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Gabriel Heinze named new Atlanta United coach

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Gabriel Heinze has been named the new coach of Atlanta United.

Heinze has signed a two year contract with Atlanta United in the MLS after a few weeks of speculation. Still only 42 years old, this is Heinze’s fourth stint as manager, after having started his managerial career in 2015 with Godoy Cruz. From there he would go to Argentinos Juniors for one season in 2016-2017 before coaching three years at Velez.

He represented the Argentina national team in 72 matches, playing in two World Cup tournaments. At club level, Heinze played Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid and others in Europe while in Argentina he wore the colors of Newell’s Old Boys. Speaking with MLS.com, Heinze had this to say about joining the team:

“I’m excited to be taking on this new challenge with Atlanta United. I believe that my football philosophy is aligned with the vision of the club and their structure and facilities are world-class. I can’t wait to meet the players, the staff and the fans and get to work in 2021.”

Atlanta United club president Darren Eales spoke in a team release about signing Heinze as the club coach:

“This is a milestone moment in Atlanta United history, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Gabriel as our next head coach. We cast the net widely for this important hire, and Gabriel quickly emerged as the No. 1 candidate. Gabriel is one of the top coaches in South American soccer and we are delighted that he chose Atlanta United. Whilst his resume speaks for itself, Gabriel’s playing philosophy and commitment to youth development closely align with our ideas at Atlanta United, and we are happy to welcome him as we move into our club’s next chapter.”

 

 

River Plate make Copa Libertadores semi-finals, will play Palmeiras

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River Plate booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores where they will play Palmeiras.

The four time Copa Libertadores champions have made the semi finals again after a 6-2 win vs. Nacional, 8-2 on aggregate. Marcelo Gallardo’s team managed six goals away, one of which was scored by an Argentine. River Plate took a 2-1 lead going into half time and it was Bruno Zucculini who made it 3-1 as he scored from close range.

In the other semi-final, it’s Santos who will play the winner of Racing Club or Boca Juniors. We could once more have an all Argentine club final.

Lionel Messi finishes third in FIFA The Best, makes FIFPro Best XI team

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Lionel Messi finished third in the FIFA The Best voting but did make the Best XI team of the year.

Messi, who won the award last year, will have to settle for third this year. Going trophyless with Barcelona, it was Cristiano in second with Roberto Lewandowski as the deserved winner.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni took part in the voting, as he voted for Sadio Mane, Lionel Messi and
Neymar in that order. As for Messi himself, he voted for Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Roberto Lewandowski.

While Messi did not win The Best award, he made the Best XI team of the year for the 14th time in a row.

Congratulations to Lionel Messi on making the team.

Paulo Dybala to be offered new Juventus contract

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Paulo Dybala could be staying with Juventus a little longer with contract talks expected to begin in the new year.

Dybala will be speaking with Juventus management in January regarding extending his contract at the club. His current contract expires in 18 months and per reports, the club would want to keep the Argentine. Speaking with Sky Sports, here’s what Juventus director Fabio Paratici had to say:

“We’re gonna meet the agent of Paulo Dybala to talk about his contract.”

Alejandro Papu Gomez to leave Atalanta, posts Instagram message

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Alejandro Papu Gomez is set to leave Atalanta in January following an argument with the team coach.

Papu Gomez will likely not end the season with Atalanta after he posted a message on his Instagram page. Now 32 years of age, Gomez reportedly had a bust-up with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini at half time during their Champions League match against Midtjylland two weeks ago. Since the argument, he has been left out of the last two league matches.

Gomez took to his Instagram where he posted the following:

“I just wanted to tell you that when I leave you will know the truth of everything. You know me and you know the person I am. I love you, your captain.”