Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Light training session for Messi after arriving in Barcelona

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-02-2012 18:58

The Argentinian playmaker, who arrived in Barcelona this afternoon, completed his first training session ofthe year at the Ciutat Esportiva Sant Joan Despí

Messi trains at the Ciutat Esportiva this afternoon /PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

It was a few minutes past 5:00 pm when Leo Messi ’s plane touched down at El Prat Airport. Once out of the terminal, Messi went directly to the Ciutat Esportiva Sant Joan Despí by taxi, where the team completed their first training session of 2012 . The Argentinian, with the Club’s permission to remain onholiday until January 2nd, completed physical conditioning exercises, running and ball drills, for 45 minutes under the supervision of a trainer. In short, it was a regular training session for a player after days of inactivity.

It’s worth noting that Leo Messi, like the rest of the South American squad members, started his Christmasholiday on the 19th of December, after winning the Club World Cup in Japan, and missed the return Cup tie against Hospitalet (9-0).

Alves in the gym

Dani Alves , another South American player on holiday since the 19th of December, who trained with the first team this morning, was also present at the Ciutat Esportiva this afternoon. The Brazilian completed a strength conditioning workout in the gym.

FCB

 

[Classik]

PENYES

Supporters Clubs have started strongly on the social networks

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-03-2012 13:00

The supporters’ clubs movement has a new meeting place on the web

Jordi Cardoner i Casaus welcomes the Penyes Facebook and Twitter pages



Jordi Cardoner with new technologies

Jordi Cardoner i Casaus, vicepresident of the social area, welcomes you to Penyes Facebook and Twitter pages. Cardoner asserted on Barça TV that "it is a matter of getting the supporters' club members closer to the Club, and among themselves". Besides providing penyes-related information, these two new profiles also seek"bilateral communication": "We would like penyes members to send their comments and suggestions, two way communication so as to understand the needs of this group".


Leaders in social networks

FC Barcelona is in very good shape with regard to the social networks. So much so that the Club has a total of 24 million fans on Facebook and 5 million followers on Twitter. The Club also has a strong presence on Google + with over 20 000 fans, and more than 50 000 supporters on the Chinese social network Tencent WEIBO.


With the coming of the new year, it's time to take another step forward in communication between FC Barcelona and its supporters clubs. Following the launch of the new web platform, which premiered on November 3rd, the Club is expanding it's presence on the worldwide web.


During the plenary session held last December, the Club and Supporters' Clubs Advisory Council agreed on introducing the penyes movements tothe social networks. Hence, one of the thematic comissions focus its efforts on social networks and new technologies.


From now on, the supporters clubs now have their place on social networks. Facebook and Twitter will be used to collect the opinions and concerns of the Barça supporters clubs, ​​as well as being an extra tool to distribute all official FC Barcelona information.


If you have a Facebook account, just log-in here with your username and click on "Like". As for Twitter, you can follow FCB Supporters Clubs by clicking here .


We hope that these two new platforms will be helpful for you, so you are able to up to date with all the latest information from the supporters' clubs movement. We hope that you'llparticipate in these two new meeting places for all Barça fans.


We wish you a very happy 2012, full of Barça successes!

FCB

 

[Classik]

Messi back training with squad

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-03-2012 11:54

The Argentinian arrived back in Barcelona on Monday and joined his team mates for training this morning, along with seven members of Barça B

Leo Messi's life is back to normal. On Tuesday morning he trained with the rest of the squad forthe first time this year, after working out on his own the day before, just after arriving back fromBarcelona. So Josep Guardiola, who spoke at length with Messi before the session, now has all of his fit players back together.


Seven from B team

That made for a total of 25 players today, 18 from the first team and 7 from Barça B (Montoya,Cuenca, Soriano, Dos Santos, Rafinha, Sergi Roberto and Tello). Éric Abidal, who stayed in the gum on Monday, joined in with most of the session today, so the only absentees are now thetwo who are out with long-term injuries, Afellay and Villa.


José Manuel Pinto was applauded at the start of the session after it was announced on Monday that the reserve goalkeeper will be staying at FCBarcelona until June 30, 2013.

The team goes back to training on Wednesday morning, the final session before hosting Osasuna in the Copa del Rey (22.00, TV3, Tele5 and Radio Barça).

