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kathleenseiber · 3 years

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What we know about Ivermectin: correlation is not causation

Unlike the huge amount of high-quality data we have gathered on vaccines (5.6 billion doses and counting), the available data on Ivermectin is a dog’s breakfast – despite the fact that millions of people around the world have used it to treat COVID, especially in poor countries.

The hope that Ivermectin could vanquish COVID was seeded from Kylie Wagstaff’s lab at Melbourne’s Monash University. Knowing that the drug had anti-viral effects, they decided to test it against COVID using infected monkey cells growing in a dish. In April 2020 they published a paper describing how, 48 hours after dosing the monkey cells with Ivermectin at a concentration over 10 times that used to treat parasites, virtually no virus was detectable.

Credit: Cosmos Magazine

There was almost nothing around to treat COVID patients in April 2020. Given the horrific rising death toll in South America and India, and that Ivermectin was already widely used as a medication to treat diseases caused by parasitic worms like river blindness or scabies, the WHO kept an open mind, as they did for other cheap off-label drugs like dexamethasone and hydroxychloroquine.

But the WHO made it clear that Ivermectin should only be used in the context of a trial – drugs can make things better or worse. Indeed, thanks to trials, we now know that dexamethasone helps COVID patients; hydroxychloroquine makes them worse.

But in places reeling from the pandemic, particularly across South America, there was a massive uptake in the use of Ivermectin, sometimes officially sanctioned by local or national authorities as in Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, some states of India (Uttar Pradesh), Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

June 2020 alone saw Brazilians purchase 12 million packets of Ivermectin – a year’s worth of the drug in a single month. It didn’t seem to affect the death rate. One Brazilian scientist observed, “the shape of COVID curves did not exhibit any modification when comparing groups of treated and untreated people from the same area”.

On the other hand, Zimbabwean doctor Jackie Stone trumpeted the success of Ivermectin, because after its use was authorised in Zimbabwe on 26 January 2021, death rates fell from 60–70 per day to zero by 2 February 2021.

That sort of correlation is intriguing. But it’s famously fallible – the “correlation is not causation” conundrum. You can show that drownings increase after ice cream consumption but it’s not because a belly full of ice cream cramps your muscles. It’s because both events are more common in summer. Statisticians refer to summer, the sneaky third wheel, as a confounding variable.

You can show that drownings increase after ice cream consumption but it’s not because a belly full of ice cream cramps your muscles. It’s because both events are more common in summer.

The fact is COVID death rates fluctuate and researchers have yet to figure out why. Zimbabwe was back up to over 100 deaths per day in late July, and then down to 19 per day in September. As Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz, an epidemiologist from the University of Wollongong, put it: “Merely correlating news reports of Ivermectin use with later declines in mortality as if those two things are realistically connected; it’s not science in any meaningful sense.”

Meyerowitz-Katz’s blog on Ivermectin is a great source of information. So is this August article from Liam Mannix in the Sydney Morning Herald.

With so many people taking Ivermectin in some countries, it became hard to do placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Those that were done were often small – just dozens of people – and “observational”, meaning the doctor prescribed the drug to the patients and watched to see how they fared. If a drug has a large beneficial or adverse effect, observational studies should pick it up. But observational studies do poorly with small effects and can’t accurately measure their size. Without a concurrent matched control group who are not taking the drug, you can’t zero out the turning of that hidden third wheel.

Most of the observational studies aimed to see if Ivermectin could be used to treat patients at home and prevent them from progressing to severe disease. Some showed benefit in terms of lowering viral loads and quicker recovery times. Others did not. One of the few statistically significant placebo-controlled studies from Colombia showed no effect of Ivermectin.

A few of the studies weren’t just compromised by being flawed: they were possibly fraudulent. Taking advantage of the desperation for answers, some researchers sought to make a name for themselves in the dodgy world of online pre-prints. These are papers that have yet to clear the hurdle of peer review and their findings should be treated with caution. In the case of Ivermectin, two pre-prints that showed a significant protective effect of Ivermectin were later retracted; one from the Chicago-based data company Surgisphere and another from researchers at Benha University, in Egypt.

To try to read an overall signal from the many small studies, researchers have collected them in what is known as a ‘meta-analysis’. But it all depends on which studies they picked. Some meta-analyses showed a net positive effect (particularly if they used the retracted Egyptian data). Others found no conclusive effects.

The most reliable of these meta-analyses was a 28 July Cochrane review. This international organisation specialises in adjudicating medical controversies by deploying independent statisticians and medical experts to sift out and analyse credible published studies. Their review concluded: “We are uncertain whether Ivermectin reduces or increases mortality compared to no treatment.”

It’s easy to understand the desperation of people turning to Ivermectin in 2020. In 2021, it’s harder to fathom why people in the US and Australia – who have easy access to vaccines – would opt to bet their health and their life on it. Merck, the company that manufactures Ivermectin, is certainly not pushing its use for COVID.

A recent alert from the US CDC noted a 24-fold increase in Ivermectin prescriptions from pre-pandemic levels, as well as cases of people using veterinary products. It noted: “Overdoses of Ivermectin are linked with low blood pressure, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, coma and even death.”

“Overdoses of Ivermectin are linked with low blood pressure, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, coma and even death.”

The FDA took to Twitter to convey the dangers: “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y’all. Stop it.” It warned that “taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm”. Australia has followed suit, with prescriptions up 3-4 fold leading the TGA to take the extraordinary step of banning its off-label use for fear of depriving people who need to use Ivermectin to treat parasites.

One of my vaccine-hesitant friends who is keen on Ivermectin pointed me to the trials being done by Sydney doctor Thomas Borody. Borody has treated around 25 COVID-positive patients in home quarantine, some as young as 16. He says most recovered without being hospitalised, though one died. Yet we know 90% of people do recover without being hospitalised. These do not strike me as good statistics upon which to be making life-and-death decisions. Nor is Borody claiming that Ivermectin is an alternative to vaccines. It is, he says, “another string to the bow”.

To find out how well that string plays, we’ll need to wait for the results of large placebo-controlled clinical trials currently underway.

These include the Oxford trial known as PRINCIPLE, another at McMaster University in Canada called TOGETHER and one at the US National Institutes of Health known as Activ-6.

These trials focus on repurposed drugs like Ivermectin that are cheap and readily available. A key goal is to find the ones that will stop home-based patients from progressing to severe disease.

So far there are two: the inhaled steroid budesonide and (surprisingly) the anti-depressant fluvoxamine.

PRINCIPLE has shown budesonide shortens recovery time by three days in some patients. And preliminary results from the TOGETHER trial showed that fluvoxamine was mildly effective, reducing the relative risk of getting worse by 30%.

In August the TOGETHER trial showed Ivermectin had no statistically significant effect.

The other trials have yet to report – but don’t hold your breath.

“The evidence so far doesn’t point to a large effect, if any at all. To detect a small effect you need a much larger sample size – hence it will take a long time.”

Oxford is loathe to predict when they will have their results, but after badgering head investigator Christopher Butler, he guessed it might be in the first quarter of next year. The NIH apparently won’t have anything to say till 2023.

That seems absurd, given the epidemic of people taking the drug in the hope it will work.

Carlos Chaccour, an infectious disease specialist at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health who works on Ivermectin for malaria control and has tested it in a small trial for COVID, helped clarify the situation for me. “The evidence so far doesn’t point to a large effect, if any at all. To detect a small effect you need a much larger sample size – hence it will take a long time.”

YOUR COVID TOOLBOX: This article is one of a five-part series where Cosmos editor-at-large Elizabeth Finkel hunts down all the facts and figures you need to understand COVID-19 vaccines.

Elizabeth Finkel: A letter to my vaccine-hesitant friends

Are COVID-19 vaccines experimental?

The rollout: The danger of vaccines vs the danger of COVID

Adverse reactions: Guillain Barre, TTS and the fine mesh net

What we know about Ivermectin: correlation is not causation published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/

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blaugr4na · 7 years

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sometimes i wonder how barça got the label of being one of the most Dramatic™ clubs, but then i remember that transfer window when we needed to sign a cb and marquinhos was one of the highly rumoured names, so rac1 called the hotel where brazil’s u-20 team was staying and asked to speak to “marcos” for an interview, but the hotel transferred the call to the goalkeeper marcos felipe instead of marquinhos and then somehow they went through the entire interview without realizing it wasn’t marquinhos they were talking to. and marcos was just going with it and answering the questions about joining barça like “yes!! it would be a dream to play for barcelona!!” and when they asked him about psg he was like “no no, i dream of playing for barça, not psg! i think barça is a great club! better than psg!“ and it caused this uproar because then the interview was published with marquinhos’ name, who then went on twitter to announce that it wasn’t his voice and he never agreed to any interview. it was just a big misunderstanding but some people started (falsely) accusing barça of faking the interview to force the transfer and some even suggested we used neymar to record the interview to sound like marquinhos??

anyway that move never ended up happening ($$$) and the rumours about our main cb target changed to jeremy mathieu, who was playing for valencia at the time, but we didn’t want to match his €20 million buyout clause and because of this valencia didn’t want to negotiate, which is what pushed mathieu to write and release that statement publicly pleading with valencia’s president to agree to negotiate with us, but we still wouldn’t match the buyout clause, so the talks weren’t really progressing. this was also the summer of the world cup, and it was known that barça only wanted their players to participate in summer friendlies based in europe because they were concerned about the effect all the travel would have on their players - especially new players because they wanted them to have more time to adapt in barcelona. valencia knew all of this and then decided to announce that they would call up mathieu for their pre-season tour in south america, which sent everyone into a panic because the only other known targets were david luiz (who just signed with psg) and hummels (who wasn’t leaving bvb at the time). so now all these reporters were showing up at the airport to see if mathieu would be there with valencia to go to peru, because if he did it probably meant he wouldn’t be joining us. he did end up being there and boarded the connecting flight to madrid, but then zubi finally agreed to match the buyout fee JUST before the next plane was about to take off. so instead of boarding the flight to peru, mathieu left his teammates at the airport and boarded another flight to go sign his contract with barça.

and that’s the story of how futbol club barcelona signed 1 (ONE) centre-back

#blauDRAMA sons els colors #the things i remember at 6am lmao #rip if u read the whole thing #fc barcelona

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tamboradventure · 4 years

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How to (Virtually) Travel the World

Posted: 5/11/20 | May 11th, 2020

With the world on hold for the foreseeable, it’s going to be a long time before we get back on the road. Even as we begin to look to the summer, it’s likely that many destinations will keep their doors shut to international travelers until the fall.

But that doesn’t mean we have to put our wanderlust on hold.

With the world at our virtual fingertips, there are plenty of ways to feed your inner traveler from the comfort of your bed.

Many destinations and museums now let you “visit them” virtually. And there are also plenty of amazing books you can read, interesting films and TV shows you can watch, and fun meetups and classes to join.

In short, you can still see the world from home. Here’s a list of ways you can travel virtually and keep your wanderlust spirit alive:

Books

Reading is one of the best and most budget-friendly ways to “travel” when you’re stuck indoors. You can transport yourself to far-flung destinations and get inspired by the power of words — all from the comfort (and safety) of home.

Some great recent reads: The Yellow Envelope, Wanderlust, Ghengis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, and An Irreverent Curiosity.

Here are a plethora of articles with more books:

12 Books to Take You Around the World

13 Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust

13 Non-Travel Books That Changed My Life

Additionally, if you want some monthly suggestions, check out our monthly book club. Each month you’ll get 3-5 books sent right to your inbox!

Movies

There are many amazing films to choose online right now. I mean between Hulu, HBO, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+, you can get anything you want. (Netflix has been especially on fire this month.) Some of my favorites:

Wild – Based on the novel of the same name, this movie follows Cheryl Strayed as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to restart her life, end her drug addiction, and cope with her mother’s death.

Midnight in Paris – I pretty much love every movie about Paris, but this is one of my all-time favorites. The movie follows Gil, a writer on vacation with his fiancée and her family. At night, he wanders the streets of Paris before stumbling into a time warp that sends him back to the 1920s.

The Beach – Staring a young Leonardo DiCaprio, this movie is about young backpackers who set out to find paradise while in Thailand.

Lost in Translation – This film takes you into the heart of chaotic Tokyo. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson play two characters adrift in the the city together.

Into the Wild – Based on a true story, this movie follows Christopher McCandless as he sheds his material life in search of something more.

A Map for Saturday – This documentary is the best film about long-term travel.

For more suggestions, here is the complete list of my favorite travel movies and another post on LGBT Travel Movies and one on Africa-related films.

TV Shows

Looking for some binge-worthy TV? Here are a few suggestions to keep your wanderlust satiated from the comfort of your own couch:

An Idiot Abroad – Comedian Ricky Gervais sends his clueless, culturally insensitive friend on hilarious (and often insightful) misadventures.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – In one of the best travel shows ever made, the late Anthony Bourdain sheds light on new places and cultures as he eats his way around the world.

