A Barcelona player could become Christian Pulisic's teammate at Milan in the following transfer window.

Milan trails its archrival Inter in Serie A but has shown clear improvement from last season, and the club is already planning how to strengthen the squad next year. With ambitions to climb back to the top domestically and in Europe, the Italian side is targeting affordable, young options to add depth. Christian Pulisic could soon have a new teammate from Barcelona.

The name linked to a move to Italy is Gerard Martín, 23. The center back has played more minutes under Hansi Flick than many expected, and that exposure has drawn attention from clubs across Europe. Scouts have noted his calmness on the ball and his capacity to step into a starting role despite still being relatively young.

Martín is a left-footed center back, a profile that is hard to find and valued for balance in build-up play down the left side. In addition to his technique and experience at a major club, he can also cover left back, which increases his appeal to teams seeking tactical flexibility.

Martín’s season with Barcelona

Martín was not expected to get many minutes given Iñigo Martínez’s presence and the club’s plans to sign reinforcements in that area. But the older defender’s departure opened a spot in the lineup and gave Martín a real chance to prove himself.

Even though Barcelona has not been known for rock-solid defending this season, Martín’s involvement has been higher than projected. He has played 19 La Liga matches, eight Champions League appearances, and three Copa del Rey matches.

After winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España last season, he added another Supercopa de España this season when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the final.

Martín’s potential price tag

There is no certainty about what AC Milan would pay if they make an offer. Market estimates put his value around €25 million (almost $30 million), which could be acceptable to Barcelona if they secure a replacement first.

Martín was on Wolverhampton’s radar last transfer window, when the English club offered €15 million; at that time the player declined the move. Everton is also reported to be interested.

Julián Álvarez was subject of a mysterious message from Barcelona president Rafael Yuste

Barcelona are looking for a striker who can replace Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is 37 years old, which means they need to find a successor soon. The player who best fits the profile is Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez.

The Argentine forward was not heavily pursued when he left Manchester City for Spain. However, he has since become an ideal candidate. The main issue is his price tag of around €100 million, which Barcelona cannot afford. For most clubs, that would make the transfer impossible, but interim president Rafael Yuste left the door open.

Yuste left a hard-to-read message when talking to the press in the Spanish capital: “There has already been some rapport. We have known everyone for years, and so one day, as always, it will be very nice.”

Álvarez’s season with Atlético Madrid

Álvarez’s first season with Atlético Madrid was outstanding. He scored 17 goals in 37 La Liga matches, finishing with 29 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions. His most notable moment, unfortunately, was the penalty that was ruled a miss for a slight double touch in the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid.

This season, his performance has not been as strong. After a promising start with the team, this year has not matched his usual standards. With only seven La Liga goals in 23 matches, the reduced output of the current lineup has affected his numbers.

Despite this clear dip in form, Barcelona’s interest remains intact. If the price is right for both sides, Álvarez could be a strong addition for the Catalan side in the next transfer window.

Financial strategy behind a potential move

Barcelona’s ability to pursue a high-profile signing will largely depend on its financial planning over the coming months. The club continues to operate under strict spending limits imposed by La Liga’s financial regulations, meaning any major investment would likely require player sales to balance the books.

Club executives are evaluating their wage structure and potential departures as they prepare for the next transfer window. Any serious approach for Álvarez would need to fit within those financial restrictions before negotiations could realistically move forward.

Barcelona's Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski were the important topics for sport director Deco

Barcelona is in a strong position to repeat the excellent season they had last year. They lead La Liga by one point over Real Madrid, are through to the Champions League round of 16, and are competing with Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Perhaps less visible than others, Deco has been one of the figures behind the club’s rebuild. He recently talked about the importance of Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski.

The former Portuguese midfielder now works as the sporting director of the institution, playing a key role in transfer decisions and contract renewals. He addressed several topics in an interview with Sport, including Rashford’s future.

