Barcelona will join a strike called across Catalonia on Tuesday in protest at a violent crackdown by police of an independence referendum called by pro-separatist politicians for the region on Sunday, AFP reports.

“FC Barcelona joins the country-wide strike called for by Table for Democracy and therefore the club will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday),” Barca said in a statement on Monday.

“None of the professional teams or the youth teams at FC Barcelona will train tomorrow.”

Clashes as police fired rubber bullets and forced their way into polling stations, often violently removing activists, to confiscate ballots left at least 92 people confirmed injured out of a total of 844 who needed medical attention, according to Catalan authorities.

In light of the incidents, Barca played their match against Las Palmas behind closed doors on Sunday.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club made the decision as a protest against the violent clashes rather than security concerns.

The vast majority of Barcelona’s stars, including five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, who has been an outspoken defender of Catalonia’s right to self-determination, wouldn’t have trained with Barca on Tuesday in any case as they are on international duty with their respective nations.
source:www.sportjyst..com

Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, on Monday confirmed that two of the club’s board members have resigned, in the wake of his decision to play their La Liga fixture against Las Palmas behind closed doors.

The game went on despite a violent crackdown by police of an independence referendum for Catalonia on Sunday.

“Today the board of directors has accepted the resignations of vice-president Carles Vilarrubi and the commissioner of the Barca Innovation Hub, Jordi Mones,” Bartomeu told a press conference after an extraordinary board meeting.

Vilarrubi and Mones are believed to have been in favour of Barca refusing to play, even if it meant forfeiting the match against Las Palmas and being docked a further three points by La Liga.

“We perfectly understand that many of our members and fans would have preferred the option of calling off the match.

“I decided to play behind closed doors because we believed that the image of a football match being played in a completely empty Camp Nou…would have been a way of showing how we utterly reject the exceptional and inadmissible situation going on in Catalonia,” Bartomeu added.
source:www.sportjyst..com

Aguero could face two months out with broken ribs after the Manchester City striker was involved in a car crash in Amsterdam on Thursday evening. Manchester City released a statement on Friday morning ahead of their trip to the champions Chelsea on Saturday: "Sergio Aguero will be assessed by Club doctors today after being involved in a road accident on Thursday. The City forward was in Holland on his day off and has sustained injuries.
"He will return to Manchester this morning and his status will be checked ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash at Chelsea."
According to reports in Aguero's native Argentina, the forward suffered broken ribs when the taxi taking him to the airport crashed into a pole.Aguero was in the Dutch capital to see a concert of Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma, and it is believed that his injuries would have been more severe had he not been wearing a seat-belt.
Aguero's former club, Independiente, tweeted a photo of Aguero with the words: "Strength and prompt recovery. Everyone @ Independiente is with you in this difficult moment."Earlier in the night, Aguero shared a picture of himself and Maluma on Instagram.
Aguero's absence will be a major blow to club and country. The striker has been in sparkling form for City so far this season, scoring six goals and chipping in with three assists.
Two months on the sidelines would mean not only missing Saturday's crucial trip to Chelsea, but also matches against Arsenal in the Premier League and Napoli in the Champions League.
The news will also come as a big blow to Argentina, who host Peru in a crunch World Cup qualifier next month.
The news comes as a further blow for Pep Guardiola, after they revealed that £52million summer signing Benjamin Mendy is facing nine months out with an ACL knee injury.

Aguero’s stunning partner Karina Tejeda was not involved in the crash and is not thought to have travelled to Amsterdam with the striker.
Dutch police have revealed that two people were injured and taken to hospital, but would not confirm their names.
The 29-year-old father is believed to be one of the players taken for medical attention and his former club have sent their support. Independiente, tweeted a photo of Aguero with the words: “Strength and prompt recovery. Everyone @ Independiente is with you in this difficult moment.”
source:www.sportjyst..com

Aguero could face two months out with broken ribs after the Manchester City striker was involved in a car crash in Amsterdam on Thursday evening. Manchester City released a statement on Friday morning ahead of their trip to the champions Chelsea on Saturday: "Sergio Aguero will be assessed by Club doctors today after being involved in a road accident on Thursday. The City forward was in Holland on his day off and has sustained injuries.
"He will return to Manchester this morning and his status will be checked ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash at Chelsea."
According to reports in Aguero's native Argentina, the forward suffered broken ribs when the taxi taking him to the airport crashed into a pole.Aguero was in the Dutch capital to see a concert of Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma, and it is believed that his injuries would have been more severe had he not been wearing a seat-belt.
Aguero's former club, Independiente, tweeted a photo of Aguero with the words: "Strength and prompt recovery. Everyone @ Independiente is with you in this difficult moment."Earlier in the night, Aguero shared a picture of himself and Maluma on Instagram.
Aguero's absence will be a major blow to club and country. The striker has been in sparkling form for City so far this season, scoring six goals and chipping in with three assists.
Two months on the sidelines would mean not only missing Saturday's crucial trip to Chelsea, but also matches against Arsenal in the Premier League and Napoli in the Champions League.
The news will also come as a big blow to Argentina, who host Peru in a crunch World Cup qualifier next month.
The news comes as a further blow for Pep Guardiola, after they revealed that £52million summer signing Benjamin Mendy is facing nine months out with an ACL knee injury.

