Thiago Alcântara leaves Barcelona’s coaching staff weeks after joining.
Former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder, Thiago Alcântara has parted ways with Barcelona just a month after joining their coaching staff. The 33-year-old ex-Spain international, who rose through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and made over 100 appearances for the club before moving to Bayern, had been forced into early Retirement due to persistent injuries. After retiring from his playing career at Liverpool, Thiago returned to Barcelona to join the backroom staff under new manager Hansi Flick. However, it has now been confirmed that Thiago’s time with the club has come to an early end. Barcelona announced in an official statement that Arnau Blanco, the Under-16 team coach, will immediately replace Thiago. This sudden change brings a swift conclusion to Thiago’s short-lived coaching role at his boyhood club.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Thiago Alcântara has left his role as coach at Barcelona.
(Source: @FCBarcelona) pic.twitter.com/lEw6n3REp2
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 16, 2024
Premier League referees set to reveal their club allegiances.
The Premiership Referees’ Association (PGMOL) announced a new rule requiring Premier League referees to disclose their team allegiance to avoid conflicts of interest during matches involving supported clubs. This decision follows controversy last season when Nottingham Forest objected to Stuart Attwell, a Luton Town supporter, being appointed as VAR for their crucial game against Everton. Forest, Everton, and Luton were all in a relegation battle, and Forest had three penalty appeals denied during their 2-0 defeat to Everton. The club issued a statement questioning the fairness of Attwell’s involvement, citing a conflict of interest. PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, stated during a media briefing that while referees must now disclose their allegiances, there are no plans to consider “contextual rivalries” when making referee appointments, despite Forest’s request.
🚨🚨| OFFICIAL: Premier League referees are now required to reveal the clubs they support in an attempt to be more transparent towards supporters. 👀 pic.twitter.com/rR7rdIuucW
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 16, 2024
Enzo Maresca confirms Ben Chilwell’s potential move from Chelsea.
Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Ben Chilwell is not in his plans for the 2024-25 season, with the 27-year-old struggling for game time in a competitive squad. Chilwell has fallen down the pecking order, particularly after Marc Cucurella’s strong performances at the end of last season. In pre-season, Chilwell managed only 64 minutes across six matches and didn’t feature in the last three games before the season opener. Addressing Chilwell’s situation, Maresca said, “I love the way he is, but he struggles to find his best position with us. When players train daily but don’t play, it’s not good for them or for me. It’s probably better for him to leave and get minutes elsewhere.” With the transfer window still open, Maresca hinted at the possibility of a move for Chilwell to find more playing time.
🚨🔵 Ben Chilwell, set to leave Chelsea as Maresca has confirmed: “It's probably better he goes and leaves and finds minutes”.
“I love the way he is, the problem is that he is struggling to find the right position with us…”. pic.twitter.com/pd6lsHIKh0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024
Joshua Zirkzee scores the winner as Manchester United defeats Fulham.
A late goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee secured Manchester United a hard-fought 1-0 win against Fulham in their Premier League season opener at Old Trafford. United struggled to break down their opponents in the first half, with Fulham almost taking the lead through Kenny Tete, only for Andre Onana to make a crucial save. Bernd Leno kept Fulham in the game, making impressive stops from Bruno Fernandes, who also hit the side netting, and Casemiro missed multiple chances. Leno continued his heroics after the break, denying Mason Mount and Fernandes. As the game seemed destined for a draw, Zirkzee brilliantly turned Alejandro Garnacho’s cross into the far corner, sealing a dramatic late victory. Erik ten Hag will hope to build on this result as United aims to improve on last season’s form.
Friday night delight! ❤️🔥🙌#MUFC || #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/EXBEXGjMJA
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2024
Chelsea and Atlético Madrid reached an agreement for a Felix-Gallagher transfer.
Gallagher’s transfer saga has taken a new turn after a potential move to Atlético Madrid was delayed. The deal stalled due to complications with Samu Omorodion’s proposed transfer from Atlético to Chelsea, which ultimately fell through. However, fresh discussions between the clubs suggest a resolution may be near for both players. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, positive talks took place on Friday, with Chelsea and Atlético inching closer to an agreement involving João Felix and Gallagher. Felix has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, though rumours of a £51 million ($66m) fee are inaccurate. Despite this, all parties are working towards finalizing the transfers over the weekend, aiming for a smooth resolution for both players involved.
🚨🔵 Understand Chelsea and Atlético are getting closer to final agreement for João Félix and Conor Gallagher!
Positive round of talks today, João says yes to contract terms. Rumours on €60m fixed fee for Félix are not true.
All parties working to get it done this weekend. pic.twitter.com/HOpN50Nt3j
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024