Deco said: “We are happy with Rashford. It’s not easy coming here. He’s a footballer who has played at a very high level, with huge expectations like at Manchester United. He then had six months with Aston Villa, where he did a good job. I know they wanted to keep him, but he just wanted to come here, and that’s positive.”

About Rashford’s potential stay at the club, he added: “We have been able to get him on loan. Coming here and reducing his salary to make it happen was a demonstration that he really wanted to come. We are very happy about it. It’s a player that gives us a lot.”

Deco was noncommittal with Robert Lewandowski

The other question mark for next season is also in attack. Lewandowski has been outstanding since arriving at the club in a difficult period, making his goals even more important in helping the team return to a competitive level after years of instability.

As the striker’s contract runs until the end of this season, the possibility of his departure becomes more realistic. Deco praised him as “the best number 9 of the past 10 years, there isn’t anyone like him,” before casting doubt on a contract extension.

On that topic, there was no definitive answer: “I think time will tell. Robert has his personal plans too, and from there we’ll see. Before that we also need to know more about how we stand with Financial Fair Play. We must clarify the future of the team and we aren’t there yet. When we know everything we can do, we will address every topic, like with Robert.”

Barcelona has clear needs for the transfer window

Even as one of the best teams in the world, there is still room for improvement. The striker position would need reinforcement if Rashford and Lewandowski leave, while center back is another area that could be strengthened to maintain competitiveness.

Deco confirmed those priorities when asked about those positions: “Yes, the idea goes that way, but sometimes things surprise you. I always say that four months in soccer are like four years in life. One month ago we won the Spanish Super Cup and it already feels like we haven’t won anything.”

Raphinha may not be ready to return for Barcelona after Hansi Flick's comments

Barcelona has had one of the most devastating attacks in the world since last season. Hansi Flick has built a very dangerous side that relies on Raphinha as a key creator, scorer and provider of assists. However, he may not be ready to return for the Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid.

The German manager spoke to the media in a press conference about several topics, including the Brazilian’s absence. Even if he didn’t confirm anything, the chances of him being available on Thursday appear low.

Flick said: “It’s about how he feels. You must take care of your body, that’s what he’s doing. We must support him. Step by step. We must take care of him because he’s a player that always gives it all, he plays with intensity and when he notices something we must be careful. It’s not that I like it, because we need everybody, but it can happen during the season.”

Raphinha’s injury timeline

Qualifying directly for the Champions League round of 16 was huge for Barcelona considering they would be competing next week if they hadn’t. However, they still have a midweek obstacle in Atletico Madrid for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals in the Spanish capital.

Raphinha’s injury isn’t serious, as it is only a minor muscle issue. The problem with this match is that he hasn’t had enough time to recover. He picked it up in Barcelona’s victory over Elche on January 31, which places his absence within a normal recovery period.

The Brazilian then missed the Cup victory over Albacete and the La Liga triumph over Real Mallorca. With the team’s next match in doubt after Flick’s comments, a potential return could be next Monday in Girona. If he isn’t ready, his comeback date would be the following Sunday in the Levante match.

Raphinha isn’t Barcelona’s only absent

This match was already going to be a tough obstacle for Barcelona, with injuries making it an even harder challenge. In addition to Raphinha’s absence, the manager will also be without another attacker, Marcus Rashford, who won’t be ready.

Flick discussed the English striker’s absence from the lineup: “We have some problems in the team. Rashford won’t be able to play. It’s not good news, but I believe in my team. In hard situations, we grow.”

Real Madrid shared a statement about the future of the European Super League

Real Madrid, with president Florentino Pérez at the forefront, placed UEFA in a difficult position five years ago when they promoted the European Super League as a rival to the Champions League.

Fan backlash across Europe made the project unviable. The saga concluded on Wednesday as Real Madrid, UEFA, and the European Football Clubs released a joint statement formally closing the chapter on the Super League.

The statement reads: “Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid CF announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the well-being of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology.”

The writing ends: “This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented.”

