Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Iniesta fit for derby

01-07-2012 12:28

Great news for the fans ahead of Sunday’s derbyas Andrés Iniesta is declared fit for action by Clubdoctors after Saturday’s training session

And while his team-mates were put through their paces out on the pitch, David Villa continued his recovery work at the Club’s facilities

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB


Rafa Márquez joins the group

The former Barça defender, who trained alongside Eusebio’s Barça B on Thursday, joined up with some of his former team-mates for training on Saturday. The Mexican plays for the New York Red Bulls and is keeping fit at the Club’s installations during the MLS break. . Márquez was a key part of the Barça defence under Frank Rijkaard and also played a role in Guardiola’s first two seasons as manager.


The players returned to training on Saturday morning after enjoying a day's break between Cup and league commitments. Andrés Iniesta , who picked up a leg injury in an earlier Cup game against Hospitalet, completed training without incident and was later handed the medical all clear.


Pep Guardiola was able to prepare for Sunday's Game with the 19 available first team players plus Isaac Cuenca from Barça B . Ibrahim Afellay and David Villa will be out for some time yet.


Today, Villa coincided with his team-mates in training for the first time since his operation.

The team will have a final training session on Sunday.

FCB,


ALEIX SANTACANA

 

[Classik]

Cordiality ahead of the Catalan derby

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-07-2012 14:53

Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino met at Cornellà – El Prat for the traditional handshake between managers

Guardiola and Pochettino met at Cornellà - El Prat this afternoon before tomorrow’s derby. The Argentinean and the Catalan met on the Perico pitch for the traditional handshake between managers and to wish each other goodluck in front of the press. The managers showed their mutual respect for each other hours ahead of the Catalan derby.

Guardiola and Pochettino
FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: "Espanyol can play a bit"


01-07-2012 14:50


The Barça manager warned the fans on Saturday that the team managed by Pochettino"isn’t only a young, strong team that fights and comes looking for you†but also “they bring the ball out well from defence"


Speaking at a Camp Nou press conference, Guardiola admitted that 2012 is certain to be even more of a challenge than the year just finished: “The team will be tested again and it’s getting harder and harder"

Guardiola during the press conference /PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB


A replacement for Keita?

Guardiola admitted that he's not sure yet if he will bring in a player from the reserves to cover for Keita, who leaves for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. However, he pointed out that Mascherano can also play in midfield.


"We're playing in a difficult stadium. It's one of our most difficult games of the year and this year won't be an exception"


"These are the players we've got and depending on them we'll play one way or another"


For Josep Guardiola , this Sunday's derby against Espanyol is "yet more proof" of how competitive La Liga is. And he is convinced that every match between the Barcelona rivals reveals one common denominator – both teams exercise intense pressure. "We're playing in a difficult stadium. It's one of our most difficult games of the year and this year won't be an exception. We've up against a very tough test – let's see if we're good enough to pass."


A difficult stadium

Guardiola believes the derby "could be a match that sets the tone for the month." "Previous experience gives us a good idea of what we'll find. Espanyol isn't only a young, strong team that fights and comes looking for you but they can play a bit. What's more their ground has always been tricky for us. It was like that when they were at Sarrià and at Montjuïc, and it's the same in Cornellà . It's one of those away games that you always mark down as difficult when you look at the fixture list."


Iniesta fit for action

Without a doubt one of the best bits of news of the day was the medical all clear for Andrés Iniesta: "He's been declared fit by the doctors and he'll almost certainly be in the squad. It's very good news. It wasn't much and now he's fine again. The team is always decided on the day of the match. Tomorrow we'll see what shape we're in and depending on that I'll decide."

Asked whether the Club was considering some kind of replacement for David Villa , Guardiola made it very clear that this isn't on the table:"We're attacking pretty well, creating a lot of moves and quite a few chances. If a few things are changed about then that's adjusting to the opponent. We're not going to the transfer market. These are the players we've got and depending on them we'll play one way or another."