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “Osasuna is a demanding team, they come at youâ€


01-03-2012 15:27

The Barça manager is concerned about Osasuna’s daring approach and feels that their cup rivals will be coming to the Camp Nou looking to win the tie


He also explained that Iniesta has made much improvement but does not believe he is ready to play for the full 90 minutes


Tito Vilanova present

Guardiola confirmed that Tito Vilanova could be back on the bench on Wednesday night against Osasuna, but everybody has to remember that he has only just undergone a serious operation."It is very important for the team for him to be there. We aren't the same without him. In principle, he'll be there tomorrow, but the future will depend on his condition. We mustn't forget that he's only just had an operation. He'll come depending on how things develop. The most important thing is that he is getting better."


"Mendilíbar is ambitious, and that's why his daring team are fifth with 25 points. They'll clearly be coming here looking to win the tie

"I haven't asked Messi if he wants to play because I know what his answer will be. But it's me who will decide"

Josep Guardiola does not think it will be easy to beat Osasuna in the Copa del Rey round of 16, saying that they "are a demanding side. They come at you. We have to play well and quick or the tie will be a difficult one." Neither does he think that the game at the Camp Nou will have anything to do with the 8-0 drubbing Barça dished out earlier this season in the league."That was a long time ago, and a result like that will be added motivation for them. The situationhas changed. This is an 180 minute match and we have to try to get a good result."


The Barcelona manager notes that Jose Luis Medilíbar's side is fifth in the league and almost unbeatable at El Sadar, their home ground."Mendilíbar is ambitious, and that's why his daring team are fifth with 25 points. They'll clearly be coming here looking to win the tie, and by doing that Osasuna will help us get back into competitive football ... we are going to haveto attack well and create lots of goalscoring chances".


He was also asked to talk about Messi 's condition, considering he only got back to Barcelona on Monday after his holiday in Argentina. Is he ready to take part in Barça's firstgame of 2012? "He has come back in fine spirits, so we'll decide tomorrow. I haven't asked him if he wants to play because I know what his answer will be. But it's me who will decide ... He is gaining in experience with every year, he understands the game better ... and the sooner he is back playing the better".


Iniesta improving

Guardiola also had good news regarding Andrés Iniesta , who trained on Monday for the first time since getting injured against l'Hospitalet:"He did the whole session today, and finished allthe exercises. He's fine. He has done two sessions so far. It's a bit early for him to play the whole 90 minutes, but perhaps he can go on for a little while."


It has been mooted of late that Jonathan Soriano could be a good replacement for the injured David Villa . "That is one of the possibilities we're looking at" said Pep. "But the downside is that if we promote him to first team,there's no going back for him. He has shown thathe can play in the first division, and he deserves a chance after all he's done in the reserves, he has a lot of potential, he fits into the team well. We have three weeks to decide. We'll see how this month goes, and how he adjusts to things."

FCB


VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Juan Carlos Unzué, Osasuna's last hero


01-03-2012 18:07

In the 1986/87 season, the current FC Barcelona goalkeeper trainer was Osasuna’s hero in the only time the Navarros dumped Barça out of the Cup


Destiny can be like this at times. The current goalkeeper trainer for FC Barcelona, Juan Carlos Unzué , was Osasuna’s hero in the only time the Northerners eliminated Barça from the King’s Cup . In the 1986/87 season, the last-16 playoff between FCB and Osasuna came down to a penalty shootout, after Osasuna won at the Camp Nou (0-1) and Barça won at El Sadar (0-1). Unzué, 19 years old at the time, saved one of the five Barça penalties -Marcos’ shot, specifically- and dumped the Catalans out of the competition.Osasuna scored all five of their spot kicks.


Previous Barça-Osasuna Cup matches

That was the only time that Osasuna bested Barça in the King’s Cup. Barça won the other four Cup meetings between the two teams. The first time they met was in the 1935/36 edition of the Cup in the semifinals, where Barça won 9-5 on aggregate (7-1 victory and 4-2 loss).

Since then, both teams have battled in the Cup on three occasions: 1983/84 (quarterfinals), 1987/88 (semifinals) and 1999/00 (quarterfinals). On all three occasions the Azulgranas came out on top with relative ease: 6-3, 3-0 and 6-0 (aggregate results). This Wednesday will be the sixth time Catalans and Navarros meet in the competition.

FCB

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona - Osasuna: First game of the new year


Messi and Alves, who rejoined the squad late, and Iniesta, who was injured against l’Hospitalet, are the main doubts

Osasuna are fifth in the league with 25 points, having only lost one game


01-04-2012 09:27

In Spain, January 6th is the day that the Kings bring presents, but this game is like an early gift for the fans. The Christmas break is over and football is back at the Camp Nou , and with all the magic and unpredictability of the cup against a side that is riding high in fifth place. You can never take anything for granted in a knockout competition, and all the more so against a team coached by Mendilíbar , who always likes to throw caution to the wind when he faces Barça . And that's what we can expect intonight's cup tie, where Barcelona will be looking to get a good result to take with them toPamplona in seven days time.


