Re: La Liga

High tension as second phase of Valencia’s sale is overdue

A sale of a football club is never a matter that will settle without noise, and even though it might same as things have calmed down in Valencia, it is only so because the battles are fought silently and away from the open plains. The question is whether it will remain so or if it will yet again blossom up to be a very public war. Let us have a look at the pending issues and what is moving.

The timeline

After the original timeline, the evaluation committee should already have provided a list where they identify the preferred offer or offers to the Fundación for a vote. Obviously, this has not happened and it was expected that Fundación yesterday would have emitted a press statement explaining the delay and what would be the new timeline. The principal reason for the postponement is cited to be the sheer volume of pages in the offers – some up to 800 pages, but also the fact that some of them need especially thorough verification when it comes to the financials. It is assumed that this applies at least for the Russian offer as well as the one from Mario Alvarado. The extra time will also allow the evaluation committee to meet the representatives for each offer in person.

The new timeline has of course already been leaked to the press and says that a final list will be provided by the 3rd of May, followed by a decision on May 17th. With that one has also sought to avoid any interference with the upcoming matches for the team.

The evaluation

Already from the start there has been disagreement about what are the specific criteria for selecting the best offer. While PwC as the representative of Valencia CF has elaborated a list that focuses on the sportive project, what happens to the clubs assets, what happens to Fundación and the cantera etc. KPMG as Bankia’s representative has focused on the financial points. While both overlap and has been taken into consideration for the official list, some disagreement remain and there is still worries that the two consultancies could present two separate and different rankings of bidders.

Also, one should not forget that both consultancies are financially rewarded in case they have brought to the table what turns out to be the winner. Yesterday, the evaluation committee and the consultancies spent 6 hours in a meeting in an effort to iron out the remaining disagreements and avoid further revelations to the press. After the evaluation by the committee, this will be presented to a group consisting of Amadeo Salvo, Aurelio Martinez (president of Fundación), Juan Carlos Moragues (representing Generalitat Valenciana) and a representative from Bankia. This is where the final list to be submitted for the vote in the Fundación will be created.

The vote

So with the evaluation criteria uncertain it is of course also uncertain on which basis the different “patronos” of Fundación will vote. A winner needs a majority vote by two thirds (14 in favor) to be chosen. The main discussion on the topic of the vote is whether it should be a secret voting, or one by manner of raising hands. Amadeo Salvo is the main advocate of the latter to ensure that no-one is coerced into voting differently by, let’s say Bankia or Generalitat Valenciana. This would be an open and transparent vote, which in principle is good, but that would also open up for the voters to be reprimanded by the the fans or any interested parties of a different opinion. Herein lies the seed of a social war unlike anything seen so far.

The majority of the Fundación therefore seem to want the secret vote to protect themselves and in fact the club from the potential consequences of an open vote. The obvious drawback is of course that voters can receive pressure from the same interested parties up front and change their vote accordingly. Former Valencia player and director Fernando Giner , now representing the player’s union in the Fundación and thus with voting rights, yesterday defended the secret vote in order to give him and others the opportunity to freely vote without risking reprimands from anyone. He also stated “of course the members of the Fundación will vote for what is best for Valencia”.

The General Assembly

There is also fierce discussion about how the shareholders will be involved in the process. Again Salvo is the one of a different opinion than the others, wanting to present several offers to the assembly to hear their opinion. On the positive side that gives a whole different sense of participation in the process and lives up to his standards of openness and transparency. On the negative side it opens up for pressure from the general public based on the information available to them. It also opens up for some to try to sway opinions.

Judging from the last few general assemblies I have been so lucky as to attend, I highly doubt many of those who are likely to take the word has a lot of good insight to offer. It has often been plagued by disrespectful behavior, populist statements and mere ramblings of a few dry old men. Personally I would not trust many of them to even give advice on the color of my shoes. I respect and would defend the thought of involving the assembly, but in practice it would be a disaster.

The other side defends what is fact agreed as the process. This involves the celebration of and presentation to the General assembly of the winning bid.

The offers

For those who have been following this process through our articles one has seen that who is seen as the favorite offer(s) have changed time and time again. This is where one should not forget the media’s role has become not only to inform, but also to sway. Different outlets have different allegiances. Even different journalists have different allegiances, and they are better or less connected. When we now read about favorites, we should keep that in mind.