Welcome to Márquez

The ex-Barça player worked out with the youngsters of Barça B on Thursdayand and on Sunday it was the turn of his former team-mates to welcome back the Mexican international. Rafa Márquez , who currently plays for the New York Red Bulls , is keeping in shape during the MLS break at the training grounds of FC Barcelona . Guardiola told us: "I'm pleased to have seen him. He's a wonderful person and helped me a lot at the beginning. He's happy. People who have given so much for this Club are always welcome here."

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Villa coincides with his team-mates at the Sports City


01-07-2012 14:51


The Spanish international striker is continuing with his personal fight back to fitness after picking up a serious injury in the final of the World Club Cup


Happy to be back in the routine

David Villa met up with his team-mates at the Club's training facilities on Saturday morning where he reported for physiotherapy. This was the first time that Villa , who is in the early stages of his recovery from a fractured tibia, has coincided with the rest of the squad.


After the training session, he published a photo featuring himself and team-mates Xavi and Puyol. "I'm very happy to be back in the routine. Here I am back in the Sports City with all my team-mates. My recovery is going well". As Villa's words clearly show, he's optimistic and delighted to be back among the other players.

FCB,

Raquel Planas

 

[Classik]

Espanyol-FC Barcelona: No sales at Espanyol’s Cornellà stadium


A fully fit Andrés Iniesta could make a welcome return to Guardiola’s starting line-up

Espanyol currently lie 8th with 23 points and are anxious to keep in touch with the UEFA Cup places


A win for Barça will complete a century of league victories under Guardiola.


01-08-2012 10:43

Here in Catalonia it's the first Sunday of the winter sales and the stores are full of price discounted offers. But the offers don't stretch as far as Espanyol's stadium in Cornellà. Speaking at his Saturday press conference, Pep Guardiola insisted there'll be no easy pickings in tonight's match and the stats back him up. Five teams have already dropped points there this season – defeats for Athletic Club, Getafe, Betis and Atletico Madrid and a goalless draw for Villarreal. Only Real Madrid and Osasuna have taken the three points away from Cornellà.


FC Barcelona restart their league campaign a month after their stunning exhibition in the Bernabeu. And what better way to start than with a Barcelona derby. During the month-long league break, Barça have won four (two in the World Club Cup and two in the Kings Cup), scoring 21 goals along the way and conceding none. In contrast, Espanyol go into the match three days after a painful defeat away to 2nd division, Cordoba in the first leg of the last 32 of the Cup. However, manager Pochettino is optimistic: "We're got all our energies focused on this match. We'll do everything possible to win".


Iniesta back in contention

A fully fit Andrés Iniesta could make a welcome return to Guardiola's starting line-up. The Spanish international midfielder has been sidelined for a fortnight after damaging a leg muscle in the home Cup game against Hospitalet. The return of Iniesta means that Guardiola can draw on 19 players from the senior squad plus Isaac Cuenca for a match that is sure to pose a stiff test.


1-5 last year

Despite the keen rivalry, recent results in the Barcelona derbies have definitely been in Barça's favour, both in the Montjuïc and now the Cornellà venues. Barça have won on six of their last ten visits and drawn two. Guardiola's players could only manage a goalless draw on their inaugural visit to the new Cornellà stadium but last year thrashed the home side 1-5, with two apiece for Pedro and Villa and one more from Xavi. Strangely enough, Espanyol's new stadium is one of the few where Messi has yet toscore, and as Guardiola would say, "That one never fails".