Barcelona had left the European Super League

The original clubs behind the project included Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético, Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham. Several withdrew quickly after protests from supporters, while others remained for longer.

Barcelona announced their departure from the Super League last week, shortly before Joan Laporta’s resignation, confirming their stance through a brief note on the club’s official website.

The message stated: “FC Barcelona informs that today it has officially notified the European Super League Company and the clubs that have been part of it of its disassociation from the European Super League project.”

European Super League background

The European Super League was unveiled in 2021 as a breakaway tournament backed by some of Europe’s most powerful clubs. It aimed to secure permanent participation and increase revenues but collapsed within days amid widespread opposition.

Fans, domestic leagues, and UEFA argued it would damage competitive balance and undermine established structures. Although the project failed, it sparked ongoing debate about governance, financial distribution, and the role of elite clubs in European soccer.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal admitted he doesn't always watch soccer

Lamine Yamal has been a breath of fresh air not only for Barcelona fans, but also for neutral followers around the world who enjoy a talented player. He isn’t even 19 yet, yet he has achieved records that most teenagers dream about.

There are many tools to watch almost any match in the world nowadays. However, it’s also true young players seem to analyze videos less than before. That’s what Yamal admitted in a recent interview with ESPN.

Yamal explained, when talking about what he does outside of the sport: “I try to be with my friends and live my life. I try not to focus just on soccer, to not be all the time focused on the match, or watching videos of the defender I’m going against.”

Yamal spoke about his non-soccer activities

The Spanish attacker has the benefit of his profession to experience things that very few people can. Achieving success so young provides advantages he didn’t have growing up. But he still has normal hobbies.

Yamal said this about how he takes his time off: “I’m trying to enjoy the entire day and, at the moment I’m on the field, give my everything. But coming out of it I just want to disconnect all I can from soccer.”

A day for him, if he were invisible, would be like this, Yamal described: “I’d have breakfast on a rooftop. In the evening I would play a match in some park, for example at Rocafonda. Then I would go on a bike ride or skate with my friends.”

Yamal’s humble origins

Yamal can probably buy anything he wants. Even if he hasn’t been a player for too long, succeeding at such a great club and with Spain provides him enough resources to get anything he desires.

The star mentioned how he used to have fun when he was a child: “When I was a kid, we didn’t have the possibility of buying a PlayStation or a Nintendo, so we played with my friend on the floor with some Pokémon cards, which cost one euro.”

Lionel Messi's Argentina won the U-20 World Cup in 2005 with a rare habit, according to Spain's Fernando Llorente.

Lionel Messi has been an example of professionalism since he started representing Barcelona 20 years ago. He was even the main star of a star-studded Argentina U-20 that won the World Cup in the Netherlands. But according to Fernando Llorente, their preparation wasn’t ideal.

Llorente joined a roundtable to talk about the importance of hydration that included the likes of Luis Figo. The former striker, who finished right behind Messi in the top scoring list at the 2005 U-20 World Cup with five goals before Spain were taken out in the quarterfinals, revealed a rare habit that Argentina players were said to have.

When talking about his past experiences, he said: “To tell a story, I remember when he played against Messi’s Argentina in the U-20. It was said that they were allowed to drink Coca-Cola with the meals, but we couldn’t. They eliminated us, they sent us home, and they moved on. In the teams I’ve been on, we weren’t allowed to drink things like that.”

Figo also talked about hydration

Figo was probably the main name among the participants at the roundtable. The former Barcelona and Real Madrid star also won a Ballon d’Or, capping a career marked by talent and a controversial move between the giants. Just like Llorente did, he spoke about the topic from his experience.

The Portuguese spoke in general terms about elite teams and performance, linking physical preparation to consistency on the pitch. His comments were framed within the broader discussion about hydration and recovery in modern soccer.

For him the change needed is easy to see: “Real Madrid need to hydrate more to play better. It gives you mental health, performance, and better recovery, because they have talent.”

