Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

David Villa arrives in Barcelona


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Villa will undergo presurgical tests in the coming hours to determine when the surgical procedure on his fractured shinbone will take place

David Villa arriving at hospital in Barcelona


David Villa landed on Friday afternoon in Barcelona ,via Frankfurt , after he fractured the tibia in his left leg during the semifinal of the Club World Cup . Ricard Pruna and Manel Estiarte accompanied the striker on his journey home.


The player arrived in Barcelona in good condition and the transfer to hospital occurred without any problems. Villa will undergo presurgical tests in the coming hours to determine when the surgical procedure on his fractured shinbone will take place.

FCB

 

[Classik]

"We want to dedicate the World Club Cup to Tito Vilanova and Villa"


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Cesc: "We want to dedicate the World Club Cup to Tito Vilanova and Villa"


The Barça midfielder is counting down the minutes to the World Club Cup final: “This final isespecially exciting because you never know when we’ll be able to play it againâ€


"We want to wear the badge that identifies the champions of the world for a whole season"

“Time zones and tiredness are no excuse in suchan important match. You have to get your strength from your head, from your mentalityâ€reure les energies del cap, de la mentalitat"


"If we have the ball, Neymar won’t be in it. We’re focussing on ourselves and on Santos globally as an opponent"

Cesc Fabregas spoke to a large melee of dozens of journalists at the Barça HQ in Yokohama ahead of Sunday’s final and told them: "I’m here thanks to all the work done by my team-mates last seasonâ€. No doubt he’d like to pay back that debt if he gets a chance to playon Sunday. “We want to get out there on the pitch and do our bestâ€.


Asked about the effects of jet lag and the time difference, Cesc insisted: “Time zones and tiredness are no excuse in such an important match. You have to get your strength from your head, from your mentalityâ€.


Neymar not the only opponent

Cesc Fabregas echoed the words of his manager in reply to the persistent questions about Santos forward Neymar: "If we have the ball, Neymar won’t be in it. We’re focussing on ourselves and on Santos globally as an opponent. We won’t change the way we thinkâ€. And Cesc refused to be drawn on the future of the young Brazilian star, who has been linked to a number of clubs in Europe: “Tomorrow Neymar is just another opponent. He’ll want to score three or four goals. Inthe future we’ll see what happens to himâ€.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: "It’s a challenge and a dream"


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Guardiola is expecting an extremely tough WorldClub Cup final against Brazilian legends Santos: “On the counterattack they’ll like Madrid. They’re a very dangerous team"


"Santos is a great team; they win every 50:50 ball. They remind me of the 1992 Sao Paulo team"


Support for Villa

FIFA have acceded to a request from the Club that the Barça players be allowed to wear T-shirts supporting injured team-mate David Villa. The Spanish internationalstriker is currently awaiting surgery in Barcelona.

"We’ll try and stop Neymar touching the ball, and you have to do that by controlling the game. We’ll try and disconnect him from the game"

"We’ll have to see how Alexis goes in training today and tomorrow to see if he can play the final"


Some players still need medication to sleep but we’re more adapted now

Josep Guardiola gave his final press conference on Saturday ahead of the World Club Cup final and warned that Santos would be a tough nut to crack: "They're strong in every area of the game, with a high level of individual technique. We'll try and stop Neymar touching the ball, and you have to do that by controllingthe game. We'll try and disconnect him from the game." However, Guardiola stressed that Neymar is not the onlythreat posed by Santos: "Danilo gives them depth. Gansois a fantastic player with a huge talent and Borges is a forward who, if the ball drops to him, he sticks it away".

As for the match fitness of his players, Guardiola once more bemoaned the serious injury suffered by Villa and revealed that fellow striker Alexis is still a doubt: "We'll have to see how he goes in training today and tomorrowto see if he can play the final. Some players still need medication to sleep but we're more adapted now".


A chance not to be missed

Guardiola called on his players to take this opportunity to consolidate their position as the best club team in the world and, at the same time, to enjoy this almost uniqueoccasion. "We never know when we'll play this again. You have to be ready to defend and attack well". Many neutrals have labelled Barça as the favourites but Guardiola is far too canny to let that distract him. "It's getting to be a habit but being favourites doesn't give you any advantage".

FCB

 

[Classik]

David Villa to undergo surgery on Monday afternoon

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The Asturian will undergo surgery on Monday afternoon to correct the fractured tibia in his left leg, an injury sustained during the semifinal match against Al-Sadd in the Club World Cup


David Villa at hospital

David Villa will undergo surgery this Monday afternoon to correct the fractured tibia in his left leg. The surgical team will be led by Dr. Ramon Cugat and Dr. Ricard Pruna .