Question mark over Messi

There are lot of uncertainties surrounding this encounter. That is always going to be the case just after the holidays, when several FC Barcelona players were away for some time. That's especially true of the South Americans, who have been back in their own countries for Christmas, namely Alves and Messi. The duo have both been back training this week, but some might still think it is too early for them to play competitive football.


The Argentinian has only trained twice since returning, and although he is as keen as ever to play, his manager may have different thoughts. There are also concerns about Iniesta, who was injured in the previous round against l'Hospitalet. Guardiola told a press conference onTuesday that the midfielder is certainly ready to take his place in the team, but perhaps not for the full ninety minutes.


8-0 a thing of the past

Guardiola is never the kind of man to dwell on the past, and he made it patently clear that the fact that his team inflicted a humiliating 8-0 defeat on Osasuna in September has nothing to do with this return meeting. Rather than expecting a similar rout, he believes it is more likely that Osasuna will have learned their lesson and will be coming with the added motivation of seeking to make amends for that setback. Also, this is a knockout game played over 180 minutes, very different circumstances indeed.


Osasuna beaten just three times

Despite that 8-0 loss at the Camp Nou and a similar 7-1 drubbing at the Santiago Bernabéu, Osasuna have been having a brilliant season. They have only lost one other league fixture andare fifth in the table with an impressive 35 points, just four less than Levante, who currently occupy the fourth Champions League slot. So, we can expect a match of the very finest quality to start the new year.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

4 :D

0 :bigcry
Barça crushes Osasuna 4-0 and puts a foot and a half in the next round of the King's Cup. Goals: Cesc (14' and 19') and Messi (72' and 91')

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona - Osasuna: The three Kings arrive early (4-0)

01-04-2012 23:53

FC Barcelona clearly defeated Osasuna in the first game of the new year, thanks to 2 goals each from Cesc and Messi, and are well on their way to going through to the quarter-finals of the Copa

Cesc after scoring Barça's second on the night / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

2012 has started and FC Barcelona are still hungry. Up against a brave Osasuna side in the first leg of the last 16 of the Spanish Cup, Guardiola's team won comfortably, 4-0, at the Camp Nou. The match was pretty much decided in the first 20 minutes, in which Cesc scored the first two goals of the year for Barça. Then, in the second half, Messi rounded off the win with a header and a shot into the corner of the net, both goals unstoppable. Sublime: the King of Kings.

With this scoreline, which could have been even greater, Barça take a very good lead into the second leg, to be played next Thursday, 12th of January in Pamplona (22.00). Before that though, they will be thinking about Espanyol in the League (Sunday 8th, 21.30).


Incredible pressure

The first 10 minutes of football in 2012 weren't that easy for Barça. Under extreme pressure from Osasuna, who had no qualms about chasingthe ball into Pinto's area over and over again, Barça had trouble getting out of their own half. Osasuna started with their defence really high up the pitch, faithful to the principles of their manager, Jose Luis Mendilibar. Few teams had started like that before in the Camp Nou. However, after the initial parenthesis, the scoring began.


Xavi distributes, Cesc scores

Throughout this first part of the game, the Barça central defenders, Puyol, Pique, and Mascherano,formed a new three-man defense, and hardly lost a single ball. That, coupled with the brilliant changes of play, allowed Barça to begin to dominate the game, and they began to create chances in Riesgo's area. With the first shot between the posts came the first goal, 1-0, after a great pass from Xavi to Cesc, who made no mistake. The second goal was very similar, againdeveloped by Xavi's vision, and finished off by Cesc, with a perfect chip over the keeper. 2-0 in the 18th minute.

After that, Osasuna, unable to cover all the holes in midfield, managed to weather the storm until the break, mainly thanks to their goalkeeper Asier Riesgo, really decisive in two one-on-ones with Thiago and Puyol. Barça went in at the break totally on top.


Messi comes on ... and scores twice

In the second half the FC Barcelona monologue continued. Messi, who recovered just in time from a bout of flu, came on and truly lifted the Camp Nou. The team, influenced by the atmosphere, responded with a flurry of football like only they can play. Chances came, one after another, in Riesgo's area, but he managed to avoid conceding a third until Messi said enough is enough, with a header in the 72nd minute.


