Dalic: Not even coaching Brazil or Barcelona could top leading Croatia at World Cup

Zlatko Dalic said he could coach Brazil or Barcelona but Croatia will always remain his favourite job after the country’s run to the World Cup final.    

Croatia made history under head coach Dalic following their first World Cup final appearance in Russia, where they lost 4-2 to France in the decider .    

Dalic and Croatia earned admirers for their football throughout the tournament, while the Balkan nation were greeted by an estimated half-a-million fans on the streets of Zagreb having returned home to a remarkable reception despite defeat.   

Reflecting on Croatia’s World Cup exploits, Dalic said in an emotional speech: “I can be coach of Brazil or Barcelona but this will always be the favorite job, to lead the Croatian national team.  

“There is still grief because we had to win the trophy. But if someone had offered me to be in the final before the World Cup, we’d all have taken it.”

Dalic – who worked his way up the ranks in Asia where he led UAE giants Al Ain to the 2016 AFC Champions League final – replaced Ante Cacic in October as Croatia struggled during World Cup qualifying.  

The 51-year-old oversaw a change in fortunes, guiding Croatia past Greece in the play-offs before the nation made their mark at Russia 2018.

The Croatians topped the likes of Argentina, Russia, England and Denmark during their impressive run, with midfield ace Luka Modric winning top individual honours for his showings throughout the competition . 

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Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Chelsea to hijack Liverpool move for Alisson


Chelsea to hijack Liverpool’s Alisson move


Chelsea will look to hijack Liverpool’s move for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, according to the Mirror

Goal reported on Tuesday that the Reds have opened talks with Roma over a £62 million ($82m) deal for the 25-year-old.

But Chelsea are now prepared to bid £70m ($92m) in an effort to steal the Brazilian away from their Premier League rivals. 


Everton in advanced Malcom talks


Everton are in advanced talks to sign winger Malcom from Bordeaux, Sky Sports News reports. 

The 21-year-old Brazilian emerged as a target for a host of European clubs, with Inter thought to be his preferred destination.

But Malcom instead appears ready to move to Merseyside in a deal worth £30 million ($39m) plus add-ons.


Courtois nears €35m Madrid move


Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is closing in on a move to Real Madrid for €35 million (£31m/$41m), reports Marca

The Belgium number one has long been linked with a return to Spain to be with his family, after he spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid between 2011 and 2014. 

With just a year left on his deal, the Blues will be forced to sell the 26-year-old at a relatively bargain rate rather than lose him for free next summer. 


Tottenham make Pavard approach


Tottenham have contacted Stuttgart to express their interest in signing defender Benjamin Pavard, reports TEAMtalk

The 22-year-old impressed at the World Cup, helping France lift the trophy in Russia. 

With Toby Alderweireld set to move on Spurs are hoping to land Pavard, who can play multiple positions on the back line and can also slot in at midfield. 


CSKA deny Golovin deal with Chelsea


CSKA Moscow president Evgeniy Giner has denied that a deal has been reached to sell Aleksandr Golovin to Chelsea.

The 22-year-old playmaker has been in high demand since starring for Russia at this summer’s World Cup.

Giner did confirm that Golovin is likely to leave CSKA soon, but was adamant that no deal with the Blues had been completed. 

Read the full story on Goal!


Zidane to join Juve as advisor


Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will join Juventus as an advisor in the front office, reports Libertad Digital.

Zidane surprisingly resigned as Madrid boss in June after clinching the side’s third consecutive Champions League crown. 

And the Frenchman will now join his former club, where he played from 1996 to 2001. 


Pochettino wants Grealish on U.S. tour


Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish before the club’s U.S. tour, according to the Mirror

Time is running out for Spurs to wrap up a deal for the 22-year-old before they jet off to North America on Sunday. 

Cash-strapped Villa originally wanted ­£40 million ($52m) for Grealish, but they may now be forced to accept around half that amount. 


Brewster signs five-year deal at Liverpool 


Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster has ended speculation over his future by signing a five-year professional contract.

The highly rated 18-year-old will be given a chance to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first team at Anfield this season. 

Read the full story on Goal!


Chelsea offered chance to re-sign Cech


Arsenal have offered Chelsea the opportunity to re-sign goalkeeper Petr Cech, according to the Daily Mail.

Cech spent 11 seasons with Chelsea before moving to the Gunners, who are looking to raise funds for additional purchases this summer. 

The Blues are expecting to lose Thibaut Courtois this summer, and have also identified Kasper Schmeichel and Gianluigi Donnarumma as possible replacements. 