Long Way Round – Actor Ewan McGregor and his best friend travel across the entire world on motorcycles in this epic miniseries (and in Long Way Down they travel from Scotland to South Africa — again, on motorcycles).

Departures – Award-winning series chronicling two friends traveling the world together.

Dark Tourist – Journalist David Farrier visits some of the world’s weirdest, scariest, and most tragic places.

The Amazing Race – A reality TV show in which contestants race around the world for cash prizes (there are over 30 seasons, so it’s great for bingeing!).

Big City, Little Budget – My friend Oneika Raymond hosts this show, in which she shares budget tips and hidden gems so you can experience the best of big cities without breaking the bank.

Somebody Feed Phil – Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, travels the world on a comedic culinary journey.

Virtual Meetups

Since we can’t meet in person right now, we’ve been hosting our own through The Nomadic Network. Every week, we have meetups where we share stories, host guest speakers, and play games. We do about 2-3 a week.

Here are this week’s events:

Launching a Career in Travel: A Roadmap with Kelly Lewis from Damesly

“Ten Years A Nomad” Book Talk and Q&A with Me

Meet Heather: Year-Long RTW Trip Winner from Nomadic Matt Giveaway

For future events, click to see what’s coming!

Virtual Tours (Museums, Galleries, Historical Sites, etc)

It seems every destination or museum is now offering some virtual tour. I’m all for it. While it’s not the same as being there in person, it’s still an enjoyable way to pass the time, get inspired, and learn about the world. Here are some of my favorites:

Anne Frank Museum (Amsterdam)

Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)

Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam)

Picasso Museum (Barcelona)

Guggenheim (Bilbao)

Faroe Islands Virtual Tour (Denmark)

Salvatore Dali Museum (Figueres)

Uffizi Gallery (Florence)

The Giants Causeway (Ireland)

British Museum (London)

Buckingham Palace (London)

National Gallery (London)

Natural History Museum (London)

Tate Britain (London)

Metropolitan Museum (New York)

Coliseum (Rome)

Catacombs (Paris)

Louvre (Paris)

Musée d’Orsay (Paris)

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Ruins of Pompeii (Pompeii)

Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg)

Sweden Virtual Tour (Sweden)

National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC)

US Holocaust Memorial Museum (Washington, DC)

Free Tours by Foot is also offer a handful of tours from around the globe. They have walking tours, historical videos, and much more. Check out their YouTube page for a comprehensive list!

Online Classes

With so many people home, online courses are seeing a huge surge in activity. In fact, I myself have finally been able to get around to taking some of the courses I’ve bought ages ago. If you’re looking to jump into a new online course, here are a few worth checking out:

MasterClass – This program is one of my favorites. I watch a ton of masterclasses. They are mini-courses with some of the most famous and successful people in the world, such as Margaret Atwood, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Martin Scorsese, Gordon Ramsay, Malcolm Gladwell, Alice Waters, Serena Williams, and many others.

Superstar Blogging – If you’re looking to start a blog or break into the freelance writing industry, we offer two courses that can help. You’ll get free tech support, weekly calls, and feedback and copyedits on your writing.

Udemy – Udemy is an online marketplace with over 100,000 online video courses. You can find courses on pretty much anything here!

Skillshare – A project-based marketplace for online courses. Like Udemy, there is lots of variety here.

Massimo Bottura’s Kitchen Quarantine – World-class Italian chef Massimo Bottura cooks up a storm in his home kitchen.

Pasta-Making Class (with Italian Chefs) from Take Walks – My favorite tour company, Take Walks, shows you how to make delicious pasta at home.

Seamus Mullen’s Quarantine Kitchen – Check out Seamus’s daily show for tips on clean and healthy eating.

José Andrés’ #RecipesforthePeople – Chef José Andrés is helping the world relearn simple, delicious recipes on his Twitter feed.

***

Learn something new. Or meet some new friends in a virtual meetup. Or just chill out and eat snacks and watch some movies.

We’ll be back on the road again.

But, until we can, at least we can travel the world through our computer.

P.S. – We’ve launched a new Patreon where you can get untold stories, photos, weekly Q&As, and free books. It’s our new member platform. So, if you want more of the content we have here, click here to check it out and get access. Your support helps keep this website going while giving you perks and content exclusive to Patrons!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all those I use — and they’ll save you time and money too.

The post How to (Virtually) Travel the World appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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connorrenwick · 4 years

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Pia Riverola’s Passion for Photography Has Taken Her Around the World

The following post is brought to you by Squarespace. Our partners are hand picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.

Some of us know exactly what it is we want to do when we grow up and others walk along until they come upon it. Pia Riverola, who rose to global acclaim in recent years thanks to her talents and good eye, was always interested in photography but didn’t discover her real passion for it until she left her hometown, Barcelona, for Mexico City.

“When I moved, I started to capture things very spontaneously. Everything felt really new and exciting,” she said. “Mexico’s bright colors were everywhere and there are beautiful desert and lush landscapes. The new architectural styles that I had not seen before were especially a main source of my inspiration, and helped to shape what my work would become in the following years.”

Self-Portrait, Pia Riverola

Mexico

Pia now splits her time between Mexico City and Los Angeles, and says each place and its personality have transformed her understanding of both detail and color. Recently, we had the chance to speak with her about her career, her diverse photography styles, and how launching her website through Squarespace helped make her professional dream a reality.

Delhi

Peru

Travel has played a huge part in fueling and shaping Pia’s art:

“Once I got used to taking photos, I inevitably wanted to travel to see more places and capture more moments,” she explained. “That led to sharing my photos on the internet, mainly to be in touch with my friends and family back in Barcelona, and also very organically some magazines and brands got interested in my work. They started featuring it or commissioning projects for me to shoot.”

Her photography styles similarly evolved as others started taking notice, weaving in between the worlds of fashion, still life, landscape, and architectural photography.

Shibuya

Tokyo

While living in Barcelona, Pia studied film and took a few photography classes in the process. She credits this time in her life with discovering a new language that would allow her to communicate in her own way, using photography to share her individual point of view. After that, a move to New York for a year gave her the opportunity to take her studies further and focus on documentary film at SVA.

Baja

Pia continued to branch out with her talent, eventually building up her portfolio to include a number of genres that made her photography style even more appealing to potential customers.

“Architecture and documentary came first while traveling, then I introduced more personal portraits and started playing around with still-life and set designers. Fashion came along very organically, and was the last since it involves more people for a project. I enjoy being able to adapt my vision and taste to different genres, I become less excited when I have to shoot the same thing over and over. Photography is my job, but it’s also become my way of living and getting to know what surrounds me. It’s exciting being able to learn about it all,” Pia opened up to us.

Guadalajara

Merida

When she’s not on assignment, colors, textures, and light moments are what most draw her attention most. Pia also shared a few tips for capturing the personality of a location when traveling.

“I try to get to know local people who can take me around, show me their point of view or the things that they enjoy in their city or town. I’ll always try to be outside during sunrise or sunset. I love chasing the first and last light of the day, especially if I’m somewhere new. I also pay attention to everyday things, I’m always looking around.”

Other times, inspiration is literally right in front of you. In this case, a window in Pia’s home. “I’m unsure why, but I find myself taking the same photo from this window in my room at different times of day, on different days, during different sunsets or sunrises,” she shared. “I have a collection of these images and I find a lot of pleasure in them, even though it’s something I see often. I’m guessing it’s because I travel so much for work that I get excited to be home, and still find beauty in it even if it’s not exciting.”

VIDIVIXI

Pia’s client list today is extensive and impressive – Nike, Wall Street Journal, and Soho House grace it among many others. But names aside, every photographer has a favorite project.

Pia let us in on hers, “I loved working on the campaign with VIDIVIXI in Mexico City. It was really special to help create the mood, lighting, and the specific setting that we wanted the furniture to live in. It ended up feeling dreamy and almost from another time, like if you were in a movie.”

Colima

By turning to Squarespace for the tools to create her website, Pia has turned her dream into a reality. After drawing from the places she’s visited across the globe for inspiration, creating an incredible photography portfolio site was the next step and the perfect place to showcase all of her work.

“It was really incredible when I finalized my website and was able to share my work living in a beautiful space,” she said. “It made it feel very real and allowed me to show my work and my world to everyone.”

Guadalajara

Among other things, Pia loves that Squarespace gives her the ability to infuse her own style into her website through easy-to-use fonts and layouts. The template she chose was intuitive to build and for potential clients to navigate. Being a photographer, she also makes use of the ability to edit brightness and color levels specifically for website use. And as she takes her professional dream to the next level, Pia’s limited edition print shop will soon be up and running as a Squarespace-powered store.

Ready to get to work on your own site? Take the first step with a Squarespace website. Use coupon code DESIGNMILK at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

via http://design-milk.com/

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charllieeldridge · 4 years

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10 Best Things To Do in Seville, Spain

Seville…the cultural gem of Spain and hands down one of my favorite cities in the world. Filled with breathtaking architecture, picturesque streets, passionate locals, and ancient traditions. There is no shortage of things to do in Seville.

From stunning palaces and bustling markets to soulful Flamenco performances, and mouthwatering tapas bars, there’s enough to do in Seville to fill a month-long visit.

Seville not only offers fantastic sights and tourist attractions but is also extremely affordable when compared to cities like Paris, London, and Barcelona.

After multiple visits to Seville, I keep expecting it to lose its charm or become one of those cities that is hyped up in my memories. Instead, I fall more in love with Seville each time I visit. This city is not to be missed and should be included in every Spain itinerary. As an added bonus, Spain is one of the cheapest European countries to visit and offers excellent value for money.

Continue reading to discover the top 10 things to do in Seville. These sights and activities are not to be missed during your visit and will give you a healthy taste of the city and everything it has to offer.

1. Walking Tour or Bike Tour

A walking or bike tour is one of the best things to do in Seville to get oriented with the city and learn interesting history and cultural facts along the way. The local guides are passionate about their city and a great resource after the tour for recommendations on restaurants, bars, and their favorite hidden gems.

Try to schedule your tour on your first day. This will allow you to get comfortable with the city layout, which is especially important for Seville. The city center and ancient neighborhoods like Santa Cruz can get a little confusing with the twisting narrow streets.

Seville is the perfect city for a biking or walking tour. All the main sights are easily within walking distance and the highlights of Seville can be covered in one walking tour. Check out the free walking tour, which starts at Plaza del Salvador at 10:00, 11:00 and 2:00pm.

A bike tour is a great alternative if you want to explore a little further out, like the Triana neighborhood across the river. I joined this 3-hour bike tour which covered a lot of ground and wasn’t too difficult if you aren’t an experienced rider.

The tour departs from Mercado Arenal at 10:30 every day and costs €25 ($28). One of my favorite parts of this tour was riding through Maria Luisa Park and learning about the buildings representing countries like the United States, Peru, and Portugal.

2. Visit Barrio Santa Cruz

Wandering around the Santa Cruz neighborhood, or barrio, is easily one of my favorite things to do in Seville. Feel free to get lost in the narrow twists and turns in Seville’s Jewish Quarter, with Calle Agua and Calle Mateos Gago being the two main streets to focus on.

Go early in the morning as this area can get crowded in the afternoon. Stop at my favorite coffee shop in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, Jester, for perfectly prepared coffee, acai bowls, sandwiches, and baked treats. La Bartola and Vineria San Telmo are my favorite tapas bars for something more traditional.

3. See the Alcazar Palace and Gardens

The Alcazar Palace is one of the most popular things to do in Seville. Buying tickets in advance is a must if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line. Visit in the late afternoon as tour groups crowd the palace in the morning. The palace is built in a lavish and intricate Moorish style, similar to the infamous Alhambra in Granada.

Plan on at least 2 to 3 hours here as you’ll want time to enjoy the lush gardens. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan the palace and gardens will look very familiar as they were the filming locations for Dorne. The general tour with the audio guide is €18.50 with discounts available for students, children, residents of Seville, retired, and disabled people.

The best way to learn about Alcazar is to join an interesting and informative tour. This tour is very highly rated and affordable at $32 including skip-the-line tickets, and a 90 minute guided tour. Or, if you’d rather visit independently, click here to purchase a skip-the-line ticket without a guide.

4. Visit the Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower

Like every major European city, a visit to the main cathedral is a must. Book your skip-the-line tickets in advance and plan on spending a good hour here. The Catedral de Seville is the 3rd largest church in Europe and houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Climb the Giralda bell tower, originally a Moorish minaret used to call Muslims to prayer 5 times a day, for stunning views of the city below.