At 19.00 hrs on Monday, Dr. Cugat and Dr. Pruna will hold a post-surgery press conference at the Camp Nou ’s press room.

FCB

 

[Classik]

FIFA has allowed Barça players to wear a T-shirt in support of Villa in [today's] final against Santos

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The Asturian, in Barcelona since Friday, thanked fans on his Facebook page for all the support he’s received. FIFA has allowed FC Barcelona to wear a T-shirt before tomorrow’s final in supportof the injured striker


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FIFA has granted the Club’s petition to allow the FC Barcelona players to wear a shirt before tomorrow's final in support of David Villa , who is in Barcelona awaiting surgery . The FC Barcelona players will wear the T-shirt worn by Carles Puyol (above) before the match against Santos FC.

Villa showed his appreciation for the show of support bythe team and his fans via a public message on his Facebook page :


“Hello friends! I’m moved by all the messages you have sent me! Thank you so much! Don’t worry, I’ve rested well tonight and I’m feeling a lot better. I’m happy that I’m back home with myfamily. And, furthermore, I know I’m in good hands. I want to thank Doctor Pruna and, above all, Manel Estiarte. Without them, I don’t know what I would have done on the journey home! Now there’s less time to wait for me to recover! More to come."

FCB

 

[Classik]

Santos v FC Barcelona: Wanted: World Champions 2011 11.30 (GMT +1), Telecinco and Radio Barça – This Sunday, against Santos in Yokohama, Barça have the opportunity to lift their second World Club Cup. The players want todedicate a triumph to injured team-mate David Villa.


FC Barcelona have yet another chance to make history this Sunday. Guardiola's men are up against South American champions Santos in a bid to add to the WorldClub Cup Barça won in 2009 – an achievement that only the greatest can dream of. But to fulfil that dream, Barça will have to overcome another of the world's legendary clubs. For their part, Santos will be hoping to add a third trophy to the two they already hold. It's a match of great promise that brings together two sides that love to play attractive, attacking football. The very best football for the greatest spectacle in world club football. Taking strength from Villa However, Sunday's match has been rather overshadowed by the serious injury suffered by David Villa in the semi-final against Qatari champions Al-Sadd (0-4). The players havebeen affected by this setback and have pledged to dedicate a win to their team-mate. They will all be wearing T-shirts with a message of support. Such is the morale in the team that Pedro has insisted that the injury will only make the squad more determined. This level of determination has come to the fore on other occasions, such as when Barça won the Champions League without Alves and Abidal, or indeed during the last World Club Cup final without Iniesta. Alexis Sánchez still a doubt This time, except for Villa and Afellay, it looks like Guardiola will have a full squad at hisdisposal, including Oier, Dos Santos and Cuenca from Barça B. However, there is still some doubt about Alexis Sánchez, who is nursing a slight leg injury. It remains to be seen whether Guardiola will go with the same team that brushed aside Al-Sadd or whether he will switch back to a line-up more similar to the one he used in the Bernabeu (1-3). Just five players started both games. Neymar the main threat

The Barça defenders will have to be very alert throughout the 90 minutes. Santos can boast an attacking threesome of the highest order led by Brazilian international Neymar and ably accompanied by Ganso and Borges. Santos, who beat the Japanese representatives Kashiwa in the semi-finals (1-3),have already admitted that they will surrender possession and look to capitalise on their counterattack using the magic of their three forwards. It looks certainthere won't be a lack of goals. The question is – in whichnet?

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona won the FIFA Clubs World Cup the second time today. It was the usual demolition.

[SIZE="4+"]Most importantly is the 333:[/SIZE]
[SIZE="1+"]*[/SIZE][SIZE="3+"] FC Barcelona's third Trophy this season[/SIZE]
[SIZE="1+"]*[/SIZE][SIZE="3+"]Cesc Fabregas' third trophy in FCB.[/SIZE]
[SIZE="2+"]*[/SIZE][SIZE="3+"]Alexis Sanches' third trophy in FCB[/SIZE]

[SIZE="3+"]
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Barcelona FC:D 4:0 :dunno Santos



Lionel Messi 17'


H. Xavi 24'


C. Fabregas 45'


Lionel Messi 82'[/SIZE]

Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League remaining.

