What Barcelona must do to bounce back from Champions League humiliation

What Barcelona must do to bounce back from Champions League humiliation

Barcelona’s embarrassing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League in August was a low point in the club’s entire history.

Even if you are not an avid soccer fan, and instead have just set out watching the sport, the chances are that you will have heard of FC Barcelona. They are one of the largest clubs on the planet and have the biggest stadium in Europe. They arguably boast the best player of all time in Lionel Messi, but haven’t properly built around him in recent seasons.

Ultimately, getting thrashed and conceding eight goals, admittedly to a remarkable Bayern Munich side, is simply unacceptable. As a result, changes have to be made but they won’t be happening in the boardroom, with the elections now called for March 2021.

With that in mind, we look at two things the Catalan giants have to do now to ensure they are genuine contenders when it comes to assessing which club can win the Champions League next season; they are currently +1600 in the football betting to land the top prize in European football. For Barcelona to recover, they will need to look to the future and make big changes to reach the heights they once easily achieved.

Invest in youth

A major reason for Barcelona’s failings has been their atrocious record in the transfer market, with far too many big-name recruits not making an impact.

It means the key players in the team last season were still the same from the side that won the Champions League five years ago; Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique.

Clearly, that isn’t good enough at all and they shouldn’t be reliant on the same figures to the extent they are. Whilst there are some talented youngsters emerging from the famous La Masia academy, notably Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig, more investment needs to be made at bringing the age of the squad down and finding quality operators who can enter their peak years in Catalonia.

Even in the worst-case scenario without Messi, Barcelona would still be an attractive option and they have revenues that dwarf many rivals. After years of awful decisions in the market, the club needs to ensure they get things right. That means identifying a sporting director, signing players who are desperate to prove themselves, reducing the average age of the squad and bringing down the wage bill.

Rediscover a clear style

 

Incredibly, despite their history with Johan Cruyff and his passing style of play, this Barcelona side doesn’t have an identity and have lost their way. Although, that’s probably understandable given the way they’ve changed managers.

They switch between formations, can sometimes sit back and counter and often look weak defensively. That has to change under new boss Ronald Koeman, and even if it’s not the tika-taka football that fans want to watch, Barcelona need a clear style that can help bring them results.

When you look at other superpowers in Europe, such as Bayern Munich, Manchester City and rivals Real Madrid, there is a plan on the pitch, even if the latter two didn’t achieve their goals in the previous campaign.

Worryingly, Barcelona seem to be a long way away from the top of European football and their humiliation in Lisbon will live long in the memory. But, it’s about bouncing back now and swift action clearly needs to be taken.

3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Your Dream Job

3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Your Dream Job

A career shouldn’t just be something that you use to pay the bills. In an ideal world, you’d spend every day doing something that you love, for lots of money. Of course, it takes a little while for most people to achieve that goal. The good news is that you don’t have to commit to a job that you don’t want, or don’t care about you. With a little help, you can boost your chances of success by working on some top strategies that will help you to reach the top of your chosen industry or niche. Here are some handy tips to get you started on the right track. 

Get the Right Education

Devoting some extra years of your life towards higher education can be a daunting prospect – particularly if you weren’t a huge fan of school. However, getting the right education really does improve your chances of success in the long-term. If you’ve already got a degree in your chosen field, you might even consider refinancing your student loan to save some extra money towards updating your education. You can take plenty of great booster courses online that can help you out with things like leadership skills, and even technological talents. Cutting the cash you need to repay on your loan makes keeping on top of your education much easier. 

Take More Risks

Taking more risks doesn’t necessarily mean signing yourself up for loans for no reason or jumping out of planes. However, sometimes, if you really want to reach your goals, you need to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Take a day off so you can go to a networking event and boost your chances of connecting with some high-level professionals. The next time your boss asks for someone to take the lead on a difficult project, volunteer your time. Even if you’re not sure that you’re going to be the perfect person from the job, it helps to show that you’re willing to learn and challenge yourself. Sometimes, working towards your dream job even means deciding to say no to careers that don’t work for you. 

