Open Thread: February 2, 2021

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail or Oscnar.

Winter transfer window closes!!

Another transfer window in Spain passed quietly on Monday as none of the top teams made big signings while they continue to feel financially smashed by the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid didn’t make any significant signings, although players left, with forward Luka Jovic and midfielder Martin Odegaard leaving on loans to Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal, respectively. The club also sent young Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo from Villarreal to Getafe on a loan.

Barcelona meanwhile will be without players that coach Ronaldo Koeman wanted to add, including defender Eric García and forward Memphis Depay. The club is also mired in political turmoil, being led by a caretaker board that can’t make many decisions regarding transfers. Both giants are 10 points behind Atlético Madrid, who brought in French forward Moussa Dembélé from Lyon to replace Diego Costa, who left the club a few weeks ago. Atletico also have a game in hand.

Sevilla added Papu Gómez from Atalanta, while Real Sociedad moved Willian José to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Amid Zidane exit rumors, Pochettino: “I will never manage Barcelona”.

Carlos Carpio at Marca believes that Zidane won’t be managing Real Madrid next season and that everything is already decided. Meanwhile PSG boss, Pochettino in an interview with RMC Sport stated: “I will never manage Barcelona. That is impossible. I have this idea of life, a connection with a part of that city, that makes that impossible.”

Isco Alarcon wants an “immediate” exit.

Per Deportes Cuatro, Isco wants to leave Real Madrid today but was told by the club that it’s not possible. Marco Ruiz at AS also reported that Isco felt humiliated when Zidane wanted to bring on Arribas against Levante and not him. The midfielder wants an out now but it’s very difficult. He’s most likely gone in the summer.

ICYMI: Barcelona Femení 4 - 1 Real Madrid Femenino.

Om Arvind extensively covered the loss in which David Aznar’s side lost in decisive fashion but performed significantly better than last time out. There’s also the post game podcast and player rating’s article by Grant Little.