 

[Classik]

SANTOS-FCB: Legendary Barça (0-4) Barça proclaimed world champions after an historic four goal victory over Santos in Japan


The Catalans were three up at half time after goals from Messi, Xavi and Cesc, with the Argentinean rounding the game off with a fourth after the break


Legendary status is ever closer for this Barça team, who brilliantly saw off the threat from a Santos team led by Neymar and themselves aiming to emulate Pele's great team of the 60s. Goals from Messi (2), Xavi and Cesc gave Guradiola his 13th title in charge of a team which was packed with graduates from La Masia and gave yet another masterful performance in its own unique style. 'O'Rei' Messi With nine home grown players in the team, Guardiola again started with a back three, packing the midfield and using Alves as an auxiliary winger. The team dominated from the start with Messi, who inspired the attack, seeing an early effort stopped by Cabral(who also saved the follow up from Thiago), before opening the scoring on 17 minutes after a magic piece of control from Xavi set up the world's best player to stroke home with a beautiful touch. Magnificent Xavi Barça were purring now and their quick passing and movement left Santos helpless as they continued to create chances almost at will. Xavi got the second with another piece of spectacular control after a pass from Alves and the Catalan midfielder, who seemed to be in complete control of the game, then set up Cesc, whose shot came back off the woodwork. Santos were then forced into a change in tactics as they tried to halt the waves of attackfrom Guardiola's men. Collective brilliance However, no change in their opponents' tactics was going to stop this Barça and Guardiola's side continued to find space easily, rounding off the half with a third from Cesc. Barça had had a total of 74% of possession in the first magnificent 45 minutes and at the start of the second half, they showed there was not likely to be too much ofa let up, with Cesc coming close to making it four, only being denied by another fine stop by Cabral. Santos showed some signs of life though, with Borges and Neymar getting through and forcing Valdes into two good one on one saves. Wonderful collective performance Barça were playing without any recognised out and out strikers, but were enjoying themselves with some emblematic passing and control and that nearly converted into another goal on 79 minutes when Alves rattled the woodwork and the Brazilian, who was very active throughout the game, set up the fourth goal, winning the ball back before slippingit to Man of the Match Messi to round the keeper and slothome. That was a fitting end to a great performance that saw Barça take their second Club World Cup and, amazingly, their 13th title in just three and a half years, stats that merely confirm their legendary status.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

World press hail Barça win

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Both the Spanish and World press have been praising Barça’s win against Santos and the stylish way they achieved it

Most of the world's press have been busy hailing Barça's win in Japan and in particular the style in which they beatSantos, with two goal superstar Messi the principal hero for the headline writers.



AS: "'O Rei' Barça"

La Vanguardia: "The best in the World!"

Marca: "O'Rei of the World"

El Periódico: "Barça, champions of the World"

Mundo Deportivo: "The best in the World"

El 9: " Barça proclaimed World champions after thrashing Santos 0-4"

ARA: "Barça monologue against Santos to become World champs!"

La Información: "Messi's Barcelona are World champions"

Clarin: "Messi leads Barça to become World champions"

Emol: "Barcelona waltz through without Sanchez and take Club World Cup against Santos"

Equipe: "Barça demonstration"

Gazzeta: "Messi humiliates Santos. Barça champions"

Globo: " From another world! Santos dream of third world title flattened by Barça's football from out of this world!"

The Guardian: "Messi scored two wonder goals as Barcelona thrashed Brazil's Santos 4-0 to win their second Club World Cup in swashbuckling style"

Lance: " Barcelona destroy Santos dream"

Ole: "Golden 10"

FCB

 

[Classik]

Xavi Hernández wins 19th title with Barça


The midfielder claims his 19th title as a Barça player after winning the Club World Cup against Santos. Xavi has won six Ligas, three Champions Leagues, one King’s Cup, two European Super Cups, five Spanish Super Cups and two Club World Cups

The vice-captain is the Barça player with the most titles won ahead of Messi, Puyol and Iniesta, all of whom have 18


Second best player of the tournament

Xavi won the title of second best player of the competition after his great performance against Santos. At the conclusion of the match, he was awarded the tournament’s Silver Ball, a well deserved reward after the hard work he put in during the final in Japan. The Golden Ball was won by Leo Messi and Neymar was awarded the Bronze Ball.

The match this Sunday wasn’t just a challenge for FC Barcelona , one of Barça's most veteran players, Xavi Hernández , was also on a mission to complete a very important task. The midfielder won his 19th title as a Barça player when the team claimed the Club World Cup crown. Xavi just doesn’t stop collecting titles: six Ligas, three Champions Leagues, one King’s Cup, two European Super Cups, five Spanish Super Cups and two Club World Cups.


Furthermore, Xavi played a brilliant game against Santos , the midfielder assisted Messi in Barça’s first goal and scored the second. His marvelous performance undoubtedly helped Barça win the title.

His personal title tally increases even further if we add the titles he’s won with the Spanish national team: the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 UEFA Euro. To these we must add the Under-20 World Cup and his individual awards, best player of the 2008 UEFA Euro championship, for example.