Ask for What You Want

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want when you’re on the path to the perfect career. Sometimes, this means making the request for a bigger paycheck if you think you’re worth it or asking your boss what you need to be doing to earn your next big promotion. Sometimes, it’s easy to lose out on opportunities because you let yourself fade into the background. If it helps, practice communicating with your team in a way that’s both professional and direct. You can find plenty of videos and articles online that can teach you the basics of better communication. Or you could even look into getting a mentor with the money you saved on refinancing your loan. The more you’re willing to ask for what you want and need, the easier it will be to reach your goals, and accomplish everything you’re capable of.

When Buying A New Car Consider These 6 Hacks

When Buying A New Car Consider These 6 Hacks
  1. Do Your Research

Just like you would research any other large purchase item, you should do your research about the car you want and if it’s a good fit for you. There are a ton of websites that offer comparisons for the best price of a car. In case you are looking for enough space, you might find it interesting what a van model can offer you. A vehicle that can help you out moving heavy stuff or one that allows you to take your family around. For instance, taking a closer look at The Pros and Cons of Electric Vw Transporter T6.1 ABT will help ease the selection process.

  1. Master Negotiating

Depending on the amount of research the better new car deals that you can get and the more you have when you get to the dealership. Taking a friend with you will be beneficial with you too because you can use them as a way to step away from the negotiation or if you need to step away and think about the numbers or clear your head for a second. When negotiating, you have to be able to walk away and wait for the dealership to call you back or offer you a better deal while you’re about to walk out.

  1. Have Your Own Financing

A way that the dealers can make your money is by offering you financing but don’t do this. Earlier, they will tell you that you’re saving money by financing through the dealership but what they don’t tell you is that they will give you the best rate but mark it up by 4% which is called dealer reserve. The dealer will pocket the additional markup money and only provide a little amount to the financiers.

You must also avoid getting a pre-financed loan from your bank or credit union so that you when you go you will already have your pre-approval letter on hand with you.

Instead, nowadays the new car deals comprise of better financing offers as per your needs & availability. Check out the deals before purchasing your car.

  1. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away

During the negotiation process if it’s not going your way, then don’t be afraid to walk away. The dealer requires you more than you need them because you can go to another dealership and try to get a better deal. You must take benefit of this fact by driving a hard bargain and if it isn’t going well, then walk away.

If you do leave, then you can go back the next day and usually the dealer will want to give you the deal in order to be seen as a good salesperson.

  1. No Add-Ons

So you outsmarted the dealer with your great negotiating skills to get a good deal but watch out because they will try to make up for the money they lost by trying to offer you useless add-ons. The dealer will try to offer you bad add-ons such as rustproofing or a worthless warranty. An example would be, they try to offer you a fabric protectant package that adds $12 to each of your payments.

This might not sound like a lot but over 72 months that would total out to be $864. That is a complete rip-off, so make sure that you avoid all add-ons no matter how good that they tell you it is.

  1. Think About Shopping Online

Many of the staff on online dealerships are paid regular salaries versus commissions like dealers at a physical dealership. The prices on online stores are rather low compared to the standard ships, and it is pretty easy to see the comparisons and even negotiate on the price.

Automobile websites have become rather popular because of their tremendous and friendly perks such as a 7-day test drive, free delivery, and even a return guarantee. The types of results vary, but you can at least compare your prices online and go to the dealership with a starting price.

Best National Parks for Camping In Southern California

Best National Parks for Camping In Southern California

Camping in Southern California offers an incredible array of natural landscapes, from ocean bluffs to towering mountains and enchanting desert. With sunny weather for most of the year, SoCal is the ideal destination for outdoor activity. If you’re planning to take your new truck bed tent camper on the road this summer, start planning your itinerary with this guide to the best national park campsites in this diverse region.