Aguero’s stunning partner Karina Tejeda was not involved in the crash and is not thought to have travelled to Amsterdam with the striker.
Dutch police have revealed that two people were injured and taken to hospital, but would not confirm their names.
The 29-year-old father is believed to be one of the players taken for medical attention and his former club have sent their support. Independiente, tweeted a photo of Aguero with the words: “Strength and prompt recovery. Everyone @ Independiente is with you in this difficult moment.”

Escriba was dismissed on Monday with Villarreal 14th in La Liga after six games, having also lost to Levante and Real Sociedad, drawn with Espanyol and beaten Real Betis and Alaves.

The 52-year-old was appointed in August 2016 and in May renewed his contract to the end of this season.

"Villarreal have decided to terminate the contract of Fran Escriba as first-team coach," the club said in a statement.

"In the coming hours, the club will name who the new Villarreal coach will be."

Villarreal were promoted to Spain's top-flight in 1998 and 10 years later finished runners-up to Real Madrid in their best league campaign.

They suffered a shock relegation in 2012 but were immediately promoted the following year and have played in the Europa League each season since.
source:www.sportjyst..com

Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked as head coach of Bayern Munich following an underwhelming start to the season that culminated in Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League thrashing at Paris Saint-Germain.
Ancelotti had won the Bundesliga title in his first campaign in Germany, but results and performances have tailed off - amid reports former club AC Milan are interested in the Italian - and the Bayern board acted on Thursday.

Bayern are third in the league and second in their Champions League group, with dismal defeats to Hoffenheim and PSG exacerbated by further poor displays and apparent problems behind the scenes.

Ancelotti's assistant and former Bayern defender Willy Sagnol will take charge in the interim, though Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann has been long touted as a target by Allianz Arena chiefs.

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement: "The performance of our team since the start of the season did not meet the expectations we put to them.

"The game in Paris clearly showed that we had to take action.

"Hasan Salihamidzic [sporting director] and I gave Carlo an open and serious discussion today and informed him of our decision.

"I would like to thank Carlo for his co-operation and regret that we have had to take this decision.

"Carlo is my friend and will remain so, but we had to make a professional decision in the best interests of FC Bayern. I now expect the team to have a positive development and improve performance, so we can reach our goals for this season."

Three-time Champions League-winning coach Ancelotti was hired to replace Pep Guardiola as Bayern sought greater rewards in Europe than the three semi-final appearances made under the Catalan.

However, Bayern were eliminated by Ancelotti's former club Real Madrid in last season's quarter-finals, going down 6-3 on aggregate.

A semi-final defeat in the DFB-Pokal left Ancelotti facing questions, having presided over the club's most underwhelming campaign since wrestling control of the Bundesliga away from Borussia Dortmund in 2012.

However, the current campaign has been equally shoddy, with Ancelotti having to fend off rumours that he had a January departure to the Chinese Super League lined up, amid muddled team selection and poor performances, including blowing a two-goal lead at home to Wolfsburg to draw 2-2.

Thomas Muller had earlier taken issue with being dropped from the team, while Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Mats Hummels were benched for the fateful defeat at the Parc des Princes.

Asked if the team were still behind Ancelotti after the loss, Robben told reporters: "I will not answer that. It was a painful defeat, we can talk about this. When it is a game as big as this, you never want to lose."

Ancelotti's departure marks a rocky start to the campaign at the club, with Manuel Neuer out until January with a foot injury, after which the Italian was forced to defend his fitness coach Giovani Mauri.

Star striker Robert Lewandowski has also taken aim at the club's refusal to splash the cash in the transfer market, after Bayern turned down the chance to enter a bidding war for want-away Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.

Sagnol was reportedly drafted in to the club in order to add Bayern experience to Ancelotti's Italian-daubed backroom team and his audition for the role will begin at Hertha Berlin on Sunday.