Bournemouth move for £57m South American pair


Bournemouth are ready to spend big money on Levante midfielder Jefferson Lerma and Genoa full-back Diego Laxalt, according to The Sun.

Both players impressed at the World Cup this summer, Lerma with Colombia and Laxalt with Uruguay. 

The Cherries will bid a club-record £32 million ($42m) for Lerma, while Laxalt will likely cost around £25m ($33m). 


Cahill ready to leave Chelsea


Gary Cahill is considering his future at Chelsea, according to the Evening Standard.

The 32-year-old defender fell out of favour last season, and could be pushed further down the depth chart with the possible arrival of  Daniele Rugani from Juventus. 

Cahill is set for talks with new manager Maurizio Sarri over his role, with the veteran hoping for assurances of more minutes in 2018-19. 


Conte could replace Gattuso at Milan


AC Milan could offer former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte an instant return to the sideline, claims Sport Mediaset.

U.S. hedge fund Elliott Management has taken control of the Serie A side, and are understood to desire a clean break from the club’s former management. 

Conte, who has been linked with the Rossoneri in the past, could be appointed in place of current manager Gennaro Gattuso.


West Brom reject Newcastle bid for Rondon


West Brom have rejected Newcastle’s loan bid for striker Salomon Rondon, according to The Telegraph. 

The Magpies looked to land the 28-year-old on an initial loan, but the Baggies will only accept a permanent deal for the 28-year-old.

Rondon has a buyout clause in his contract of £16.5 million ($22m). 

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Barcelona pre-season 2018-19: Fixtures, transfers, squad numbers & complete La Liga schedule

Barcelona will be keen on defending their La Liga title, starting with a pre-season tour of the United States in the International Champions Cup (ICC), which involves some massive clashes.

This upcoming season will also be the first in which Lionel Messi succeeds Andres Iniesta as club captain, with the former Spain international leaving Camp Nou after 16 years in the first team to play for Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

Goal brings you your complete guide to Barcelona’s 2018 pre-season tour as well as dates, venues and all you need to know about preparations for the new campaign.


Barcelona pre-season fixtures


Date Match Time (UK / US ET) Venue
Jul 28 Barcelona vs Tottenham 10:05pm / 5:05pm Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Jul 31 Barcelona vs Roma 2:05am / 9:05pm AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Aug 4 Barcelona vs AC Milan 3:05am / 10:05pm Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Aug 12 Sevilla vs Barcelona TBC Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
Aug 15 Barcelona vs Boca Juniors TBC Camp Nou, Barcelona

Barcelona will begin preparations for the new season with a pre-season tour in the United States, kicking off against Premier League side Tottenham in California. 

They will then face an Italian club double-header against Roma and AC Milan to close off their ICC, ending their lead-up to the La Liga season with a Spanish Super Cup tie with Sevilla and contesting the Joan Gamper Trophy with Boca Juniors.


Barcelona 2018-19 squad numbers


Squad number Position Player
1 GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen
2 DF Nelson Semedo
3 DF Gerard Pique
4 MF Ivan Rakitic
5 MF Sergio Busquets
6 MF Denis Suarez
9 FW Luis Suarez
10 FW Lionel Messi
11 FW Ousmane Dembele
13 GK Jasper Cillessen
14 MF Philippe Coutinho
17 FW Paco Alcacer
18 DF Jordi Alba
19 DF Lucas Digne
20 MF Sergi Roberto
21 MF Andre Gomes
22 MF Aleix Vidal
23 DF Samuel Umtiti
24 DF Yerri Mina
25 DF Thomas Vermaelen
DF Clement Lenglet
MF Arthur

Barcelona’s 2018-19 transfer activity


Former club captain Iniesta was released from the club to play in Japan, while forward Gerard Deulofeu was sold to Premier League side Watford for €17 million (£15m/$20m).

Brazilian Paulinho was a surprise departure after he opted to return to Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, following just one season at the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, the club landed Arthur from Gremio to help fill the void left by Iniesta, while promising French defender Clement Lenglet arrived from Sevilla. 

Transfer activity in

Position Player Transferred from Fee
MF Arthur Gremio €40m
DF Clement Lenglet Sevilla €35.9M

Transfer activity out

Position Player Transferred to Fee
CM Andres Iniesta Vissel Kobe (released) N/A
FW Gerard Deulofeu Watford €17m
MF Paulinho Guangzhou Evergrande (loan) Free

Barcelona’s La Liga 2018-19 fixtures


Luis Suarez Philippe Coutinho Sergi Roberto Barcelona

The fixtures for Barcelona’s 2018-19 La Liga season will be announced on Thursday July 19.

