decade in English football

Team of the decade – tick. The most iconic moment in English football between 2010 and 2019 – tick. The key stats from 2010-2019 – tick.

Now it’s time to pick your iconic player of the decade in England. We’re not necessarily looking for the best player, but the individual who has had the biggest impact on the Premier League and club cup competitions over the decade.

With the help of BBC Sport journalists – including chief football writer Phil McNulty, BBC Radio 5 Live football reporter Ian Dennis and Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray – we’ve created a shortlist of 15, but it was a tough decision and players such as Kevin de Bruyne, Luis Suarez, and Philippe Coutinho among those missing out.

We have only considered players who played in the Premier League for at least four seasons in this decade – and anything that happened before January 2010 does not count.

Have a read through and pick your favourite at the bottom of the page. The result will be revealed on the BBC Sport website and app on Monday, 23 December.

All stats are from 1 January, 2010 onward in the Premier League.

1. Sergio Aguero

(251 appearances; 173 goals; 45 assists)

Sergio Aguero scored twice in a 30-minute cameo on his Manchester City debut against Swansea

The best finisher in Premier League history? He’s certainly up there.

Sergio Aguero sits sixth in the all-time Premier League top goalscorers list with 173 goals. The Argentina forward has scored 20 or more goals in the past five seasons and has comfortably become Manchester City’s record scorer.

Oh, and he has also given us one of the most memorable moments in top-flight history with his title-winning goal against QPR in 2012. Aguerooooooo!

2. David de Gea

(292 appearances; 102 clean sheets)

Davia de Gea has been included in the Professional Footballers’ Association team of the year five times this decade

The shotstopper.

David de Gea looked like a fish out of water initially at Manchester United, but he has grown into one of the best – if not the best – goalkeepers in the world.

Known for pulling off the outrageous save, often using his feet, the Spaniard has played a crucial role in the successes United have enjoyed this decade.

3. Eden Hazard

(245 appearances; 85 goals ; 54 assists)

Eden Hazard has the fifth most goal involvements in the Premier League during this decade

Signed from Lille for a reported £32m, Eden Hazard has been one of the most outstanding players in the Premier League this decade.

His excellent dribbling skills gave defenders nightmares during his seven-season stay at Chelsea.

Winner of two Premier League crowns and two Europa Leagues, the Belgiaum forward also won the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year award in the 2014-15 season.

Hazard produced a decent goal return too, scoring 12 or more in five seasons.

4. Harry Kane

(197 appearances; 134 goals; 20 assists)

Harry Kane is 13th on the all-time Premier League top goalscorers list

One hundred and thirty four goals in 197 Premier League games and firmly on course to become England’s record goalscorer.

The 2010s witnessed Harry Kane’s arrival as one of the world’s most prolific strikers.

The Tottenham forward produced at least 20 Premier League goals in four successive seasons before an injury-hit 2018-19 campaign and earned himself the 2015-16 Golden Boot in the process as Spurs established themselves as a top-four side.

5. N’Golo Kante

(152 appearances; 10 goals; 10 assists)

N’Golo Kante (right) made the most tackles and interceptions in the Premier League during Leicester City’s title-winning campaign in 2016

One of the bargains of the decade.

Signed for a reported £5.6m from Caen in August 2015, N’Golo Kante settled into Premier League football immediately.

He was a central figure in Leicester City’s remarkable title-winning campaign that season, which earned him a move to Chelsea.

The Frenchman won the league in his first season at Stamford Bridge and won the PFA Player of the Year award too.

6. Vincent Kompany

(223 appearances; 83 clean sheets)

Vincent Kompany won 12 trophies with Manchester City

The leader. And that Leicester goal.

In August 2008, Vincent Kompany joined a Manchester City side who had finished ninth in the Premier League the previous season.

The Belgian departed 11 years later with four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups to his name.

Among his many highlights was a decisive 25-yard thunderbolt against Leicester in his and City’s penultimate league game last season, which helped Pep Guardiola’s side to become the first side since 2009 to successfully defend their league title.

7. Frank Lampard

(158 appearances; 64 goals; 18 assists)

Frank Lampard is the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history (177 goals)

Super Frankie Lampard.

Third on the Premier League’s all-time appearances list and a midfielder who has scored more than all but three players to have played in the competition.