On one side we have the Bankia-enabled bid from Cerberus, by many regarded as the favorite for that very reason. The American investment fund has one of the better financial offers and is one from which very little information has leaked. On the other side they are an investment fund and further known as a “vulture fund” buying up indebted assets, trimming them and selling them off for a profit. In this lies Aurelio Martinez’ issue with both Cerberus and GemNY. Early in his presidential office he declared against these types of funds and was very clear he did not want this for Valencia. Also, according to some outlets, this opinion is shared by the majority of the Fundación voters. With strong support from Bankia and months working on the project though Cerberus are a force to be reckoned with. Keep in mind, they were invited to bid for Valencia by Bankia already last year.

The other big favorite at the moment is Wanda and Wang Jianlin. The sheer fact that he is among the richest men in the world with a proven interest in football is enough for many. Add to that the suspected and likely support of Amadeo Salvo, then many fans are convinced. The bid’s main strength though, is in the exploitation of the club’s assets, among other positives he is planning to finish Nou Mestalla in the shortest time of all. The bid’s weakness is in the sportive project which is leaving a lot to be desired.

Peter Lim is mentioned as the outsider with the opposite of the Wanda offer. Very strong sportively, no doubt fruits of his several meetings with Salvo during the last year, it is though weaker on the plans for the club’s assets. The fact that the Singaporean has been linked with three other clubs during the last few weeks does not help his case.

What now?

The new timeline is expected to be communicated today, if at all. As mentioned the evaluation committee will now meet representatives for at least some of the offers to get a better picture of those they regard the favorites. After that it is time to present a ranking list. It is still under debate how many will be taken to Fundación – one, two or three offers. So according to the timeline we should have about a month of suspense left. Don’t be fooled though, the world is still not quite as it is made out to be. There are still surprises to come, both silent and very loud battles to be fought.

Re: La Liga

Granada get an extra €100,000 for Mikel Rico

Athletic Club Bilbao have paid Granada an additional €100,000 as part of the deal which saw central midfielder Mikel Rico move to San Mamés last summer, where he’s enjoyed plenty of first-team action.

Mikel Rico always had the dream of playing for Athletic Club Bilbao and last summer, that dream became a reality, when Granada finally agreed to sell the midfielder to the Basque club.

Athletic paid Granada a reported initial fee of €2.8 million for Mikel Rico, but the deal also included a series of clauses, based on objectives being met. One of those objectives included an additional fee of €100,000 when the player surpassed 25 appearances, which has been achieved.

Mikel Rico has been a big hit at Athletic since his move, with his typically tireless displays. So far this season, he’s featured in 30 matches, with 27 starts and 5 goals in La Liga, along with 6 appearances and 2 goals in the Copa del Rey.

Though the headline summer purchase for most Athletic fans was that of Beñat, some questioned the need to sign Mikel Rico. He’s very much proved the doubters wrong with the consistency and quality of his performances.

For the player himself, the chance to make the move to San Mamés was a once in a lifetime opportunity, as well as one in which he has been keen to prove his worth to Valverde’s team. The tireless midfield displays that earned him huge admiration and respect among the Granada fans, during the three year spell with them, is now being widely recognised the same way, amongst the Athletic faithful.

There are also believed to be additional clauses, which could see Granada receive further payments and benefits, for the continued success of Mikel Rico at Athletic, including the option of a friendly match at Nuevo Los Cármenes, this summer.

Re: La Liga

Asenjo: We haven’t been ourselves in many recent games

Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo isn’t happy at all with the recent form his team have been showing, pointing at a lack of intensity, which has made them look more like an average side. This, he believes, must change if they’re to secure their place amongst the European positions in La Liga.

Speaking at a press call on Wednesday, Sergio Asenjo underlined that his team must try to recover the form that saw Villarreal make such an excellent start to the campaign.

“It’s time to turn our situation around, to recover our intensity and the level of play we showed in the first half of the season. We have to do that on the pitch, to turn around our current form.”

The inconsistent form during the second half of the season, isn’t something that Asenjo is at all content with, given he expects much better performances from his team.

“We haven’t been ourselves in many recent games. We’re an easy team to beat, if we don’t show enough intensity. Málaga beat us in every individual duel. Negative results can always come, but the image we gave in games like the ones at Granada and Málaga, we have to change and we have to do that as soon as we can.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s match against Barcelona, Asenjo sees an ideal opportunity for Villarreal to rediscover the best of their form.