The cathedral is open for visitors Monday 11:00am to 3:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday 2:30pm to 6:00pm. July and August have slightly longer hours. Monday 10:30 to 4:00, Tuesday through Saturday 10:30am to 6:00pm, and Sunday 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

Tickets are €9 with discounts offered for students 15-25, minors 15-17, and retired individuals. Free admission is available to residents of Seville, unemployed, disabled, and children under 14. Or, if you’d like to join an informative, affordable tour, click here to book tickets, or click the image below:

5. Visit Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España

Maria Luisa Park is nestled along the river and is just a quick 15-minute walk from the cathedral. This is the perfect place for a morning jog or afternoon stroll. Enjoy the hidden gardens, fountains, and exquisite buildings as you wander around the park.

Plaza de España is the highlight of Parque de Maria Luisa and the all-day crowds prove it. If you want to escape the crowds and get some spectacular photos, go before sunrise.

Not only will Plaza de España be completely void of tourists, but you’ll be rewarded by an almost magical sunrise as the sky turns a brilliant pink and blue. Spending the early morning hours in this park are some of my fondest memories of Spain and easily one of the best things to do in Seville.

☞ SEE ALSO: Cost Of Living in Spain – A Guide For Digital Nomads

6. Watch a Flamenco Dance Performance

Catching a Flamenco show while in Seville is a must. Even if you aren’t a fan of performances, the intricate footwork, heartfelt guitar strumming, and passionate singing mixed with improvisation and traditional rhythms will entrance any spectator. Clap along to the beat and partake in a tradition that plays a major role in Seville’s soulful culture. Watching a Flamenco show is one of the cultural things to do in Seville that you won’t want to miss.

La Casa del Flamenco is a formal show in the courtyard of a 15th-century residence. They offer shows at 7:00pm and 8:30pm (some days a 5:30pm show is also offered) in autumn and winter. 7:00pm, 8:30pm, and 10:00pm are the available showtimes in spring and summer. Tickets are €18.

La Carboneria Bar is a casual and lively option where admission is free. Locals showcase their skills and there is always an enthusiastic crowd. Shows don’t usually start until around 7:30pm. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to get a good seat. Check their Facebook page or call +34 954 22 99 45 to confirm what time the performance will start the night you plan on visiting.

Other popular, affordable options for Flamenco performances include:

7. Go On a Tapas Crawl

No visit to Seville is complete without a tapas crawl or two. Pick a neighborhood and hop from bar to bar. Order a sangria and one to two tapas at each spot before moving on to the next. This is a fun way to experience several restaurants and bars in one night. La Bartola, Vineria San Telmo, and Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas are the best tapas bars in the Santa Cruz neighborhood.

Las Columnas is more for the experience than the food as it’s usually packed with locals and tourists and the prices are cheap. Duo Tapas, Antojo, and Eslava are some popular options in the Feria barrio. Do as the locals do and start your tapas crawl around 9:00pm.

8. Sip on Rooftop Cocktails

Seville has several rooftop bars right next to the cathedral. Sunset is the perfect time to enjoy views of the city and then watch as the cathedral is lit in a golden glow from the lights below. La Terraza del Eme at Hotel Eme and La Terraza Hotel Dona Maria are closest to the cathedral and offer spectacular views.

Keep in mind that prices will be higher at rooftop bars because you are paying for the view, but it’s absolutely worth it at least once during your trip. Depending on where you go you can expect to pay around €9 – €15 for a drink. To save money, skip the cocktails and order a beer or glass of wine. Read this post for the top 5 rooftop bars in Seville.

9. Shop at The Mercados

Seville has several food markets worth visiting. The two best markets are Mercado Lonja del Barranco and Mercado de Triana. Mercado Lonja is a renovated food hall located right along the river and the perfect stop for lunch.

If the weather is nice, sit outside on the patio and go for a walk along the river after your meal of tapas. Choose from traditional items like paella and croquettes to sushi, bao buns, and gelato. This market has something to please everyone’s tastes and preferences.

Mercado de Triana is located on the other side of the river in the Triana neighborhood. This is a traditional market where you will find locals shopping for fresh produce, meat, and other staple items. Grab some picnic items to-go and walk around the neighborhood once you’re done browsing the stalls.

10. Check Out The Setas de Seville

The iconic Setas de Seville, or Seville mushrooms. This large wooden structure is located in Plaza de la Encarnacion and resembles, you guessed it, mushrooms. Snap a pic of this quirky modern square.

Walk through the market selling trinkets and snacks below the wooden canopy or visit the rooftop for views of the city. Stop at Virgin Coffee around the corner for a quick pick-me-up after your visit and continue down Calle Regina to explore the Feria neighborhood.

Bonus! 2 More Things To Do in Seville…

Everyone likes a bonus. Here are a couple of extra things to do in Seville, Spain that you can add to your travel itinerary if you have a few extra days.

11. Eat Churros con Chocolat

Atrip to Seville is not complete without partaking in the tradition of churros con chocolat. Bar el Comercio is the best place to get churros in the city. These are actually some of my favorite churros con chocolat in all of Spain!

The hot chocolate is thick and perfect for dipping and the churros are the big fat kind that arrives piping hot. These are not the churros we are used to in the USA where they are thin sticks covered in sugar and cinnamon. These churros are the traditional kind with no sugar and made fresh all day long.

Spaniards typically do not eat churros and chocolate past 11:00am and this is not something they eat often. Many locals will joke that they would be fat if they ate these all the time. If you have churros once during your trip to Spain, make it be at Bar el Comercio. You won’t be disappointed!

*If you aren’t super hungry order the half portion. This smaller portion is still plenty big to share between two people.

12. Wander Around The Triana Neighbourhood

Located on one side of the Guadalquivir river, the Triana neighbourhood can be reached by crossing one of the city’s many bridges. This traditional neighbourhood has narrow streets and several ancient churches. A castle that was used during the Inquisition is located in this area as well.

Don’t miss the traditional Mercado de Triana near the Isabel II bridge, which is known for its amazing food and eateries. Some of the city’s most tasty tapas are served on the many terraces that have views towards the Guadalquivir river. After having dinner, you can visit an authentic flamenco bar. Don’t miss the Triana Neighbourhood, a visit here is one of the top things to do in Seville.

Tips For First-Time Visitors to Seville

I recommend a minimum of 3 nights, preferably 4, to really experience Seville. This will allow enough time to experience the city and slow down and enjoy the good life, Spanish style! Take a few walks along the river lined with colorful buildings, visit a few markets, and partake in several tapas crawls.

Getting to Seville

Seville is located in the Andalucia region of southern Spain. If you are coming from outside of Europe the cheapest option will be to fly into Madrid (MAD) and take the 2.5-hour highspeed Renfe train to Seville. If you book tickets in advance you can score tickets for as little as €20.

Trains usually depart from the Atocha train station in central Madrid. Take a 20 minute Uber (around €35-€45) or the 30 to 40-minute metro (around €8). Just put “Madrid – Atocha Cercanias” in your Google or Apple maps app and it will direct you there.

If you are flying from within Europe, you can find flights that fly directly into Seville’s airport (SVQ). Grab an Uber for around €10 to get to the city center. Also, take a look at Eurail to see if you can travel to Seville by train.

Getting Around Seville

The city center of Seville is compact and 100% walkable. All major attractions and top restaurants are within walking distance and never more than 20 to 25 minutes away on foot. Uber is available if you need a lift with your luggage to the airport or train station. Lime scooter also just arrived in the city if you want to scooter around town, or you can always hop on the tram.

Where to Stay in Seville

If it’s your first visit to Seville you will be spending most of your time in the city center. Barrio Santa Cruz is my favorite area to stay as this old Jewish quarter oozes charm and personality. All the main sights and attractions are minutes away by foot. I’ve stayed Hotel Casa del Poeta (usually $250/night with breakfast) and loved it. It’s a Moorish riad styled hotel where there is a central courtyard and the rooms circle around it about three stories up. The breakfast was beyond amazing.

The Arenal neighborhood is also an ideal area to stay as it’s smack dab in the city center. This is perfect for those that want to go jogging along the river since it’s less than 5 minutes away. Hotel Gravina (usually around $200/night) is similar to Hotel Casa del Poeta with its riad styled design.

Click here for a list of the best places to stay in Seville on Booking.com.

Seville also has plenty of Airbnbs to choose from if that’s your travel style.

When to visit Seville

My absolute favorite time to visit Seville is spring and fall. The mornings are crisp and the afternoons are warm and sunny. The days are still long and there is plenty of sunshine. The crowds are far less than summer and you’ll have an easier time getting into top restaurants and popular attractions.

Spring has a far less chance of rain than fall, which is Seville’s rainiest season. If you visit in fall try to go in October where the chance of rain is less. I’ve actually visited three times in early October and it didn’t rain once.

Winter weather is pretty mild, but the atmosphere is a bit drab compared to the other seasons. Many locals stay indoors this time of year so you’ll miss out on the fun of evening strolls with streets brimming with locals and restaurant patios packed with patrons.

Summer is hot, often above 100 degrees. Combine that with heavy tourist season and you’ve got yourself one sticky, stifling, crowded experience. Reservations and pre-booked tours are an absolute must this time of year. Make sure your hotel has air conditioning and dress in light and breathable materials. Save outdoor activities for the morning and evening and do as the locals do and take an afternoon siesta during the hottest part of the day.

In Closing

Now you know the best things to do in Seville to help plan your time in the city. You can easily see all the top sights in three days without feeling rushed. The pace of life is slower in Southern Spain and I highly recommend you follow suit. Enjoy an evening stroll, sit at a park bench in Maria Luisa Park and people watch, and sip sangria as you plan your return visit to Seville.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Seville ends up being your favorite city in all of Spain…like it is with me. The people, traditions, food, views, and way of life in this city is truly something to experience.

Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. Check them out for beautiful images and videos.

The post 10 Best Things To Do in Seville, Spain appeared first on Goats On The Road.

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LA LIGA PREVIEW: Here is the lowdown on Barcelona, Real Madrid and rest of top-flight teams

The League may have had a problematic time off the field struggling with selling British TV rights and draw up a full list of competitions, but the action after that returns again tonight.

The summer window in Spain has also raised all sorts of bizarre stories and unexpected twists and there are still a few weeks left with a deadline of 2 September.

The main points of discussion were Atletico Madrid and The legal dispute of Barcelona about Antoine The transfer of Griezmann, the final move of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid Nabil Fekir's shock decision to join Real Betis and Valencia and retain their boss Marcelino Garcia Toral after a turbulent summer.

Although the window remained open, the focus now returns to football and it promises to be one of the most intriguing seasons of recent years.

The race for the title is a call for everyone with Athletic and Real who spend a lot of money to close the gap in Barcelona, while the battle for European places could be between six or seven teams.

There are also some familiar faces with the return of Osasuna, Mallorca and Granada, all of whom hope to beat the drop after having experienced several relegations in recent years.

Prior to the season opener on Friday night when Athletic Bilbao hosted the defender of Barcelona, which ITV announced they would broadcast on Thursday in the UK, Sportsmail give you an in-depth understanding of how each of the 20 sides of the top flight is set and everything you need to know prior to the new campaign.

La Liga returns Friday – can Barcelona retain the title of this campaign?

LA LINKS ON TV IN THE UK

ITV4 show competitions from the opening three weeks of the new season, starting on Friday evening :

Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona – 8:00 pm Friday, August 16

Barcelona v Real Betis – 8:00 pm, Sunday, August 25

Villarreal v Real Madrid – 20:00, Sunday 1 September [1945905]

Athletic BILBAO

Head coach: Gaizka Garitano

Transfers in: Peru Nolaskoain (Bilbao Athletic, promotion), Inigo Vicente (Bilbao Athletic, promotion), Asier Villalibre (Bilbao Athletic, promotion), Gaizka Larrazabal (Bilbao Athletic, promotion)

Transfers from: Mikel Rico (Huesca, free), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad, free), Xabi Ethxieta (Getafe, free), Sabin Merino (Been anes, free), Other Iturraspe (Espanyol, free), Peru Nolaskoain (Deportivo, loan), Andoni Lopez (Elche, free), Inigo Vicente (Mirandes , loan), Markel Susaeta (released)

Last season: 8th

With such restrictions on the transfer market, Athletic Bilbao always faces a tough fight to improve last season's performance.

Inaki Williams was impressed by last season and will repeat this campaign from his repetitions

Gaizka Garitano recently defended the club's policy of only signing Basque players and said: & # 39; It is different if you play not only for money, not just for victory titles, but also for our sweater, for our values, for our families, friends, it is something special in the world. & # 39;

Bilbao has somehow managed to make ends meet and possess a talented team. After capturing the future of Inaki Williams, who was affiliated with Manchester United this summer, Garitano will hope to be able to deliver European football to a club that has starved of it in recent seasons.