Lampard is a Chelsea legend – despite a switch to Premier League rivals Manchester City at the end of his Stamford Bridge career.

8. James Milner

(305 appearances; 35 goals; 52 goals; 63 clean sheets)

James Milner won five trophies during his five-year stay at Manchester City

The ever present.

James Milner may have developed a reputation for being boring but on the pitch he is a dependable player who has amassed over 300 appearances this decade for Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.

He has won five major honours, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League, over the 10 years and has been admired by fans at all of his clubs.

9. Wayne Rooney

(248 appearances; 114 goals; 54 assists)

Wayne Rooney is second on the all-time Premier League goalscorers list behind Alan Shearer

The Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer of all time. Wayne Rooney requires little introduction.

Seven of Rooney’s 13 seasons at Manchester United came in the 2010s, as well as two of his five Premier League winners’ medals.

He bowed out with one final season at boyhood club Everton in 2017-18, before leaving the English top flight for Major League Soccer in the United States after 208 goals and 103 assists in 491 appearances.

10. David Silva

(297 appearances; 57 goals; 89 assists)

David Silva has created more chances than any other player in the Premier League this decade

The magician.

Renowned for his close ball control and ability to cut open defences, David Silva is one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has seen.

The Spaniard, signed for just £24m, has won 13 trophies during his time at Manchester City, including four league titles.

The diminutive playmaker has 89 assists in the top flight – the most this decade – 27 more than Christian Eriksen who has the second most.

11. Raheem Sterling

(242 appearances; 75 goals; 44 assists)

Raheem Sterling has won six trophies during his Manchester City career

Winning trophies on the pitch, taking a stand off it.

Raheem Sterling spent three seasons at Liverpool before joining Manchester City in a £49m deal in 2015. Now in his fifth season at Etihad Stadium, Sterling has lifted six trophies while establishing himself as a key figure for England.

The 25-year-old has emerged as a role model too. After he was allegedly racially abused by Chelsea fans in December 2018, Sterling was commended for speaking out against the way newspapers portray young black footballers.

12. John Terry

(200 appearances; 73 clean sheets)

John Terry (right) has scored the second most goals by a defender (23) in this decade. Only Leighton Baines (27) has more.

The leader.

John Terry captained Chelsea to eight major trophies, including three Premier League titles and a Champions League, this decade.

The centre-back will also be remembered for changing into full kit, despite not playing, to lift the Champions League in 2012 and Europa League in 2013.

Terry has become the face of many a meme since.

13. Yaya Toure

(230 appearances; 62 goals; 32 assists)

Yaya Toure won seven trophies during his eight-year stay at Manchester City

The powerhouse.

Yaya Toure arrived at Manchester City as a holding midfielder but turned into one of the best box-to-box players in the world during his eight-year stay.

The Ivorian, who won three Premier Leagues titles, scored 20 goals, including a crucial double in City’s penultimate game at Newcastle, as City became champions in 2013-14.

There were also plenty of infamous off-field incidents, including the birthday cake spat, which turned Toure into a Premier League legend.

14. Robin van Persie

(154 appearances; 98 goals; 30 assists)

Robin van Persie won the Golden Boot in 2011-12 and 2012-13

When Robin van Persie hit his peak he was largely unplayable.

The Dutch striker won the PFA Player of the Year award in 2011-12 after scoring 30 goals for Arsenal.

However, another trophyless campaign with the Gunners led to him moving to Manchester United, where he scored 26 goals to help the Red Devils win the league in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season.

The best left foot this decade? Quite possibly.

15. Jamie Vardy

(193 appearances; 96 goals; 27 assists)

Jamie Vardy scored 24 Premier League goals as Leicester won the 2015-16 title

The unlikely hero.

In 2012, Jamie Vardy was still playing non-league football for Fleetwood Town, before he got his £1m move to then Championship side Leicester City.

He only scored five goals in his first campaign in the Premier League – but then netted 24 times as the Foxes won the title the following season.

Thirteen, 20, 18 and 16 in 17 games so far this season have followed and Vardy has established himself as one of the best strikers in the league.

#decade #yours

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gingerandwry · 5 years

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Week 2

After the sweltering, unseasonable heat during my first week in Rio, the forecast for the next week called for rain. It’s rained everywhere I’ve been so far, but the short bursts and high temperatures meant that the rain did not hold me back. I was not prepared for the flood that was heading toward Rio.