“It’s a chance for us to change our form and the image we’ve been showing. We need to feel more like ourselves again, be comfortable out there on the pitch and if we do that, we’ll get the results for sure.”

The game on Sunday, despite the recent form, will also present the chance for Villarreal to secure a Europa League position, as three points would mean that Valencia, behind them in 8th position, could no longer close the gap.

“It’s going to be a celebration and an opportunity to secure our objective and of course, that will be something the fans can enjoy.”

Asenjo recognises that Barcelona are one of the strongest opponents they could face though, whilst the Catalan club will also be fighting to keep their title bid alive.

“They’ve been a winning team for so long, they deserve credit. They have great players, an incredible squad and they’ll be coming here to take the three points, so they can keep fighting for La Liga.”

As for his own future, Asenjo explained that it’s not entirely in his hands, as an agreement must be reached between Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, to either extend his loan or sign off a permanent deal, though the goalkeeper himself added that he’s made his intentions clear, that he wants to stay at El Madrigal.

“The principal aim is to talk at the end of the season. Both clubs are playing for a lot at the moment. Atlético in La Liga and the Champions League, Villarreal with the aim of getting into Europe. If we achieve our objectives, then hopefully we’ll do more talking and reach an agreement for me to stay.”

“The clubs will meet and then they’ll let me know if they have an agreement. I’ve still got three years on my contract there, though I’ve already made my decision clear.”

Re: La Liga

Gavilán: Getafe deserve to be in the Primera for a long time

Getafe midfielder Jaime Gavilán believes the team can still save themselves from relegation, although he admits there will be suffering right to the end of the season. The game against Málaga this weekend however, could see the team take a step in the right direction, if they can claim the points.

Four games to play before the season in La Liga ends and Getafe remain in the bottom three. A complicated situation for sure, but speaking at a press call on Wednesday, midfielder Jaime Gavilán assured that the feeling within the squad, is one of belief and that Getafe can and deserve to stay in the Primera.

“I’ve been here a long time now and the thought of relegation has never once gone through my mind. I want us to be saved, because Getafe deserve to be in the Primera for a long time. We’ve gone through bad times before though and we’ve known how to get through them. We believe in ourselves and this next match will be one for the team and the fans.”

The continued support of the fans, home and away in the final games, will also be crucial, as Gavilán pointed out that the players really feel their backing, out on the pitch.

“They really help us. At the moment, we have to thank those who have travelled away to Elche and Valencia. The team really notices their support. Hopefully on Saturday, many fans will come to the stadium, that they’re behind us and the team reacts. It would be the first step to staying in the Primera.”

Gavilán also suggested that there’s no time to look back, or at what the team has done right or wrong over the course of the season, as all their focus has to be placed on getting three points, when Málaga visit the Coliseum on Saturday.

“Right now, it’s not the time to regret anything. What I want to see is pride. It’s time to stare this in the face, lift up our heads, run hard and give everything we’ve got. The team right now is only thinking of the game against Málaga. We know it’s another final, even though that seems a cliché, it is just that.”

However perilous the situation looks for Getafe, Gavilán reiterated that there is firm belief in the squad, that they can avoid falling to the Segunda.

“We still have time, we’re going to suffer, we have to stay united and we expect a good response from the fans, as they’ve shown in recent games. We’re convinced we can save ourselves. It’s true, we haven’t done things well this season, but we still have time. We believe in ourselves, in the squad and we believe we can save ourselves.”

Re: La Liga

Willy: All I see is what’s in the press, because nobody has called me on the phone

Málaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero denied speculative reports linking him with a move to Barcelona, as nothing but idle gossip, insisting that like other rumours throughout the season, there’s absolutely nothing to them.

“I want to reassure people that I’m not talking to anyone.” Willy Caballero began at his press call on Thursday, after reports appeared in a variety of Spanish publications, claiming that Barcelona were set to make a swoop for the Málaga keeper.

As such and pointing out that there have been rumours about his future all season, Willy made it clear that neither Málaga or himself have received any formal approaches.

“It’s been the same all year. All I see is what’s in the press, because nobody has called me on the phone. I’m calm about it all, as always. There’s nothing and I’ve nothing to talk about with anyone yet. If there’s something solid later, we’ll see, but at this moment in time there’s nothing.”