Channel Islands National Park

Explore untouched seascapes when you take a trip back in time at Channel Islands National Park. With no food or retail locations on the islands, you’ll need to bring your own gear, water and sustenance along with everything you need to set up camp. Access to the park is limited to concession boat or seaplane, so make your reservations for transportation before booking your campsite. Once you arrive on your chosen island, you’ll hike to your campsite with everything in tow.

If you want a truly natural experience in an isolated setting, you’ll never forget your visit to this one-of-a-kind park. You’ll find primitive campgrounds on each of the five islands: on San Miguel north Park of Cuyler Harbor, on Santa Rose at Water Canyon, on Santa Cruz at Scorpion Ranch, on east Anacapa, and north of the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara. Campsites have picnic tables and pit toilets. Two of the islands also offer backcountry camping.

Joshua Tree National Park

This iconic Southern California park is best known for its signature namesake trees, but it’s also notable because it marks the junction between the distinct ecosystems of the Colorado and Mojave deserts. Joshua Tree features an array of activities like birding, hiking, rock climbing and biking, so bring your bicycle hitch rack if you plan to visit.

For the best chance at obtaining a campsite in Joshua Tree, visit during the off-season from June through September. Most campgrounds within the park are first-come, first-served during those months, but you can reserve group campsites for up to 25 people at Cottonwood Campground, Indian Cove Campground and Sheep Pass Campground. If you plan ahead, you can reserve a campsite in advance from September through May. Campsites are at high elevation and include tables, fire grates, and pit or flush toilets. Some sites also have water and dump stations.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Do you want to camp minutes from downtown Los Angeles? This national recreation area offers challenging mountain hikes along with a healthy dose of sand and surf. Those who visit the Santa Monica Mountains can camp at the National Park Service-operated Circle X Ranch Group Campground, which has sites for a minimum of 10 guests. Located in a former Boy Scout camp, this site offers panoramic Pacific views including a glimpse of the Channel Islands. From your campsite, you’ll be able to access Sandstone, the highest peak in this national recreation area.

If you’re ready to get close to nature at one of these three amazing Southern California national parks, grab your truck’s tonneau cover and book your campsite. No matter what your preferred way to spend time outdoors, you’ll find it in this eclectic region of the U.S.

How to Protect Your Family from Radon When Buying a Newly Built Home

How to Protect Your Family from Radon When Buying a Newly Built Home

There are a large number of things that you will need to consider when you are building a newly built home for making sure that you will have a safe and comfortable stay. But among other things, you will need to ensure that there is no radon present in the home that you have. You can call a radon mitigation Colorado Springs company to check the level of radon.

Taking care of the environmental issues is of utmost importance because it will help you get protection from the adverse effects of radon exposure.

This is especially important because radon is considered as one of the most common cause for lung cancer after smoking.

Therefore, it is very important that you take steps for making sure that you will not have to face the risk of developing the cancer of the lungs.

Additionally, before you buy a newly built home, you should get it tested because radon in new homes are very common and you will need to make sure that you and your family will not have to suffer from high radon exposure.

Radon is the most dangerous gas that is present in earth which is colorless, odorless and tasteless which makes it very difficult to find whether you are exposed to this gas or not.

This radioactive gas is found in varying concentrations but it is highly found in properties that are newly built or which have less amount of ventilation.

Therefore, you should hire professionals who will help you to find the level of radon in the atmosphere. Therefore, after buying a home, you should get it tested for radon for making sure that you are not exposed to this harmful gas.

You also need to take steps for reducing the risk of radon exposure so that it will not become a health hazards for you and your family.

When the home is being built, you will need to make sure that it is built with radon resistant features so that it will reduce the risk of the gas contamination in your property. New homes have higher risk of the radon presence and when the home are energy efficient or tightly sealed with little or no ventilation then it is at a higher risk of high level of radon.

Therefore, you need to get the home tested for radon so that you will not have to worry about being affected adversely because of the radon in the environment.

Testing will help you know whether your family is at risk of radon exposure and you will need to ensure that you will get radon removed from the home.

