Rarely will a meaningless July friendly in Europe drum up this much interest. But as this fall will be blooming with Pep Guardiola news, may as well start the Pep party early.
On July 24, Bayern Munich will host Barcelona at the Allianz Arena in Bavaria. That will happen about three weeks into Guardiola’s term as manager at Bayern. The two clubs announced the friendly this morning.
Guardiola, of course, is the highly successful former manager at Barcelona, where he won three La Liga crowns and two UEFA Champions League titles, among a raft of other trophies and honors during his time at the Camp Nou.
He took a year sabbatical at the end of Spain’s 2011–12 season (living in New York through the fall and winter) but last month was appointed to replace Jupp Heynckes at Bayern.
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Bayern Munich – Borussia Dortmund: The tactics and the game’s shifting momentum
May 25, 2013, 5:25 PM EDT
How a wonderfully entertaining UEFA Champions League final played out:
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Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Robben the hero, Bayern crowned Champions League winners
May 25, 2013, 4:59 PM EDT
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Arjen Robben, criticized by many for his woeful record in major finals, finally got over the hump in stunning fashion as his 89th minute winner sent Bayern Munich to the promised land.
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There have been two to make the semis; You know who they are?
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Looking back at his ground-breaking announcement, even Robbie Rogers is a little confused about why it was all such a big deal:
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Neymar saga appears near conclusion, with Spanish giant Barcelona at the finish line
May 25, 2013, 12:44 PM EDT
The most recent reports say it’s Barcelona FC, as the Catalan giants have apparently beaten Spanish rival Real Madrid for the Brazilian star’s services:
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First chances to see Mike Magee, Robbie Rogers with their new clubs
May 25, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
Looking at the weekend MLS schedule and wondering if we’ll see one of these two on the field?
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Something to like from the Galaxy side – but one big concern, too:
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Despite the Chicago Fire’s awful record through 12 MLS rounds, there’s still enough to like about Frank Klopas’ club.
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Santos confirmed that they have accepted two offers for Brazilian sensation Neymar.
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USA Today reports LA Galaxy trade Mike Magee for rights to Robbie Rogers
May 24, 2013, 9:29 PM EDT
In a mind-blowing move, USA Today have reported the LA Galaxy have sent a player to the Chicago Fire in exchange for the rights to Robbie Rogers.
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If Bayern triumph in Champions League, could we have a dynasty on our hands?
May 24, 2013, 7:00 PM EDT
Reuters
With a victory in the Champions League final to complete Bayern Munich’s domination domestically and abroad plus their offseason acquisitions, would they be a force for years to come?
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With Corey Ashe now added, what the U.S. fullback depth chart looks like for this camp
May 24, 2013, 5:32 PM EDT
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Ashe’s late addition to Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster for the U.S. camp forms a more complete picture of what the depth chart looks like at right and left back:
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Internazionale officially announced they have sacked Andrea Stramaccioni and hired the former Napoli boss.
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No question that two of the league’s most interesting teams will be at Stade Saputo on Saturday:
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Tony Fernandes has finally taken some blame for the relegation of QPR instead of shedding it left and right.
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed Chelsea interm manager Rafa Benitez is set to move to Serie A on a 2-year deal with Napoli.
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USMNT forward Terrence Boyd on ex-club Borussia Dortmund’s UCL charge
May 24, 2013, 3:00 PM EDT
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Boyd left Dortmund last season, so is a USMNT player destined to never play in a Champions League final?
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Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen’s new book reveals past life as gambling addict
May 24, 2013, 2:50 PM EDT
Who knew that Jimmy Nielsen’s burst of white hair wasn’t the craziest thing about Sporting Kansas City’s talented goalkeeper?
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Further MLS attachment to the English Premier League is a good thing … right?
May 24, 2013, 2:45 PM EDT
A blog post in the New Yorker looks at another side to this week’s huge expansion news:
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Does Hughes deserve another shot at managing an EPL club after past failures?