Xavi Hernández is making history this season. Beyond hisextensive list of titles won, against Real Madrid he completed his 600th game as a Barça player, a spectacular personal record. However, Xavi isn’t alone in the title winning department. Messi, Puyol and Iniesta have won 18 titles; under Guardiola, Piqué, Alves, Pinto, Keita, Busquets, Pedro and Abidal have won 13.

FCB,


Raquel Planas

 

[Classik]

[SIZE="+5"]13 titles out 16 for Guardiola[/SIZE]


[SIZE="+4"]Barça’s triumphant run continues. The Club World Cup is the team’s thirteenth title in three and a half years


Since the 2008/09 season, FC Barcelona has won three titles each season[/SIZE]


[SIZE="+4"]Titles won from 2008 through 2011

Cup 08/09
League 08/09
Champions 08/09
Spanish Super Cup 09/10
European Super Cup 09/10
Club World Cup 09/10
League 09/10
Spanish Super Cup 10/11
League 10/11Champions 10/11
Spanish Super Cup 11/12
European Super Cup 11/12
Club World Cup 11/12[/SIZE]

[SIZE="+5"]Two Champions Leagues, three Ligas, two Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, one King’s Cup and three Spanish Super Cups,[/SIZE]

[SIZE="+3"]these are the titles won by Barça in the last three and a half years. Barça has won 13 out 16 titles since Guardiola took command of the bench. Undoubtedly, this is Barça’s most glorious run. In fact, no other team in world football, past or present, can match the amount of titles won by Barça within a similar timeframe.[/SIZE]


[SIZE="+4"]Unprecedented success

Pep Guardiola started managing FC Barcelona in the summer of 2008, after taking Barça B from Third Division to Second Division B. In his first year at the Camp Nou as manager, he won Barça’s first treble: Champions League, Liga and King’s Cup. Since then, Barçahas never won less than three titles each season. 2009 ended with the conquest of both the Super Cups (European and Spanish) and the Club World Cup. “Everything won, everything still to win†read the commemorative T-shirt donned by the Barça squad that won six titles in one year.[/SIZE]


[SIZE="+4"]Long lasting dream team

Guardiola’s winning run had just gotten started. The following year Barça won the Liga title with 99 points. Last season, the team won the Spanish Super Cup, the Liga and the Barça’s fourth Champions League. This season, Guardiola has led his team to two Super Cup crowns and the Club World Cup title. In short, that’s 13 titles won out of 16 played, with the Champions League, Liga and King’s Cup still up for grabs this season.

FCB,

Jordi Clos[/SIZE]

 

[Classik]

SANTOS-FCB: Legendary Barça (0-4)


Barça proclaimed world champions after an historic four goal victory over Santos in Japan

The Catalans were three up at half time after goals from Messi, Xavi and Cesc, with the Argentinean rounding the game off with a fourth after the break

Campions del Món
Legendary status is ever closer for this Barça team, who brilliantly saw off the threat from a Santos team led by Neymar and themselves aiming to emulate Pele's great team of the 60s. Goals from Messi (2), Xavi and Cesc gave Guradiola his 13th title in charge of a team which was packed with graduates from La Masia and gave yet another masterful performance in its own unique style.

'O'Rei' Messi
With nine home grown players in the team, Guardiola again started with a back three, packing the midfield and using Alves as an auxiliary winger. The team dominated from the start with Messi, who inspired the attack, seeing an early effort stopped by Cabral(who alsosaved the follow up from Thiago), before opening the scoring on 17 minutes after a magic piece of control from Xavi set up the world's best player to stroke home with a beautiful touch.

Magnificent Xavi
Barça were purring now and their quick passing and movement left Santos helpless as they continued to create chances almost at will. Xavi got the second with another piece of spectacular control after a pass from Alves and the Catalan midfielder, who seemed to be in complete control of the game, then set up Cesc, whose shot came back off the woodwork. Santos were then forced into a change in tactics as they tried to halt the waves of attack from Guardiola's men.


Collective brilliance

However, no change in their opponents' tactics was going to stop this Barça and Guardiola's side continued to find space easily, rounding off the half with a third from Cesc. Barça had had a total of 74% of possession in the first magnificent 45 minutes and at the start of the second half, they showed there was not likely to be too much of a let up, with Cesc coming close to making it four, only being denied by another fine stop by Cabral. Santos showed some signs of life though, with Borges and Neymar getting through and forcing Valdes into two good one on one saves.