In the closing stages, when Osasuna went in search of a goal that might give them some hopein the tie, the Argentine superstar popped up again. Messi never fails, and placed a well directed shot out of the reach of the keeper, to end the scoring, in injury time. The Kings have arrived early, and they are wearing Barça colours.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

FC Barcelona's new motor coach

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-04-2012 14:09

This Thursday the Club and Autopullman Padrós,official Club collaborator and official motor coach sponsor since the 2003/04 season, will unveil FC Barcelona's new official motor coach


The vehicle is 14 meters high and 3.97 long (including the air conditioning unit)

FC Barcelona will present the Club’s new official motor coach this Thursday with the company Autopullman Padrós, official sponsor of the Club and official motor coach sponsor since the 2003/04 season. This new vehicle will be the fistteam’s official coach and it will also be availablefor the Club’s other professional teams.


The unveiling of the motor coach will take place this Thursday at 10.45 in the morning, at door 1 of the Grandstand of the Camp Nou, just before the open-door training session. The first team will attend the unveiling. (It is advisable that thepress arrive no later than 10.30)

Here are some of the technological cutting edge features that come with the motor coach:


Mechanical and technical specs

The Starlines from Autopullman Padrós is a 14 meter long and 3.97 high (including the air conditioning unit) coach, equipped with an 12.4 liter, 505 horse power engine. The transmission system is a 12 speed automatic MAN TipMatic. The coach also is equipped with Tempomat, Intarder, Brensomar Easy Start and a security system, that includes ESP, xenon headlights, day lights and cornering lights, LGS (proximity warning system), CDS (electronic suspension control that allows the vehicle to lean into curves), ACC (cruise control with a distancing regulator), fire warning system, and EBS (ABS/ASR).

Interior
The interior boasts independent climate control for the driver and all the passengers, audiovisualsystems for each passenger with built-in eight channel headsets, a 480 + 400 additional liter fuel deposit, oven (capable of heating 32 meals at once), two face to face zones with individual multi-channeling and a table with electronic height control. There is also a lounge sofa, coffee table, kitchen equipped with a sink, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. There are also 7 monitors of 15.6 that can play films, TV TDT and display an overview of the trip with GPS and geolocation. The trapezoidal refrigerator has a capacity of 53 liters. The 37 seats, upholstered in leather that don the FC Barcelona and the Autopullamn Padrós emblems, are foldable and moveable. Amongst other things, the seats have foot rests, trays, cup holders and 220 V outlets for each passenger.


The initial walkway in the coach has a security bar that isolates the driver from the rest of the passengers.

FCB

New FC Barcelona's bus / PHOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS- FCB

 

[Classik]

Leo Messi: he came, he saw, he scored


WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT

The Argentinean, who was initially ruled out, bounced back from the flu to score two goals in 35 minutes

Despite the favorable result the team does not believe the tie is over

FC Barcelona all but sealed passage to the next round of the King’s Cup after the 4-0 drubbing of Osasuna tonight. Cesc and Messi each scored a brace. Even though it appeared as if Leo Messi might miss the match hours before kickoff due to the flu, the Argentinean was named to the squad and started the game on the bench. This was the first time that Messi has played in a year-opening match for Barça , and with only 35 minutes at his disposal he scored two goals.


Barça’s number 10 explained that despite feeling sick this morning, he bounced back in time to play: “I only had stomach pain, but I wasn’t vomiting and my fever broke. Seeing thatwe don’t push ourselves too hard during game-day training sessions, I thought it best not to train.â€

On the game, Messi is clear that the 4-0 is not a definitive result and that the team doesn’t believe that the tie is decided. “ It’s a good resultgoing into Pamplona, because we know that it’s not an easy field and they are strong at home . Visiting teams have a really hard time winning, that’s why we needed to put in a good performance here,†Messi explained.


Pedro Rodríguez


“It’s a good result at home, but we still have 90 minutes to play and they are very strong at home.â€


“It looked as though Messi couldn’t play, but whenever he comes in he does a good job. He wants it, he has ambition and he scored two goals today. We’re really happy that he’s on formbecause it benefits all of us.â€

“I try to play and adapt to the position. It’s complicated for me but I’m trying to help the team and take maximum advantage of my time on the pitch.â€


Javier Mascherano

“I believe we had good tempo during the match. When we didn’t have the ball we pressured well,with a lot of intensity. After 15 days (on holiday) maybe we weren’t at our best, but the team’s attitude was the correct one.â€