Finish was a huge improvement over the previous campaign, almost degrading them and Gartian will strive to keep pushing Bilbao in the right direction.

Key Man: Inaki Williams

The Spaniard Becomes Bilbao's main scoring threat and will try to pursue his form for the final campaign after placing the best 13 La League season goals.

ATLETICO MADRID

Head Coach: Diego Simeone

Transfers in: Hector Herrera (Porto, free), Ivan Saponjic (Benfica B, £ 450k ), Renan Lodi (Club Athletic Paranaense, £ 18m), Felipe (Porto, 18m), Kieran Trippier (£ 20m, Tottenham), Mario Hermoso (Espanyol, £ 22.5m), Marcos Llor (Real Madrid, £ 27 million), Joao Felix (Benfica, £ 114 million)

Transfers from: Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona, £ 108 million), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich £ 72 million), Rodri (Manchester City , £ 63), Gelson Martins (Monaco, £ 27m), Luciano Vietto (Sporting Lisbon, £ 6.75m), Bernard Mensah (Kayserispor, £ 3.25), Felipe Luis (Flemish, free), Diego Godin (Inter Milan , free), Andre Moreira (Belenenses SAD, free), Juanfran (Sao Paulo, free), Hector Hernandez (CF Fuenlabrada, loan), Nehuen Perez (FC Famalicao, loan), Axel Werner (San Luis, loan), Nicolas Ib anez (San Luis, loan)

Last season: 2nd

Diego Simeone has spent a lot of time this summer and expectations will be high. Joao Felix has attracted attention especially in the preseason and Athletic wants him to play a major role in this campaign to fill the void that Antoine Griezmann has left.

Despite bringing in eight new faces, the concern for Athletic will be that they have also lost some experienced members of their team this summer with people like Diego Godin, Juanfran and Felipe Luis leaving free.

Traditionally a well-oiled machine that prides itself on clean sheets, you can expect more from the same from Athletic, which this summer has reinforced more than anywhere else at the back.

£ 114 million man Joao Felix has had a brilliant preseason season and becomes Atleitco & # 39; s most important player this term

They could also welcome an additional addition through the door as James Rodriguez's protracted move from Real Madrid for the deadline of 2 September would have been completed.

Atletico only had the only trophy to celebrate the final installment after he lifted the European Supercup, but the goal this season will undoubtedly win one of the big winning games.

Key Man: Joao Felix

You can't sign for £ 114 million and don't expect you to be the best dog's club.

After Griezmann's departure, the responsibility for the young Portuguese international lies in his shoes. If something is wrong, he should have no problems.

BARCELONA

Head coach: Ernesto Valverde

[1945902] Transfers in: ] Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid, £ 108 m), Frenkie de Jong (Ajax, £ 67 m), Grandson (Valencia, £ 23 m), Junior Firpo (Real Betis, £ 16 m), Emerson (Atletico Mineiro, £ 10 m), Marc Cucurella (Eibar, £ 3 million), Moussa Wague (Barcelona B , free)

Transfers from: Malcolm (Zenit, £ 36m), Jasper Cillessen (Valencia, 31m), Andre Gomes (Everton, £ 22m), Paco Alcacer (Borussia Dortmund, £ 19 m), Denis Suarez (Celtic Vigo, £ 11 m), Emerson (Real Betis, £ 5 m), Marc Cardona (Osasuna, £ 2 m), Segi Palencia (Saint-Etienne, £ 1.8 million), Thomas Vermaelen (Vissel Kobe, free), Douglas (Besiktas, free), Adrian Ortola (Tenerife, free), Marc Cucurella (Getafe, loan)

Last season: 1st

It's fair to say that Barcelona is in front and in the mid den has stood as the co me to the greatest stories of the transfer window this summer. After finally capturing Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in a £ 108 million controversial deal, the Catalan giants still don't look like they are stopping to end Neymar & # 39; s sensational return to the Nou Camp.

Who else would be the most important man of Barcelona than the unstoppable Lionel Messi

But as you look past the drama, Ernesto Valverde has quietly enjoyed a good window. The Barcelona boss has added depth to the full back with the addition of Junior Firpo from Real Betis, while Grandson is replacing Jasper Cillessen, as Marc-Andre Stegen & # 39; s understudy has a goal.

So far, Frenkie de Jong looks like he has played his entire career in Barcelona and is seamlessly integrated. However, their preparations for the season took a knock when Lionel Messi sustained a minor injury during training just days after returning, so Valverde will hope and get his talisman back as soon as possible.

Key man: Lionel Messi

Who else?

Even if Neymar returned this summer, Barcelona will continue to rely on the little Argentinian who will ridiculously give you 30-50 goals in all competitions.

CELTA VIGO

Head coach: Fran Scribe

Transfers in: Ivan Villar (Celtic Vigo B, promotion), Jorge Saenz (Valencia, loan), Santi Mina (Valencia, free), Joseph Aidoo (Genk, £ 7.2 million), Denis Suarez (Barcelona, £ 11.6 million)

Transfers from: Dennis Eckert (released), Nemanja Radoja (released), Robert Mazan (CD Tenerife, loan), Gustavo Cabral (Pachucha, free), Facundo Roncaglia (Osasuna, £ 225k), Andrew Hjulsager (KV Oostende, £ 450k), Emre Mor (Galatasaray, loan fee £ 540k), Mathias Jensen (Brentford, £ 3.42 m), Maxi Gomez (Valencia, £ 13 m)

Last season: 17th

Celtic Vigo cam dangerously close to dropping last season and only a disaster averted after an inspiring second half of the season.

They may not be one of the favorites to go down, but Vigo can have a hard time again during this period. Maxi Gomez, who scored 13 important goals in La Liga last season, will be a big miss.

The Uruguayan played an important role in beating the drop but left earlier this summer for only £ 13 million to Valencia. Denis Suarez is a solid asset, but the Spaniard has found it hard to find his best shape and stay fit in recent years.

If he can reach the level he is capable of, there is no doubt that he will be a big player for them. But it is in attack where you fear that Vigo can be exposed. They lack firepower and the pressure will lie on the aging of Iago Aspas to deliver an abundance of goals again this time.

Key Man: Iago Aspas

Yes, he is still around and still popping targets for Celta Vigo. Only the 20 goals for him last season. There is no doubt that Vigo's hope will be on the Spaniard. But at the age of 32 it will become clear whether he can stay fit or not.

Iago Aspas is the go-to man of Celta Vigo, hoping that Denis Suarez can have the real impact

ALAVES

Head Coach: Asier Garitano

Transfers in: Lucas Perez (West Ham, £ 2.07 m, Joselu (Newcastle, £ 2.02 m), Ramon Mierez (Tiger, £ 2.01 m), Luis Rioja (Almeria, £ 1.8 m), Saul Garcia (Deportivo La Coruna, free) ), Tachi (Atletico Madri d B, free), Aleix Vidal (Seville, loan)

Transfers from: Antonio Cristian (Fuenlabrada, free), Carlos Vigaray (Real Zaragoza, free)

Last season: 11th

For a previous season it turned out that Milds would cause a shock by finishing in the top four.

However, a disappointing conclusion of the campaign meant that she ended up at the mid-table, and they now have a new coach at the helm in Asier Garitano, who replaces Abelardo.

Many of Alaves & # 39; s most important campaigns were only on loan to the club, and people like Takashi Inui, Borja Baston and Jonathan Calleri have all left.

Alaves responded by bringing in two attackers who were struggling to make a big impact in the Premier League – Lucas Perez and Joselu. They also loaned Aleix Vidal, previously from Barcelona, to Seville.

It may turn out to be a difficult season for Alaves, with much depending on whether their new strikers can run to the ground.

Key Man: Lucas Perez

Perez collected only four league goals in his spells in England with Arsenal and West Ham.

The 30-year-old, however, will have great expectation to impress Alaves when he returns to La Liga.

During a loan period with Deportivo La Coruna two seasons ago, Perez scored nine times in La Liga, and he will try to improve that number because he wants to play a major role for Alaves.

Lucas Perez struggled a major to make impact for Alaves

EIBAR

Head coach: Jose Luis Mendilibar

Transfers in : Edu Exposito (Deportivo La Coruna, £ 3.6 m), Quique (Deportivo La Coruna, £ 2.97 m), Pedro Bigas (Las Palmas, £ 2.7 m), Roberto Alabe (Atletico Madrid B, £ 2.52 m, Takashi Inui (Real Betis, £ 1.8 million), Esteban Burgos (Alcorcon, free), Roberto Correa (Cadiz, free), Alvaro Tejero (Real Madrid), Asier Benito (Bilbao) Athlet ic, free), Ruben Lobato (Oviedo Vetusta, free)

Transfers from: Joan Jordan (Sevilla, £ 12 m), Ruben Pena (Villarreal, £ 7.2 m), Marc Cucurella (Barcelona, £ 3.6 m), Pablo Hervias (Real Valladolid, £ 900,000), Pere Milla (Elche, free), Unai Elgezabal (Alcorcon, free), Jose Antonio Martinez (Granada, loan), Asier Benito (Ponferradina, loan), Roberto Olabe (Albacete, loan), Nano (Cadiz, loan)

Last season: 12th

Eibar has become somewhat predictable, with last season they returned to the midtable end.

A 12th place followed by 9th place and 10th in the previous two campaigns, with the expectation that they will end up in a similar position again this time.

The departure of midfielder Joan Jordan is a blow, but Edu Exposito, who became a member of Deportivo La Coruna, should be able to tuck in quickly.

Experienced coach Jose Luis Mendilibar remains in charge and his side must be able to easily avoid relegation.

Key Man: Charles

He is perhaps 35 years old, but Charles was very impressive for Eibar last season, as he scored 14 goals in La Liga.

Eibar will hope that the attacker can continue to find the net for at least one more campaign.

]

Charles may not be younger, but he still knows always where the back of the net is

ESPANYOL

Head coach: David Gallego

[1945902] Transfers in: Matias Vargas (Velez Sarsfield), £ 9.45 million), Fernando Calero (Real Valladolid, £ 7.2 million), Other Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao, free), Andres Prieto (Leganes, free), Bernardo Espinosa (Girona, loan)

Transfers from: Mario Hermoso (Atletico Madrid, £ 22.5 m), Aaron Martin (Mainz, 5.4 m), Hernan Perez (Al Ahli , free), Roberto (West Ham, free), Alvaro Vazquez (Sporting Gijon, free), Oscar Duarte (free)

Last season: 7th

Espanyol did quite well last season because they finished in seventh place in La Liga and earned a place in the Europa League qualifiers.

However, the departments of some important players in the summer can hit the club hard.

Mario Hermoso, for example, joined Atletico Madrid, and as a result Espanyol can be considerably less resilient at the rear.

In addition, if they eventually make progress in the Europa League, this may prove to be a hindrance to their domestic form, with manager David Gallego, who has replaced Ruby, facing a difficult task.

Key Man: Marc Roca

Roca, a product of Espanyol & # 39; s academy, delivered a number of consistent performances last season.

This campaign, with several players going further, the defensive midfielder may have more difficulty taking responsibility if Espanyol appears to be enjoying an impressive campaign.

Roca was connected to Bayern Munich earlier this summer, but chose to stay with Espanyol. If he continues to perform at such a high level, he will certainly not be long before there is more speculation about his future.

Highly regarded midfielder Marc Roca could be a crucial figure for Espanyol this campaign

GETAFE

Head coach: Jose Bordalas

Transfers in: Enric Gallego (Huesca , £ 5.4m, Faycal Fajr (Caen, £ 1.35 million), Jack Harper (Malaga, £ 1.35 million), Raul Garcia (Girona, free), Xabi Etxeita (Athletic Bilbao), Marc Cucurella ( Barcelona, loan), Allan Nyom (West Bromwich Albion), not disclosed

Trans fers from: Roberto Ibanez (Osasuna, £ 1.8 m), Jack Harper (Alcorcon, loan), Gaku Shibasaki (Deportivo La Coruna, free), Alvaro Jimenez (Albacete, loan), Miguel Rubio (Fuenlabrada, loan ), Ignasi Miquel (Girona, loan), Mathieu Flamini (released), Chuli (released)

Last season: 5th

Getafe got a place in the Europa League group stage after being on last season fifth place in La Liga ended

They want to push this campaign even further and have designs to reach the top 4.

Coach Jose Bordalas will have to manage his team carefully so that his most important players do not get too exhausted by the Europa League.

However, Getafe has a talented team and is unlikely to be pushovers when confronted with La Liga & # 39; s leading lights.

Key Man: Jorge Molina

Molina was a key factor behind much of Getafe & # 39; s impressive displays last season, as evidenced by the fact that he scored 14 goals in La Liga.

The sharp shooter managed to achieve 62 percent of his effo rts on goal, because he caused numerous problems for the defense.