Wonderful collective performance

Barça were playing without any recognised out and out strikers, but were enjoying themselves with some emblematic passing and control and that nearly converted into another goal on 79 minutes when Alves rattled the woodwork and the Brazilian, who was very active throughout the game, set up the fourth goal, winning the ball back before slipping it to Man of the Match Messi to round the keeper and slot home. That was a fitting end to a great performance that saw Barça take their second Club World Cup and, amazingly, their 13th title in just three and a half years, stats that merely confirm their legendary status.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Puyol: "The title is for Villa, Afellay and Tito Vilanova"

The team highlighted their collective play as a key factor in the victory over Santos and dedicated the trophy to David Villa


Neymar praises Barça

Neymar, named third best player of the tournament, said “they gave us a lesson on how to play football,†after the game against FC Barcelona. He added: “Barça’s best play is difficult for any team in the world. It’s not strange that they are the world’s best. We managed to be the second best team, for us it’s as if we won.â€

Carles Puyol dedicated the conquest of the Club World Cup in Japan to his two injured colleagues and Barça’s assistant manager, who recently had surgery on his parotid gland: “We dedicate this title to Villa , Afellay and Tito Vilanova .†Puyol, on his Twitter account, said “¡Va por ti Guaje!†(This is for you, Guaje!) and uploaded a photo of himself in the dressing room with the trophy.


Collective play, key in stopping Santos and Neymar

“We are very happy because we believe that we played a great game. It’s a fair result, even though the scoreline makes it seem otherwise, it wasn’t an easy game,†said the central defender. Puyol, who received the FIFA Fair Play award, said that he exchanged shirts with Neymar at halftime. Puyol, who had nothing but praise for the Brazilian, admitted that it took a strong effort to stop the talented playmaker: “He scared us when we analysed him before the match, he’s an amazing player, but thanks to the team’s good effort in defending we were able to stop him.†Leo Messi , who won the tournament’s Golden Ball, highlighted Neymar’s importance for Santos : “He’s a fantastic player that played a key role in Santos’ Copa Libertadores title run, but we were superior because we have the best players, that’s why we are the world’s best team.â€


The players analyse Barça’s play

On FC Barcelona's superiority over Santos, especially during the first half, Puyol highlighted the team’s intensity and work ethic: “I don’t think they are accustomed to such a fast-paced tempo. We surprised them because in Brazil the tempo is a bit slower. We played an all-around complete game.â€


Thiago Alcántara said that “Santos have a great team and I’m sure they will win big things in the future.†The Spanish-Brazilian midfielder added: “It was a pleasure to be in the starting lineup with a team that is used to winning titles, even more so when the team plays such a good game.†On Barça’s play, Thiago indicated that “everyone wants to play touch football here, from the keeper to the striker, not only the midfield.†Andrés Iniesta added his voice to the chorus: “The important thing is equilibrium, everyone must know what they have to do. We all attack and defend here.†Pedro Rodríguez said that the “team’s intensity†was a key factor in the win. Lastly, the Spanish striker said, “it’s time to enjoy the title and rest now, we will fight for theLiga later.â€


The team takes to social media after the win


Many FC Barcelona players expressed their joy online after becoming world champions. Piqué and Cesc Fàbregas opted to post a concise “World Champions†message followedby a slew of images, Andreu Fontàs was a bit more sliver-tongued: “I’m very pleased and proud to be part of this team. World Champions! This is for you, Guaje!â€

FCB,

Luis Davó

 

[Classik]

World Champions with nine home grown players in starting line up

La Masia dominates Club World Cup. Three homegrown players also the scorers: Messi, Xavi and Fàbregas

Iniesta i Cesc Fàbregas

Seven home grown players in 2009 and 2011 UCL finals

The belief shown in the Club's youngsters in big games has been a constant under Guardiola, with Barça winning both the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals against Manchester United with seven home grown players in the starting line up, plus Pedro coming on in Rome and Puyol at Wembley.

FC Barcelona won the Club World Cup in Japan today with nine of the starting eleven players the product of the Club's academy system – a great confirmation of the Club's commitment to its home grown players. What's more, all the goals were scored by players from La Masia - Messi, Xavi and Fàbregas, who dominated the middle alongside the three other Masia graduates, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets.

As if to mark the opening of the Club's new training centre in Sant Joan Despí, which is dedicated to Oriol Tort, a team which bore the stamp of his commitment to the youngsters at La Masia took the Club World Cup inJapan. Of the starting 11, only Abidal and Alves have not been groomed at the Club, with Valdés, Piqué, Puyol, Busquets, Thiago, Xavi, Fàbregas, Iniesta and Messi representing La Masia, as well as five more graduates - Oier, Cuenca, Dos Santos, Fontàs and Pedro on the bench meaning that 14 of the 22 man squad for the game have come up through the Club's youth sides.

