La Liga (Spanish League) Prediction Thread 2023/24

[Koal-84]

David Alaba was introduced at Real Madrid, I'm curious how it goes for him at Real after an eternity at Bayern. He gets another number like at Bayern and in the Austrian national team. I did not know why you can not have a number above 26 in the Spanish league? Is there a historical background or was that simply decided at some point?

I just saw the news, and I was a bit surprised by Alaba's decision to use Sergio Ramos' jersey number at Real Madrid, Alaba is a Left Defender/Winger while Sergio Ramos is a Central Defender

The Question:
Why did David Alaba use Sergio Ramos' jersey number

Exactly, he chose the number of Sergio Ramos, he is following in big footsteps and he has a pressure with this number from the beginning.

As I said, I only heard that in Spain there is no number over 25. At Bayern he had the number 27, which is therefore not possible, and the number 8 of the national team is already taken, what other numbers would have been free at Real. With such a large squad, the choice will be small?

[MusaMohamed]

Even if Koeman finds a way to give Griezman the room he needs to enfold his potential, he isn't the Griezman he used to be at Atletico Madrid anymore. When he played for Atletico he was an absolute world class striker. His strength was that he almost never missed a chance. It was impressive how he kept his coolness again and again. When you watch him at Barcelona now all of that coolness is gone. He isn't even average more in my opinion.

He perhaps is not what he used to be in Atletico Madrid but the Euro shows that Griezie still has some excellent skills and it is just how comfortable and confident he can bring in matches.

Griezie can have bigger contributions than Dembele at least but I don't believe that he has ever felt comfortable in Barcelona. Whatever he said or whatever Barcelona tried to claim that they give him best conditions to play in Nou Camp. Conflict with Messi, as rumor is going. It is possible.

[Spack17]

One of the things that I'm curious about in this season is how Luis Suarez will play. Despite he is 34, he had a great season and scored 21 goals in the La Liga. He did his job really well and contributed to the title at a high rate. I wonder if he will maintain his form in this season too. It looks like Suarez is really happy at Atletico and he is ready to do whatever the team need.

[mv1986]

Even if Koeman finds a way to give Griezman the room he needs to enfold his potential, he isn't the Griezman he used to be at Atletico Madrid anymore. When he played for Atletico he was an absolute world class striker. His strength was that he almost never missed a chance. It was impressive how he kept his coolness again and again. When you watch him at Barcelona now all of that coolness is gone. He isn't even average more in my opinion.

He perhaps is not what he used to be in Atletico Madrid but the Euro shows that Griezie still has some excellent skills and it is just how comfortable and confident he can bring in matches.

Griezie can have bigger contributions than Dembele at least but I don't believe that he has ever felt comfortable in Barcelona. Whatever he said or whatever Barcelona tried to claim that they give him best conditions to play in Nou Camp. Conflict with Messi, as rumor is going. It is possible.

You bring up two very good examples: Griezman vs. Dembele. If Dembele were to deliver 100% of his best gameplay every game, I would say he is even stronger than Griezman. Dembele is an outstandingly strong player, he just can't deliver frequently. He often plays at 60 - 70%. Similar to Coutinho, such a great player, but he just can't decide games. Sure if Griezman gets back in shape he is amazing. He is even amazing in the air with his head. What made him exceptional was his chances to goals ratio. That just seems to be gone.

[sana54210]

Real Madrid have a new stadium that is under construction so they have to spend fund for the new stadium. They don't get troubles like Arsenal and can make big transfers. At least they have to choose players carefully because they can not overpay like years ago.

Real Madrid don't have tradition to use old players and treat them well. They will hardly accept the rrleturn of Ronaldo. Moreover, Perez and Ronaldo have conflict before the transfer of Ronaldo to Juventus. He will not come back, he does not want and Perez does not want to see Ronaldo in the club again.

Ronaldo is not coming back that part is for sure, not only because Perez and Ronaldo are not in a good relationship as of right now, but also Real needs younger players, they are already getting older right now so I do not think that they really need any new players. At the end of the day we should be focusing more on the fact that they do not have the money for huge transfers this season for the first time in decades.

However they are handling this new stadium thing perfectly, thanks to pandemic there weren't that many fans in stands anyway, so now when everything gets back to normal they will have a huge new stadium that will make them earn so much more money.

Do not consider just how many seats available neither, like for example Golden State Warriors actually have less seats on their new stadium but can make about 3x more profit when maxed, all thanks to side incomes, same for Real. This is going to provide so much profit in the future for them, and a lot more new and better players.