Willy also spoke of the enduring support he and his team-mates have had for manager, Bernd Schuster, once more dispelling any suggestions that there has been friction in the locker room.

“We’ve been behind him 100% all season, through all the tough times and in every game where the opponent has given us a harsh slap, we’ve always been with the manager. There’s good unity amongst us, good communication and we’ve always been with him. We give our hearts and souls for ourselves, and for our manager.”

Speaking about what’s been a difficult transitional year for Málaga, the Argentine goalkeeper insisted that for the players, it’s best to focus their efforts on the pitch, getting results, rather than concern themselves too much with the administrative and business side of the club.

“It’s been a tough year for the whole city, for all the fans. In the end we’ve managed to lift things with good signings that reinforced the team, brought more competitiveness and positive energy that we’d missed, enabling us to win games in the second half of the season.”

“For ourselves, the players, we don’t need to talk about the future, that’s up to the people running the club, the manager, the sporting director. All we need to focus on is winning our next game and ensuring our fans are happy.”

Re: La Liga

Iniesta: Messi will never find a better situation and Barca will never find a better player

Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta recently threw his support behind four-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi and echoed the sentiments of teammate, Gerard Pique that the players must take responsibility for their failures this season.

In a promotional event for Powerade, Iniesta weighed in on rumours linking Leo Messi away from the club and stressed that Messi and Barcelona are a perfect match.

“I have no doubt about Messi. Personally, I would like him to end his career at Barca. He’ll never find a better situation than he has here and the club will never find a better player than him.”

Iniesta then spoke about the team’s elimination from the Champions League and loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

“We’re all at fault, we win as a team and lose as a team. I don’t know if the percentages, but the blame his spread over the entire team.”

Re: La Liga

Barcelona beat Real Madrid for promising Hungarian midfielder Matyas Tajti

Barcelona has reportedly beat out Real Madrid for 15-year-old Hungarian midfielder, Matyas Tajti who is considered one of the countries most promising prospects out of the esteemed Puskás Akadémia.

In an interview with Hungarian daily Blikk, Maytas’ father and the academies director, confirmed that his son had chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid and will join La Masia and play for the Juvenil B squad after convincing the Catalan club with his tryout with the Cadet A side .

“It’s no longer a secret. Matyas has signed a three year contract with FC Barcelona. We did it before the FIFA sanction so that will not affect us. He will start at the beginning of August.”

Barcelona fans are especially happy with the signing, because as recently as last March, Maytas was on a tryout with Real Madrid and even played a friendly with Los Blancos before promptly signing with Barcelona before the FIFA transfer ban at the beginning of April, meaning that he almost immediately signed for the Catalans after his trial in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona have not officially confirmed the signing but the transfer is legal once he turns 16 years old in June.

Re: La Liga

Schuster: Of course I want to stay at Málaga

Málaga manager Bernd Schuster assured that even though it might not be his decision to make, come the end of the season, he very much wants to stay at the club, pointing out that he wants to keep shaping the team and the project, rather than someone else come in and benefit from the fruit of his labours.

Bernd SchusterAt his press call following training on Friday, Málaga manager Bernd Schuster spoke in more detail about what he’s experienced at the club, insisting that it’s a project he wants to see through, especially given the fruit of his labours is beginning to ripen.

“We came here knowing we would expect a difficult season. That’s what we’ve had and that’s what we’ve experienced. If you start a project, then obviously you want to keep shaping the team and getting more from it. I don’t want anyone else to come here and take advantage of the hard work we’ve done.”

Asked about the clause in his contract, which stipulates that Málaga must finish in the top ten, to trigger an automatic renewal, Schuster is paying that clause no importance, firmly believing that regardless of where the team ultimately finish in La Liga, the hierarchy at the club will keep him there, so long as they’re happy with the job he’s done. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Of course I want to stay with this project. The clause is of no importance to me, it shouldn’t stop us. If they’re happy with the job we’re doing, it shouldn’t matter whether we finish 10th or 12th. Beyond where the team finishes in the table, we have to evaluate the project as a whole and how the team is taking shape. Obviously I want to go for more, improve this team and stay. If they like the work I’ve done, then I’ll stay and if they don’t, well, I won’t be staying.

“That’s how I feel and I’m not thinking about 10th place in La Liga. I want the team to keep doing what it’s been doing in every game. We want to carry on with our football and being a difficult team to beat.”

Aware of what Getafe are fighting for, shouldn’t prevent Málaga fighting for three points and to continue their recent progress, noted Schuster when looking ahead to Saturday’s game at the Coliseum.

“The situation of our opponents is difficult, they’re playing for their lives and they’re a difficult team to play against. We’ll have to see how they respond to that situation. We’ll not stop, these four games left can be utilised for a lot of things. I have no fears about my team relaxing, though we should take advantage of the fact that we don’t have any tension now, which is very welcome. ”

Schuster also views the final games of the season as an opportunity to make one or two changes to the team, giving chances to those who haven’t featured so often.

“We have to make the most of these games. We have players who we can give some minutes to, such as Casado and Pawlowski, who also deserve their opportunities, but we won’t change the team too much.”

Nordin Ambrabat isn’t available, suspended for two matches after gesturing to the referee in the Villarreal game last Monday, that he needed glasses.

“The loss of Amrabat is bad for us, because his speed has helped us a great deal. We don’t have any other players like him. There’s a strong possibility that Portillo will play on the right flank and Samuel out on the left.”

Looking at the situation of Getafe, who Schuster once managed, he admitted surprise at how they’ve slipped so low this season.

“The situation Getafe are in is surprising, because they’re a team that should be in a much more comfortable position. This is football though, you can think you’re comfortable, but it never is and now they’re in a very complicated situation. They’ve got to go for everything now.”

Aware of the tension that the game could present, Schuster feels it’s best for his Málaga team to focus purely on their own way of playing and not get sucked into any petty arguments or disputes.

“As for the game itself, if we get involved in the same sort of game as them, it could get ugly. They’ll have anxiety and we can’t fall into the trap of playing long balls or getting involved in any disputes.”

Re: La Liga

Real Valladolid has insisted that their striker Javi Guerra is still heading for Cardiff City this summer.

The 32-year-old has already agreed a pre-contract ahead of a potential Bosman free transfer move this summer.

However, Guerra was quoted as suggesting that he may yet end up going elsewhere.

But Valladolid club president Carlos Suarez has told La Cadena Ser that as far as they are concerned, Guerra is heading for South Wales.

"Javi Guerra will for sure go to Cardiff this summer and I'm happy for him," said Sanchez.

"There is no possibility that he will continue with us next season."

Guerra is reported to have signed a three-and-a-year deal with Cardiff - although should the Bluebirds lose their battle against relegation, it has not been confirmed whether that would impact on the deal.

Re: La Liga

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti not interested in Manchester United job

Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid coach does not want the Manchester United job

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that he does not want to become the Manchester United manager next season.

The Italian took charge of the Spanish club last summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

Los Blancos have had a successful season so far under Ancelotti. The Madrid outfit have already won the Copa del Rey and remain in contention for La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory.

However, Ancelotti has been linked with the vacant managerial job at Old Trafford since the dismissal of David Moyes on Tuesday.

The Red Devils have put Ryan Giggs in charge of the first team until the end of the season, but the Welshman is currently not one of the favourites to take over on a full-time basis.

Ancelotti is one of a number of candidates who are said to be on United's list, but the former AC Milan coach has insisted that he has no plans to leave Madrid any time soon.

"I'm happy here at Real Madrid," the 54-year-old, who won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2009-10, told reporters.

"I am lucky to be working at the best club in the world and my place is here.

"I respect Man United a lot. I was disappointed for David Moyes, but my place at the moment is here."

Re: La Liga

Clement: The club never had any doubts about Bale

Real Madrid assistant manager, Paul Clement praised Welsh winger, Gareth Bale after the 24-year-old’s incredible run past Marc Bartra and scored the winning goal in their Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona on Wednesday evening and the English coach feels Los Blancos have the two best athletes in the world; Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following the incredible Copa del Rey win, Clement spoke to The Guardian’s Sid Lowe and praised Bale’s incredible goal.

“It was an incredible goal. He was at least two to three metres off the field in front of the Barça dugout and from that point on you never think it’s going to end up with him putting the ball in the back of the net. It’s just an amazing goal and it shows what an incredible athlete he is. He has great technical ability but that shows what power and pace he has got. To produce that kind of run so late in the game, 84 minutes, is incredible.”