This is especially very important because this radioactive gas is the main cause of cancer and you should take steps for reducing the risk of lung cancer.

The presence of radon becomes extremely difficult to find out because it cannot be seen but professionals will make use of equipments that will help you know whether your home has high level of radon.

Since, this gas seeps into the home due to cracks, holes and other openings; you will need to take steps for sealing these openings. This will protect your home from the risk of radon exposure so that you will be able to eliminate this risk successfully.

The Most Popular Road Trip Routes in the United States and Europe That Simply Cannot Be Missed

The Most Popular Road Trip Routes in the United States and Europe That Simply Cannot Be Missed

There is something about the open road, a full tank of gas and the freedom to drive wherever you want that is enduringly attractive to anyone with a taste for adventure. In many cases, a road trip is not just a journey from one geographic location to the other; it is a spiritual journey that must be completed, signifying the completion of a circle both physically and metaphorically.

The United States and Europe are home to some of the most spectacular roads anywhere in the world. Getting from A to B has never been so much fun when you have miles of open road ahead of you and gorgeous scenery whichever way you look. If you have got itchy feet and are in search of a fantastic road trip to get your teeth into this summer, this is the post for you. Read on to find out our definitive list of the best road trips on both sides of the Atlantic.

  1. Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Austria

Winding its way through the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse has long drawn automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts for its exciting bends. Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse translates as ‘High Alpine Road’ in English, but the name does not really do the route justice. Once you get up there, your breath will be taken away by the endless peaks that sprawl for miles above the Salzburg Valley.

Note: If you are planning a trip to Europe in 2021, you should be aware that the process of obtaining a visa for US citizens is set to change as of January next year under the new ETIAS visa waiver scheme. If you want to know whether you qualify, check out this informative ETIAS guide today.

  1. Route 66

In the collective American cultural imagination, Route 66 is much more than simply a highway; it is a legendary road which is symbolic of some ineffable facet of US national identity. Otherwise known as the “Mother Road” or “Main Street of America”, Route 66 stretches all the way from Lake Michigan to Los Angeles. Along the way, you will stop off at America’s oldest church and plenty of abandoned ghost towns.

Note: As with any time you visit the United States, you will need to apply for an ESTA visa prior to setting off. If you do not, you will find yourself in a spot of hot water with immigration officials when you touch down.

  1. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

As anyone who has ever been there will tell you, the west of Ireland is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes that you will find anywhere. The best way to see it is undoubtedly to make a road trip around the Ring of Kerry, the famous driving route that encircles Ireland’s Iveragh peninsula. You will pass through the fantastic scenery of the Killarney National Park and be awe-struck by the lakes and verdant uplands that lie beneath the menacing Macgillicuddy’s Reeks mountain range.

  1. Great River Road

The waters of the mighty Mississippi are often thought of as the lifeblood of the North American continent. The best way to see it in all its majesty as it passes through no fewer than ten states is to take a road trip along the hallowed Great River Road. Running from Minnesota in the north all the way to New Orleans, Louisiana in the south, the route offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the peoples that have dwelled next to the river for generations.

  1. Trollstigen, Norway

The west of Norway hosts some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. If you want to see it by car get your International driver’s license Norway, you will not go far wrong by starting with Trollstigen (“Troll’s Ladder” in English). As you travel along its endless hairpin bends carved into steep valley inclines, you will come across stunning waterfalls and jaw-dropping views of Norway’s majestic landscape. Perhaps the best thing about the route is the splendid isolation that you will find as you travel into the deserted Nordic inland paradise of a land where Vikings not long ago abounded.

The road trips described above were selected from a vast range of possible options that could have also made the cut. If you want other ideas of where you could go, why not look up the Pacific Coast Highway in California, the Loneliest Road in the US Midwest, the Verdon Gorge circuit in Southern France or the Transfagarasan in Romania?

Why Might You Worry About a Warrant?

Why Might You Worry About a Warrant?

Does the thought of being served a warrant frighten you? If you are like many individuals, the answer would be yes.