Even at the age of 37 he has shown no signs of delay and this campaign will be fruitful again.

The 37-year-old Jorge Molina was impressive last season and will want to be in again catch the eye

GRANADA

Head Coach: Diego Martinez

[1945902] Transfers in: Darwin Machis (Udinese, £ 2.7 million), Domingos Duarte (Sporting Lisbon, £ 2.7 million), Yan Brice (Seville, £ 900,000), Fede Vico (Leganes, £ 225,000), Roberto Soldier (Fenerbahce, free), Neyder Lozano (Elche , free), Yangel Herrera (Manchester City, loan), Jose Antonio Martinez (Eibar, loan)

Transfers from: Adrian Castellano (Numancia, £ 270,000), Sergio Pena (FC Emmen, free), Pablo Vazquez (Badajoz CD, free), Jose Antonio Gonzalez (Cordoba, loan), Alberto Martin (released), Fran Rico (released), Nicolas Aguirre (released), Raul Baena (released)

Last season: 2nd, Second Division

One of the newly promoted games, Grenada returned to La Liga after two seasons.

They hope to get it sooner than their last top flight campaign, when they ended up at the bottom of the table.

In particular, there have not been many large departments from Granada this summer, and coach Diego Martinez has earned a lot of praise.

However, it will still be very difficult for his party to prevent him from leaving immediately.

Key Man: Roberto Soldado

Former Spanish striker soldier accompanied Granada this summer for a free transfer after his departure from Fenerbahce.

With a lot of La Liga experience, the 34-year-old will be trusted this season by Granada.

Last season, Soldaat scored six league goals in 21 games for Fenerbahce, but he hopes he will be able to score more often for Granada.

Roberto Soldier will are excited to impress Granada after joining the club on a free transfer

Leganes [1945904]

Head coach: Mauricio Pellegrino

Transfers in: Martin Braithwaite (Middlesbrough, not disclosed), Juan Soriano (Sevilla, loan), Aitor Ruibal (Real Betis, loan), Aitor Ruibal (Port B, not disclosed), Andre Grandi (Madrid International , free), Sabin Merino (Athletic Bilbao, free), Alex Martin (Real Madrid Castilla, free), Roberto Rosales (Malaga, £ 1.08 million), Juan Munoz (AD Alcorcon, £ 1.35 million), Jonathan Silva (Sporting Lisbon, £ 2.7 million), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea, £ 4 Million)

Transfers from: Mamadou Kone (Deportivo de La Coruna, loan), Dani Ojeda (Albacete, loan)), Andres Prieto (Espanyol, free), Ezequiel Munoz ( Lanus, free), Nabil El Zhar (Al Ahli Sports Club, free), Fede Vico (Granada CF, £ 225k), Gerard Gumbau (Girona, £ 450k), Luciano (Gremio, 900k)

Last season: 13th

Now starting their fourth consecutive campaign in La Liga, Leganes wants to build on last season when they finish 13th – their highest position ever.

They made the news in September by beating Barcelona 3-1 and moved permanently to Martin Braithwaite after being impressed during a loan period.

season it would not be surprising if Leganes ended up at the mid-table again. However, they have a difficult start because they host Atletico Madrid.

Keyman: Youssef En-Nesyri

He played a crucial role for Leganes last season and scored nine goals in La Liga.

That led to interest in the Moroccan from a large number of clubs, including Brighton.

Leganes rejected an offer of £ 18 million from the seagulls, leaving En-Nesyri frustrated and whether he remains interesting to see if the commitments of the 22-year-old remain the same.

Youssef En-Nesyri was the subject of interest from Brighton after an impressive season

Levante

Head coach: Paco Lopez

Transfers in: Ruben Vezo (Valencia, £ 4.5 m), Sergio Leon ( Real Betis, £ 3.6 m, Gonzalo Melero (SD Huesca, £ 3.2 m), Carlos Clerc (Osasuna, free), Oscar Duarte (Espanyol, free), Jorge Miramon (SD Huesca, free), Hernani ( Postage free, Borja Mayoral (Real Madrid loan)

Transfers from: Ruben Garcia (Osasuna, £ 2.7m), Chema (Nottingham Forest, 450k), Esteban Saveljich (Rayo Vallecano, £ 270k), Pedro Lopez (SD Huesca, free), Jason (Valencia, free), Pepulu (Tondela, loan), Ivi Lopez (SD Huesca, loan), Raphael Dwamena (Real Zaragoza , loan), Koke (Deportivo, loan)

Last season: 15th

Get up with a jumble of the season, but will bring some confidence in the season after relegating Majorca rivals in their last friendly match have been defeated. It will be important that they start quickly with matches against Real Madrid and Real Betis that come within the first month.

They comfortably defeated the drop last season, kept floating seven points and will come out to maintain their position in the top flight.

Ze hebben wat opwindend talent, met name aan de bovenkant van het veld en zouden genoeg moeten hebben om de prestatie van vorig seizoen om op te blijven herhalen.

Key man: Roger Marti

13 De competitiedoelen zijn voor iedereen een behoorlijke terugkeer, maar het feit dat Marti zo vaak in een worstelend team de achterkant van het net heeft weten te vinden, maakt het nog indrukwekkender.

Levante genoeg over hen om punten te verzamelen, zelfs Marti schiet niet, maar als de 28-jarige vorm kan vinden zoals vorig seizoen, moeten ze weer veilig zijn.

Roger Marti wordt beschouwd als de belangrijkste speler van Stand-up na zijn overvloed aan doelpunten

RCD Mallorca

Hoofdcoach: Vicente Moreno

Transfers in: Lumor (Sporting Lissabon, lening), Aleksandar Sedlar (Piast Gliwice, gratis), Josep Sene (Leonese Cultural, gratis), Alex Joy (Real Betis, gratis), Aleksandar Trajkovski (Palermo, gratis), Aleix Febas (Real Madrid Castilla, gratis), Pablo Chavarria (Stade Reims, gratis), Igor Zlatanovic (Radnik, £ 1,17 m), Martin Valjent (Chiev o, £ 1,35 m), Ante Budimir (Crotone, £ 1,98 m)

Transfers uit: Carlos Castro (CD Lugo, lening), Sergio Buenacasa (SD Ponferradina, lening), Enzo Lombardo (Racing Santander, lening), Pablo Valcarce (SD Ponferradina, lening), Bryan Reyna (Barakaldo CF, lening), Stoichkov (Alcorcon , lening), Franco Russo (SD Ponferradina, lening), Alex Lopez (Extremadura, lening), Salva Ruiz (Valencia, gratis), Fernando Cano (Lleida Esportiu, gratis), Alvaro Bustos (Pontevedra, gratis), Leandro Montagud (Cultureel Leoness, gratis), Pol Roige (GIF Sundsvall, gratis), Alejandro Faurlin (Marbella FC, gratis)

Vorig seizoen: 5e, tweede divisie

Overal boven de onderste drie wil van Mallorca this season just to restore some normality.

Lago Junior will be La Liga new boys Mallorca's biggest scoring threat

In the last three seasons they have been relegated, then promoted and promoted again.

They came up via the play-offs, but unlike in the Championship, it is far from the richest game in football, so Mallorca have had to operate on a shoestring budget this summer.

It's going to be a real struggle for them, but the fact they lost the first play-off leg 2-0 and won the second leg 3-0 to secure promotion suggests they have the mettle to at least put up a good fight.

Key man: Lago Junior

Any side that has just gone up into a new league has to rely on a striker grabbing them enough goals to win matches.

That responsibility for Mallorca falls firmly on the shoulders of Lago Junior this season. He was their top scorer last term, netting 11 times in the league.

The jump to La Liga is a big one, but Mallorca will hope Junior is up for the test and can come close to his tally last campaign.

Osasuna

Head coach: Jagoba Arrasate

Transfers in: Pervis Estupinan (Watford U23s, loan), Raul Navas (Real Sociedad, loan), Jaume Grau (Real Madrid Castilla, free), Adrian Lopez (FC Porto, free), Facundo Roncaglia (Celta Vigo, £225k), Darko Brasanac (Real Betis, £900k), Brandon (Stade Rennais FC, £1.8m), Robert Ibanez (Getafe, £1.8m), Marc Cardona (Barcelona, £2.25m), Chimy Avila (San Lorenzo, £2.43m), Ruben Garcia (Levante, £2.7m)

Transfers out: David Rodriguez (released), Xisco (released), Miguel Olavide (released), Jaume Grau (CD Lugo, loan), Miguel Diaz (CD Tudelano, free), Carlos Clerc (Levante, free), Imanol Garcia (Cordoba, fr ee)

Last season: 1st, Segunda Division

Osasuna raced away to win the Spanish second division and bounce back to La Liga at the first time of asking.

But this season will be very different. They will not experience the winning feeling as often as they did in the Segunda and they must be prepared for that.

Osasuna have been a yo-yo club since their relegation from the top-flight in the 2013-14 season and will be eager to take this opportunity to re-establish themselves as a La Liga club.

First season, just stay up by any means necessary, that will be the goal.

Chimy Avila has a big role to play for Osasuna after proving himself in La Liga last season

Key man: Chimy Avila

Avila was a very smart buy by the La Liga new boys.

The midfielder scored some eye-catching goals last season during his loan spell at Huesca and his overall play is neat and tidy.

He bagged an impressive 10 goals last time around and will be key to Osasuna's chances of survival.

Real Betis

Head coach: Rubi

Transfers in: Borja Iglesias (Espanyol, £25m), Giovani Lo Celso (PSG, £20m), Nabil Fekir (Lyon, £20m), Juanmi (Real Sociedad, £7m), Emerson (Barcelona, £5m), Dani Martin (Sporting Gijon, £4.5m), Alfonso Pedraza (Villarreal, loan)

Transfers out: Pau Lopez (Roma, £21m), Junior Firpo (Barcelona, £16m), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham, loan fee: £14.5m), Sergio Leon (Levante, £3.5m), Ryad Boudebouz (Saint Etienne, £3m), Takashi Inui (Eibar, £2m), Victor Camarasa (Crystal Palace, loan), Darko Brasanac (Osasuna, £900,000), Alin Tosca (Gazisehir, free), Alex Alegria (Mallo rca, free), Aitor Ruibal (Leganes, loan), Julio Gracia (Badajoz, loan), Liberto Beltran (Lleida Esportiu, loan)

Last season: 10th

A side with real potential that at times showed just what they were capable of last season.

Betis had a care-free and attractive style of playing but the core of their side has been cut up this summer.

Pau Lopez, Junior Firpo and Giovani Lo Celso, who was instrumental in midfield last term, have all gone on to bigger and brighter things, but you can't help but wonder had Betis kept hold of them that they could have made a real push to break the top six.

As it happens, that is not the case. Fans will be however be delighted by the capture of Nabil Fekir, who decided to join from Lyon despite seemingly having a number of more appealing offers.

Borja Iglesias was prolific for Espanyol last season too, so his signing will add further firepower to their goalscoring threat. The ambition will be to finish in those European places. Whether they can do it or not is another thing entirely.

Key man: Nabil Fekir

It will be interesting to see how the Frenchman takes to La Liga.

Fekir has only ever played in France, so it will be a challenge for him to adapt to his new surroundings. If he can be even half the player he was at Lyon then Betis have got a gem.

He scored a shed load during his time at Lyon and assisted almost just as much for his team-mates. The 26-year-old is Betis' most talented player and will revel in being the star man and their focal point of attack.

The arrivals of Nabil Fekir (L) and Borja Iglesias (R) adds significant firepower to Betis' attack

Real Madrid

Head coach: Zinedine Zidane

Transfers in: Eden Hazard (Chelsea, £150m), Luka Jovic (F rankfurt, £54m), Eder Militao (Porto, £45m), Ferland Mendy (Lyon, £49m), Rodrygo (Santos, £40m), Alberto Soro (Real Zaragoza, £2m), Luca Zidane (Real Madrid Castilla, free), Javi Sanchez (Real Madrid Castilla, free), Jorge de Frutos (Real Madrid Castilla, free)

Transfers out: Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea, £40m), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid, £27m), Raul de Tomas (Benfica, £18m), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan, £18m), Jesus Vallejo (Wolves, loan), Alberto Soro (Real Zaragoza, loan), Martin Odegaard (Real Sociedad, loan), Dani Ceballos (Arsenal, loan), Borja Mayoral (Levante, loan), Jorge de Frutos (Real Valladolid, loan), Sergio Reguilon (Sevilla, loan), Javi Sanchez (Real Valladolid, loan), Andriy Lunin (Real Valladolid, loan), Luca Zidane (Racing, loan )

Last season: 3rd

It all looked so promising for Real Madrid at the start of the summer window as Zinedine Zidane looked to get all of his transfer business done and dusted ahead of the new campaign. Real brought in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Ferland Mendy in what looked to be the new era of Galaticos.