FCB,

Aleix Santacana

 

[Classik]

Woodwork keeps Barça out (1-1)


Espanyol and Barça shared the points in the season’s first Catalan derby after Guardiola’s team hit the woodwork on three occasions

Cesc opened the scoring within the first quarter of an hour and Alvaro hit a late equaliser


01-08-2012 23:40

Sometimes it just seems like the ball just doesn'twant to go in and tonight was one of those games for Barça, who ended up taking just a point from Cornella, when for the chances they created they deserved so much more. Three efforts against the woodwork – one from Cesc another from Messi and a third from Piqué- frustrated Guardiola's men, who were forced to settle for a single goal from Cesc – on 13 minutesafter an earlier goal had been disallowed – which was cruelly wiped out by a late strike from Alvaro. Even then there was a chance to win the derby when a big penalty shout for handball against Raul Rodríguez in almost the last action of the game was waved aside by the ref.


The draw leaves Barça five points behind Madridin second spot ahead of their next game – Thursday's second leg Cup game against Osasuna in Pamplona.


Valdés and Cesc decisive at both ends


This was a typical derby game from the off, with Barça coming out determined to impose their trademark sparkling game and Espanyol equallycommitted to performing in front of their home fans. It was the hosts who had the first chance when Verdu forced a great stop from Valdes and then struck the rebound goalwards only for Piqué to clear off the line. Barça were controllingpossession though and Cesc soon had the ball in the net before the ref blew for a handball in the build up by Messi. Alexis then failed to punish a nervous Cristian in the Espanyol goal, before Cesc headed home an Añlves cross from the edge of the box to open the scoring.


Cesc comes close to making it two

Barça were now making plenty of chances in theEspanyol box, though suffering in their own area, as they showed some uncharacteristic untidiness. Thievy and Verdú both hit wide and high, whilst Puyol and Abidal were called on to intervene decisively on a couple of occasions. Guardiola's three man defence and Pochettino's equally attacking tactics were providing the fanswith plenty of football and Cesc nearly rounded off a brilliant individual move just before the break, only to see his shot hit the post.

Messi post

There were fewer chances after the break as thegame became concentrated into the midfield area with neither side able to impose themselves completely. Barça were finding it hard to find spaces, whilst Espanyol were unableto create any openings for themselves. Guardiolathen threw on Pedro for Alexis and the Spanish winger set up Messi with a clever pass, but the woodwork again denied Barça their second goalas the Argentinean tried to slot in from a tight angle.


Ãlvaro equalises... and the woodwork saves Espanyol

It looked as if the game was winding down and then Alvaro headed home after a flick on from Thievy at the front post. Barça came back though and Piqué looked to have pulled it back in the final minute when he shot from close range, but the woodwork again kept the visitors out and from the rebound Pedro's shot was blocked by Raul Rodriguez's arm, though the ref failed to see the penalty. As the final whistle went, Barça were left to rue the chances they missed and had to settle for just a point.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “I cannot be dissatisfied with this team, I could never beâ€

01-09-2012 00:27

After the one-all draw against Espanyol, the Barça manager encouraged his team to focus on themselves to continue the good work they’ve done so far and to correct what isn’t working


Guardiola praised Espanyol’s game plan after Sunday’s game at Cornellà-El Prat

"In general, within the context of tonight’s difficult match, we controlled the match a bit better in the second half, even though we were a bit off target"

"En general, i dins la dificultat del partit, la segona meitat l'hem controlar millor, tot i que ens ha faltat més presència dins de l'àrea"


Josep Guardiola is very aware that tonight’s draw against Espanyol leaves his team five points adrift of Real Madrid and to gain ground against the League leaders “will not be easy because they’ve had an impeccable trajectory†this seasn. With that said, he also issued a reminder, “there is still a lot of Liga still yet to be played and a lot of points up for grabs.†He was also very clear that what his team must do is learn from their mistakes and carry on with the good work they’ve done so far. “That’s what we’ll do,†said the Barça manager.