I approached Monday trepidatiously, unsure when the clouds would burst and end my day. But it was sunny and hot as usual (and especially humid) when I woke up so I walked up to the lagoon and over to Leblon. The lagoon offers some lovely views from the running/cycling path that surrounds it.

Leblon is adjacent to Ipanema and almost indistinguishable. It’s known to be quieter and more laid back (and ritzier it seems). And on Monday morning the crowd was much older, kind of a Palm Beach to Ipanema’s Miami. I walked along the beach on the delightfully, swirly designed sidewalk promenade that lines the beaches all the way up to Leme (and some of the city streets too). I reached the base of Dois Irmaos, the iconic peaks that cap the beach’s eastern end, and enjoyed the views from the Mirante do Leblon there. And then I walked inland to my real destination: BB Lanches. In “The Beastie Boys Book” the band mentions that this is their favorite juice bar in Rio, and they named one of their songs (”Suco de Tangerina”) after an item here. So naturally I had to stop by for some tangerine juice.

With no sign of rain yet, I took an Uber to the Urca neighborhood at the base of Pao de Acucar. Just south of the Morro de Urca is Praia Vermelha, a small sheltered beach. At the end of the beach is Pista Claudio Coutinho, a popular 2k walking path that wraps part way around the hill. It’s a pleasant jungle stroll where you can hear waves crashing below and take in expansive views of the ocean and nearby islands.

I reached the end of the trail, turned around and walked back to the beach and up to the west side of the hill. The Urca neighborhood felt very distinctive. It begins with a small marina full of little fishing boats and then turns into a cute residential area, tucked in to the base of Acucar. Most of the homes are modest (with a few princely estates, especially up the hill), and there is just one small commercial strip. The most notable feature is the Mureta, or sea wall, that looks out over the city and the bay. It’s a popular place to sit, hang out, drink beer and enjoy a quiet moment in this hectic city. The area feels like a small coastal town unto itself. In fact Urca is actually where the city of Rio started before it moved farther north. And there are still a few military bases here, presumably protecting the city from seaborne attacks.

With clouds forming, I decided to head home. I took a short nap, and when I awoke, rain was pounding the city, dumping buckets while thunder and lightning jolted the sky. This continued for several hours, and when I walked outside for dinner, a river was gushing down the street (which must be why it’s called Rio...). Water was up to my ankles on the sidewalk and my calves in the intersection. Fortunately I did not have to go far to eat dinner before I retreated back to my apartment. The rain calmed down a bit by midnight but it did not stop until....

Tuesday around 3pm. Rio normally receives 95mm in April. In nine hours on Monday night it got 246mm. Some neighborhoods saw walls of water taking out cars, and some favela endured mudslides (which killed at least three people). Apparently the lagoon overflowed too. My friend here said he had never seen anything like it in 15 years here. I was relieved that the event was as cataclysmic as it seemed to me and not a commonplace carioacan affair. The rain was less intense on Tuesday, but the city was recovering from the impact so many things were closed. I had to cancel my plans and stay shut in.

On Wednesday I re-emerged and headed to the Museu de Arte Moderna. It’s looking a little run-down these days but still has a good collection of mostly Brazilian art from the 20th century. It’s displayed according to traditional painting subjects (landscape, portrait, still-life, etc.), and they have some fun with modern artists’ takes on the classics. I particularly enjoyed the last exhibit on illusion and how context changes art.

My day took a turn for the frustrating after that. I wanted to go to the Flamengo FC match at Maracana stadium on Thursday night. I bought tickets online, but this being Brazil, it was not so simple. First I had to print out a voucher, so I asked my friend to do this at his office, then I met him to pick it up. Then I brought the voucher and my passport and credit card to one of Flamengo’s stores. There I was informed that I had bought student tickets so I could not use them (the website said nothing about this). The game was sold out, so I could not get other tickets. My tickets were supposedly refundable (minus the service fee of course), but as of this writing, the money had not been returned. I was disappointed not to get to see Maracana, a legendary stadium, but mostly annoyed at having to go through this big hassle for nothing. I know that Latin American countries require saintly patience, but I was really missing good ol’ American (and Silicon Valley) efficiency at that point.

Nevertheless, I persisted. I stopped by Igreja Sao Francisco de Paula, a gorgeous church whose interior is covered with intricately detailed carvings. It looks more like an opera house, but with the refreshing lack of gilding it felt more tasteful than the other churches I’ve seen.

I carried on to Museu Nacional de Bellas Artes. The collection is supposedly formidable, but most of the museum was closed for construction and/or exhibit rotation. Really just a few rooms upstairs were open, as well as two hallways with some busted-up Grecian marble statues that were copied from the Louvre and some oddly configured side rooms that did not look interesting. (Brazil does not seem to be aware of central air conditioning since most buildings have separate A/C units for each room (if any at all). This fits uncomfortably with places like museums that should be open and lend themselves to a flow, rather than a series of rooms behind closed doors.) After a short look around I stopped for some beers then returned home for the night.

On Thursday the clouds had mostly parted and the sun was high and hot again, so I could resume my outdoor activities. I took a car back to Parque Lage (the first place I visited when I arrived) so that I could take the steep hike up to Cristo Redentor. It was only upon reaching the trailhead-- some ten minutes into the park-- that a security guard informed me the trail was closed due to the rain. Thwarted again. I explored some more of Lage (which is just a small section of the tropical Parque Nacional de Tijuca, something I would now not be able to see) before calling another Uber to take me to the Corcovado train station.

The “Christ the Redeemer” statue is probably the most iconic, recognizable feature in Rio. The most popular way to get to it is on a small old train that slowly runs up the steep incline three times an hour. Stepping off the train and up a few flights of stairs, the view at the top is spectacular. Corcovado hill is right in the middle of the city, and it’s one of the tallest, so you can see everything, past Maracana in the north, past Niteroi across the bay and past Dos Irmaos to the south. I was pleased with how much of the city I could identify at this point and with the realization that I had covered a good chunk of it. The statue itself, while a feat of engineering, is nothing special, as it’s meant to be viewed from afar. (I’ve actually been surprised at how small it is. I think I’m used to aerial photos taken from above it where it seems to loom over the whole city. Or as Homer Simpson put it, “It’s like he’s on the dashboard of the entire country.”) The journey has two notable downsides tho. One: all the tourists, clogging the best viewpoints and all taking the same photos of themselves with their arms outstretched under the statue. The other drawback is the waiting. When I arrived the next available train was almost two hours off (although you can make reservations online). Then you wait to board the train. Then you sit on the train for 20 minutes, mostly looking out at dense, unspectacular forest. Then you wait for an opening to take the photos you want. Then you wait to board a drain down and then another 20 minute ride. There are so many hills around; I wonder if any others offer a similarly thrilling view while being more accessible. At the very least, I would take a van up (which they offer from a few parts of the city) since the train adds considerable time and nothing more than kitsch value.

When I was back in the Cosmo Velho neighborhood, I walked east to its other attractions. The first is Largo do Boticario, an old square surrounded by colorful colonial houses near a babbling brook in a jungle canopy. One hundred (plus) years ago, it must have been a charming area reminiscent of an old Portuguese plaza, but it’s completely decrepit now. (Apparently the buildings have been bought by a hotel company that will restore them.) Farther up the road is the brand-new Casa Roberto Marinho. Roberto founded Globo, now a huge Brazilian media empire. He restored this Mediterranean villa and grounds as his home and hosted who’s-who parties in the 1960s and 70s. The building has now been turned into a private museum to display his art collection, with a heavy emphasis on modern Brazilian art. The works are phenomenal and the home and gardens beautiful. You really get a sense of what it might have been like to hobnob at one of his parties. After that it was time to call it a day and have a relaxing evening at home.

Before I went to bed I developed a stomachache that kept me up much of the night. (In Brazil a lot of restaurants offer cheap per-kilo buffets; it’s probably best not to eat at these places at the end of the night.) The next morning I still felt ill and tired so I stayed in bed most of the day. Bummer since my days in Rio were nearing an end.