“ It’s an important advantage but we can’t assume the tie is over. If we do, we could have a bad time in Pamplona. We know the tie isn’t over, last year we almost lost to Betis in Seville. It's a good example that nothing is easy.â€


Dani Alves
“We had a game in which we had to put an important effort in to ensure a good result. We played an overall complete game and we’ve made an important step in getting to the next round.â€


“The game next Sunday is a difficult one, it’s the derby and these types of gamesare always complicated. We’ll face the game with ambition. If we play at a high level, they’ll have a difficult time too.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: "We've made a positive step forward in the playoff"


01-05-2012 01:17

The Barça manager admits that the 4-0 in the away leg of the last 16 King’s Cup round is a very positive result, but cautioned that the tie is not finished and that “we must go and play in Pamplonaâ€


Guardiola explained the reasoning behind naming Messi to tonight’s squad and not replacing the stadium’s pitch


"Vital game" this Sunday

Focusing on the Liga game this Sunday against Espanyol, Guardiola said that the derby is always“complicated and difficult.†He added, “they have been doing things really well these past couple of years, they have an excellent manager,they have aggressive young players and they have game. What we must do is recuperate, because it’s a vital game for us and for the futureof the league.â€

Josep Guardiola evaluated his team’s performance, in which Barça comfortably beat Osasuna 4-0, in the first game of the new year in a positive manner. Despite recognizing that the result in the away game of the last 16 King’s Cup tie is “a very good step forward,†the manager cautioned that “we still need to go to Pamplona.†He added, “in general terms we played an excellent game and we’ve made a positive step forward in the playoff. But it’s not decided yet, because we must go play in Pamplona. We still have the memory of the 5-0 over Betis and then suffering in the return leg fresh in our minds . The tie will be over after we’ve played 90 minutes.â€


Messi’s improvement

Despite being initially ruled out of tonight’s match, in the end, Messi recovered from his bout of flu and was able to participate. Messi, who played the final half hour of the match, put in an excellent performance and scored two goals. “This morning he had a stomach ache, he was in pain, cold and had a small fever, that’s why we decided that he should stay home. Afterward, hecalled and said he was feeling better. This morning we wanted to announce that he didn’t train and that he’d been ruled out. However, I left him on the bench, we hadn’t closed out the game and I decided to put him in for half an hour. We know that we’re a little bit better with Messi .â€


Guardiola also talked about the final decision to not transplant the pitch at the stadium: “the pitch has been in bad condition since the beginning of the season, and we’ve been coping.We decided that enough was enough, that’s whywe asked Osasuna to switch the order of the games. However, in the last couple of days the pitch has improved. You can tell by the color, the lack of peeling and it doesn’t come up as much. Hopefully it will improve further. We had no intention of bothering anyone (switching the order of the games), especially Osasuna. If the pitch had been terrible today, the machines would be rolling it up right now.â€


Praise for Pinto

Finally, the Barça boss praised Pinto : “I don’t remember a game where he wasn’t prepared. His ball control with his feet wasn’t exactly brilliant, but with his perseverance he’s achievedthe right level. He played an impeccable game, his footwork was sublime. He had patience and tranquility. He knows his role i the team and henever stops helping. That’s why we renew his contract year after year, because he deserves it.â€

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

13.000 watch the players train

01-05-2012 11:32

The Barça first team, including Messi, Valdés and Iniesta, trained on Thursday morning in front of 13,000 people in the Miniestadi

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

The atmosphere was fantastic in what has become a traditional feature of the festive season. Just under 13,000 people turned up to watch the players go through their paces. The session focused on warming down from the efforts against Osasuna in the first leg of the last32 of the Kings Cup but with an eye on entertaining the fans.


Messi, Valdés and Iniesta

24 players took part in Thursday's session, 19 from the first team and 5 from Barça B (Oier, Muniesa, Montoya, Sergi Roberto and Cuenca). The only absentees were long-term injury victims Ibrahim Afellay and David Villa. Messi, Valdés and Iniesta re-joined the group after resting on Wednesday.

The session followed the usual post-match routine of circuit training supplemented by ball control exercises. The delighted fans were then treated to a seven-a-side training match.

The players who took part in last night's match then did a lap of honour of the pitch, posed for photographs with some disabled fans who were watching from the touchline, signed autographs and then returned to the changing rooms. The rest of the players joined in the festive spirit and gave away a number of footballs to some of the lucky children who made up the bulk of the crowd.