On the game

The Barcelona manager highlighted Espanyol’s team play and admitted that he anticipated this type of match: “The truth is that we are too well accustomed to how games go, but our rivals are also there to play. Espanyol did a fantastic job. Ingeneral, within the context of tonight’s difficult match, we controlled the match a bit better in the second half, even though we were a bit off target. After the equalizing goal, we reacted correctly, but it was too late. I cannot be dissatisfied with this team, I could never be.â€


Guardiola preferred to not comment on Raúl Rodríguez ’s penalty in the dying moments of thematch: “In football you must overcome these types of things. We have to be concerned with what we can control, what he didn’t do right. We’ve always done things this way and we will continue to do so. We cannot control the referees, rathe we must focus on improving the things that we didn’t do well.â€

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

And the winner of the FIFA Ballon D’Or 2011 is...


www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-08-2012 18:23

Leo Messi, Xavi Hernández and Cristiano Ronaldowill find out this Monday evening in Zurich whichone of them is this year’s FIFA World Footballer of the Year

For the fifth successive year, Barça will have a player on the Ballon D’Or podium

PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB

All three finalists in 2010

Last year saw Barça matched Sacchi's famous 90s Milan team by providing all three of the finalists, with Leo Messi taking the prize, Andrés Iniesta coming second and Xavi coming third.

Leo Messi , who has won the award for the last two seasons, will find out on Monday if he's made it three in a row to equal the totals of suchlegendary figures as Cruyff, Platini or Van Basten, though only the Frenchman managed to win three on the run. Club team mate Xavi is in the final three for the third consecutive year and the other finalist is Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.


The winner will be announced at the FIFA Gala in the Zurich Kongresshaus , which begins at 19.00 on Monday evening. At the same event theaward for the manager of the year will also be made, with Pep Guardiola , Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson in contention, as well as FIFPro World XI.


The Barça party will fly to Switzerland from El Prat at 11.00 on Monday, arriving at 12.45. The pre-Gala press conferences by the three nominated players and managers will begin at 15.00 and the Gala itself is scheduled to begin at 19.00.


Once the ceremony is concluded, the players will speak to the press at about 20.00 and the Club party will catch a 22.15 flight back to Barcelona, where they are due to arrive at midnight.


In good company


Messi and Xavi will be accompanied by their families, as well as the official Club party, headed by President Sandro Rosell and Vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu and including Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta and the players nominated for the FIFPro World XI.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Busquets: “We left two points behindâ€

WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT 01-09-2012 00:38

The midfielder said that "even though we deserved more, we were up against a difficult rival," and that "there is still a lot of Liga, we must keep on working"


Training session, Tuesday at 11.00

Thiago and Iniesta passed an anti-doping test after the match. The team, coinciding with the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony, will have a day off onMonday. The next training session will be this Tuesday at 11.00 at the Ciutat Esportiva. It will be a closed-door training session.

The first-team players, who had to settle for a one-all draw against Espanyol at Cornella - El Prat, were disappointed to not take all three points back to the Camp Nou. Sergio Busquets said, “ more than winning a point, we left two here .†He went on to say, “we were having a difficult time at the end of the first half, because they had clear chances. But in the second half wewere better than Espanyol, but they drew level. We had opportunities to win, but in the end it didn’t work out that way.†The midfielder also praised Espanyol and admitted that, “even though we deserved more, we were up against a difficult rival and we can’t do anything about that now.â€


There’s still a lot of Liga

With this draw, FC Barcelona is now five points behind Real Madrid, however Busquets isn’t ready to throw in the towel: “There’s a lot of Liga left, it’s evident that it’s better to be ahead than behind, but that’s that. Let’s see if we can cut into their lead. We must keep on working.†Gerard Piqué also spoke to the press: “We must move forward, the Liga is very long and we cannot think that we’ve won or lost it.†He went on to say, “they (Real Madrid) will lose points and we will as well, we have to try and lose as few as possible and end the season with more than them.â€


Here are the comments made by Barça’s first-team players after the match:

Gerard Piqué:

“We must know that this is a difficult stadium to play in, and that the rival counts for something. It’s hard to win here. Drawing was difficult.