[kawetsriyanto]

In football it's not just the star players that give the results, and as you mentioned, whether the koeman strategy matches the player's character or not, or the player is able or not to carry out the koeman strategy. This is the most important. Or, Koeman is able or not to recognize his players to make a good strategy.

Yep. To reach the best result, Koeman also has a big role, not only the players' quality.
That's why I said above that strategy chosen by the coach plays an important role. And also how Koeman's approach to motivate the mentality of all the players.

Line by line, Barcelona might be better, but the result of the Barcelona match last season under Koeman was not so special, there are many things that have to be adjusted.

Unfortunately, what Koeman did in the last season was not satisfactory. However, since Barcelona keep him as the coach, it should have a strong reason. I believe Koeman has learned a big lesson previously. Barcelona management expects that Koeman can correct his mistake this season.

[AndySt]

Even if Koeman finds a way to give Griezman the room he needs to enfold his potential, he isn't the Griezman he used to be at Atletico Madrid anymore. When he played for Atletico he was an absolute world class striker. His strength was that he almost never missed a chance. It was impressive how he kept his coolness again and again. When you watch him at Barcelona now all of that coolness is gone. He isn't even average more in my opinion.

He perhaps is not what he used to be in Atletico Madrid but the Euro shows that Griezie still has some excellent skills and it is just how comfortable and confident he can bring in matches.
Griezie can have bigger contributions than Dembele at least but I don't believe that he has ever felt comfortable in Barcelona. Whatever he said or whatever Barcelona tried to claim that they give him best conditions to play in Nou Camp. Conflict with Messi, as rumor is going. It is possible.

I don't think there is any personal conflict between Messi and Griezmann right now. All the potential dissatisfaction with Messi that could have been shown to Griezmann could have been solely due to the dismissal of Luis Suarez, with whom Messi has friendly relations and which the Argentine player took painfully. Judging by the latest words of Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone and club president Enrique Cerezo, Griezmann's return to the club looks unlikely. There is also information that Barcelona offers Griezmann to English clubs in order to unload the salary list and even the option of exchanging Griezmann for a Dybala from Italian Juventus.

[snipie]

One of the things that I'm curious about in this season is how Luis Suarez will play. Despite he is 34, he had a great season and scored 21 goals in the La Liga. He did his job really well and contributed to the title at a high rate. I wonder if he will maintain his form in this season too. It looks like Suarez is really happy at Atletico and he is ready to do whatever the team need.

Suarez is an extraordinary player but to win La Liga again ATM has to win every single game. Last year Real Madrid and Barcelona lost many points easily vs weaker teams, I doubt this will be the case the next year especially for Barca, not sure about Madrid honestly.
I see some members saying Koeman isn't convincing. True partially, but no one can deny the improvement of Barcelona under his management, the team were almost near the relegation zone in the first games then after the change they were in the top places. I don't like Barca much but I voted for it this time to be the champion this season.

[Luzin]

I just saw the news, and I was a bit surprised by Alaba's decision to use Sergio Ramos' jersey number at Real Madrid, Alaba is a Left Defender/Winger while Sergio Ramos is a Central Defender

The Question:
Why did David Alaba use Sergio Ramos' jersey number

So I'm a little confused, why is real selling ramos and Varane (unofficial) and alaba is a left back. Would Alaba be good at centre-back? I don't think so. Varane seems to have to stay in Madrid. Regarding the jersey number, I don't mind it.

[hahay]

One of the things that I'm curious about in this season is how Luis Suarez will play. Despite he is 34, he had a great season and scored 21 goals in the La Liga. He did his job really well and contributed to the title at a high rate. I wonder if he will maintain his form in this season too. It looks like Suarez is really happy at Atletico and he is ready to do whatever the team need.

Suarez is an extraordinary player but to win La Liga again ATM has to win every single game. Last year Real Madrid and Barcelona lost many points easily vs weaker teams, I doubt this will be the case the next year especially for Barca, not sure about Madrid honestly.
I see some members saying Koeman isn't convincing. True partially, but no one can deny the improvement of Barcelona under his management, the team were almost near the relegation zone in the first games then after the change they were in the top places. I don't like Barca much but I voted for it this time to be the champion this season.

Right, Madrid and Barcelona last season was very bad at the start but in the end we can see, even these two teams make Atletico more concentrated on maintaining their top position. Therefore, with time to prepare for next season even better, then of course Barcelona under Koeman seems to promise a better game and strategy than before. Unlike Madrid with its new coach and some players leaving and getting older, I'm sure it will affect the performance of the players on the pitch so yes, maybe the title race will belong to Barcelona and Atletico.