Figo on his preparation as a player

It’s clear that what Figo did as a player worked for him, because his performance was higher than most. But the Portuguese recalled that during his time there was reluctance to change a routine that already seemed to work.

Figo said: “In a world of high competition I’ve only had a nutritionist since 2004. With the habits of hydration and nutrition I had, when you contact a nutritionist you are one step behind because if you had some habits that worked for you, altering that routine makes you wonder if it’s the best for you.”

The creator of the Panenka style explained why Real Madrid's midfielder Brahim Diaz missed the infamous penalty for Morocco in the AFCON final

Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder Brahim Díaz had a brilliant Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, all the way until the penalty that changed the outcome of the final defeat to Senegal. A miss in the last minute of regulation where he tried to imitate Antonín Panenka sent the match to extra time.

Díaz was the subject of criticism mainly because of how he chose to take the penalty. Instead of a more conventional strike, he opted for the soft touch known as a Panenka. Precisely the former Czech player explained why he believes Díaz missed in an interview with “El Larguero”.

Panenka said: “It took me two years of training every day to master that penalty. I’m convinced that Brahim didn’t have it trained deeply enough to use that style. In that moment the idea came to him and he tried it. That’s why I think he didn’t score.”

Panenka made history 50 years ago

Panenka may not have had a career filled with individual accolades, but he made history with a great Czechoslovakia team. In the Euro 1976 final, his side went to a penalty shootout against West Germany and ended up winning.

The result was surprising, but the way it happened made his name remembered to this day. A delicate chip down the middle by Panenka was something not even the legendary Sepp Maier expected, sealing the final penalty for the title.

When asked if taking a penalty like that could be seen as disrespectful to the opposing goalkeeper, Panenka said: “I don’t agree. I thought it was the most probable way to score. In a European final you don’t think about mocking the opponent. I love football, my intention wasn’t to laugh at anyone.”

Díaz’s Africa Cup of Nations

Until the missed penalty in the final against Senegal, Díaz had been the star of the team. The midfielder was decisive from the group stage, scoring against Comoros, netting again in the draw with Mali, and adding another goal against Zambia to finish the group as leaders.

Díaz also carried Morocco through the knockout rounds. He scored in victories against Tanzania in the round of 16 and Cameroon in the quarterfinals. With five goals, he finished as the tournament’s top scorer.

Barcelona issued a press release regarding their participation in the European Super League.

Barcelona did what they needed to do on the field in Saturday’s match. At Camp Nou, backed by the home crowd, they maintained their lead in the La Liga standings with a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca. Earlier in the day, however, a separate statement regarding the European Super League also drew attention.

Tensions between some of the world’s most powerful clubs over the idea of a new competition designed to replace the Champions League have fueled heated debate for years. Those discussions continued even after the project was shelved. Now the issue returned to the spotlight with Barcelona deciding to step away.

In a post on their website, the club stated: “FC Barcelona hereby announces that today it has formally notified the European Super League Company and the clubs involved of its withdrawal from the European Super League project.”

European Super League background

The European Super League was announced in 2021 as a breakaway competition led by several of Europe’s biggest clubs. The project aimed to guarantee participation and increase revenues but collapsed within days following widespread opposition.

Fans, domestic leagues, and UEFA strongly criticized the proposal, arguing it would harm competitive balance and undermine traditional soccer structures. Political pressure and the threat of sanctions led most clubs to withdraw quickly.

Despite its failure, the Super League left a lasting impact. It fueled ongoing discussions about soccer governance, revenue distribution, and the influence of elite clubs within European competitions.

Barcelona’s political moment

Saturday also marked Joan Laporta’s final match as Barcelona’s president under the current mandate, as he is resigning in order to postulate again. The club’s board announced a series of measures in January, with the key decision being the scheduling of new presidential elections for March 15.

Laporta is the leading candidate to retain the position following the stabilization of the club. His main challenger appears to be Víctor Font, who received nearly 30 percent of the vote in the previous election. Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Comprubí are the other options for fans.