Cesc: "it's amazing"

At the end of the session, some of the players spoke to Barça TV. Cesc, for whom this was the first Christmas training session since he moved back to the Club, told them. "This training session is amazing. We're very happy and we had a great time". It was also the first time for fellow summer signing Alexis: "I'd never seen this and it's really nice. I'm pleased that people are here and having a good time".


Meanwhile, Barça B's Sergi Roberto revealed:"It's been shown that the fans are right behind the team. That's wonderful for us. It's great to have training sessions like that".

To sum up, both fans and players had an unforgettable time today. More than a training session, this was a festival where the fans, above all the children, could enjoy the skills of their heroes.

FCB,


Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

José Manuel Pinto: “I am very happyâ€


WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 01-05-2012 11:00


The keeper was visibly happy during his interview with ‘El Marcador’ on Barça TV after Barça’s victory over Osasuna. Coincidentally, news of his contract renewal was also announced this week

José Manuel Pinto on 'El Marcador' / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ (FCB)


"We know what football can be like and we don’t want any surprises"


"I only need to sign, it’s almost symbolic at this point, because both sides are in agreement and we’ve given our word"


José Manuel Pinto was the featured guest on El Marcador after the convincing victory over Osasuna (4-0) that leaves the Azulgranas one step closer to the quarter-finals. The Andalusian keeper, however, was prudent on the team’s chances: “ It’s a good result but we always have to have our feet on the ground. We know what football can be like and we don’t want any surprises. â€


He only needs to sign

Pinto, who put in another solid performance last night, has been the focus of attention this week after news of his contract renewal went public. The Club’s reserve keeper confirmed that he would be staying one more year in Barcelona. “ I only need to sign, it’s almost symbolic at this point, because both sides are in agreement and we’ve given our word . I’m very pleased because,since I’ve been here, I’ve been very happy,†Pintosaid.


The backup keeper, who takes to the pitch for Cup matches, explained that he feels the love from the supporters and that he doesn’t feel questioned: “Seeing that I renew year after year, it’s normal to hear about other keepers. On the first day I said I was coming to stay and in the end that’s true.†Guardiola has always put hisconfidence in Pinto and the keeper is appreciative: “It’s an honour every time he talks about me. It’s the reward for the work I put in, my dedication, for the commitment I’ve shown the team since I stated with the Club.â€


Pinto believes Guardiola will stay

Pinto, with his contract extension, will remain part of Guardiola’s history-making side next year. “ All the players have hope, and it’s important that you never lose it, that’s what continues to give us ambition and keeps us competitive . We never get tired of winning and we never want to get tired of it,†said Pinto when asked about the secret to playing for this FC Barcelona team. The Andalusian explained another reason behind the team’s success, Pep Guardiola: “ all the players want him to stay because his philosophy has infected us and we believe in him .â€


Pinto also had words for Messi, saying that he has “never seen anything like†the Argentinean and was visibly pleased for both the Barça players shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or: “it’s an honour for the whole team. It doesn’t matter who ins, I’ll feel a part of this Ballon d’Or. We all, one way or another, help this team. They wouldn’t do the things they do without us, nor uswithout them.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

The players pass out hope and presents at local hospitals

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-05-2012 17:25


Barça’s first team, accompanied by members of the board of directors, visited seven Barcelona hospitals, where they passed out 4,000 presents to sick children


Who went where?


Hospital de Barcelona

Players: Mascherano and Maxwell

Directors: Sandro Rosell and Javier Bordas



Hospital Vall d’Hebron


Players: Valdés, Thiago, Pedro, Oier and Montoya


Directors: Jordi Cardoner and Eduard Coll


Hospital de Sant Pau
Players: Iniesta, Cesc and Busquets

Directors: Josep Maria Bartomeu and Jordi

MoixHospital del Mar

Players: Messi and Pinto

Directors: Javier Faus and Josep Ramon Vidal-Abarca


Hospital Sant Joan de Déu

Players: Puyol, Piqué, Abidal, Keita, Alexis and Unzué

Directors: Ramon Pont and Silvio Elías


Hospital Trias i Pujol

Players: Xavi and Sergi Roberto

Directors: Dídac Lee and Manel Arroyo


Hospital Nens de Barcelona

Players: Guardiola, Alves, Adriano, Fontàs, Cuenca and Muniesa

Directors: Pilar Guinovart
FC Barcelona’s first team made a lot of children very happy this Thursday. First, with the open-door training session at the Miniestadi andlater with the traditional visits to Barcelona hospitals through FC Barcelona Foundation ’s ‘ Unsomni per un regal ’ (A dream for a present) campaign.


