Tribute to ‘phenomenon’ Iniesta planned as Barca set to win title
Barcelona will walk out to a guard of honour at Riazor tonight to end an emotional week in which Andres Iniesta announced he is leaving the club this summer.
Deportivo La Coruna have confirmed they will acknowledge Barca’s Copa del Rey success, while Ernesto Valverde’s men could even have Primera Liga sewn up before the game kicks off.
If Atletico Madrid fail to win their away match at Alaves in the afternoon today, Barcelona’s third title in four seasons will be secured before they have kicked a ball themselves. If not, they only need to draw in the late game to seal the championship.
Tears were flowing on Friday as Iniesta held a farewell news conference.
The 33-year-old’s next destination is not yet known, but teammate Lionel Messi was the latest player to pay a glowing tribute to the midfield maestro.
The Argentine said in a lengthy Instagram post: “Andres, thanks for all these years of football.
“It was a privilege to enjoy this sport by your side and spend so many unforgettable moments together.
“I wish you all the best in this new era for you, on a sporting level and in life. You are a phenomenon on and off the pitch. Without a doubt, we’re going to miss you.”
Iniesta is expected to start this evening, but Sergi Roberto is suspended against a Deportivo side that are 11 points adrift of safety with 12 to play for.
However, defender Raul Albentosa insists they will keep fighting and told the club’s official website: “Barcelona are a big team that want to come and win the league, and we want to get out of this sticky situation whichever way possible.
“We still have options and we have to make the most of them until the end.”
Pedro Mosquera and Lucas Perez have trained without a problem this week and will be in contention to play.
Eneko Boveda, Adrian and Sidnei will be monitored, with the latter suffering a hamstring problem in midweek.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has acknowledged he needs to control his temper during games and avoid losing his cool on the touchline like he did on Thursday against Arsenal which saw him being sent off and risking a lengthy touchline ban.
The Argentine was dismissed early in the 1-1 draw in the Europa League semi-final, first leg at the Emirates Stadium for repeatedly shouting at French referee Clement Turpin and pushing the fourth official after Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin was not booked for a foul on Atletico midfielder Koke.
Simeone’s temper had already been tested minutes earlier when Atletico defender Sime Vrsjalko was sent off for two bookings in quick succession.
“I don’t feel good about (my) sending off although I understand that these things can happen given the speed at which you experience everything that happens on the pitch,” Simeone told a news conference.
“I know I have to improve in this aspect. Anything I can say now cannot serve as a justification.”
Simeone will be suspended from the touchline for Thursday’s return leg against Arsenal at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium and could be banned for a further four games if Uefa decide to charge him for insulting a match official and improper conduct.
European soccer’s governing body will make a decision on May 4 and if they give Simeone the maximum punishment he will be banned from the sidelines during the Europa League final in Lyon if Atletico can get past Arsenal in the second leg.