[nelson4lov]

One of the things that I'm curious about in this season is how Luis Suarez will play. Despite he is 34, he had a great season and scored 21 goals in the La Liga. He did his job really well and contributed to the title at a high rate. I wonder if he will maintain his form in this season too. It looks like Suarez is really happy at Atletico and he is ready to do whatever the team need.

We can't tell for sure. When he was still in Barcelona, despite the fact that he was contributing to team performance with some goals here and there, there was a big question on whether the fact that he has aged has affected his performance over the years. The answer is yes. But since he joined Madrid, he's been doing a lovely job which indicates that he's happy there. One thing I know for sure is that he's one of the key players for Madrid that you'd want to keep a close eye on this season. Though aged, he still has a lot in store.

[kassex]

David Alaba was introduced at Real Madrid, I'm curious how it goes for him at Real after an eternity at Bayern. He gets another number like at Bayern and in the Austrian national team. I did not know why you can not have a number above 26 in the Spanish league? Is there a historical background or was that simply decided at some point?

I just saw the news, and I was a bit surprised by Alaba's decision to use Sergio Ramos' jersey number at Real Madrid, Alaba is a Left Defender/Winger while Sergio Ramos is a Central Defender

The Question:
Why did David Alaba use Sergio Ramos' jersey number

David Alaba can play well not only with left back but also he can plays as defender and I think is very good for Real Madrid because they always faced trouble with left back, some time Marcelo not have great performance and when Mendy injury can option to use Alaba as left back, but depend how Ancelotti will position giving to Alaba, defender or left back.

I think next season, we will often see Alaba in the center. On the left flank, besides Mendy and Marcelo, there is also Gutierrez. The problematic position in Real Madrid is the right edge of the defense. Carvajal is very traumatic and cannot get the optimal form. And Vasquez is unlikely to be able to play at a high level all the matches. Odrisola is not very effective and will most likely be sold or loaned.

[abhiseshakana]

David Alaba can play well not only with left back but also he can plays as defender and I think is very good for Real Madrid because they always faced trouble with left back, some time Marcelo not have great performance and when Mendy injury can option to use Alaba as left back, but depend how Ancelotti will position giving to Alaba, defender or left back.

Yes, you are right. David Alaba can play at center-back and left-back, so the empty hole left by Sergio Ramos (as well as Varane who may also leave Real Madrid) will be occupied by David Alaba. Besides that, Real Madrid got Alaba on a free transfer, so Real Madrid should still have the money to buy another defender.

There are rumors, if Carlo Ancelotti doesn't want many players in his team, then there will be a big sale from Real Madrid in this transfer window. Maybe from the sales fund, Real Madrid will sign 2-3 new players according to Ancelotti's list.

[MusaMohamed]

Yes, you are right. David Alaba can play at center-back and left-back, so the empty hole left by Sergio Ramos (as well as Varane who may also leave Real Madrid) will be occupied by David Alaba. Besides that, Real Madrid got Alaba on a free transfer, so Real Madrid should still have the money to buy another defender.

David Alaba can replace Ramos well but Real Madrid should not begin the new season with only Alaba as the only trusted and experienced central defender. If Varane leaves the club, they should sign with another central defender as fast as possible. It will give their defense system enough time to get familiarized with each other.

There are rumors, if Carlo Ancelotti doesn't want many players in his team, then there will be a big sale from Real Madrid in this transfer window. Maybe from the sales fund, Real Madrid will sign 2-3 new players according to Ancelotti's list.

Probably sold players will be in midfield and attacking areas. Carlo Ancelotti usually does not require much with transfers and he does not feel albad to manage clubs with what he is given. He has good relations with Director boards or Presidents in club he works for.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Let's say that Barcelona signed Messi again. I wonder what the attacking trio will be in the starting eleven. If I were Barcelona's manager, I would prefer Griezmann - Aguero - Messi trio. This trio would be really deadly for their opponents. But there are also some rumours like Griezmann may leave the team and join Manchester City. But I think that it will not happen and he will stay.

Griezeman - Aguero - Messi or Depay - Aguero - Messi or Griezman - Aguero - Depay and Messi will play as an attacking midfielder. A play maker for Barcelona is what Messi does in recent seasons. Wit the appearance of Depay and Aguero, Messi can share his responsibility to other players and can play as more similar as a play maker.

I hope that Koeman will build up a new tactic for Barcelona and use Messi this way. It might help to avoid the overlap of positions between Messi and Griezman.