Lamine Yamal was part of the reason behind Hansi Flick's yellow card in Barcelona's La Liga match against Mallorca.

Lamine Yamal has been virtually unstoppable since breaking into Barcelona’s first team. His creativity and dribbling have created numerous goal chances and assists, while also making him the most fouled player on the team, something Hansi Flick has openly complained about.

Flick is a passionate manager who shows more energy than most of his German counterparts. He said a few months ago that he would try to calm down after being sent off against Girona, just before a visit to Real Madrid. In Saturday’s win over Mallorca, he protested again but received only a yellow card.

The manager explained what he told the referee during his post-match press conference: “I don’t think there were reasons to show me a yellow card. I just clarified that the Mallorca players in the wall were too close and that there was a foul on Lamine inside the box.”

Flick’s explanation on substituting Yamal

The season is entering its most demanding phase for clubs with major ambitions. With Barcelona still competing in the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey, managing minutes has become essential, especially for a player as important as Yamal.

With Atletico Madrid coming up in a Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday in Madrid, keeping Yamal fresh was a priority. That was the main reason behind his substitution with a little more than 10 minutes remaining.

Flick reassured concerned fans: “We have to manage his minutes. He’s enjoying himself, but in the first half he wasn’t at his best. He saved energy for the second part, and I can’t blame him.”

Flick on what to improve before the Atletico match

Flick addressed several topics when speaking with the media, including preparations for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against a difficult opponent. His focus was on aspects Barcelona failed to execute early against Mallorca.

Concentration was a key point for the manager: “We are playing many matches. I hope that on Thursday against Atletico we see a different team in the first minutes. I played football and I know how it is. In the first half we didn’t have the right attitude, but in the second we did.”

Real Madrid's manager Alvaro Arbeloa was firm in his Barcelona comments.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have long been locked in a war of words, and manager Álvaro Arbeloa is the latest to join the exchange. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks between presidents Florentino Pérez and Joan Laporta— the rivalry’s most prominent voices — but they are far from the only ones involved.

Arbeloa has many areas to focus on, with his team struggling for consistent performances, but that did not stop him from commenting on the Negreira case at the pre-match press conference before the trip to Valencia. The ongoing debate has continued to surround the club despite the sporting challenges.

The manager’s remarks made his position clear: “Nobody understands that, to this day, the biggest scandal in Spanish soccer history hasn’t been resolved. That happens to everybody.” He insisted the situation remains difficult to explain while the case is still unresolved.

Negreira case raises questions over Barcelona payments

The “Negreira case” involves accusations that Barcelona transferred money over several years to a company tied to Enriquez Negreira, who at the time served as vice president of Spain’s refereeing committee. Those transactions prompted formal investigations and renewed debate over whether financial ties influenced refereeing decisions in Spanish soccer.

The situation has led to court inquiries, sustained media attention, and increased tension between clubs and refereeing authorities. It has also intensified calls for clearer rules, stronger oversight, and greater transparency in the sport’s governance.

Arbeloa has many absences for the Valencia match

Real Madrid has not met expectations this season, a run that led to Xabi Alonso’s dismissal and Arbeloa’s appointment as interim manager. Still, the team sits four points behind Barcelona.

Arbeloa did not find much help in the squad list for the match at Mestalla. The main absence will be Vinicius, who is suspended, and a major midfield loss will be Jude Bellingham, who is sidelined by injury.

Those absences are compounded by Rodrygo’s own injury; he was expected to step into Vinicius’s role. The defense will also miss an important player, with Militão ruled out through injury.

Real Madrid won't have Rodrygo for their upcoming La Liga match against Valencia.

Rodrygo was a huge piece of Real Madrid’s success in past seasons. His appearances in decisive matches were crucial, especially in their Champions League titles. However, his importance has diminished since Xabi Alonso’s hiring.

Alonso’s departure didn’t help much because he wasn’t a starter for Álvaro Arbeloa either, but a suspension to Vinicius opened a spot in the attack for the match against Valencia. Unfortunately, he will not replace his fellow Brazilian.