In the semi final of the competition , Barça started against Al-Sadd with six La Masia graduates, who were joined by Cuenca in the second half after Alexis Sánchez was forced off.


Second World title for many

For most of the players who have come up through the ranks, this is the second time they have won this title, having been involved in the 2009 triumph against the Argentinean team Estudiantes. Cesc Fàbregas, Thiago, Cuenca and Oier were not in the squad then, but Jonathan Dos Santos did travel to the competition, though he didn't actually get on the pitch.

FCB,

Luis Davó

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “Winning 13 out of 16 titles is only possible when you have a competitivementality"

The manager, after winning the second Club World Cup in FC Barcelona’s history, highlighted the team’s consistency throughout the past threeyears, something that “you can only achieve with the competitive mentality that these players haveâ€

Guardiola also highlighted the fact that 9 of his starting 11 players came from FC Barcelona’s youth ranks


Ramalho: “The difference is in the quality of the playersâ€

The Santos manager said that FC Barcelona’s quality is what separates both the teams: “The difference is in the quality of the players, and FC Barcelona’s players have more, it was evident this Sunday.†Ramalho highlighted Messi’s performance, “he’s playing at a great level, that can’t be argued.â€


"What one most admires is the continuity, the fact that we’ve been so competitive for so long. 13 out of 16 titles are stats that speak for themselves"


"The team played at the required level at Wembley. In all aspects, we played a fantastic first half"

"We played a fantastic football game, and the whole world saw it"

Josep Guardiola , visibly satisfied with winning his thirteenth title as FC Barcelona ’s manager, emphasized the importance of his players. For the Barça manager, the team’s value comes from the competitive mentality of the squad.


Guardiola talked about the transcendence of what his players have done: “What one most admires is the continuity, the fact that we’ve been so competitive for so long. 13 out of 16 titles are stats that speak for themselves, you can only achieve them with a strong competitive mentality. It comes from that urge to go on, to play well. If you’re here this long it’s because they are fantastic players. I’m not sure if they are aware of what they have accomplished, but in time they will be.â€

The manager said that the atmosphere in the dressing room is complete happiness, because of winning the second Club World Cup but also for breaking “the bad luck and winning it in Japan.†He added: “We are very content with the great game we played. We played a fantastic football game, and the whole world saw it. The truth is that we minimized Santos’ great football. To wintwo titles like this in three years is reason enough to be satisfied. I can only congratulate these extraordinary players.â€


Collective Merit

Guardiola attributed the merit of beating Santos to theteam’s collective play: “We’re satisfied with the overall performance of the group. This team has very good players, that’s key. We studied our opponent and designed a game plan that would allow us to hurt them. It’s true that the players move around a lot, but they move the ball around more. In the end their talent wins out and we try to associate each player through the ball.†The manager shied away from talking about individual performances, but he did say: “ Messi played another great game. We already know he’s a different, special type of player. Andres , Thiago , Sergio , Xavi , Víctor ... they all played really well today.â€


When asked about how he thinks the future will go for his team, Guardiola said: “Everything is too fresh. When one thinks about everything that has been won you think the end is near, it’s unavoidable. The merit is what comes after, if we continue to win titles. But at the sametime, if they’ve done so well up until now, why would they stop here? We must continue this desire to keep onwinning things. It will depend on our ability to find that demand. Now we return to Catalonia and we have to prepare the Cup tie. It’s a privilege to manage this group of people.â€

Guardiola was asked if his team had played better in the final of the Champions League or if they had played better against Santos : “The team played at the requiredlevel at Wembley. In all aspects, we played a fantastic first half. When Santos was able to string three or four passes together, they managed to get in front of Víctor .We saw five or six of their games, and believe me when Isay that when Neymar gets the ball, you better be ready.â€


For those that couldn't make it

Guardiola wanted to talk about those that couldn’t make it to the final: David Villa, Afellay and Tito Vilanova , people that “the team missed.†Lastly, the manager was satisfied with the comparison of his team to the legendary ‘Mechnical Ojange’ side, the Dutch naonal side of the 70s. “It’s an honour,†he said, just before stating that FC Barcelona had “ nine players from the Masía †in the starting lineup.