“That’s only his second final so that was a big game for him tonight. But he has great temperament. He keeps cool in the big games, he doesn’t show nerves. Internally, we never had any doubts. The club never had any doubts. They paid a big price for him of course but that’s because he’s such a good player. He has shown that in many games this year and to show that on a big night like this, is good for him. We’re very pleased for him.”

Clement went on to add that between Cristiano and Bale, they have “probably two of the best athletes in world football.”

Re: La Liga

Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte rumored to have a pre-agreement with Barcelona

Recent rumors claim that Athletic Club Bilbao starlet Aymeric Laporte has already agreed to join Barcelona this summer, though the rumors may not be what they seem.

French starlet Aymeric Laporte has taken Europe by storm, playing a fantastic season under Ernesto Valverde at Athletic Club Bilbao and is already one of the most sought-after center-backs in Europe despite being on 19 years old.

In recent weeks, Laporte has been linked with moves to both Bayern Munich and Barcelona and new rumors suggest that he could already have agreed to leave the Basque giants this summer with Barcelona seeing his as the perfect solution to their defensive frailties.

According to television station Tele Bilbo, Laporte has already agreed to a pre-deal with Barcelona that will see him join the Catalan club when the summer transfer window officially opens.

Though this news has only recently been reported, it may not be as accurate as it seems.

The man who broke the news on Laporte’s supposed agreement with Barcelona was none other than Txefe Guerrero, brother of Athletic legend Julen Guerrero, and former player for both Athletic and Real Sociedad.

Guerrero informed Tele Bilbao that he had received his information from former Barcelona executive, Txiki Begiristain, who is now working with Manchester City, saying “Begiristain told me City can’t sign Laporte because he already has a deal with Barça.”

Those in the circles of the Basque Country have grown to take the words and claims of Txefe Guerrero with caution over the years as the former Real Sociedad man has earned a reputation of falsely reporting news dealing with Athletic Club, while Tele Bilbao is also notorious for erroneous reports.

As of now, there is no official word from either club or player on Laporte’s supposed pre-agreement with Barcelona, but it is clear that the Catalans are on the hunt for a new center-back and believe that the 19-year-old would be the perfect fit.

Laporte has expressed his happiness at Athletic in recent months, including signing a new contract last December, but has yet to openly close the door on a potential exit.

Regardless of reports, Athletic have already pointed to the player’s buy-out clause for any clubs interested in his signature, meaning that Barcelona would have to meet Laporte’s €36 million price tag if they are to sign the Frenchman this summer.

Re: La Liga

Atletico Madrid confident of keeping Diego Costa

Diego Costa: Tied to a long-term contract at Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid are planning for next season with Diego Costa and hope that mounting interest in his services can be fended off.

Reports of a big-money switch for the prolific striker this summer refuse to go away, with a return of 27 goals in 32 appearances sparking inevitable interest.

Chelsea, who Atletico and Costa will face on Wednesday with a place in the UEFA Champions League final at stake, are reported to be leading the chase, with Jose Mourinho having openly admitted that he is in the market for added firepower.

A sizeable bid would test Atletico's resolve, with the likes of Fernando Torres, Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao all offloaded in the recent past in an effort to balance the books.

"We want all our great players, Diego Costa included, to continue here. And next season, at the moment, is planned with him."

The La Liga leaders are, however, optimistic that their efforts to tie key men down on long-term contracts will pay dividends as they look to come through the next transfer window in a stronger position than they start it.

Sporting director Jose Luis Caminero told Movistar: "We have renewed almost everyone, including Diego Costa (on a deal through to 2018).

"So our mind is set on keeping that block (of players) and slowly bringing some more players in that can go with this project.

"So we want all our great players, Diego Costa included, to continue here. And next season, at the moment, is planned with him."

Caminero has also been discussing the prospect of Thibaut Courtois returning to Vicente Calderon in 2014/15, possibly on a permanent basis, with the issue of the on-loan goalkeeper's future set to be discussed with Chelsea at the end of the season.

He added: "Courtois, we have a very good relationship with Chelsea and will reach an agreement that will be good for Chelsea, for the boy and for Atletico Madrid."

Re: La Liga

Real Sociedad defender Íñigo Martínez insists there’s absolutely no way he’d join Athletic Club Bilbao, even if they approached his club and met his release clause. Meanwhile and looking at their season, he believes that although they haven’t reached the Champions League like last season, they’ve still reached the Europa League and could still match last season’s tally of points in La Liga.