Midfield area will be reserved for Busquet, Messi and Pedri. Another version of Busquest - David - Iniesta. With Messi can score more goals than Xavi. Pedri is like Iniesta.

I would really like to see Messi playing as attacking midfielder. He played as right winger for some time and I don't think that he plays better like that. He should be the playmaker of the team. When he is, not only he but also the team start playing really great.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Let's say that Barcelona signed Messi again. I wonder what the attacking trio will be in the starting eleven. If I were Barcelona's manager, I would prefer Griezmann - Aguero - Messi trio. This trio would be really deadly for their opponents. But there are also some rumours like Griezmann may leave the team and join Manchester City. But I think that it will not happen and he will stay.

Griezeman - Aguero - Messi or Depay - Aguero - Messi or Griezman - Aguero - Depay and Messi will play as an attacking midfielder. A play maker for Barcelona is what Messi does in recent seasons. Wit the appearance of Depay and Aguero, Messi can share his responsibility to other players and can play as more similar as a play maker.
I hope that Koeman will build up a new tactic for Barcelona and use Messi this way. It might help to avoid the overlap of positions between Messi and Griezman.
Midfield area will be reserved for Busquet, Messi and Pedri. Another version of Busquest - David - Iniesta. With Messi can score more goals than Xavi. Pedri is like Iniesta.

I would really like to see Messi playing as attacking midfielder. He played as right winger for some time and I don't think that he plays better like that. He should be the playmaker of the team. When he is, not only he but also the team start playing really great.

When Messi is in the squad, the players become dependent on him, if Messi performs well then the other players in the team are mentally energized and they can perform well too. But if Messi can't play well in a match, other players are also mentally broken so they can't play well.

[Karartma1]

What you say about Messi was true 5, maybe 6 years ago but not anymore. Barcelona's a great team with or without Messi and the more he ages, the more it's true.
On the other side of the discussion I wouldn't be so sure that Griezmann will play for Barcelona this season. Just today Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the club are 'open to all offers' for Antoine Griezmann this summer. So that's it, Griezmann is done.

[slaman29]

I think the net effect is magnified. If you have a $100M wage bill, and you suffer half losses from revenue, then you maybe have to let go of a few big stars to get back $50M. But if you have $2 billion on your payroll, finding players to sell or take wage cuts to make up 1 billion in this market? Totally not possible.

Ask Barca:P

Pandemic give bad effect many clubs right now not active when transfer window opening, only few club still exist to get new player with higher value like Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain, I see inactive on La Liga and Serie A team after many clubs not any budget to get new player with higher value, always waiting when player become free transfer to get their sign like Real Madrid with David Alaba and Barcelona with their player Depay and Kun Auero.

The trend actually started a little earlier than the pandemic, if you noticed, some of the big clubs began reducing their wage bills and opted to go for patient rebuilding with youth focus. Of course, some clubs like Arsenal started trying to catch up with spending and they now find out money doesn't guarantee anything (and the same as Barca for past 2/3 seaons heh).

[Oneandpure]

I think the net effect is magnified. If you have a $100M wage bill, and you suffer half losses from revenue, then you maybe have to let go of a few big stars to get back $50M. But if you have $2 billion on your payroll, finding players to sell or take wage cuts to make up 1 billion in this market? Totally not possible.

Ask Barca:P

Pandemic give bad effect many clubs right now not active when transfer window opening, only few club still exist to get new player with higher value like Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain, I see inactive on La Liga and Serie A team after many clubs not any budget to get new player with higher value, always waiting when player become free transfer to get their sign like Real Madrid with David Alaba and Barcelona with their player Depay and Kun Auero.

The trend actually started a little earlier than the pandemic, if you noticed, some of the big clubs began reducing their wage bills and opted to go for patient rebuilding with youth focus. Of course, some clubs like Arsenal started trying to catch up with spending and they now find out money doesn't guarantee anything (and the same as Barca for past 2/3 seaons heh).

Pandemic make many club loss all income from supporter and they can't sell all ticket home and away match, I think good news for England team because the UK government have allow for all primer league team available watch by supporter will full capacity. Good news and make all match become interested with full supporter on stadium.

[MAAManda]

Pandemic make many club loss all income from supporter and they can't sell all ticket home and away match, I think good news for England team because the UK government have allow for all primer league team available watch by supporter will full capacity. Good news and make all match become interested with full supporter on stadium.

This pandemic has almost paralyzed all sectors of goods and services, especially at the beginning.

By the way, did you know the news said that Lionel Messi was willing to cut his salary? This big thing can actually be interpreted