After retiring as a player at Bayern in 2009, Sagnol managed France Under-21s before landing the top job at Bordeaux, although he lasted under two years and was dismissed with the club 14th in Ligue 1.

Despite dominating the Group C clash in the Spanish capital, Chelsea found themselves behind when David Luiz gave away a first-half penalty which Antoine Griezmann converted.

Morata restored parity on the hour mark, though, when he headed home Eden Hazard's cross to equalise before Batshuayi converted from close range with the last kick of the game.

Ahead of the match, Atleti manager Diego Simeone had described playing in the club's new Wanda Metropolitano stadium as like being in a Roman amphitheatre.
Indeed, Los Rojiblancos had won both their league matches in their new arena ahead of hosting Chelsea, and the home fans certainly created an intimidating atmosphere as Atletico started the Group C clash brightly.

But Hazard - making just his second start of the season - showed just how much Chelsea have missed him, exerting his influence as the first half wore on - with his 13th-minute effort taking a deflection and crashing off the post.

Morata, who had scored six Premier League goals in six games including a hat-trick against Stoke on the weekend, then tested Jan Oblak with his header from Luiz's long-range pass which the Atletico goalkeeper tipped over the bar.

The opportunity proved the start of a period of dominance for Conte's men, with the Blues dictating the pace and tempo of the game for much of the first half.
But the visitors soon found themselves trailing needlessly when Luiz's tug on Lucas in the area during a corner kick saw Atletico handed a penalty.
Griezmann, who scored the first-ever goal at the Wanda Metropolitano against Malaga in mid-September, duly converted his spot-kick to give Atletico the lead they hadn't looked like getting.
The hosts could have then doubled their advantage seconds before the break when Koke drove a low effort from 25 yards out which Courtois saved.
The Belgian could, however, only push the ball back out to Saul Niguez whose resulting shot then flew wide.
With the Blues trailing, Conte sent his Chelsea side out from the break looking for the equaliser - which they got in the 60th minute.
Hazard sent a superb cross into the box from the left, which Morata headed past Oblak to restore parity as the man who he replaced, Diego Costa, watched on from the stands following his move from Chelsea to Atletico on Tuesday.
Chelsea kept up the pressure and should have taken the lead when Morata powered into the area but then poked his shot wide of the far corner.
Both managers made a host of substitutions and it appeared as though the game would end 1-1 before late substitute Michy Batshayi won the game at the death.
Chelsea won a late free kick and pushed up field through Marcos Alonso before the left-back cut the ball back for Batshuayi to convert from close range, sending Conte wild on the touchline, and securing a deserved win.

The Blues coach says he has a fully fit squad for Wednesday's visit to the Wanda Metropolitan, despite some recent injury worries

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has declared David Luiz, Pedro and Eden Hazard fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

Luiz suffered a fractured wrist in last weekend's 0-0 draw with Arsenal, while Pedro picked up a minor knock in Saturday's 4-0 win over Stoke.

Hazard, meanwhile, made his first start of the season in the 5-1 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday after breaking his ankle in June.

"David is an important player for us, he is a generous player and always available," Conte said.

"This type of injury won't stop him. He is in contention for the game, no problem."

On Hazard, Conte added: "This competition is very important for him and the team as it brings you on another level. He is totally fit and in contention for the game.

"Everyone is fit. Pedro has a minor problem but not a serious problem."

Chelsea have bounced back in style from their shock opening-day Premier League defeat to Burnley-winning six of their last seven games in all competitions - and Conte admits he will be using the game at the Wanda Metropolitan as a barometer of his side's progress.
"For us it is very important to play game by game, now we play a really tough game," he said.

"It is an important game for us. You understand which your moment is and for us it is very important to play this type of game - away to one of the best teams in the Champions League. It is the best moment to understand where we are."

Barcelona Superstar, Lionel Messi has told his team-mate, Paco Alcacer to start looking for a new club ahead of January transfer window.
The Argentinian International wants Alcacer to leave the Catalan club despite their friendship on and off the pitch.
Messi wants to see his pal thrive at a new club, According to Spanish website Don Balon.
The five times Ballon d’Or winner, is said to have a close ear to manager Valverde and knows Alcacer will not feature heavily in his plans this season.
Messi has reportedly told the former Valencia striker to leave at the earliest opportunity once the January transfer window opens next year.
Source:www.sportjyst..com