However, their pre-season came tumbling down in an instant when they were truly humbled by a new-look Atletico Madrid side in America. There were complaints that Hazard had packed on the pounds while Real's aging midfield continued to be a thorn in Zidane's side.

The Frenchman is still desperate to bring in Paul Pogba but Manchester United's valuation of the World Cup winner looks to have killed any potential move.

The Spanish giants have often looked disjointed and out of sorts during pre-season and even Marca have stated that the idea of Real winning a trophy this season is 'farcical'. While keeping that in mind, you'd expect Real to challenge Barcelona and Atletico for the league this season given the amount they've shelled out this summer.

Key man: Eden Hazard

Brought in for a deal worth up to £150million, Hazard will be that go-to player whether he starts out on the left or in the No 10 position behind Benzema. Zidane will need to drum out that 'unselfish' characteristic Hazard possesses if he's going to become a goal-machine for Los Blancos.

Real Madrid will expect a lot from Eden Hazard this season after becoming their record signing

Real Sociedad

Head coach: Imanol Alguacil

Transfers In: Alex Sola (Real Sociedad B, promotion), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad B, promotion), Aihen Munoz (Real Sociedad B, promotion), Andoni Zubiaurre (Real Sociedad B, promotion), Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad B, promotion), Ander Guevara (Real Sociedad B, promotion), Martin Odegaard (Real Madrid, loan), Alex Remiro (Athletic Bilbao, free) Modibo Sagnan (Lens, £4.05m), Alexander Isak (Borussia Do rtmund, £5.85m), Portu (Girona, £9m)

Transfers Out: Alex Sola (Numancia, loan), Jon Guridi (Mirandes, loan), Martin Merquelanz (Mirandes, loan), Jon Bautista (KAS Eupen, loan), Hector Moreno (Al Gharafa Sports Club, free), Eneko Capilla (Asteras Tripolis, free), Geronimo Rulli (Montpellier, £1.35m loan fee), Juanmi (Real Betis, £7.2m)

Last season: 9th

There will be a notable change for Sociedad this season, with the renovation of their Anoeta Stadium set to be completed.

A major plus for the club this summer was retaining the services of wingers Mikel Oyarzabal.

However, the departure of defender Hector Moreno, among others, could prove to be problematic.

Key man: Mikel Oyarzabal

There was much speculation about Oyarzabal's future this summer, with Manchester City among the clubs to have been linked with him.

However, the winger ended up staying at Sociedad and will be seeking to build upon a hugely impressive 2018-19 campaign, when he scored 14 goals and provided four assists in La Liga.

This season Sociedad are set to again be heavily reliant upon the 22-year-old.

Mikel Oyarzabal ended up staying at Real Sociedad despite much speculation over his future

Real Valladolid

Head coach: Sergio

Transfers in: Javi Sanchez (Real Madrid, loan), Jorge de Frutos (Real Madrid, loan), Pedro Porro (Manchester City, loan), Sandro Ramirez (Everton, loan), Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid, loan), Federico Barba (Chievo, loan), Pablo Hervias (Eibar, £900k)

Transfers out: Moises Delgado (Racing Santander, loan), Antonio Dominguez (Algeciras CF, free), Fernando Calero (Espanyol, 7.2m)

Last season: 16th

Ronaldo may have splashed out to purchase a majority share in the club last season, but the former Brazil star's wallet has remained firmly shut this summer.

Despite last season's struggles to beat the drop, Pablo Herbvias has been the club's only permanent signing, moving from Eibar for £900k.

The loan signing of Sandro Ramirez however could prove to be a great piece of business. He may have flopped at Everton and failed at Real Sociedad last season, but the Barcelona academy product has proven he can score regularly in La Liga, having netted 14 times for Malaga in the 2016-17 campaign.

Having scored the least amount of goals last season (32), Sandro's acquisition provides Valladolid's attack with the firepower it has so desperately been lacking. Fernando Calero will be a big loss for them though after the talented defender joined Espanyol. Just staying up will be the goal this season.

Key man: Sandro Ramirez

The pressure will fully be on Sandro Ramirez to score goals this season.

His confidence will be at an all-time low after failing to score a single league goal in 24 games at Real Sociedad last season, but if he can recapture his best form, he could have a sole impact on where Vallodolid end up this term.

Sandro Ramirez has struggled for form but can play a big part in Real Vallodolid's survival bid

Sevilla

Head coach: Julen Lopetegui

Transfers in: Rony Lopes (Monaco, £22.5m), Jules Kounde (Bordeaux, £22.5m), Lucas Ocampos (Marseille, £13.5M), Diego Carlos (Nantes, £13.5m), Munas Dabbur (RB Salzburg, (£13.5m), Joan Jordan (Eibar, £12.6m), Luuk de Jong (PSV, £11.25m), Oliver Torres (Porto, £10.8m), Fernando (Galatasaray, £4.05m), Nemanja Gudelj (Evergrande, free), Sergio Reguilon (Real Madrid, loan).

Transfers out: Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco, £36m), Pablo Sarabia (PSG, £16.2m), Quincy Promes (Ajax, £14.13m), Luis Muriel (Atalanta, £13.5m), Yan Brice (Granada, £900k), Gabriel Mercado (Al Rayyan, free), Marc Gual (Girona, loan), Giorgi Aburjania (Twente, loan), Ibrahim Amadou (Norwich, loan), Carlos Fernandez (Granada, loan), Juan Soriano (Leganes, loan), Aleix Vidal (Alaves, loan).

Last season: 6th

Big things are expected at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium this season with a new manager in place and £100m spent on new talent.

Sevilla's biggest summer signing Rony Lopes can shine for them in La Liga this season

Returning director Monchi has got straight down to work with 11 new signings to help Julen Lopetegui rebuild his reputation after quitting as Spain manager on the eve of the World Cup for a disastrous spell with Real Madrid.

The Spaniard faces the task of getting the new-look side to gel together as quickly as possible but improving on last year's sixth-placed finish should be achievable.

Key man: Rony Lopes

The attacking midfielder will be desperate to b anish the though ts of last season's nightmare with Monaco and begin a new chapter at Sevilla.

Two years ago, Lopes was linked with just about every major club in Europe after banging in 15 goals. Last season he managed just the four as Monaco narrowly escaped relegation.

Sevilla have clearly seen something in Lopes to splash out £22.5m off the back of such a disappointing campaign and will look to him to be their creative spark this term. A cultured midfielder who is great on the ball, can pick out a pass and has an eye for an goal, he possesses all the attributes to shine in this league.

Valencia

Head coach: Marcelino García Toral

Transfers in: Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona, £31m), Maxi Gomez (Celta Vigo, £13m), Denis Cheryshev (Villarreal, £5m), Manu Vallejo (Cadiz, £5m), Jorge Saenz (Tenerife, £2m), Salva Ruiz (Mallorca, free), Alex Carbonell (Cordoba, free), Jason (Levante, free), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City, free), Jaume Costa (Villarreal, loan)

Transfers out: Neto (Barcelona, £23m), Simone Zaza (Torino, £11m), Ruben Vezo (Levante, £4.5m), Jeison Murillo (Sampdoria, loan), Nacho Gil (Ponferradina, free), Aymen Abdennour (Kayserispor, free), Jorge Saenz (Celta Vigo, loan), Santi Mina (Celta Vigo, free), Alex Blanco (Real Zaragoza, loan), Toni Lato (PSV, loan), Uros Racic (Famalicao, l oan), Alex Carbonell (Fortuna Sittard, loan)

Last season: 4th

Valencia survived a turbulent summer which saw the futures of general manager Mateu Alemany and head coach Marcelino Garcia Toral almost leave the club.

Alemany appeared ready to walk away from Valencia and Marcelino vowed he would follow him through the exit doors if he did, but the latter had a change of heart and the two have remained.

Keeping hold of Marcelino was a huge coup for Valencia, considering he led them to a Champions League spot and Copa del Rey glory last term – the club's first trophy since 2008.

Having achieved so much, it will be difficult for Valencia to maintain the high standard, but they have invested well, bringing in the likes of Jasper Cillessen, Maxi Gomez and Denis Cheryshev. A top-four finish will be the expectation.

Keeping hold of their head coach Marcelino was a huge coup for Valencia this summer

Key man: Goncalo Guedes

There's no doubt that Guedes possesses the potential to be a big hitter in La Liga. Since joining Valencia from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, he has shown glimpses of a world class player but has not performed on a consistent basis.

You can't help but think that this could be the season he finally announces himself as a top player in the league.

There will be less pressure on him to score goals regularly following Gomez's arrival and he is expected to be given a new licence of freedom in an attacking role behind the main striker, which he could really flourish in.

Goncalo Guedes has shown glimpses of class but has not performed on a consistent basis

Villarreal

Head coach: Javier Calleja

Transfers in: Ruben Pena (Eibar, £7.2m), Raul Albiol (Napoli, £4.5m), Moi Gomez (Sporting Gijon, £1.2m), Alberto Moreno (Liverpool, free), Andre Zambo Anguissa (Fulham, loan), Enric Franquesa (Villarreal B, promotion), Xavi Quintilla (Villarreal B, promotion), Simon Moreno (Villarreal B, promotion)

Transfers out: Pablo Fornals (West Ham, £24m), Nicola Sansone (Bologna, £6.75m), Roberto Soriano (Bologna, 6.75m), Denis Cheryshev (Valencia, £5.4m), Ruben Semedo (£4m, Olympiacos), Victor Ruiz (Besiktas, £2.25m), Javi Fuego (Sporting Gijon, free), Juan Ibiza (UD Almeria, free), Alvaro Gonzalez (Marseille, loan), Simon Moreno (UD Almeria, loan), Miguelon (SD Huesca, loan), Enric Franquesa (CD Mirandes, loan), Jaume Costa (Valencia, loan), Alfonso Pedraza (Real Betis, loan), Daniel Raba (SD Huesca, loan)

Last season: 14th

Given the talent in the squad, there can be no arguments that last season fell way below expectations.

Although it could have been much worse with Villarreal staring relegation in the face at one point. A strong finish to the season saw them finish comfortably in 14th in the end.

It will be tall ask for them to better that this time around after losing key players such as Pablo Fornals and Denis Cheryshev in the summer window but it would be foolish to label them as mid-table languishers just yet.

They have some highly-rated prospects in Samuel Chukwueze and Santiago Caseres and will have genuine ambitions to crack the top 10.

Key man: Santi Cazorla

You've seen all the videos on social media, he may be 34-years-old and only recently recovered from an injury that kept him out of action for two years, but Cazorla still has plenty to offer.

He pulled the strings in midfield last season and has retained all the flair and technical skills that made him one of the best exports the Premier League has seen.

He even earned a recall to the Spain squad for his performances last season. Cazorla has that rare ability to pull a big moment out of the bag when needed and with another tough season expected, he will have a significant role to play.

Santi Cazorla is Villarreal's maestro in midfield while Samuel Chukwueze could be important

LA LIGA BETTING ODDS

La Liga winner

Barcelona – 4/9

Real Madrid – 7/4

Atletico Madrid – 12/1

Valencia – 100//1

Sevilla – 150/1

La Liga relegated

Mallorca – 5/7

Granada CF – 5/4

Valladolid – 7/5

Osasuna – 9/5

Alaves – 2/1

Levante – 3/1

La Liga top goalscorer

Lionel Messi: 4/6

Eden Hazard: 9/1

Luis Suarez: 10/1

Antoine Griezmann: 14/1

Karim Benzema: 16/1

*Odds provided by SportNation.bet

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#LA LIGA PREVIEW: Here is the lowdown on Barcelona #Real Madrid and rest of top-flight teams"

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carryonuptheandes · 5 years

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15 November – Arequipa

After a couple more days in Cusco to relax after the hike, it was time to move on again, this time to Arequipa, the second city of Peru with around two million inhabitants, and a city that likes to think it’s better than Lima, and even independent (think Barcelona and Madrid!). There are Arequipeño passports for sale in the souvenir shops! Since I was unable to find details of any daytime buses (the advice was to go to the bus station and ask each of the countless companies!) I opted for the one hour flight.

Ahead of entering the departure lounge I was amused to find the Massage Express service which sits adjacent to the Alpaca Collection gift shop! While waiting to board, I reflected again on why airlines here have departure and arrival times by the minute (i.e. not rounded to the nearest five minutes), especially since the flights here are frequently delayed. Also, when boarding, I was unable to understand why there was a separate with and without hand luggage queue, especially since many with hand luggage were using the (priority) latter queue, which I eventually switched to with my chunky backpack, no questions asked.