That said do you have reason to believe a warrant with your name on it may be out there? If it is, are you in danger of losing your job? Could a personal relationship fall apart due to you getting a warrant?

By taking the time to go online and search if a warrant is out there with your name on it, you do something positive.

That being the case; is it time you found out the truth?

Go Online to Get Needed Info

In your quest to find out if you in fact have a warrant out there in your name, here are a few things to do:

  1. Go online and investigate – Start by going online to investigate if there is a warrant with your name on it. In the event there is, best to deal with it as soon as possible. Failure to do so could lead to an arrest and embarrassment on your end among other things. One of the best ways to determine if you have a warrant when online is to do a free warrant search. That search allows you to dig deep and see if authorities are looking for you. Remember, the last thing you’d want would be a nasty surprise. This could include law enforcement showing up at your job to arrest you.
  2. Document stuff – If you missed tickets, are behind on child support and more, document it. This will make it easier to deal with law enforcement and the courts when the time comes. Not having the appropriate paperwork in place can slow down your ability to deal with the matter at hand. For some, the warrant may in fact be a paperwork mistake and they have nothing to worry about at the end of the day.
  3. Be ready to explain – In the event you do have a warrant, think about the repercussions that can come into play. For one, what might happen at your job? It goes without saying most bosses will not be too happy to see law enforcement show up at work to arrest someone. That said if you know there is a warrant out there and possible arrest, be prepared to explain to your employer. Although they may well be upset, better to be upfront than provide them with a surprise.
  4. Educate yourself moving ahead – Last, it would be wise to educate yourself moving ahead. That is on how warrants work and how you can avoid being in such a position in the future. Of course making sure you abide by the law is the best way to steer clear of warrants. That said there may be a time or two where you forgot to pay up on tickets or other such things.

If worried a warrant may be out there with your name on it, now is the time to act.

Are Your Company Sales Efforts Working?

Are Your Company Sales Efforts Working?

How well would you say your company’s sales efforts are working these days?

In the event things could be better, where will you turn to get things headed in the right direction?

While some sluggish sales are all but expected at times, you can’t let them go on endlessly.

With that in mind, what do you need to do to improve sales for your company?

Take Stock of Your Company Sales

When looking at your sales and how they are going, first review if you are going after the right audience.

Yes, it may be a case at times of where you are missing the mark when it comes to those you need to reach out to. Missing the mark too often means you are not reaching those likely to buy from you.

One of the ways to lessen the chances of missing out on sales is when you see what competitors are up to.

Take in some of what they are doing and seeing what works and what does not. While you do not want to copy their efforts, you may well pick up some tips you can then deploy with your business.

Speaking of tips, how much time and effort do you put into rightly recording each sale your company makes?

By having a good record the sales, there is less chance of mistakes rearing their ugly head.

One such mistake is if some of your sales team is not getting the proper commissions for their efforts. That can lead to problems over time.

One of the best ways to record sales is when you have a commission tracker in place.

Such a tracker allows you to record each sale. In doing this, the right salesperson will be noted for each sale. That means they get their proper commission and you do not have to worry about a problem arising.

Sell to the right people and making sure the right people get the commissions. In doing so, you’ve done two of the most important things in having more effective sales.

Spreading the Word

Being able to sell your brand will go much smoother if you are doing a good job of spreading the word.

So, do you do enough to get your brand recognized in front of as many consumers’ eyes and ears as possible?

Given consumers have many selections to choose from, your brand could get lost in the shuffle.

By making sure you are doing as much marketing as possible, you stand a better chance of increasing sales.

Last, be sure you ask some of your most stalwart customers to help you spread the word.

One way to go about that is through customer testimonials.

Such testimonials can help bring in more potential customers. It stands to reason that some are more apt to buy a brand’s products and services if people they know recommend them.

In making for better sales efforts for your brand, take the time to review everything from top to bottom.

You may well discover that there is more you can do when it comes to selling your company to the public.