Edinson Cavani asked Neymar if he thought he was Lionel Messi, when the Brazilian walked into Paris Saint-Germain’s dressing room for the first time, emerging report has revealed.
Cavani and the Brazilian don’t see eye-to-eye, after their recent squabble over penalty and free-kick taking responsibilities. But it seems their first exchange wasn’t much better either.
According to Spanish newspaper, El Pais, the Uruguay striker talked down on Neymar, following his world-record transfer from Barcelona.
“And who is this? Do you think you’re (Lionel) Messi?”, the striker reportedly asked, when Neymar first entered the dressing room.
Whether Cavani was joking or was intending to insult the new arrival remains unclear, especially since Neymar was seemingly left Camp Nou, to escape the shadow of Messi.
Source:www.sportjyst..com

Chelsea’s focus returns to the Champions League this week for what will be their toughest test in Group C.
Antonio Conte’s side travel to face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, where they will likely see a familiar face – albeit sat in the stands.

The Diego Costa transfer saga has overshadowed much of Chelsea’s build-up to this season’s campaign, but that appears to be nearing an end after the Blues agreed a deal with Atletico in midweek.

His presence will be the talking point pre-match, but as kick-off arrives on Wednesday, attention will soon turn to a battle between two serious contenders for the crown.
Start time
Atletico Madrid will host Chelsea at Wanda Metropolitano with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm on Wednesday, September 27.

TV and live online coverage
The match will be televised live on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting from 7pm. Alternatively, you can follow all the build-up and action from 6.45pm with Standard Sport’s London Football live blog.

Team news
Thibaut Courtois will be fine to face his old side on Wednesday despite landing heavily during Saturday’s victory at Stoke City.

The Belgian goalkeeper, who spent three seasons on loan at Atletico between 2011 and 2014, received treatment on the pitch after colliding with teammate Gary Cahill and Stoke striker Peter Crouch.
Antonio Conte on Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Stoke City
But Conte says that his goalkeeper is fit to play.
"I spoke with our doctor about Thibaut, above all about whether I could make a different substitution and he said Thibaut was okay and you can make another substitution," Conte explained.

"Now he is okay and ready to play the next game against Atletico Madrid."

Elsewhere, David Luiz is expected to return to the defence after serving the first of his three-game domestic suspension.

Predicted line-ups
Atletico starting XI: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis; Niguez, Gabi, Partley, Koke; Griezmann, Vietto

Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Hazard, Morata, Pedro
source:www.sportjyst..com

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has disclosed that City cannot declare themselves ready to match the level of Premier League champion, Chelsea.

The Sky Blues pounded Watford 6-0 at Vicarage Road on Saturday, to complete 3 wins in 7 days, scoring 15 goals without reply.
Guardiola was also not convinced with City’s form so far even though his squad also hammered Liverpool 5-0 on Sept. 9

Asked if he considers City now ready to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Chelsea, Guardiola only replied, “We will see. But I think we’ve made a step forward in terms of last season.

He said, “My feeling now is that everybody knows what we have to do, the players know what they have to do, with, without the ball in transition. And that’s so important.”

The City boss said, “We weren’t good enough last season, Chelsea and Tottenham were better. You have to accept it.”
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has disclosed that City cannot declare themselves ready to match the level of Premier League champion, Chelsea.

The Sky Blues pounded Watford 6-0 at Vicarage Road on Saturday, to complete 3 wins in 7 days, scoring 15 goals without reply.


Guardiola was also not convinced with City’s form so far even though his squad also hammered Liverpool 5-0 on Sept. 9

Asked if he considers City now ready to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Chelsea, Guardiola only replied, “We will see. But I think we’ve made a step forward in terms of last season.

He said, “My feeling now is that everybody knows what we have to do, the players know what they have to do, with, without the ball in transition. And that’s so important.”

The City boss said, “We weren’t good enough last season, Chelsea and Tottenham were better. You have to accept it.”


“You have to accept sometimes the opposition is better. Then you analyse why to improve for the future,” said Guardiola.

He added, “In an athlete’s career there are maybe 10 or 15 percent happiness moments, you lose more than you win. So you’ve got to enjoy it when you win.”
Hailing full-back recruits Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy for transforming City’s blueprint, Guardiola insisted his side are nowhere near their peak.

“Even if it looks like we cannot improve, of course we can improve,” said Guardiola.

He continued, “There’s still movement, there are still actions we can improve.
“The full-backs are so important. They offer energy to go up and down so that means we can put more players in the middle, to play, to pass the short passes.

“I like it when we play short passes through the middle, five, six metres, that gives us continuity. We create the spaces behind the press.

Guardiola said, “To do that you need more players in one position.
“And Kyle [Walker] and Danilo and Mendy help us a lot to be able to do that. Without that it would be even more complicated.”
source:www.sportjyst..com