Real Madrid boss explains why he’s against Girona-Barcelona in the United States

Madrid have made a perfect start to the season, claiming nine points from nine available, but are now entering a phase of five games in 14 days that includes the Athletic game, Sevilla and the Madrid derby against Atlético. Julen Lopetegui has his full squad of 24 players to choose from for the trip to San Mamés and will announce his list for the match on Saturday morning. Castilla central defender Javi Sánchez, who played a part in Real’s pre-season tour of the US, joined the senior squad for Friday’s session and while he won’t make the squad for San Mamés he is viewed by the Real boss as the side’s fifth centre-half for the season and will get his chance at some stage when injuries and suspensions start to take their toll. Julen Lopetegui talked to the press this Friday ahead of the team’s trip to Bilbao to face Athletic. The coach shared his thoughts on the news that the match between Girona and Barcelona will most likely be played in the United States. “I’m not in favour of it happening. It doesn’t benefit equality in this competition as every team should and must play in the same fields throughout the season,” said Lopetegui implying that Barcelona would play  a one less away game than every other team this season if Girona-Barcelona takes place in the States.

Niko Kovac has spoken out to the press ahead of the Bayer Leverkusen game