We flew over some spectacular, albeit inhospitable, arid mountains, which were occasionally interspersed with random patches of green land, and winding zigzag roads. There were plenty of threatening looking tall clouds around and the pilot presumably couldn’t avoid us passing through some, since there was a period of more turbulence than I’m comfortable with. For a city of two million, Arequipa airport is small and there wasn’t a lot of action in terms of planes on the ground! It’s clear that long distance coach is still much preferred by most, since it is so much cheaper.

I checked into my B&B, a beautifully restored home built of the white local volcanic stone; the city is known as the Ciudad Blanca (White City) for the use of this stone in many buildings. Here I was treated to a very homely stay, where the owner was always eager to help me out, including finding a decent pool for a swim and helping me to be understood over the phone by a train company when trying to establish the direction of train on which I wanted to book a ticket!

The main square, the Plaza de Armas, is stunning. It’s fronted by the huge twin towered cathedral on one side, and colonnaded buildings on the others. Behind the cathedral is the vista of 6,000m volcanoes including the impressive conical shaped Misti, that forms a backdrop to the city. The cathedral appears particularly stunning prior to sunset, as the stone turns yellow-orange. I enjoyed my first sunset skies here with a bottle of Cusqueña on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the square, accompanied by the powerful sound of one of the frequent brass bands playing.

One of the main reasons I head to Arequipa was to visit the Colca Canyon, which at over 2km from mountaintop to river valley, is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, and one of the deepest in the world. The original plan was to do a two or three day trip with some good hiking, however I’d received some mixed feedback from other travellers during my travels, and was to learn on arrival that to join a small group would be very costly. This, along with the risk of possible anticlimax feeling after the Inca Trail, meant that I opted for a cheaper day trip to visit the main sights. It’s not my style to spend the day getting on and off of a minibus but I got to see the incredible depth of the canyon, the Andean condors gliding over the valley, sampled a cactus fruit pisco sour, and enjoyed some hot thermal baths, oh and more alpacas, llamas and the wild vicuña (think Bambi deer), the latter bringing back memories of Patagonia.

Other than the 2.30am wake-up call for the Colca Canyon day trip, my week in Arequipa was a relaxing affair. I got to enjoy the perfect daily spring-like weather of nearly 25C and pure sun, some decent food (certainly a step up on Bolivia, and no hesitation over eating salad!). I visited the huge Santa Catalina monastery, still housing a handful nuns, but no longer the 450 it used to in it’s diverse collection of colourful buildings that form a small city in itself; although I didn’t see much evidence, it has been badly damaged by earthquakes.

Also there was time for a number of modern art or photography exhibitions, some located around the beautiful patios of the colonial mansions. Also, a visit to some of the university archaeological museums with some Inca (or pre-Inca) artefacts, one containing the preserved frozen body of a young girl sacrificed to Pachamama (Mother Earth) by the Incas over 500 years ago, her body and the offerings being found around 20 years ago on the 6,000m plus dormant Ampato volcano.

I got to sample a free performance of the Arequipa Symphony Orchestra in the impressive municipal theatre. I was to learn that a free concert is held every Friday evening and it was nice to see an audience of different backgrounds enjoying some free culture.

Last but not least, I enjoyed some evenings with Alex, who was keen to practice his very good English, which is partly thanks to his mum (and English stepdad) who lived in Watford for five years, who I’m told does not approve of using contractions in the language! Alex also impressed with his punctuality, maybe again his mother’s influence; only the first time we met did I have to check beforehand that he would arrive at the punctual 'hora inglesa' (English time).

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ultrasfcb-blog · 6 years

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World Cup 2018: Were

Russia supporters watched their team reach the quarter-finals on home soil

When Andrei smiles at you he means it. He showed me his fake smile and it was not pretty.

“The thing with the Europeans, they’re cold people,” he says. “They are not sincere. But we Russians, we are welcoming. And we are sincere. Go on and tell your friends about that.”

It was supposed to be dangerous and inhospitable. Some said it was a risk to travel to this World Cup where every English fan would be targeted as the enemy.

Talking with Andrei, a security officer from Samara who loves fishing and has the photos on his phone to prove it, was like speaking to so many other Russians aware they had been getting a bad press.

So much of the build-up to the tournament was dominated by negative coverage in the UK, especially after relations with Russia fell sharply following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, with nerve agent Novichok, which the UK government blames Russia for.

And although the problems between the nations may well remain unresolved, the World Cup has been a huge success.

On the pitch the football has been brilliant – only one goalless draw and a series of shocks and captivating matches.

Off the pitch there have been countless individual acts of kindness and curiosity. Over four weeks since the opening match on 14 June, Russia has been enjoying a huge party – and those who took up the invitation have been having a wonderful time.

They have seen a side of Russia many might have missed had it not been for the football. They have met people they would not have encountered, and have been welcomed and celebrated by them.

I saw Russian mothers throw their young daughters forward for selfies with the remarkable Peru fans who travelled in such numbers and with such warmth and optimism.

In Samara – a closed city until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 – Brazilians celebrated late into the early hours of a Tuesday morning as rows of amused police officers leaned in but politely refused invitations to join them.

Even if their teams have not performed, colourful supporters from all over Latin America travelled en masse and attracted admiring smiles everywhere they went. I lost count of how many times I overheard in the street: “Let’s go and take photos with the foreigners.”

A Brazil fan after his country were knocked out by Belgium

The good feeling has come both ways. On my way to Sochi, the day before the opening game, I watched as a portly man carrying too much fishing gear through a Moscow airport dropped a small item on the floor.

He leaned gingerly downwards, balancing his tilting equipment, before an Egypt fan stooped down to help pass it on, risking his homemade pharaoh headgear in the process.

There was a brief acknowledgement but it was something that maybe lingered longer in both men’s minds. Something totally out of the ordinary was just beginning.

In short, the people who travelled here from all over the world discovered a place very different to what they might have expected.

Having got to know Russia well in previous long stays here, I had a feeling it would be like this. Russia loves to throw a party and to show its best to the world.

The 1980 Olympics are still remembered dreamily in Moscow, while the 2014 Winter Games, tainted by evidence of state-sponsored doping in Sochi, was another time for the nation to rally round, tell stories about itself and listen to stories from elsewhere, despite what emerged soon after.

Once again the country has been out to make memories of an extraordinary time, a magical four weeks only made more magical by Russia’s run to the latter stages against all odds.

My time here was spent travelling around Moscow, Sochi, Saransk, Nizhny Novgorod, Ekaterinburg, Kazan and Samara. I did not encounter many England fans – largely because I did not coincide with their games.

But it is true they were not here in the vast numbers of previous tournaments. Before the opening match on 14 June, football’s world governing body Fifa said 32,362 tickets had been sold to English fans, compared to 57,917 at the same stage in 2014. In Moscow’s Spartak Stadium, there were so many more Colombia fans it might have been a last-16 tie played in Bogota.

The memories of Euro 2016 and the widespread focus on Russia’s alarming but minority hooligan scene were likely to have been the biggest factors in people’s reasoning not to travel this time.

The kind of violence we saw in Marseille has been thankfully absent during this tournament, owing seemingly to the arrangement of a temporary peace between known offenders and the authorities, enforced by the threat of strict punishments and a big police presence.

Clashes broke out at the end of the match between England and Russia in Marseille two years ago

Those who did decide to come will have been able to see the country for themselves and make up their own mind on whether those people, for whom fighting seems like a religion, represent more than the fringes of society.

In many ways, Russia was the perfect World Cup host. A vast country where there is so much to uncover. The organisation was superb, thanks in no small part to the thousands of volunteers who helped visitors get by.

And the Russian summer is something special again, a time when life seems to burst unpredictably from all directions.

There were homegrown watermelons sold from the boots of old Ladas, spontaneous night-time gatherings on leafy, potholed roads with no street lights, a time for smart rooftop terraces fashioned from the decay of old Soviet tower blocks.

Combine this with football, which brings people together like very few things can, and the recipe was complete for a unique experience.

There is of course one big reason Russia remains so relatively unknown, or why to many it remains so mysterious: the Cold War. Plus the more recent history that has continued or reopened a divide with many western countries.

Conversations with ordinary people about this – and I had many here – touched on the annexation of Crimea, the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, chemical weapons in Syria, the evidence that says Russia ran a sophisticated doping programme in sport between 2011 and 2015.

The outcomes of those conversations varied. Some would agree that Vladimir Putin’s Russia is now and will be for who knows how long a democracy in name only with a bad human rights record and worrying levels of corruption and intolerance.

Others would disagree – especially on the issue of expanding Russian territory in the Crimea – while there was most often a third ending: where politics comes second in any meeting between ordinary people.

Maybe the most telling example of this was with a taxi driver, Dimitri, in Ekaterinburg.

When he found out I was English he started to reel off question after question about what people in the UK really thought of Russia.

Was it true what they said on the news? Do we really think bears wander the streets? Are the British really the enemy they are sometimes portrayed to be in Russian media?

I told him that I thought many people in Britain knew very little about Russia, but that hopefully this World Cup will have been an opportunity to find out more.

And no, we didn’t really believe the stuff about bears.

BBC Sport – Football ultras_FC_Barcelona

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eiwaycomblog · 6 years

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FIFA World Cup 2018: Pits France-Uruguay in World Cup quarters

France got two trophies in 1998: One, obviously, was the nation’s solitary World Cup title, won on home soil. It was additionally the birth year of Kylian Mbappe, the 19-year-old who’s rising as one of the greatest stars of the World Cup.

“All things considered, that was a decent year for him to be conceived, regardless of whether he didn’t see a great part of the 1998 World Cup,” clowned French mentor Didier Deschamps, who was the commander in ’98. “I’m extremely upbeat that Mbappe is a French subject.”

It will be France’s singing velocity drove by Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann against Uruguay’s guard tied down by Diego Godin on Friday in Nizhny Novgorod in the World Cup quarterfinals. The victor will confront Brazil or Belgium.

Uruguay has surrendered just a single objective in four World Cup matches, and France has scored seven — most in the 4-3 triumph over Argentina in the round of 16.

In scoring twice against Argentina , Mbappe turned into the primary young person with different objectives in a World Cup knockout amusement since a 17-year-old Pele did it twice (counting a cap trap against France) in 1958.

It’s a major stage with inescapable examinations that Mbappe grinned about and after that batted away.

“It’s complimenting to be the second one since Pele,” said Mbappe, conceived in France to a dad from Cameroon and a mother from Algeria. “However, how about we place things in context. Pele’s another classification.”

This is France’s seventh quarterfinal and its fourth in the last six World Cups going back to 1998 and the celebrated side drove by Deschamps, Patrick Vieira, Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry — the alleged “Rainbow Team” from a multicultural France.

“In a World Cup you have the best level players,” said Mbappe, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. “So it’s a chance to demonstrate what you can do and what your capacities are. There is no preferable place over a World Cup.”

After three dull recreations in gather play, France was electric in its latest match, especially in the second half when it cut up Argentina’s trudging protection. Five of France’s starters in the principal amass coordinate had never played in the World Cup, including Mbappe.

“You require some tolerance,” Deschamps said.

Deschamps has contrasted playing Uruguay with confronting Peru, which barely lost to France 1-0 in bunch play on an objective by Mbappe.

He named Uruguay “strong and forceful” in a French TV meet, including: “These are not characteristics showed by Argentina.”

The match will exhibit a few cross-fringe kinships.

Griezmann plays at Atletico Madrid where his colleagues are Uruguayan protectors Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez. Godin is the guardian of Griezmann’s little girl.

While Godin and Gimenez will attempt to stop Griezmann, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez will contradict Barcelona colleague Samuel Umtiti.

“I’ve generally kidded … that I needed to confront Umtiti at a World Cup,” Suarez said. “Also, it worked out.”

Suarez’s running mate, Edinson Cavani, scored the two objectives in the knockout prevail upon Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal however is nursing hamstring damage, and it is indistinct in the event that he will play.

His nonattendance would be a hit toward the South Americans, yet barrier is the genuine key with mentor Oscar Tabarez hoping to see less of the ball.

“I think all the time there’s the mixed up conviction that ball ownership prompts scoring openings,” said Tabarez, who assumed control in 2006.

“On the off chance that you don’t have ball ownership, you can even now deliver torment.”