I felt well enough (and well-rested enough) on Saturday to get myself to the ferry for Ilha de Paqueta. This is a car-less island deep into Guanabara Bay. I mostly wanted to go to see the views from the ferry, but the island is nice too. I rented a bike and rode around the perimeter (without stopping you could do this in under 30 minutes). The shore is dotted with little beaches and parks and (questionably) Brazil’s only baobab trees. Other than a small commercial area near the dock, the rest is full of homes (and a cemetery). I really enjoy enclosed, flat bicycling like this, and it was a nice, calm respite from the city. For the people of Rio it seems to be a mostly working-class getaway-- the beaches are not really that nice but the general environment is. I was mostly intrigued by the locals who live there. Although there is no local economy the island seems to encompass the full social strata-- large gated mansions, lovely cottages, modernized townhouses, abandoned waterfront estates, even a favela. It’s so Brazil to have all of this side-by-side on a tiny, beautiful island.

After a few hours I took the ferry back to the city. I stumbled upon a street party (Rivalzinho) and ambled around it a bit. I returned home and chilled out on my final Saturday night in town.

And then I awoke for my final day in Rio. I had planned to walk or bike around, but the on-and-off light rain showers made that less desirable. So I walked over to Copacabana beach since I still had not been. (Yes it’s one of Rio’s most famous sites, but Ipanema is a better beach, and I’m not much interested in hanging out on the beach anyway.) Copa is beautiful indeed, especially its graceful northeastward curve.

It made me consider what makes Ipanema and Copa so special and enticing. I realized that for both the natural beauty lies in the views: the jutting peaks at the ends, the water and the mountains and islands on the other side. But the immediate surroundings are not lovely at all-- the beaches are thick with barracas (vendors) and lined with densely-packed, (mostly) unattractive high-rises. It’s a very different approach than we take on the US west coast. There, beaches tend to be removed from cities and kept close to their natural state. Where there is nearby development it is usually minimal and often “beach-appropriate”, e.g. boardwalks, cottages, surf shacks, etc. But I’m not sure which I prefer. While I love an unspoiled, untouched beach (which Rio has if you go farther out), I like the way they incorporate their beaches into the city. It’s not pretty in a natural sense but it does add to the urban appeal. Perhaps on the west coast in our drive to “protect” our coastline we are actually under-utilizing public space. That said, Rio’s beaches do have two huge drawbacks. One, the vendors: it’s nice to know you can get anything you want right on the beach but it’s impossible to relax with someone in your face trying to sell you something every few minutes. And two, the stench: the waters here must be seriously polluted because every time I approached an open body of water (ocean, bay or lagoon), I was hit with an overpowering, stomach-turning scent of human waste. It doesn’t blanket the shoreline so you can settle into a spot out of smell’s way, but good luck getting there without wanting to vomit in your mouth.

And so my time in Rio drew to a close. (Well not before one final aggravation. For my flight to Brasilia, I was departing from the smaller Santos Dumont airport, which is on a tiny strip of land in the bay next to downtown. I opted for a window seat so that I could look out over the city as we took off. But on this plane, 7F did not have a window, just a wall. It was torture. Thanks Gol Airlines!) Rio is a beautiful, exciting city, and I enjoyed my adventure there. However I left with mixed feelings and wonder if I will return. The longer I spent there the more I missed things I take for granted at home: pedestrian right-of-way, good customer service, lower urban density, leafy greens, buildings that aren’t walled off, friendly strangers, punctuality.... And as much as I complain about our gay scene, it’s relatively friendly and low-attitude, unlike Rio’s. Rio is a big city that comes with big city people and problems, and despite its sweltering heat, it can be a cold place, at least to an outsider. I had a fantastic visit, perhaps just a few days too long. And I think I would like to return but next time it will be with friends or a loved one so that I can share all the good times the city has to offer.

#riodejaneiro #brazil #brasil #travel #gaytravel #intentionaltravel

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footballnopsd-blog · 6 years

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junker-town · 6 years

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Ousmane Dembélé isn’t the future. He’s the now.

The 21-year-old attacker showed us in Barcelona-PSV that his time is now.

It is hard not to love the Barcelona striker Ousmane Dembélé, with his bending turns, fearless leaps and free-flowing runs, the type of things usually only attempted in Marvel movies or by inebriated twenty-somethings. I have always loved Dembélé, and my love deepened for him when he was jiving with the Afro-French players that dominated this summer’s World Cup. While not as involved on the field as he or I would have like for Les Bleus, he still found a way to make his joy felt. The elation was captured in a recording of Dembélé joyously singing “Seka Seka,” an Afro-trap hit from the Congolese virtuoso DJ Mareshal.