“We dominated, and in the second half we controlled the game, but they shot and scored.â€

Pedro:

“They played a great game. We, even though wecontrolled it, had a hard time. It was an open match.

“It’s hard because the game was under control and we were close to the three points. We must move forward, there are a lot of games left and a lot of points still in play.â€

Dani Alves:

“Our opponents were excellent, even though we weren’t on target.

“It’s annoying when you don’t win. But this is part of football and the competition. We leave here sad because we pad a high price.

“We don’t look beyond our work. We must do our work correctly to try and attain our objectives.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Zubizarreta: “I’m fine just so long as a Barça player winsâ€


01-09-2012 12:35


Just ahead of leaving for Zurich for the Ballon D’Or awards this evening, the Club’s Sporting Director made it clear that he would be happy if either of the two Barça representatives – Messi or Xavi- took the prize


Zubizarreta also insisted he was certain that the five point gap between Barça and Real Madrid could be closed

FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB

"I don't know if there will be any surprises or not. We are just going along to give our support and I just want one of our players to win the award and Pep to take the manager's prize"


"If you look at Messi stats right now, when he's still only 24, he already has a full career"

The plane taking the Barça party out to Switzerland took off at 11.00 this morning and just before getting on board, Andoni Zubizarreta spoke to the media about Xavi and Messi 's chances against Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo ,as well as the team's situation in the league following Sunday's draw at Espanyol.


Zubizarreta expressed his hopes that either Messi or Xavi win the Ballon D'Or this evening and Guardiola takes the Manager of the Year Award: "I don't know if there will be any surprises or not. We are just going along to give our support and I just want one of our players to win the award and Pep to take the manager's prize. I don't know what their chances are really,but I would just like to see a Barça representative take it".


Should Messi win, he will join an elite club of players who've taken the award three times and Zubi commented: "so much has been said about Leo and when we look back on his career in the future we'll realise just what he's achieved. Players make the stories while we are watching and enjoying them and it's when they have finished that they become legends. If you look athis stats right now, when he's still only 24, he already has a full career".



Situation in the League

After the one all draw against Espanyol , Barça are now five points behind Real Madrid , but Zubizarreta reckons that the distance can be made up: "of course it can. It will depend on if we are able to do things right – as we have doneso far and shown that we can do. Then there are things which don't depend on us –apart from the game against Real Madrid. It's a long season andit's clear that it's going to be a tough job".


Finally, Zubizarreta explained that he wasn't worried about the team's results on the road – just three wins in eight league games: "I would worry if the squad didn't have the chance to win,didn't go out looking for a win, didn't create opportunities..... The game against Espanyol wasvery tight and close right up until the end and whilst we the players keep on playing like that we will be a team that you can depend on and who are competitive".

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Zubizarreta: "m fine just so long as a Barca player wins"


01-09-2012 12:35


Just ahead of leaving for Zurich for the Ballon Di'Or awards this evening, the Club's Sporting Director made it clear that he would be happy if either of the two Barca representatives - Messi or Xavi- took the prize


Zubizarreta also insisted he was certain that the five point gap between Barca and Real Madrid could be closed

FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB

"I don't know if there will be any surprises or not. We are just going along to give our support and I just want one of our players to win the award and Pep to take the manager's prize"


"If you look at Messi stats right now, when he's still only 24, he already has a full career"

The plane taking the Barca party out to Switzerland took off at 11.00 this morning and just before getting on board, Andoni Zubizarreta spoke to the media about Xavi and Messi 's chances against Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo ,as well as the team's situation in the league following Sunday's draw at Espanyol.


Zubizarreta expressed his hopes that either Messi or Xavi win the Ballon D'Or this evening and Guardiola takes the Manager of the Year Award: "I don't know if there will be any surprises or not. We are just going along to give our support and I just want one of our players to win the award and Pep to take the manager's prize. I don't know what their chances are really,but I would just like to see a Barca representative take it".