Real Madrid confirmed Rodrygo has been diagnosed with right hamstring tendinosis that will keep him out at Mestalla. The estimated absence is around 10 days, which means he may also miss the home match with Real Sociedad.

Rodrygo’s return will take even longer

The problems for Rodrygo to regain a place in the team don’t stop with injuries. This setback could keep him out for the next two matches. However, he won’t be available for Real Madrid’s match after Real Sociedad.

Even if he recovers in time to be fit for the Champions League playoff against Benfica, Rodrygo will not play. The reason is he received a red card in the chaotic ending of the last league-phase match that ended in a 4-2 defeat during the visit to Portugal.

His return could then come when Real Madrid visits Osasuna in La Liga on February 21. Notably, he will not be available for the second leg in the European competition because he received a two-match suspension for his gesture toward the referee.

Rodrygo’s replacement in Valencia

Every injury is ill-timed for players who aren’t a manager’s favorite. This one may have hurt even more because he was almost certain to start in Vinicius’ absence. Rodrygo’s status isn’t the only issue Arbeloa is facing for the weekend.

Jude Bellingham is another major absence, leaving Kylian Mbappé with even more pressure to be the main scoring option. Arbeloa could opt to put the Frenchman in his natural left-side position with Gonzalo Garcia as the traditional No. 9 up front. Other alternatives are Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Díaz, or even Federico Valverde on the right wing.

Pep Guardiola wasn't clear about Erling Haaland's status for Manchester City with Liverpool next

Manchester City sits 6 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League. They are one of the biggest obstacles to the title, but they face a very tough challenge on Sunday visiting Liverpool. For that match there are doubts around Erling Haaland’s status, and Pep Guardiola wasn’t clear.

Haaland has not been in great form recently compared with his career numbers. Only one goal in his last seven matches raises questions about his starting spot, and he also faces competition from Omar Marmoush, who scored twice in the Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United.

Guardiola praised the Norwegian before remaining noncommittal about him. The manager said in the press conference on Friday: “Haaland is the best striker in the world. I don’t know if he’ll play on Sunday, just that he’s the best striker in the world.”

Guardiola on the other injuries

There are many doubts about the lineup Manchester City can present at Anfield. Beyond the form question around Haaland, injuries limit the manager’s options. The main absence may be Bernardo Silva, with Rúben Dias and John Stones also affected by physical issues.

Guardiola explained in a press conference: “Bernardo isn’t ready yet, but tomorrow we will see in training. Dias is back; we’ll see if he plays for a few minutes. It’s good news. Stones trained with the team for the first time yesterday; he’s slowly coming back.”

Guardiola about his emphatic celebration in the Carabao Cup

Every competition should be important for players and coaches. But when someone reaches Guardiola’s status with 39 titles as a manager, a certain level of normalization can be expected for a smaller trophy like the Carabao Cup. Still, reaching the final was very important for him.

He explained his celebration: “As I get older, I have the feeling it’s harder to reach a final each time. The final is on March 22; until then I have the chance to enjoy the fact that we are playing in a final because it’s very hard. To get to finals and win titles nowadays you must sweat. Those are the moments for which we are in this industry.”

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot backed his previous comments in an interview.

Liverpool has been a disappointing team this season considering the transfers Arne Slot asked for. Having spent more than any other Premier League club, they were expected to be a club contending for the title, but are now sixth in the standings.

With all the tools Slot has at his disposal, his comments earlier this week were controversial. The Dutch manager said in The Reds Roundtable podcast: “As a manager, you can win the league, Champions League, the FA Cup or the League Cup but the biggest thing you can win is that you can play the nicest football to watch.”

In an interview with Sky Sports, he expanded on his views. Slot was talking about the future, not just the moment, in the conversation ahead of the match with Manchester City: “If you don’t play good football, it’s impossible to win something or to achieve something sustainable.”