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Rosell: “The team’s trophy cabinet is starting to match up with the Club’s historyâ€


www.fcbarcelona.cat

President Sandro Rosell qualified Guardiola’s Barça as “the best team in football historyâ€

Rosell made special mention of Villa, Afellay andTito Vilanova, all of whom could not be in Japan for the final against Santos


Zubizarreta: “This team will be remembered as the team that evolved traditional footballâ€


The director of the Club’s football sporting area, Andoni Zubizarreta , is convinced that this Barça led by Guardiola , with 13 out of 16 titles won in three years, has left a permanent mark on football history. “The history of football is very long. But this team will be remembered as the team that evolved traditional football.â€


After the game, Zubizarreta, who lost as a player to Sao Paulo in the Intercontinental Cup of 1992, said that “it seemed as though Japan was cross with us. But nothing can stop this team.â€


While analysing the game, the director recognized that “the first half was spectacular with ball possession and superiority all over the pitch. The second half was a bit more calm, even though we didn’t lose our style.†Zubizarreta is sure that those that love the sport “were able to enjoy a fantastic game. Our play was beautiful and we were clear in our definition.â€


Zubizarreta also made special mention of Villa and Afellay. “I want to remember David [Villa] and Afellay and everyone else that helped us win the Champions League .†He hopes that the Club World Cup win will “give David Villa a morale boost.â€


After winning the Club World Cup in Japan , FC Barcelona President Sandro Rosell attended the press. Happy and content with Barça lifting the trophy reserved for the world’s best team for the second time in Club history, Rosell wanted to make special mention of David Villa and Ibrahim Afellay , injured, and Tito Vilanova , who is still recovering from surgery.


Congratulating all Culés

Sandro Rosell went on to congratulate all of the Culés. For the president, this title is further evidence that success and FC Barcelona are synonymous. “The team’s trophy cabinet is starting to match up with the Club’s history,†he added.


Rosell had no doubts in recognizing that Guardiola ’s team “is probably the best football team in memory. It’s extraordinary how they play, how they pass the ball, how they defend... it’s gorgeous.â€


“We must enjoy the momentâ€

Rosell highlighted the team’s ability to stay competitive after lifting so many trophies. “It’s difficult to get here, but even more so to stay. This team is doing it.†Knowing how hard it is to repeat such a feat, the president asks the team and the supporters to enjoy the moment.


Finally, after winning the European and Spanish Super Cups and the Club World Cup , Sandro Rosel admitted that “this season will be good no matter what happens. If we win, it’ll be even more excellent.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Spanish League Round Up Week 16




Although the top three in La Liga are the same teams as last year, there are two refreshing new faces in the other European places as the competition takes its winter break ¨C Llevant in fourth and Osasuna in fifth


Demichelis (M¨¢laga). SPANISH LEAGUE ROUND-UP

Despite going down 2-1 at Granada on Sunday, Llevant will spend the Christmas break in the fourth Champions League spot, with Osasuna ¨C who beat Villarreal 2-1 ¨C four points behind them in fifth. With Real Madrid and Valencia both winning, the league finishes its first phase with Mourinho's team on top, BarÂ0Å 4a three points behind and Valencia a further four points adrift in third.


Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick

Madrid exposed Seville's defensive weaknesses by puttingsix past them at the Sanchez Pijuan with Cristiano Ronaldo getting another hat trick. Madrid lost Pepe to a red card just before the break, but by then they had already scored three, through Cristiano (2) and Callejon. In the second half Ronaldo got his third and Di Maria andAltintop made it six, with Navas and Negredo getting two consolation strikes for the hosts, who also had Manudel Moral sent off with 20 minutes left to play. Valencia stay third after a 2-0 win over Malaga ¨C with Soldado getting both goals to take him to 11 so far this season ¨C a defeat that scuttled Malaga's hopes of getting up into the European spots over the break and leaves Pellegrini'steam sitting in seventh on 24 points.


Osasuna show resilience

Osasuna's somewhat bizarre season continues to surpriseafter the 2-1 win over Villarreal in Pamplona on Sunday. Only bottom team Zaragoza have conceded more goals than the Basques this season and after the 8-0 and 7-1 beatings at the Camp Nou and the Bernabeu, many teams would have crumbled, but Jose Luis Mendilibar haslifted his team who are still unbeaten at home and haven't in fact been beaten since their thrashing in Madrid, having picked up points at both Espanyol and Malaga. Llevant are four points clear of Osasuna, though they lost ground on their city neighbours Valencia when they went down 2-1 to Granada, who have themselves recovered from a poor start to now sit in 13th on 19 points.


Wins for Espanyol and Bilbao

Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao sit just behind Malaga after wins at the weekend. Espanyol beat Sporting 1-2 to move onto 23 points with a late winner from Sergio Garcia, after David Barral had equalised for the hosts with his 7th goal of the campaign, whilst Bilbao sentenced Zaragoza to their 10th defeat of the season with a 2-1 win, thanks to a last gasp Toquero strike, which leaves them on 22 points. That defeat means Zaragoza are four points behind Racing, who shared a goalless draw in Santander with Real Sociedad for their third game on the run without a defeat, and a further point behind Sporting and Villarreal.