Should Messi win, he will join an elite club of players who've taken the award three times and Zubi commented: "so much has been said about Leo and when we look back on his career in the future we'll realise just what he's achieved. Players make the stories while we are watching and enjoying them and it's when they have finished that they become legends. If you look athis stats right now, when he's still only 24, he already has a full career".



Situation in the League

After the one all draw against Espanyol , Barca are now five points behind Real Madrid , but Zubizarreta reckons that the distance can be made up: "of course it can. It will depend on if we are able to do things right - as we have doneso far and shown that we can do. Then there are things which don't depend on us ¡§Capart from the game against Real Madrid. It's a long season andit's clear that it's going to be a tough job".


Finally, Zubizarreta explained that he wasn't worried about the team's results on the road - just three wins in eight league games: "I would worry if the squad didn't have the chance to win,didn't go out looking for a win, didn't create opportunities..... The game against Espanyol wasvery tight and close right up until the end and whilst we the players keep on playing like that we will be a team that you can depend on and who are competitive".

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

15 Barca representatives in line for FIFA Awards

www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-09-2012 11:52

There are Barca players fighting for the Ballon D¡¯Or, the Puskas Prize and a place in the FIFPro World XI today. In addition, Guardiola is in the running for the Manager of the Year Award

Villa, Puyol, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta i Barca, a la Gala de la FIFA de l'any passat / FOTO: ARXIU FCB


FC Barcelona could well come away with the lion's share of the prizes at the FIFA gala in the Kongresshaus in Zurich. Messi and Xavi are in therunning for the Ballon D'Or alongside Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, but the two will not be on their own at the awards, with the Club providing candidates for all the other main prizes at the event, which begins at 19.00.


Manager of the Year


Pep Guardiola is one of three candidates, alongside Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Fergusson, for the Manager of the Year Award , just a week after been named the IFFHS Coach of 2011.


Goal against Arsenal set for Puskas prize


Leo Messi is up for not just the Player of the Year Award, but also for the best goal of the year for his strike against Arsenal in the Champions League game at the Camp Nou. In that competition he is up against goals from Santos star Neymar and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.



11 Barca players up for World XI

There are also 11 Barca players in line for a place in the 2011 FIFPro World XI - Valdes, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Abidal, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Messi and Villa - with the Club providing more players than any other for the award.

FCB,

 

[Mike]

Classik, you need to free up some space in your In-Box again; and not just a few messages or it will quickly fill up again. I tried to answer your question, but you've reached your limit again.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Classik]

Classik, you need to free up some space in your In-Box again; and not just a few messages or it will quickly fill up again. I tried to answer your question, but you've reached your limit again.

Thanks,

Mike

Perfect Idea - your posting it here....'cos here is where I'd always find it;)

 

[Classik]

Josep Guardiola, the best manager of 2011


www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-09-2012 19:27

The Barça boss, who won 5 titles with FC Barcelona in 12 months, beat last year's winner, José Mourinho, and Sir Alex Ferguson


The manager dedicated the title to his assistant coach, Tito Vilanova

Josep Guardiola recibe el premio al mejor entrenador del año / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB


"From the bottom of my heart I want to dedicate this award to Tito Vilanova, my friend, colleague and assistant"


"I would like to share this award with Mourinhoand Ferguson"



Josep Guardiola, winner of five titles this season with FC Barcelona in 12 months, beat out last year’s winner, José Mourinho, and Sir Alex Ferguson.


The legend of Pep Guardiola continues to grow. This Monday, in Zurich, the FC Barcelona boss was named the best manager of 2011. Guardiolawas voted the best manager ahead of José Mourinho (Real Madrid), last year’s winner, and Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United).


Like the FIFA Ballon d’Or, votes were placed by national side managers (33%), national side captains (33%) and the press (33%)


13 out of 16 team titles

Guardiola, who was recently named the world’s best manager by the International Federation ofFootball History & Statistics (IFFHS), picks up yet another acknowledgement to his brilliant career. Guardiola has already won 13 out 16 possible titles with FC Barcelona, 5 of which were won in 2011.


