BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona hired Luis Enrique as its new coach on Monday, hoping the former player can help restore the clubs recent success following its first season in six years without a major trophy.
Dougie Hamilton Flames Jersey . Barcelona said on its website that Enrique agreed to a two-year deal, but did not disclose further details. He will replace Argentine coach Gerardo Martino, who stepped down on Saturday immediately after the club failed to defend its Spanish league title. The 44-year-old Enrique is one of the few players to have had successful careers with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, having left the former in 1996 to join its archrival. He stayed at Barcelona until 2004. He had been widely expected to be appointed as the clubs new coach after stepping down from his position at Celta Vigo last week, and will restore a line of in-house managers most recently continued by Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova. Barcelona also said goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is joining the club from German side Borussia Monchengladbach to replace Victor Valdes, who is leaving on his own accord. In other moves, Barcelona said it was bringing back forward Gerard Deulofeu from Everton and midfielder Rafina Alcantara from Celta, after both young talents were loaned out last season to acquire playing experience. The Catalan club said goalkeeper Jose Pinto would not be returning after six-and-a-half seasons as Valdes backup and starter in the Copa del Rey. Barcelona also ensured on Monday that star forward Lionel Messi would remain the centerpiece of its squad after finalizing an extension of his contract that will reportedly make the clubs all-time leading scorer the worlds highest-paid football player. The 26-year-old Messi will earn a reported $27 million per season with further incentives able to drive the deal up to $34 million per year until the contract ends in 2017-18. Enrique will be tasked with rekindling the competitive edge that Messi and his teammates lacked at critical moments throughout the season that it started well but finished in its worst form since before Guardiola took over in 2008. Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu announced on Saturday following Barcelonas 1-1 draw against new champion Atletico Madrid that a number of players would not be returning. So even more changes are to be expected to renew a team that had stayed at the top of European football for the last half decade with its core made up of Messi and Spanish internationals in Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. After starting his playing career with Sporting Gijon, Enrique played for Madrid for five seasons and helped it win one league title before signing with Barcelona. The forward went on to play eight campaigns for Barcelona, helping the team win two league titles in his first two seasons and becoming the team captain in his last two years before retiring. As a member of the Spanish national team Enrique played in three World Cups and won the 1992 Olympic gold medal. Following in Guardiolas footsteps, Enrique returned to coach Barcelonas B-team from 2008-2011 before he spent one troubled season in charge of AC Roma, where he stepped down in 2012 with one year remaining on his contract. He returned to the Spanish league last season to take over Celta, incorporating former Barcelona B-team charge Rafina. After a difficult start, he guided the modest Celta side to a ninth-place finish in the 20-team league. Enrique will be presented on Wednesday.
Mark Giordano Jersey . - Whether its because of her improved play or the reason for it, Michelle Wie appears as comfortable on and off the golf course as at any time in her career.
Mark Giordano Flames Jersey . The Asheville, N.C. native, who signed as a free agent with the CFL club last May, didnt see any action with Edmonton this season after opening the year on the injured list. BEREA, Ohio -- Brian Hoyer spent a long, merciless winter in Cleveland rehabbing his right knee so hed be ready for the day he could run on the field again. Hes never worked harder at anything in his life. The Browns are his team, and have been since he was a little kid. And now that hes back -- not 100 per cent, but getting there -- the homegrown quarterback, whose promising 2013 season was cut short after only two starts by a serious injury, isnt about to let go of his dream of leading an NFL team without a fight. Cleveland can draft a franchise quarterback next week. Hoyer believes the Browns already have one. "I know how I feel about myself," he said. "I know how my teammates feel. Im trying to go out and prove it to these new coaches and all I can really ask for is a chance and I think Ill get that. Im going out there every day, and until someone tells me otherwise, I think Im the starter for this team." Six months after surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Hoyer participated in Clevelands first voluntary minicamp practice Tuesday to rave reviews. It was a significant step for the 28-year-old, who showed poise and potential in winning his first two starts before he was injured while sliding at the end of scramble against Buffalo. Hoyer was sharp during the portion of practice open to media members. He didnt show any limitations while making cuts, and displayed nice footwork while firing pinpoint passes. If not for the brace on his right knee, there would have been no evidence Hoyer had been hurt. Following the indoor workout, Hoyer was upbeat and somewhat relieved. "It was awesome," he said. "I felt really good, which was no surprise to me. I felt like I was prepared for this for a while. Its just good to play football again." Hoyer has been cleared to do individual work, but not take part in team drills. The Browns dont want to take any unnecessary risks with Hoyer. But that didnt stop him from pleading with new Browns coach Mike Pettine to let him jump behind centre during 11-on-11 drills. "He begged me to be able to jump in there for the team sttuff and I had to play head coach for a minute and tell him no," Pettine said.
Gary Roberts Jersey. "But again, thats the way he is. Thats the way hes made up, ultimate competitor, so I think he firmly believes that its his job." Hoyer spent three seasons sitting behind Tom Brady, then made one start during a year in Arizona before getting his shot last year with the Browns. Hes aware Cleveland could use the No. 4 overall pick next week on a quarterback. Theres a chance in a few weeks Hoyer could find himself competing with someone like Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel. How would he react? "Just be myself," he said. "I have to do what I do on a daily basis and work hard. Thats all I know how to do." Hoyer isnt the only quarterback trying to make an impression this week. Vince Young, who hasnt played in an NFL regular-season game since 2011, has three days to convince the Browns he can help them. The 30-year-old said hes motivated to resume a career after being sidetracked the past few seasons. "The fire is lit always," Young said. "One thing a lot of people dont know, I love this game so much." Young has been given no guarantees other than hell get a chance. He was with Green Bay late last summer, but got released. Young was reluctant to discuss why his pro career has stalled. "Im just happy to have the opportunity playing for a historic team, a respectful team," Young said. "Its a long history for the Browns. "Im just going to make the best of it." Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has admired Young for years. Gordons mom taught Young in elementary school and has looked up to the fellow Texan. From what Gordon can tell, Young isnt done yet. "Oh yeah," he said. "Hes still got it." NOTES: RB Dion Lewis, OL Chris Faulk, LB Quentin Groves and S Josh Aubrey were on the field after sustaining season-ending injuries in 2013. WR/KR Travis Benjamin is on schedule after undergoing knee surgery, but Pettine said the Browns will likely keep him out until training camp.
Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '
