Several high-profile stars have been left out of European squad lists following key deadline decisions. From Liverpool's Federico Chiesa and Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy to Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can, managers across the continent faced tough selection calls due to injuries and squad limits.
Lamine Yamal offered warm praise to former Barcelona manager Xavi following his appointment as Netherlands head coach. The 19-year-old winger joked that his former mentor can win every international match with the Dutch national team, except when facing Spain.
Barcelona have reportedly instructed Hansi Flick to maintain total silence regarding Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese manager's return to Real Madrid. The Catalan giants are desperate to avoid being dragged into Mourinho's trademark media battles as the historic rivalry threatens to boil over once again.
Levante captain Roger Brugue is confident that his team can halt Barcelona's perfect start to the Liga season this weekend. The forward stressed that the Granotas will approach Sunday's encounter without any inferiority complex, banking on their formidable home form to derail the high-flying league leaders at Ciutat de Valencia.