When Do You Need to Switch Business Gears?

When Do You Need to Switch Business Gears?

Going into business for yourself can be both successful and challenging all in the same.

With that in mind, what do you do if you get to a point where you need to switch gears? Are you prepared to do a 180 and change what you have been used to up to now?

For some, the change can be rather easy. For others, it can be quite a task.

So, will you know when you need to switch business gears?

Making the Most of Your Opportunities

If you decide now is the time to switch business gears, what kinds of moves are you talking about?

For one, you may have owned a startup for a while now. You might also be at a point where you want to know how to sell a startup company.

In the event you are contemplating selling it, know that there is help available to you.

That help comes in the form of professionals who’ve helped people such as you sell their startups. As such, they can guide you on where to start with your selling plans.

Among the things you will want to go over in your mind:

· Is now the right time to sell?

· What is the approximate amount of time it will take to sell it?

· About how much can you get for your startup?

· What will you do about any employees you have working under you (see more below)?

· What is next in the cards for you after selling the startup?

By coming up with answers to those and other questions, you are less likely to run into trouble along the way.

Do You Have Others to be Worried About?

One of the big keys in being a business owner is thinking about the people under you.

Unless you are your company’s only employee, think about what may happen to the workers with you if you sell.

That said you should think about any of the following scenarios:

· Will the employees have job offers with the company you plan to sell to?

· Will the employees have to find new jobs and be potentially out of work for a period of time?

· Will the employees have opportunities to go with you to your next business venture?

By thinking about the people who’ve put in the time and effort for you over time, you are doing the right thing.

Don’t Make Any Snap Decisions

Finally, be smart and avoid making any snap decisions when it comes to your business world.

One mistake you do not want to make is that you made a hurried call. You may look back one day with regret to how you did not take some more time to think things through.

Whether selling, buying, back to corporate America or calling it quits, take your time.

By being smart and deliberate, you are less likely to make a major miscue along the way.

If you feel the time has come to switch business gears, where might you be headed?

3 Reasons it is Time for a Getaway

3 Reasons it is Time for a Getaway

If it has been a while since you had some fun away from home, don’t you think sooner or later you need to get away?

With that in mind, look at your life now and see if in fact it is time for a getaway.

In the event it is, you likely have a myriad of choices in front of you.

So, where might you want to go?

Know When You Need a Break

In looking at reasons for a getaway, here are a few to consider:

1. Stress rules your life – One of the big reasons a getaway can be great for you is if stress has been ruling your life. Being too stressed out can lead to a variety of issues. Such issues can include your health, relationships, work and more. By taking a break for a little getaway, you get the opportunity to recharge your battery in the process. Doing so can leave you refreshed as you head back to work, family life and more. Over time, not handling stress the proper way can lead to health issues. Now, is that something you want to have to deal with?

2. Finding fun things to do and see – It may be a case of where there are things out there you have not done and seen. As such, you could be missing out on a lot of fun. For example, have you visited theme parks over time? If not, know how much fun they can be for both individuals and families. You can get to see one or more of them and discover all the fun they have to offer. Before you consider such opportunities, do a little research. The more prepared you are to visit a theme park, the better your experience is likely to come off. So, if thinking Disneyland for a visit, you can go online and discover a wealth of info about this iconic venue. From all there is to do in visiting Disneyland to the best time to visit Disneyland, get the info you need. Being an informed traveler even for day trips gives you more opportunity to enjoy what you choose to do.

3. Making new memories – Whether never to Disneyland, historical sites and more, get out and go. In the process, you will make some new memories. This is especially key if you have young children at home. Kids grow up quite fast. As a result, you do not want to look back one day and wish you had done more traveling with them. Take the time now while they are still under your roof to get out there and explore. If they are old enough, get their two cents on where they would like to visit. Having happy children along tends to make trips more enjoyable for a traveling party.

If you are in need of a getaway, now would be a good time to begin planning one.

Get online and see what options you have for travel.

Chances are good you have a lot of different scenarios to consider.