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De la Fuente Explains Joan Garcia Snub, Backs Lamine Yamal
Seven Barcelona players were called up for the Spanish national team today as La Roja brace themselves for the September international break.
While the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Gavi and even Fermin were able to secure a place in the Spanish squad, there was one notable omission in Juan Garcia.
The former Espanyol star was poised to earn a maiden call-up to the national team in light of a brilliant 2024/25 campaign.
Luis de la Fuente on Joan Garcia omission
However, much to everyone’s surprise, coach Luis de la Fuente did not call up Garcia and instead opted for the goalkeeping trio of Unai Simon, David Raya and Alex Remiro.
Speaking to the media (h/t MARCA) after the official announcement, de la Fuente explained his decision to omit Garcia.
“If I’d felt pressure, I would have brought him in,” said the Spanish coach, who revealed that he won’t select players just because they play for a bigger club like Barcelona.
“We monitor all the goalkeepers, and Joan could be here now, before, or in the future. And not because he’s at Barça. I want to tell you that players from clubs don’t come here; this is the national team, regardless of the club they come from.
“Let’s not make assumptions about whether 6 or 7 come from one club… Let’s give this importance. Joan’s time will come, for sure,” he said.
“Surely Joan’s moment will come, as it will for other teammates,” the coach added.
De la Fuente on Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez
Luis de la Fuente was also asked about Lamine Yamal and his pre-season celebration, where he wore himself a crown after scoring a goal against FC Seoul.
“I disagree with you, it wasn’t a crown, but a wizard’s hat,” he said when asked about Yamal’s celebration, especially ahead of next month’s Ballon d’Or gala.
The Spanish coach went on to defend Yamal, claiming that people are focusing on the wrong things, as far as his coverage is concerned.
“With Lamine, the focus is on superficial matters, but what should be highlighted is that he works harder than anyone and takes care of himself more than anyone,” he said.
“He didn’t achieve what he has because of the parties that have been talked about. His work should be emphasised,” he added.
Finally, de la Fuente was asked about Fermin Lopez, who has been closely linked with a move to Chelsea in the final days of the transfer window.
In response, the Spain coach admitted that he prefers Spanish players playing in Spain, in what can be deciphered as a message to Fermin to stay at Barcelona.
“What would I say to him? It’s very personal; he has to weigh up a lot of things. In football, there’s supply and demand, with the economic factor, I think, being secondary. The sporting aspect comes first; I don’t know what he’s discussed with the club.
“From the outside, I can’t really give an opinion, but I’d like Spanish players to be in our league. I regret it when they go abroad because I think they’d make LaLiga more competitive here, which for me is the best in the world,” he concluded.
Barcauniversal.com
News
Arne Slot Confirms Mohamed Salah Is ‘Always In My Mind’ Amid Liverpool Absence
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed the speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, admitting that the Egypt forward is “always in my mind” despite being left out of the last two starting line-ups.
Salah, 33, has had a slow start to the Premier League season, scoring just four goals, and has played only 45 minutes across the last two games. The forward’s omission from the starting XI has sparked talk of a potential Saudi Pro League move, though Salah recently signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April.
Slot Explains Salah Situation
“I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us,” Slot said. “He is always in my mind to either start or to come off the bench.”
Salah played a starring role last season, scoring 29 goals as Liverpool lifted the Premier League in Slot’s first campaign. However, he was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at West Ham and again came off the bench in the 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.
Slot acknowledged the chatter around Salah’s absence, saying:
“The chatter, yes because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me and six or seven years. It’s completely normal people talk about it when he isn’t playing.”
Van Dijk Weighs In
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also commented, highlighting that no player at the club has “unlimited credit”:
“He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that. I need him around as one of the leaders. He’s disappointed but that’s absolutely normal. It’s always been the case that no one is undroppable.”
This statement underscores the high standards at Liverpool, even for one of their most prolific stars.
Liverpool’s Current Form
The Reds are currently ninth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, having won just two of their nine league games. Salah’s presence will be crucial as Liverpool look to regain momentum, with their next game set against Leeds United.