Special dedication for Tito Vilanova

Upon receiving the award, Josep Guardiola started by saying that he wanted to share the award with the other two shortlisted finalists, Mourinho and Ferguson. He also made special mention of the “thousands of people that have worked for FC Barcelona over the past 100 years.†He went on to say that “it’s an enormous privilege to be part of this group of people.â€

However, the most important dedication was forGuardiola’s assistant coach, Tito Vilanova: “From the bottom of my heart I want to dedicate this award to Tito Vilanova, my friend, colleague and assistant. Even though you aren’t around much these days, you’re always there. This s for you, kid!â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Leo Messi wins his third Ballon d'Or


www.fcbarcelona.cat 01-09-2012 19:59


The Argentinean star is named by FIFA as the best player of 2011, this is Messi’s third straight Ballon d’Or award

Messi equals Platini, Cruyff and Van Basten, the only players to ever win three Ballon d’Or titles

Messi


Final Ballon d'Or standings

Ballon d'Or 2011

Leo Messi: 47,88%
Cristiano Ronaldo: 21,6%
Xavi: 9,23%
Andrés Iniesta finished fourth and Wayne Rooney, fifth

Leo Messi dedicates the award to Xavi: "This Ballon d'Or is yours as well"

At the age of 24, Leo Messi equals the record set by the Frenchman Michel Platini after winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or titles (2009, 2010 and 2011). Ronaldo handed the Argentinean the FIFA Ballon d’Or this afternoon in Zurich. Messi won the title thanks to votes placed by captains and managers of all the national sides and journalists from France Football .


“Xavi, this Ballon d’Or is yours as wellâ€

With the Ballon d’Or in his hands, Leo Messi wanted to share the award “with the people that voted for me and with my teammates.†But he also made a special dedication to Xavi Hernández, a regular to the FIFA Gala in recent years: “ We’ve shared this moment for four years. This Ballon d’Or is also yours. Without yourhelp I would not be here. â€


The youngest player to ever win three Ballon d’Or titles


Besides equalling Platini as the second player in the history of the Ballon d’Or to win the title three times in a row, Messi also equals Johan Cruyff and Marco Van Basten , who have also won three Ballon d’Or titles, albeit not consecutively. In 2009, Messi won the Ballon d’Orand the FIFA World Player, awarded by France Football and FIFA respectively. The following year, 2010, both entities decided to combine the award and call it the FIFA Ballon d’Or. Leo Messi was the first winner of the new award, Iniesta and Xavi finished behind the Argentinean.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Barça become Club with most Ballon d’Or winners with nine


01-09-2012 19:58


With Leo Messi’s third successive win this evening, Barça are now the club with the most Ballon d’Or awards – with a total of nine


Barça pull ahead of Milan and Juventus with eight winners each

Over the last ten years the Club have provided four of the winners –including Messi’s historic last three

Ballon d'Or / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB


Since Luis Suárez won the award in 1960, Barça have continued to provide winners for the BallonD ' Or and with Messi's third successive win this evening, they have now overtaken Milan and Juventus to become the Club with most winners –nine. Messi , with three; Cruyff with two as a Barça player, three total; Stoichkov , Rivaldo , Ronaldinho and Suárez with one apiece, are the players who have won the award at the Club.

Most winners over the last 10 years

Over the last 10 years, two Barça players have won four Ballon d'Or awards –Ronaldinho (2005)and Messi (2009, 2010 and 2011) to pull ahead of the two Italian clubs as the leading provider of winners.


Messi overtakes Cruyff

With his third Ballon d'Or, Leo Messi has equalledPlatini as the only player to win the award three years on the run and also become the first Barça player to take the award on three occasions- Johan Cruyff won twice whilst at the Camp Nou , in 1973 and 1974, and once at Ajax in 1971.

