Ernesto Valverde feels Barça will need to score in Mestalla to get through | FCBarcelona.com
FC Barcelona have the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia on Thursday in Mestalla (9.30pm CET). The blaugranes have the advantage after their 1-0 win in the first leg at Camp Nou last week.
However, according to coach Ernesto Valverde his team cannot afford to be complacent. “Taking into account the offensive potential that Valencia have and playing in Mestalla, I have the feeling that to get through we will have to score. The fact that it is a semi-final means there will be motivation from the start.” More here.
Barca must balance cup, league ambition to prevent critical burnout | ESPN
One of the things that will be troubling the bright, competitive mind of Ernesto Valverde is whether FC Barcelona currently have an unhealthy or even Pyrrhic relationship with Spain’s Copa del Rey?
“Unhealthy” is a concept you can understand quickly: all of us fall prey to things we know we shouldn’t do but that feel “irresistible.” If “Pyrrhic” isn’t a word you use daily, then think of it like this: It means a victory that comes at far too high a cost to make it worthwhile. More here.
Complete caution with Barcelona forward Jose Arnaiz | Sport
On January 20, Barcelona announced that Jose Arnaiz was out of the B team game against Tenerife for “dynamic osteopathy of the pubis”. There was no recovery time listed. Barca do not want to take risks.
Physiotherapy and conservative treatment is the best remedy. Given Arnaiz is an explosive player, a risk of relapse is high if he is played again too quickly. More here.
PSG ace Lavyin Kurzawa offered to Barca in £22m deal | Express
Barcelona could now make the move with his time at PSG seemingly coming to an end. The 25-year-old has made 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 leaders but, according to Sport, is keen on a move to the Nou Camp.
Kurzawa has changed agents recently with the intention of finding a new club in the summer. He is reportedly unhappy with life under Unai Emery – although his future is also uncertain. The France international would cost around £22m and would add competition for Jordi Alba. More here.
Chelsea negotiate with Luis Enrique | Sport
Antonio Conte’s era at Chelsea is coming to an end. The Italian lifted the Premier League with the Blues last season but his team have slumped and Luis Enrique has been lined up at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have told him they want him to lead their ambitious project.
The London side will offer him a deal for the rest of the season and two more years after that, so he can work calmly. More here.
What makes Pique such a controversial figure? | The Barcelona Podcast
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