It is unsurprising that the 21-year-old has impressed this year at Barcelona. He is no longer hampered by the injuries that plagued his initial campaign in Spain, and freed up to be the man alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, he has thrived. In a Champion’s League match Tuesday Dembélé lit the pitch ablaze. The highlight was his 74th minute screamer where he married a ballerina’s grace and kickboxer’s might. Receiving the ball on his left foot, between two defenders, he played keep-away, then dragged the ball back between them and sprinted toward the net. The PSV defender facing him pointed, as if maybe there was a man on the pitch coming to help douse this fire. No one came. Dembélé took four steps, then perfectly placed a rocket in the bottom right corner of the goal.

Though it’s fun to celebrate those small, brilliant moments from Dembélé, it is a disservice to the total body of work we’ve seen from this prodigy.

Ousmane Dembélé with the skill and the strike to put Barcelona up 2-0 Watch here ➡️ https://t.co/q1gr6Dfz0A pic.twitter.com/VrIvgigRFh

— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) September 18, 2018

And Barcelona need Dembélé to be consistently brilliant if they are to win La Liga and make another run at a Champions League final this season. If Barcelona are destined for success this year, it will be due to Dembélé’s ability to keep defenses guessing, keep them on the back foot, and take advantage of the space that’s afforded to them while opposing teams are freaking out about Lionel Messi. Luckily for Barcelona, Dembélé’s brilliance comes alive when he totes the rock. His dribbling, flicks and crosses are as important to Barcelona as is Messi’s total dominance.

Barcelona has always thrived when the component parts are all clicking. If Dembélé is playing well, it allows Messi to find space away from him. And if Messi has space, as he did Tuesday against PSV in the Champions League, he will punish you. (He had a hat trick in the match.)

Yet still, watching the match, I kept being drawn to Dembélé.

Dembélé’s sprints through the pitch are electrifying. It is difficult to watch anyone else on Barcelona at times, as I kept myself looking for the dazzling Frenchman we were unable to see shine at the World Cup. How can a man so young be imbued with such talent?

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

It appears he’s still finding out himself. Yes, he has head-scratching moments, misplayed shots and step-overs attempted through three defenders that have no chance of working, moments that show his youth. Dembélé is far from perfect, but one can already see the brilliance in him.

Playing at a club like Barcelona, next to giants of the game, no one would blame Dembélé if he deferred to names like Messi or Suarez or Coutinho. Don’t lose the ball, pass it to the greats, don’t screw anything up. But Dembélé isn’t interested in that. He wants to go at everyone. He wants to thrive. And thus, the future looks like Dembélé. Barcelona’s continued excellence will rely on them finding those daring players on the wing who won’t settle, who will continue to attack and draw defenders away from the icons of the game.

And for now, Dembélé can provide that. For the casual observer, at least, those fearless runs to the box from Dembélé might result in a foul that can lead to another iconic Messi free kick. But as his goal showed us, soon enough he won’t be setting up or drawing defenders’ attention away from the icons of the game, he will be one of those icons.

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walkonwalkonwithhopeinyourheart · 4 years

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Liverpool Panini Stickers 2019/2020 - All of the facts via /r/LiverpoolFC

Liverpool Panini Stickers 2019/2020 - All of the facts

Hello all,

Today I finally completed my Panini sticker collection for the 2019/2020 season. Fulfilling a promise to my younger self that I would collect all of the stickers when Liverpool won the league. I started collecting during lockdown and, although childish, opening a few packs each week was something to look forward to during that time.

I believe the 2019/2020 season is the first premier league season where Panini have produced the stickers. I have fond memories of the Merlin sticker albums, particularly 2004/2005. Have to say I've been impressed with the quality of the Panini stickers.

Each sticker is printed with a fact on the back, I thought it would be fun to compile all of the facts for Liverpool stickers into one post here on Reddit. So here goes:

Liverpool FC Badge - Sticker 284 - "Famously breaking away from Everton in 1892, John Houlding was responsible for forming Liverpool FC"

Alisson - 285 - "Starting as he meant to go on, Alisson kept a clean sheet on his Liverpool debut against West Ham, the 4-0 curtain opener in 2018"

Adrian - 286 - "Last season, Liverpool's first-choice keeper wore the number 13 shirt - a number now claimed by Adrian"

Clyne - 287 - "The Kop was given a roof in 1928 - amplifying the already deafening roar of the passionate Liverpool fans!"