Four thousand gifts

In total, the players, accompanied by a member of the board, visited 7 hospitals and passed out 4,000 gifts: FC Barcelona gear, AlmoNaska SL products, Alusport Bottles, CYP Importes Sal, Madess Deporte SL, Salander, Josmar Sport and Ejakoa.


Rosell, at Hospital of Barcelona

President Sandro Rosell led the Azulgrana expedition to Hospital Barcelona, where he was accompanied by the director, Javier Bordas and the players, Javier Mascherano and Maxwell . All of whom talked to Barça TV during their trip (video above).


The FC Barcelona manager, Josep Guardiola , visited Hospital Nens de Barcelona, with Alves , Adriano , Fotas , Cuenca and Muniesa , and the director Pilar Guinovart.

The rest of the Barça footballers went to Hospital Sant Pau, Hospital del Mar, Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital de Vall d’Hebron and Trias i Pujol. Before making their way to Trias i Pujol, Xavi , Serio Roberto , and the directors Dídac Lee and Manel Arroyo , passed out presents at the Guttmann Institute.

FCB,

 

[Classik]

Yet another Camp Nou clean sheet


FC Barcelona haven't conceded a home goal since the 2-2 draw against AC Milan on 13th September. Since then BarÂça's have scored 53 goals in just 12 matches

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ/ÂALEX CAPARRÂ0S-FCB

The win against Osasuna was the latest addition to a stunning home run. Here are some of the stats:

- Of the 53 goals scored at home in the last 12 matches, 34 of them came in the 8 league matches, 13 in just two Cup games and 6 in two Champions League matches


- Osasuna have suffered at the hands of Barça's this season. The first match in the run of 12 home contests without conceding a goal was precisely against Osasuna. Barça's won 8-0 and have now added another 4 in the Cup


- Number 2 goalkeeper Pinto has yet to concede a goal this season. He's played 4 games in whichthe team have scored 18 goals

- Last night also saw Cesc score twice in a match for the second time since he re-joined the Club. Earlier in the season he scored the first two goals against Levante (5-0)

- After the 4 goals scored against Osasuna, Barça's have reached a tally of 50 in the league, 20 in the Champions League, 14 in the Cup, 5 in the Spanish Supercup, 2 in the European Supercup and 8 in the World Club Cup ¨C just one goal short of 100! Will Barça's make the century on Sunday?

- Last night's match was Guardiola's 25th Cup match as manager. Of these he's won 18, drawn 4 and lost 3, while the players have scored 62 goals and conceded 14

- Last night's appearance was the first time that Messi has played in the opening game of the year since Guardiola has been manager

- Xavi didn't score but was involved in the build-up in 3 of the 4 goals

- Pique stole back possession no fewer than 20 times against Osasuna

- Messi has scored at least twice in ten matches so far this season. In four of these he went on to get a hat trick

FCB,

Roger Bogunya

 

[Classik]

The Camp Nou's pitch will not be changed

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-04-2012 18:08

The decision to keep the pitch was made after today’s training session in which the technical staff, players and managers found that the state of the turf, after specific treatment, is in optimal condition

Camp Nou / PHOTO: ARXIU FCB

FC Barcelona, in the end, will not transplant the pitch at the Camp Nou. The decision to keep the pitch was made after today’s training session in which the technical staff, players and managers found that the state of the turf, after specific treatment, is in optimal condition.


The pitch responded much better than anticipated to the specific treatment it received after the Cup tie against CD L’Hospitalet on December 22nd. The relatively high temperatureand both natural and artificial light have also helped maintain its condition.


The new pitch, imported from Germany, will be put to use at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper’s field 4, where Barça B and the under-17 A youth side train. The transplant will begin this Thursday

FCB

 

[Classik]

The new pitch arrives at the Ciutat Esportiva

www.fcbarcelona.cat

This Thursday morning the pitch transplant process on Field 4 at the Ciutat Esportiva started

The pitch, which was initially brought in to replace the pitch at the Camp Nou, will be used on one of the most used fields by the Barça youth teams

PHOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS


This Thursday morning, workers started rolling up Field 4’s old pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. It’s the beginning of the process that will see the old pitch replaced by the imported grass from Germany, which is designed to cope with lower temperatures.

