Mateu Alemany seemed to be on his way to the exit at Barcelona, but according to various Spanish media, he still remains in the position of director of football affairs.
Remarkable turnaround in Barcelona: director still stays on
Sixty-year-old Alemany was close to a move to Aston Villa, but would have changed his mind at the last minute. On May 2, Alemany made it clear to chairman Joan Laporta that it was time for a new adventure. Meanwhile, former Portuguese international Deco (45) appears to be appointed as the new sporting director. The former midfielder of FC Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea, among others, will succeed Jordi Cruijff. Deco would also take over part of Alemany’s tasks, but that no longer seems necessary.
It was suggested about Alemany, among other things, that he would be against the return of Lionel Messi. In addition, he would have received too little clarity about the sporting planning of the brand new champion of Spain.
Cruijff recently announced that he would leave Barcelona after this season. The son of Johan Cruijff was involved in the technical policy at Barça for two seasons, for which he played as a player between 1994 and 1996. Cruijff started as a member of the sports committee and was appointed sporting director in September last year.
Getafe claims substitution error and wants a regulatory 0-3 victory over Real Madrid
Staying in La Liga, Getafe has filed a complaint with the Spanish Football Federation, Spanish media report on Wednesday. The club protests against a substitution that Real Madrid made last weekend.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wanted to replace Álvaro Odriozola for Marco Asensio, but because Eduardo Camavinga had sustained an injury, he was taken off. Nevertheless, Odriozola was still allowed to come in. Asensio had already left the field, but still came back. Getafe now claims a substitution error from Real Madrid. The substitution may not enter the field until the substituted has left the field. Camavinga only left the field when Odriozola was already inside the lines. Getafe now thinks it has enough ammunition to fight defeat.
Getafe wants a regular 0-3 victory over Real Madrid, although it is still questionable whether the authorities will go along with it. If it does come to that, Getafe will disappear from the relegation zone and Real Madrid will be knocked out of second place. Getafe has lodged an official protest and now we are waiting for the verdict. Real Madrid has three days to respond.