Van Dijk - 288 - "Virgil van Dijk was a vital part of Liverpool's defensive team last season, missing only 35 minutes of Premier League action!"

Lovren - 289 - "Dejan Lovren is good friends with Mo Salah off the pitch - they love to make fun of each other on social media!"

Gomez - 290 - "Having represented his country throughout the age groups, Joseph Gomez is now an established England squad member"

Robbo - 291 - "Andrew Robertson and his colleague Trent Alexander-Arnold have a competition running to see who can contribute the most assists"

Matip - 292 - "Did you know? The term coconut can refer to the whole coconut plant, the seed or the fruit... Defender Joel Matip isn't shy in coming forward, opening his account for the Reds with a powerfully headed goal against Palace in October 2016"

Trent - 293 - "Liverpool born and bred, academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold was handed his senior debut in October 2016"

Fabinho - 294 - "Towering Brazilian Fabinho was signed by Liverpool on 28 May 2018, making his debut four months later"

Gini - 295 - "Consistent Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum secured European football for Liverpool in 2017 with his goal against Middlesbrough"

Hamez Milnerinho - 296 - "Ever dependable, last season James Milner marked an incredible 500 premier league appearances"

Naby - 297 - "Liverpool won their first competitive match, a decisive 8-0 victory against Higher Walton in September 1892"

Hendo - 298 - "Club captain Jordan Henderson had a tough act to follow in Steven Gerrard, but has made the armband his own"

Ox - 299 - "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has come back from a horrible knee injury to claim a regular place in this season's team"

Lallana - 300 - "When Adam Lallana lived next door to the gaffer, Lallana's son used to shout 'Klopp!' when he saw him putting out the bins!"

Cube - 301 - "On Xherdan Shaqiri's debut - in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United - he scored a spectacular bicycle kick!"

Bobby - 302 - "Roberto Firmino's best man at his wedding was former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho"

Sadio - 303 - "Sadio Mané won the Golden Boot last season in a three-way tie with teammate Mo Salah and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang"

Mo - 304 - "Mohamed Salah has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world, gracing the cover of Time"

Brewster - 305 - "Just eight years after joining the Football League, Liverpool were crowned champions for the first time in 1901"

The GOAT - 306 - "Two of Divock Origi's previous five seasons as a Red have been spent on loan, but when he plays for the Anfield side, he makes a vital contribution!"

Squad picture - 307 - "Iconic manager Bill Shankly took over in 1959 and oversaw 783 games, only losing 178 of those"

Liverpool Home Kit - 308 - "The liver bird has always been a feature of Liverpool FC's crest. In fact, the first version boasted two of them!"

Captain Hendo - 309 - "A rare goal from the skipper bagged Jordan Henderson a Goal of the Month award in September 2016; a stunning long-range effort against Chelsea."

Virgil (Key Player) - 310 - "Virgil van Dijk's defence conceded only 22 goals in the 2018/2019 season - the lowest in the league"

Robbo & Trent (Power pair) - 311 - "Liverpool secured their name on the FA cup for the very first time in 1965"

Anfield - 312 - "Anfield has been home to Liverpool FC since the club's formation in 1892. For eight years beforehand, the ground was actually home to rivals Everton!"

Mo Salah (Elite) - 322 - "After joining Liverpool from AS Roma in summer 2017, Mohamed Salah scored 44 goals in his debut season as a red"

The GOAT (PL by numbers) - 343 - "Divock Origi has scored on all seven days of the week for Liverpool!"

EDIT:

Forgot to include Taki & Joe Hardy who were update stickers:

Taki - U20 - "Takumi Minamino is Liverpool's first Japanese player and the ninth to have played in the Premier League"

Hardy - U21 - "Joe scored 40 goals in 80 games for Brentford's B-team"

Submitted September 09, 2020 at 02:14PM by Trimalchio8 via reddit https://ift.tt/35qml3j

#IFTTT #reddit #liverpoolfc #liverpool fc #lfc #ynwa

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