Slot on the Premier League style

Last season it was a cruise for Liverpool to win the Premier League by a long margin. This one was expected to have them at the top after making expensive signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike among others. The first five matches were victories, but then the problems began.

The manager said the team was surprised by the style change: “We never waste time. We always want to press high. We always want to bring the ball out from the back. But unfortunately, we face teams that have a different approach, which is completely fair for them.”

“Every team should play their style, which is best equipped for playing against us, and it’s shown that we are sometimes struggling with that style,” Slot added.“It’s not always possible for a team to get pace in the game or to get things going if the other team tries to do everything to get that pace out of the game.”

Slot likes his team’s improvement

Slot also mentioned the plans for the remaining season. “When we play more open games this season, we’ve shown that we always want to be part of a game like that, and we’ve done really well. But games where we’ve dropped points had a different look and feel, but that’s not what we wanted it to be, but what was forced on us.”

The manager said: “Now, the next step is making sure that if that playing style is forced on us, we are good enough that we can change that toward the game we want.”

Guardiola wants Manchester City to ask for a rule change.

Pep Guardiola has been in the news recently with statements complaining about the narrative of Manchester City’s spending, claiming other English clubs invested even more. Now he’s seeking a rule exception for an upcoming match.

What the manager wants is for the club to present a letter so he can include Marc Guehi in the lineup for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on March 22 at Wembley Stadium.

The Spanish manager said: “I told the club we must ask. Hopefully we can convince them that Marc can play in the final. I don’t understand why he cannot play in the final. Hopefully we make a letter. You buy a player for a lot of money, and he is not able to play for a rule I don’t understand. Hopefully they can change it.”

The rule that Guardiola wants to change

With injuries piling up in Manchester City’s defense, the club moved for a player they had tracked for some time. However, because Guehi already played for Crystal Palace in the competition, Guardiola faces a regulatory obstacle.

This season the Carabao Cup rules were modified slightly on player eligibility. Previously, players could represent only one club during the competition. The rule states that a player can only represent a second club if he joins that team before the first leg of the semifinals is played, according to The Guardian. With Guehi arriving on January 19, that condition was not met, as Manchester City had already played and taken a 2-0 lead over Newcastle.

Guehi’s transfer from Crystal Palace

The defender was a target for many top clubs in last summer’s transfer market, with Crystal Palace facing the prospect of losing him for free at the end of his contract. Palace ultimately sold him this January rather than risk losing him for nothing.

Manchester City paid £20 million (roughly $27 million) for him as injuries forced them into the market. Among the defenders currently unavailable for Guardiola are Josko Gvardiol and John Stones, while Nathan Ake has also missed time.

Yamal's Barcelona was compared to Mbappé's Real Madrid by a rival

Barcelona and Real Madrid differ clearly in nearly every category. How those clubs are run is one difference. Their playing styles also contrast, and a recent opponent pointed that out.

Javi Moreno plays for Spanish second division club Albacete, which shocked Real Madrid a few weeks ago in the Copa del Rey before losing to Barcelona. Moreno offered an interesting insight into what he saw on the field.

The defender said: “Against Barcelona there is more order than with Real Madrid, who are more anarchic. That may also help you because they are more predictable. We knew about the number of passes they launch from Lamine Yamal‘s zone to Marcus Rashford. You know their resources, but their passes are millimetric.”

Barcelona’s next chapter in Copa del Rey

The epic run that began when Albacete upset Real Madrid in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first match as manager helped clear the path for Barcelona. That recent match put Barcelona into the semifinals after a 2-1 win, boosted by goals from Yamal and Ronald Araújo before Moreno pulled one back.

Wednesday produced two teams ready for the final four clubs still chasing glory. Real Sociedad earned a road victory over Alaves, while Athletic Bilbao followed the same path with a win away to Valencia. The final spot will be for Atletico Madrid, who beat Real Betis.