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n0resistance · 6 years

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Actor

When I first moved to LA. I was coming from New York with a savings, a friend, and an Airbnb booked for 30 days. I probably got my first job 3-4 weeks after my arrival. It might have been five. I went door to door. Used workpop, craigslist, indeed, and kept going door to door on my bike. Went to a lot of networking things for writers/actors, audited classes, went to central castings. The interviews I had highlighted my business degree, my experiences in the hotel business and catering to luxury establishments in New York City. Customer service oriented experiences and then being interviewed on the big question every employer loves to ask which is "Why did you move to LA?". Now this is a very tough question. The truth is I wanted to Act and LA is hub and hot spot for the entertainment industry. Living here you realize it's an over saturation of entertainment, especially actors, there's a lot of broken dreams, a huge group of people you can relate to, and a big community of people pursuing the similar lifestyles you pursue. The first couple interviews for jobs, I said I came here for acting. I saw the cringe in the employers face. The curve in the eyebrow. The look saying I would not get the job. It made sense. Actors do any job and will leave in a drop of a hat for their dream. I had to switch up the identity. I wrote, I've written two plays, and I actually wrote, directed and produced a short film. So instead of acting as my reason I would proudly say I'm a filmmaker. I wasn't lying. Or I said I'm a writer. They had more interest in me, because, you can make films or write in your own time. You won't leave your job to audition. Follow the stereo type of every actor. The stereo type of flakiness. It's LA, we have enough of it here. Sometimes I'm not on time. But I really would never want to be called flakey. The title filmmaker worked for me. I got a lot of PA work. I wrote a screenplay with my friend. We produced, acted, and directed together. I was a DP. A line producer. Etc. Etc. I became a filmmaker. I even traveled to Barcelona to film something. Worked with the American Film Institute and their thesis films. Helped on commercial shoots. When you come to a place without a job you really take anything. The first job that hired me was a place on Hollywood and Highland. Mamacita Cantina. We opened a Peruvian restaurant. The cuisine and the photographs made me really want to travel to Peru. Which I did 9 months later. The funny part about that restaurant was I was hired as a cashier. We were opening and opening a restaurant is hard. Everyone needs help. I would get so tired of talking to people that I became the dishwasher. I made $15 an hour dishwashing half the day. I was so bad at washing dishes and I took off a lot for productions that I was let go. Fired really. The whole business became non existent in the long run. I interviewed for 5 -8 hotels during that process. Since I did not know anyone in the company I wouldn't get hired. It didn't make any sense. I could get a hotel job in 24 hours in New York. I have a degree in a non-degree based industry. Lots of experience with well known companies. The best choice I made during this period in life, was to join the weirdest Theater Company in Hollywood. I met a girl Kat who worked at the Standard Hotel. I couldn't get into the Standard in New York and read all about the culture. She brought me in. I asked everyone I knew for a job and wanted to make tips bar tending without experience. Someone said that if you don't know how to bar tend your best bet is to bar-back. It's been over a year and bar-backing has saved my life. It's exhausting but the job was worth it. I got a job at a Italian restaurant last year where I learned how good tips are. I will never forget serving Lena Dunham or meeting the Producer of Dawson's Creek at that restaurant. Restaurants are good til they’re not anymore. It's a short lived thing depending on where you work. But you always know you can work wherever you go. Like hotels. It's why we do it. This was what I left my comfortable life for. Hollywood. Dishwashing, Barbacking, Serving "cashier service", and working part time in reservations at the Standard. All the film and theater projects and short excursions. My life is more stable this year. I have health insurance and a full time job the top hotel company I learned about in hotel school. I think of what I wana be and do. I know I could really do anything if I put my heart and mind into it. Anything. But it will never matter how old I am. I will always want and forever pursue acting.. Theater acting and film directing are the two interests I'll never grow out of. Don't get me wrong; I'm the happiest I've been since, that time I studied abroad in Italy 6 yrs ago. Both times I’ve been happiest was being single and pursuing my art, away from my roots. I get to work on the things I enjoy. I live near palm trees. I go on adventures on the regular. I like working 2 jobs and being more stable. Actually signing a lease, feeling like an adult. Having more responsibility. The thing that I love most in life is performing on stage. Saying my truth. What's hard about this profession. Is it hurts so much when things go wrong. Worse than anything else in the world. The stakes are that high. I love connecting with all types of people. Living all types of lives and taking on all types of roles. The me in life. That's what I want on stage. It would really make my life easier if I'm a filmmaker, Manager of a hotel, Bartender, or a writer. Although I like all those things. Will probably do all those things, all my life. It's easier than getting rejected as an actor. That's what I am and will always be. It’s just a scary thing to admit and scarier to fail at something you really love. It's led me to live a life based on spirit and heart. Following intuition and passion. I'm proud of that. Excited for my audition tomorrow. And if you plan on doing your purpose , the thing you’re meant to do. Tomorrow’s will always be exciting. -- Antonette Hudak Director Actor Whatever

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party-hard-or-die · 6 years

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France ready to outgun any opponent, says Griezmann

MADRID (Reuters) – France forward Antoine Griezmann says his country have the firepower to achieve their dream of winning the World Cup in Russia.

Soccer Football – World Cup – France Training – Glebovsky, Russia – June 11, 2018 France’s Antoine Griezmann during training REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

And he says he doesn’t mind how they do it.

“My objective is to win the World Cup with France and it doesn’t matter how we do it or our style of play,” he told a news conference on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid striker Griezmann, linked with a move to Barcelona, revealed he had also made up his mind about his personal future but said now was not the time to disclose it.

As France prepared for their opening game against Australia on Saturday, the 27-year-old said: “I believe in this group and in the important moments we’ll all be there. In attack we know we can do harm to any team.”

“I feel comfy in the system and I’m close to (manager, Didier) Deschamps. It’s a good setup to get us good results.”

Soccer Football – World Cup – France Training – Glebovsky, Russia – June 11, 2018 France’s Antoine Griezmann during training REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Griezmann is expected to spearhead the attack for the 1998 winners, who are among the pre-tournament favorites.

“The first game is the most important one we have, especially as a collective,” he said. “We want to win it in order to get closer to the last 16.”

He added: “(Fellow Group C opponents) Peru and Denmark are tough opponents. We know them well and we know they defend well as a unit, but right now we’re focused on Australia and watching videos of how they play.”

The much-vaunted striker refused to answer questions on his own future amid speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.

“I know there’s a lot of people waiting on this, but today’s not the day for this,” he told reporters.

When pressed on the issue, Griezmann admitted he had “taken the decision. But it is not the day or place to reveal it”.

Writing by Joseph Cassinelli; Editing by Neville Dalton

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zeroviraluniverse-blog · 6 years

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Albert Ferrer on Barcelona vs. Chelsea and how Luis Enrique is perfect for Blues

Visit Now - http://zeroviral.com/albert-ferrer-on-barcelona-vs-chelsea-and-how-luis-enrique-is-perfect-for-blues/

Albert Ferrer on Barcelona vs. Chelsea and how Luis Enrique is perfect for Blues

BARCELONA — Albert “Chapi” Ferrer could consider himself a trendsetter. He became the first Spaniard to ever play for Chelsea in 1998, having been part of Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team at Barcelona, and was just the second player to turn out for both the Blues and Barca (after Mark Hughes.)

Since Ferrer, another 11 Spanish players have gone on to play for the Premier League champions and the total number of players to have played for both Chelsea and Barca is now up to 13.

Ahead of his two former sides meeting in the Champions League this week, Ferrer spoke to ESPN FC about his desire to return to the UK, his future plans in coaching, how Ernesto Valverde has improved the Blaugrana and whether Luis Enrique would make a good Chelsea manager.

Q. What have you been up to since leaving your post as Mallorca coach [in 2015]?

A. I’m coaching the Barcelona legends side, which is a team of the club’s ex-players. It’s a really cool project. We get to do a lot of travelling, visiting really interesting countries. We have a game coming up in India [against a Juventus side on Feb. 17 in Mumbai] and it’s likely we’ll have one in Egypt, too. There are also games later this year in Brazil and in Peru. It’s great, because you get to play with and coach players that you might not have played with during your playing days with Barcelona, players that were the best in the world in their day.

Q. But surely you’d like to get back into coaching professionally?

A. I am really happy with the Barca legends project right now… but it’s true that getting back into coaching is something which appeals to me.

Q. In England?

A. Especially in England, that would appeal even more. I had a couple of conversations with [English clubs] last season, but nothing came of them in the end. I have contacts in England, but at the moment I’m just waiting. Experience teaches you that things often happen when you don’t chase them. So I’m relaxed [about getting back into coaching]. We’ll see what comes up, but for now I’m really happy with what I am doing.

Albert Ferrer Ben Radford /Allsport

Q. You obviously had a good time in England as a player.

A. Signing for Chelsea was a great experience. I spent five really food years of my career there. Maybe the signing initially came about by chance. Chelsea are a great club and the Premier League is a great league, they had won the [FA] Cup the year before and I thought ‘why not?’ Maybe I was one of the first Spaniards to try their luck in England. I was really happy there and the club was slowly growing. It was a really positive experience. I think also, from that moment on, Spanish players began to look at the possibility of playing abroad.

Q. It must have been different from Barcelona, especially at that time?

A. It was much calmer, much more relaxed at Chelsea than at Barcelona. England’s a country without dedicated sports newspapers, so there was much less focus in the press than in Spain, where a lot is continually said and talked about. In England, I found a much more professional situation in that sense, and at the same time [everything was] much calmer. It was a feeling of being freed a little bit, you know, when you come from the demands of Barcelona. Even though Chelsea are a great club, you don’t have that constant pressure from the newspapers, you’re left with the feeling that everything is a little easier.

Q. Do you still think that’s the biggest difference between the two clubs?

A. I think the difference, more or less, is [still] the media atmosphere. It is the same [now] because I think that media in England still aren’t the same as the media in Spain, I think the media atmosphere there is much more relaxed, even these days. But there’s more pressure at Chelsea now [than when I signed] with the arrival of [Roman] Abramovich and the demands of being one of [Europe’s] big clubs. I think in that sense there’s a little more demand at Chelsea now.

Q. How do you think they’re doing going into the Barcelona game?

A. It’s been a complicated season. I think that after a good season, the following season is always difficult. Their rivals have also all strengthened since last season… I think they started the season quite well, but they’ve gone through a tough spell. The fact they have a small problem up front, the injuries they’ve had, the fact that when [Alvaro] Morata’s not playing in some games Hazard has had to play through the middle… Hazard’s not a No. 9. I think Chelsea need him deeper to create chances and direct the play.

I think there’s also a question in terms of defending, they’re not as convincing as they have been at the back, not like in the past. All these little things have made the season a little more complicated, but that’s normal when you’ve had such a good year and then your rivals, above all the two Manchester sides, have strengthened so much.

Q. Can they beat Barca?

A. I think it will be a hard-fought tie. Chelsea aren’t in their best form but they will make it tough for Barca. I think we will see two very different games. The one at Stamford Bridge will very be different to what we will see at Camp Nou because it’s much smaller, so there’s less space. There will be much more space at Barcelona. I think with the second leg at Camp Nou, for me Barcelona are the favourites. I think they will reach the quarterfinals. I want them to go through and I’m convinced they will.

Q. They’re looking good under Ernesto Valverde as well.

A. Valverde’s improved Barcelona, there’s been a huge change [from last season]. I think the way they’ve dealt with the departure of Neymar has allowed them to evolve their football a little, starting to play like a lot of other teams, with a 4-4-2 with more bodies in midfield, suffering less in defence. The change of system has gone really well for them. Recently, with 4-3-3, they were struggling at times, above all with counter-attacks. But I think they’ve got that under control now. They’re a more solid team and, above all, they’re a really complete side.

LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images

Q. The best side in Europe?

A. If not the best, one of the best. We will see if they’re the best with the return of the Champions League. I think Man City are at a great level; PSG, too; Real Madrid are always a side to watch out for. Those four or five teams are all at a similar level, maybe Barca are the best right now but all of those sides are capable of winning the Champions League.

Q. You were briefly with Valverde as a player at Barcelona.

A. Yes, I remember Valverde well as a player. He was a skilful winger, very clever, very intelligent. He was someone who knew what decisions to take on the pitch, he got between the lines. I really liked him as a player, he was so skilful. He wasn’t a tall player or a strong one so he had to depend on his intelligence. He was a really good player in his time and I think he’s now an exceptional manager. He’s very clear with what he wants, transmits his ideas well and he’s good with the players. All of those qualities combined can only make a successful coach.

Q. Another former teammate, Luis Enrique, has been linked with becoming the next Chelsea manager as well…

A. Lucho’s a different type of manager [to Valverde]. He had a great [three years] here with Barcelona and he’d already shown at Celta [Vigo] that he’s a great manager. I think he would fit in [at Chelsea] perfectly. There are already various Spanish players there.

Q. What would Chelsea get? Would he do well in England?

A. He’s a coach that wants his teams to be aggressive, to be committed. I don’t think he would have any problem adapting to English football. It’s true that speaking English is important, above all to try and transmit your ideas, but Lucho has been learning [English].

But I think above all the tone of how you transmit your ideas is more important, how you get through to the players, and there are many ways to do that. I think the adaption [from La Liga to the Premier League] is much easier than it was in the past, and in the case that Lucho goes to Chelsea I’m sure that he would be successful.

#Football

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