Unable to mount a solid challenge for 4th place and a return to the Champions League this season, sections of the Real Sociedad fans have suggested their team has shown a lack of ambition. Speaking at a press call on Wednesday however, whilst acknowledging their discontent and demands, Íñigo Martínez believes there’s plenty of reasons to be proud of what the team has achieved this season, even though they’re always hungry for more success.

“Not everyone can say the same, but I know that there are some fans who aren’t satisfied just with us getting into Europe. It’s been a season with a lot of games and in the end, we’ve achieved one of the objectives we set out with. Now there’s three games left for us to push for fifth place.”

“There always should be these demands. If there’s no pressure from the outside, you can relax. That pressure is good, we should always want to achieve and do better. This season is something to be happy about, although our play hasn’t been as good as last season. What matters most is improving and always getting three points.”

To put the season into some perspective, Real Sociedad claimed fourth spot last season with 66 points in La Liga. That’s something the team can still match this season, if they win their three remaining games of the campaign. Íñigo feels that the aim now, having at least secured Europa League qualification, is to keep adding points and maintain a challenge for 5th place against Sevilla.

“The numbers are there, one of the main aims at the start was to get back into Europe again, though getting back into the Champions League twice in a row is very difficult for a team like Real Sociedad. We know we have the potential and could have reached fourth place. We always have to reach as high as we can, but we weren’t able to do it this season. What matters though, is that we keep working hard right to the end.”

“There’s still three finals left for us to fight for fifth place. Obviously we’ll need to beat Granada in our next game. Sevilla have been in good form, but they lost at Athletic and now they’re in the fight of playing a semi-final in the Europa League.”

Part of the reason for dissatisfaction from the Real Sociedad supporters, believes Íñigo, is seeing arch-rivals Athletic Club Bilbao sat in fourth position. He pointed out that they can still get one over them, by winning the Basque derby, which is their next encounter following the home match against Granada this coming Monday.

“That could be what hurts our fans most of all, that we’re not going to the Champions League and Bilbao are in fourth. Such things happen though and they’ve had a very good season. We’ve still got the derby to play though, which will be our most difficult game, but it will be more for the pride of beating them, than for the points and that’s a game we really want to win.”

Finally and amidst speculation that Athletic Club Bilbao are keen to bolster their squad, ahead of a campaign in the Champions League next season, which reportedly includes a bid for Íñigo Martínez according to the local media, he assured he can neither see it happening, nor would be the slightest bit interested in a move to San Mamés.

“There’s nothing in it. I don’t think Athletic are going to come here offering €30 million to their enemies at all. On top of that, I’d never head over to the other side, so the fans can be calm that’ll never happen.”

Re: La Liga

Celta Vigo goalkeeper Yoel Rodríguez admitted he’s not surprised at reported interest in Barcelona wanting Luis Enrique as their next manager, though he’s also clear that it’s something neither they or the coach have spoken about.

Much has been the speculation around the future of Barcelona manager Tata Martino, with a number of coaches apparently shortlisted to fill his boots, should he leave at the end of this season. One of the leading candidates is former player and B team manager, Luis Enrique.

At a press call on Wednesday, Celta Vigo goalkeeper Yoel insisted that Luis Enrique still has a job to do at the Galician club, though admitted that he’s hardly surprised by the reports linking him with a return to Barca.

“First he has to finish the season here and then later, the boss will take whatever decision he needs to take. If the calls come and there’s genuine interest, it’s because he’s done things well here. If the manager decides to go there, it’s because he wants to and if not, we’ll keep enjoying having him here.”

Yoel spoke fondly of how everyone at Celta Vigo has taken to Enrique, but admitted that the lure of the Barca job, could be too much to resist for their coach.

“We’re all happy with the way Luis Enrique works, with him and his coaching team. We haven’t spoken in the locker room about whether he’s staying or not, because that’s a decision only he can make.”

Turning attention to their next match, Yoel pointed out that though they are safe from relegation and even though it may seem that Celta Vigo have nothing left to play for, they’ll still be fighting for wins and points, starting with their encounter at Osasuna on Saturday.

“Even though we’ve go the points we needed, there’s still three games and as the professionals we are, we have to face these next games, the same way we have all the rest. Winning is our obligation.”