For now there is no confirmed rival for Barcelona. The remaining four teams will be placed in a draw on Friday at the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation in Las Rozas.

Barcelona looks for more history

Barcelona is one of the clubs with the most titles in the world. They have been prominent in many competitions, with the Copa del Rey being their favorite. If they win the title, they would add one to their 32 crowns.

It’s a similar story with Athletic Club. The Bilbao club ranks just behind Barcelona on the list of clubs with the most titles with 24. Atletico Madrid is chasing their 11th title of this kind. For Real Sociedad, it would be their third.

Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi was clear about the interest from Real Madrid.

Arsenal has many players capable of playing in top clubs in the world. One of them is Martín Zubimendi, the midfielder who was a target for Real Madrid in the most recent transfer market at the request of former manager Xabi Alonso.

The ex Real Sociedad star moved to England partly because Florentino Pérez believed Alonso didn’t need more midfielders. However, that area of the field is the current biggest weakness. This made fans return to the idea of signing Zubimendi, who spoke about that possibility on the Spanish TV show “El Larguero.”

Zubimendi shut the door on a potential move, explaining his view with a humble response. “I don’t think they need me. The truth is Real Madrid has enough players to do it right, so no.”

Zubimendi’s transfer to Arsenal and his statistics

Real Madrid has grown used to signing star players on free transfers in recent years. That may have played a role in viewing Zubimendi’s price as too high. The player was interested in joining the Spanish giants, but Arsenal signed him for €70 million (more than $80 million).

That fee for a central midfielder could be seen as an overpay by some, but that argument has been challenged by Arsenal’s solidity in the Premier League, where the team has shown balance and control.

Zubimendi quickly became a key piece for Mikel Arteta. The midfielder has played 24 Premier League matches with four goals, and his influence goes beyond the numbers, a level of performance that many Real Madrid fans may wish they had in their own squad.

Zubimendi’s Champions League favorites

Arsenal was the clear best team in the league phase of the competition. With a perfect record in eight matches, they remain favorites, but Zubimendi doesn’t rule out the Spanish clubs.

“The qualifying was good, but it’s about winning it. Anything can happen in the Champions League,” the Arsenal player said in the same interview. “You can’t discard the Spanish teams. Barcelona reached the semifinals last year, Real Madrid is Real Madrid, and Atlético have great players too.”

Lamine Yamal's Barcelona has reportedly set its sights on a promising youngster from Ajax.

Barcelona has reemerged as one of the top teams in world soccer since Hansi Flick’s arrival. The rise of Lamine Yamal, combined with Raphinha’s resurgence under the German coach, has given the Catalans a dangerous attacking unit. Now, the club may be looking to add more young talent to its squad.

According to Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, Barcelona has been closely monitoring Mika Godts. The 20-year-old Belgian winger is currently under contract with Ajax, a club well known for developing elite young talent throughout its history.

Godts mainly plays on the left wing, using his right foot to dribble and accelerate from that side. While Barcelona is also famous for developing young players, squad depth across all positions can be decisive in seasons with a heavy match schedule, where rotating and resting key players becomes essential.

Other clubs have shown interest in Godts

Certain clubs share strong footballing identities, often making player adaptation smoother. The historic connection between Barcelona and Ajax could help Godts adjust more quickly to the style of play Barcelona favors.

However, Barcelona is not alone in the race. Arsenal is also tracking the winger, according to “Voetbal International,” with the Premier League club continuing its strategy of investing heavily in young talent to remain competitive.

Additional interest has been reported from Serie A clubs such as Napoli and AS Roma, while Bundesliga’s Stuttgart is also monitoring the situation as the race for Godts continues to develop.

Godts’ statistics with Ajax

Godts began his youth career at Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht before moving to Genk and later joining Ajax. He was promoted to the Eredivisie club’s first team in 2023.

The winger has made 96 professional appearances since arriving in the Netherlands, scoring 18 goals. This season, he has recorded 10 goals in 19 Eredivisie matches and has also earned eight Champions League appearances.