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Real Madrid pre-season 2018-19: Fixtures, transfers, squad numbers & complete La Liga schedule

Real Madrid won their third successive Champions League trophy against Liverpool but are a club who have been shaken with major changes to their team – with manager Zinedine Zidane having resigned from his post soon after the European victory and star striker Cristiano Ronaldo leaving to Juventus in a big-money move. 

Julen Lopetegui has taken the reigns of the European Champions ahead of the new season and will look to improve on the Spanish side’s league showing after they finished third in favour of winners Barcelona.

Fresh off the backs of an eventful World Cup where the likes of Luka Modric and Raphael Varane starred, Madrid will get their preparations for the new season underway with fixtures in the United States as part of the International Champions’ Cup (ICC).

Goal brings you your complete guide to Real Madrid’s 2018 pre-season tour as well as dates, venues and all you need to know about the preparations for the new campaign.


Real Madrid pre-season fixtures


Date Match Time (UK / US ET) Venue
Jul 31 Real Madrid vs Man United 1:05am / 8:05pm Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Aug 5 Real Madrid vs Juventus 2:05am / 9:05pm FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Aug 8 Real Madrid vs Roma 3:05am / 10:05pm MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Aug 15 Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid* 9pm / 6pm Lillekula Stadium, Tallinn

*UEFA Super Cup fixture.

Madrid will get their pre-season started with a massive fixture against Manchester United at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on July 31. It will be a meeting between managers of Real Madrid new and old – with Jose Mourinho meeting his former side.

They then face off against Juventus in Maryland in another high-profile European clash, though Ronaldo will not feature for the Serie A giants against his old side as he will miss the entirety of the ICC tournament.

Lopetegui’s side then face Roma in New Jersey to cap off their Stateside tour before their first competitive fixture against Atletico Madrid in Estonia to contest the UEFA Super Cup.


Real Madrid 2018-19 squad numbers


Squad number Position Player
1 GK Keylor Navas
2 DF Dani Carvajal
3 DF Jesus Vallejo
4 DF Sergio Ramos
5 DF Raphael Varane
6 DF Nacho
8 MF Toni Kroos
9 FW Karim Benzema
10 MF Luka Modric
11 FW Gareth Bale
12 DF Marcelo
13 GK Kiko Casilla
14 MF Casemiro
15 DF Theo Hernandez
17 FW Lucas Vazquez
18 MF Marcos Llorente
20 MF Marco Asensio
21 FW Borja Mayoral
22 MF Isco
23 MF Mateo Kovacic
24 MF Dani Ceballos
30 GK Luca Zidane

Real Madrid 2018-19 transfer activity


Real Madrid have been rocked with a €100 million (£88m/$117m) cash windfall following Ronaldo’s sensational move to Juventus, and they will be expected to dip into the transfer window for a suitable replacement before it closes on August 31.

They have already been linked with the likes of Belgium duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea, and recently had to deny that they inquired about the services of ex-Barcelona forward Neymar.

Transfer activity in

Position Player Transferred from Fee
GK Andriy Lunin Zorya Luhansk €8.5m
DF Alvaro Odriozola Real Sociedad €30m
FW Vinicius Junior Flamengo €45m

Transfer activity out

Position Player Transferred to Fee
FW Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus €100m

Real Madrid’s La Liga 2018-19 fixtures


Gareth Bale Toni Kroos Real Madrid

The fixtures for Real Madrid’s 2018-19 La Liga season will be announced on Thursday July 19.

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Emery is Arsenal’s best signing, says Pires

Arsenal legend Robert Pires believes new manager Unai Emery is the best signing the club have made in the close-season.

Emery arrived at Emirates Stadium in May as the replacement for Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman’s 22-year spell at the helm came to an end.

He has brought in five new players, with Uruguay international Lucas Torreira and 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi joining last week, following the arrivals of Bernd Leno, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Stephan Lichsteiner.

However, Pires told Sky Sports : “The best signing for me is Unai Emery, the manager.

“Of course I believe in the players, and especially the new players.

“But for Emery it’s very important to start very well. He knows he’s at a big club, and has a lot of pressure, but I think he has a big character and spirit.

“He won in Spain. He won in France. He has a lot of experience and I hope for him and Arsenal that he is successful with the club.”

Emery’s Arsenal begin the new Premier League season with a trial by fire, facing defending Champions Manchester City on August 12, followed by a trip to London rivals Chelsea on August 18.

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