More misery for Manzano

Betis inflicted a first home defeat on Atletico Madrid with a 0-2 win that could well have dealt a real body blow to Manzano's project at the club. The Seville team are now level on points with Atletico, Granada and Getafe on 19 points after Luis Garcia's team beat Mallorca 1-2 on Saturday for their first win on the road so far this season.

FCB,


Nick Bedson

 

[Classik]

Villa is expected to recover in four to five months after successful shinbone surgery


www.fcbarcelona.cat

The Asturian player successfully underwent surgery this afternoon to repair his fractured shinbone and is expected to recover in four to five months


Doctor Cugat said that the player’s chances of reaching the Champions League final are “small,†but he wouldn’t rule out the possibility considering the striker’s “eagerness and state of mindâ€


Rosell and Bartomeu, visit with Villa

Upon arriving in Barcelona from Japan, Barça President Sandro Rosell and Sporting Vice President, Josep Maria Bartomeu, visited with David Villa at hospital


This afternoon Doctor Ramon Cugat and Doctor Ricard Pruna performed surgery on David Villa ’s fractured shinbone. The surgical team performed an osteosynthesis procedure and introduced an intramedullary rod (IM nail) in the player’s left leg. The player will remain at hospital for three to four days and he’s expected to make a full recovery within fourto five months .


Upon concluding the operation, Doctor Cugat and DoctorPruna held a press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs press room in the Camp Nou to explain the procedure.


The doctors haven’t ruled Villa out this season

Doctor Cugat, when asked if the striker would be fit before a hypothetical Champions League final on May 19th, said, “Villa’s options of playing this season are small but we can’t dismiss the possibility.†The doctor isn’t ruling out the chance of seeing Villa on the pitch before the end of the season, “it’s close, but there is a possibility of him coming back seeing that eagerness and state of mind are very important factors.†He added, “he’s upbeat and he hopes to be ready for the Champions League final and the Euro Championship. He will set the deadlines.â€


Doctor Pruna, who has been with the player since he broke his shinbone in the Club World Cup semifinal in Japan, said, “he was upbeat in Yokohama. He had the spirit to heal immediately and that’s good.†He added that Villa was smiling once th operation had concluded, “his emotional state is perfect.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Villa: "You'll see me on the football field soon"

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The player, who underwent surgery this afternoon [Monday], wanted to thank friends and fans for the support he's received; he's looking forward to a full recovery

Tito Vilanova visited the Asturian at hospital post surgery

After surgery on his tibia, David Villa thanked friends and fans for the support shown to him these past coupleof days. Among those he thanked was Tito Vilanova, who visited the striker at hospital.

On his recovery, Villa said, "my head has been recovering for two hours. I'll start to rehabilitate this leg soon. I'm really looking forward to getting well so I can return and fight on the pitch. "He added, "with a lot of work and with people's help, you'll see me on the football field soon, enjoying myself like I did before ."

FCB

 

[Classik]

Pinto: “Contract negotiations are advancedâ€


The keeper admitted that he's "very happy" thatan agreement with the Club to renew his contract for another season is very close



Even though there are a few loose ends still to be tied up, José Manuel Pinto said during his press conferencethat negotiations with FC Barcelona are going well andthat he is close to signing his contract renewal. “The renewal talks are advanced, it’s coming along. I’m very happy,†the keeper confirmed.


Wary of L’Hospitalet

Pinto, who will start this Thursday against l’Hospitalet ,doesn’t believe the tie is resolved: “We are ready for the match and it won’t be easy. Not only because of the fatigue after Japan, which I believe we’ll overcome, but because l’Hospitalet proved in the away game that they can play well and they will make it difficult for us. We’re mentally prepared.†It’s worth noting that Barça won the away game against l’Hospitalet by 0-1.


“Villa is eager to returnâ€

On David Villa , sidelined for the next four to five months due to the injury he picked up against Al-Sadd inthe semi-final of the Club World Cup , the keeper admitted that he hasn’t had the chance to visit the striker at hospital, but he has exchanged messages with the striker: “I got up pretty late and I haven’t gone to see him yet. We’ve exchanged messages and I saw the video he posted. We know he’s a strong person and he’s very eager to return. I’m happy for him because the surgery went well.â€


The recipe for success

Pinto also explained Barça’s recipe for success: “To persevere, to have hope and to have a lot of ambition.†The keeper explained that some of his colleagues that have won every title possible “continue with the same eagerness as the youngsters from the reserve side.†On the importance of the recently won Club World Cup title in Japan, he keeper said, “for me all th titles are equally important, it’s respectable that others think otherwise.â€

FCB,


Roger Bogunyà