The machines are currenly removing the old pitch. Afterward the field will be prepared and leveled for the new strips of grass. Once the pitch is installed, the groundkeeper team will treat the grass to reactivate the plant. The process for the new pitch to take hold to the soil will be completed in about three weeks.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola, best club coach in the world


www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-06-2012 11:48


The FC Barcelona manager has been named the best coach in the world for the second consecutive year, according to the survey conducted by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS)

Guardiola got 201 points in the vote and finishedahead of José Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson

Josep Guardiola / PHOTO: FCB

Classification

1.- Pep Guardiola
FC Barcelona, 201 points

2.- José Mourinho
Real Madrid, 112 points

3.- Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United, 107

4.- André Villas-Boas
Chelsea, 78 points

5.- Roberto Mancini
Manchester City, 45 points

6.- Muricy Ramalho
Santos, 20 points


The FC Barcelona manager is still collecting accolades. This time it was the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS)that once again made him the best manager on the world . Guardiola was given 201 points in votes by the experts in 81 countries in all continents that took part in this annual election.


Guardiola finished way ahead of Real Madrid boss José Mourinho , and also Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United, who finished second and third.


Barça's amazing football and wealth of titles won in 2011 are still gaining worldwide recognition and Guardiola has once again been deservedly honoured for the fantastic job he is doing.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Messi's desire: score at Cornellà


www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-06-2012 16:41


Espanyol’s new stadium is one of the few venues that the Argentinean superstar has yet tochristen with one of his goals. Xavi, on the other hand, has already scored on the Pericos four times

Messi celebrating one of his goals against Osasuna / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB


In Catalonia and Spain the Three Kings Day is a day of dreams and hopes, when aspirations are met and desires fulfilled. For Leo Messi, surely he’s hoping, amongst other things, to score at Cornella-El Prat , where he has yet to score a goal in his two visits to the Perico stadium. In total, the Argentinean has scored against Espanyol three times, but never whilst away from the Camp Nou . This Sunday could be his day.


San Mamés, a good precedent

Simply put, Messi is running out of challenges in the Liga. Up until a couple of months ago San Mamés was impenetrable for the Argentinean star, but in the last minute of the game against Los Leones a couple of months ago he broke his hex and scored, salvaging a valuable point for FCBarcelona. It’s a good precedent going into the Catalan derby against Espanyol.


Xavi’s second favorite victim

It’s a completely different story for Barça’s vice-captain, Xavi Hernández . The midfielder, a veteran and expert against Espanyol, has a knack for giving Barça’s city rivals a head ache. Espanyol has suffered four Xavi goals, the Terrasa man was one of the main protagonists in the 1-5 rout last season. Xavi has also scored against Espanyol twice at the Camp Nou, in the 2000/01 (4-2) season and in the 2001/02 (2-0) season, and once at Montjuïc , in the 2002/03 (0-2) season.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Three former Barça youth players practice their trade at Espanyol

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-07-2012 09:15

Raúl Baena, Joan Verdú and Sergio García, all ex-Masía players, are three important men for Mauricio Pochettino’s Espanyol, currently sitting eighth in the Liga standings

Verdú playing for Barça B during the 2005/06 season / PHOTO: ARXIU FCB


Despite the rivalry between Espanyol and Barça,the two team are not adverse to swapping players. In fact, up to three Perico footballers have a Clué background. Raúl Baena, Joan Verdú and Sergio García , all of whom figure in MauricioPochettino ’s lineups on a regular basis, spent time learning their trade in Can Barça.


Baena, the backbone; Verdú, creates

Baena is Espanyol’s first man in the midfield. He’s the linchpin behind the line of creative players in the middle of the pitch, his defensive work has added consistency and fluidity to Espanyol’s engine room. He has played 15 gamesthis season –7 as a starter and 8 on the bench– and Pochettino, after taking over the blue and white bench, has consolidated the Andalusian in Espanyol’s middle line. In front of Baena, Joan Verdú acts as the Perico rudder.


Verdú is the architect of Espanyol’s play, he’s charged with designing the team’s attack both from the middle and, at times, as mediapunta . He orders and directs the players around him, and furthermore, he can score. He’s ability with free kicks and his evident skill were characteristics that set him apart during his time with Barça B . He has done well to apply these characteristics wherever he’s played; before settling at Espanyol he was polishing his skills at Deportivo until 2009. Verdú has played all 16 Liga games as a starter. He never misses a match.


Sergio García, puts the ball in the back of the net

Sergio García is, of the three, the player that enjoyed the most playing time in Barça’s first team. He made his debut under Frank Rijkaard on September 2nd, 2003. Now, he’s one of the Perico reference points in attack. So far this season, he’s bagged 5 goals and started 12 out of 14 games.

Bold and keen to show their worth to their ex-team, these men are worth keeping in mind during the first derby of 2012.

FCB