While fans debate Salah’s place in the squad, both Slot and Van Dijk emphasize that he remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
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Roy Keane Blasts ‘Frightened’ Manchester United After West Ham Draw
Manchester United thought they had the job wrapped up at Old Trafford… until they didn’t.
Diogo Dalot’s tidy finish just before the hour mark looked like the moment that would push the Red Devils to a much-needed victory. But in classic 2025 Manchester United fashion, control slipped, intensity dipped, and West Ham pounced.
And of course—when things go wrong—Roy Keane is never far from the verbal action.
“They Weren’t Nasty Enough!” – Keane Fires Shots
After the 1-1 draw, Keane wasted zero time calling out what he sees as the real issue at United: timidity.
According to him, United “took their foot off the gas” right after scoring. Against a team in the bottom three, he expected more authority, more aggression, and definitely more hunger.
Instead, what he saw was a team “almost frightened” of finishing the job.
He slammed the players for hiding when pressure kicked in, criticized their lack of killer instinct, and even called out the relaxed body language during substitutions.
In typical Keane fashion, the message was simple:
United should never be this soft.
Amorim Also Frustrated: “The Game Was Ours To Win”
Manager Ruben Amorim didn’t sugarcoat anything either.
While he didn’t go full-Keane, he admitted:
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United lost control after scoring
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They failed to win second balls
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They should have killed the match earlier
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The inconsistency is becoming a real problem
For a team chasing European places, three draws in five games simply isn’t good enough.
West Ham Deserved Their Point
To be fair, West Ham didn’t just sit back and wait. They fought, pressed, countered, and eventually got their reward when Soungoutou Magassa slotted home the 83rd-minute equaliser.
United had late chances, but the story of their season resurfaced again:
moments created, moments wasted.
Where Do United Go From Here?
Sitting eighth on the table, United’s inconsistency continues to be their biggest opponent. Keane believes the team lacks bite. Amorim believes the team lacks control.
Fans believe the team lacks… well, everything except drama.
What’s clear is this: until United find their identity and intensity, nights like this will keep happening.
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Beckham Joins Bellingham & Trent to Unveil Retro Gunmetal Adidas Predator Mania
Beckham Links Up With The New Generation
Adidas just pulled off the ultimate fusion of eras — pairing Real Madrid legend David Beckham with modern-day stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to unveil the new throwback Predator Mania Gunmetal.
The visual alone is powerful:
Beckham, the man who helped define the Predator legacy, standing alongside the players shaping a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
It’s nostalgia meeting modern football culture in the cleanest way possible.
How Beckham & Zidane Made The Predator A Cultural Icon
In the 2000s, football boots had personalities — and none louder than the Predator.
Thanks to players like:
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David Beckham
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Zinedine Zidane
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Steven Gerrard
…the Predator brand became more than footwear — it became a symbol of confidence, control, and creativity.
Beckham’s signature whip-your-free-kick technique and the unforgettable fold-over tongue made Predator Mania one of the most legendary boots ever created.
And now in 2025, it’s back — reborn with purpose.
A Historic Gunmetal Colourway Returns
The 2025 Predator Mania comes in a stunning Gunmetal grey, blending early-2000s nostalgia with fresh modern flair.
Adidas describes it as:
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“Metallic, polished and aggressive”
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Featuring crisp white Three Stripes
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And the iconic red fold-over tongue — embroidered and unapologetically bold
Beckham famously wore this colourway during his early Real Madrid days.
It quickly became a cult favourite, often called “one of the most photogenic boots of its era.”
Now it’s back — and it looks better than ever.
Engineered For Today’s Game
While the look is faithful, adidas didn’t simply remake the past — they improved it.
The 2025 Predator Mania is crafted in the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, the birthplace of many legendary Predator lines.
Key enhancements include:
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Upgraded comfort
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Subtle structural refinement
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Increased responsiveness
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Modern fit for today’s style of play
In short:
Old-school swagger meets high-performance engineering.
Back On The Bernabéu Grass
The revival feels even more fitting because two current Real Madrid stars — Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold — will bring the Gunmetal Mania back to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.
From Beckham’s free-kick artistry to Bellingham’s midfield dominance and Trent’s laser passing…
the Predator legacy remains in elite company.
Adidas couldn’t have scripted a better generational handover.
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