FCB,

Anna Segura

 

[Classik]

Pep Guardiola named 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

Standings
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 respectively.


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]

Guardiola: “players like this compete against themselvesâ€



01-09-2012 16:20

Barça boss reckons Messi and Xavi’s success is down in large part to their motivation: “they love this sport and they really enjoy itâ€

For Guardiola, the large number of Barça candidates for the awards tonight is “because the team have wonâ€

Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB


Ferguson: “ Barça are the best team in the worldâ€


The press conference held before tonight's ceremony was shared between the three Barça representatives(Guardiola, Xavi and Messi) and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson . The Scot was again full of praise for Barça, claiming:"as a team they are the best by a long way and I've been saying that for a few years now. Sometimes in football you just have to say 'they are better than us.' Barça are the best and I can see nobody better to win the award tonight thanPep." As to Leo Messi , Sir Alex believes: "he's a player who could have been playing in the 50s, just as well as now."


One of Barça's two representatives – Xavi or Messi – and their manager Pep Guardiola could be proclaimed Player and Manager of the year atFIFA's special award ceremony in Zurich and the boss believes: " there's no need to talk to playerslike Messi, Xavi or Iniesta to motivate them . They are competing against themselves. They love this sport and really enjoy it – that's why Xavi has spent so long at the top for instance. You can never be the best at what you do if you don't give the best you have inside of you."


Home grown triumph

The fact that last year's podium was filled with home grown players and that two of them are back in the running this year is "the most important success. I don't mean to say by that that players who come in from outside aren't important, but these players who grew up together and have played and been friends for a long time, sharing the same ideals- they have a commitment beyond the sporting area and a real feeling for each other. Winning or losing is one thing, but to be able to play a final with 9 or 10 players who have come up through the Club issomething else and a success of a whole group of people who have contributed to their training and education . That makes us proud of the Club we represent."


Awards stem from titles

For Guardiola the large number of Club players up for awards is down to the success of winning five competitions in 2011, as is his own nomination as Manager of the Year: "we are here because we won. It's impossible to judge who is the best manager - we are all here because we are in charge of big clubs with the chance to have great players. This isn't tennis – it's a collective game in which we all play a part."


Praise for Madrid

Asked about his team's position in the league, Guardiola accepted Real Madrid 's strong position with a five point lead: "we are up against a rival who can boast some spectacular stats and we have to live with the fact that after winning so much, maybe you can always lose that perfection. It's down to us and how we manage to compete until the end of the season."

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Xavi and Messi praise the collective effort

01-09-2012 16:40

Barça’s two 2011 Ballon D’Or finalists both stressed the importance of the collective for achieving individual success.


Xavi claims Messi†will become the best player the game has ever seenâ€

Messi believes Xavi has been “fundamental†in allowing him to show his own abilities

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB

Xavi guarantees that the team will fight till the end for league title

The draw against Espanyol left Barça five points adrift of Real Madrid and although Xavi admitted this was a big margin to make up, he insisted that the team would fight till the end of the campaign: "there's still a lot of league to play. Madrid are strong and it's difficult for anyone to take points off them, but we will fighttill the end to try and win our fourth consecutive league title".


In the press conference held ahead of this evening's ceremony, both Messi and Xavi insisted on the importance of their teammates intheir own nominations for the Ballon D'Or . Xavi explained his game: "depends almost completely on my teammates", whilst Messi explained: "by being together we bring out the best in each of us".


This is the fourth year on the run that Xavi has been nominated for the award and he told reporters: "I am very happy to be here again andto have the chance to enjoy this moment and thesituation we are in at Barça. I'm enjoying it all like a little kid. I hope that I can continue for quite a bit longer". Asked about his chances of winning the accolade this time around, Xavi just smiled and admitted: "it's very difficult".


Xavi: "Messi will break all the records"

And the reason why it's so tough is clear: "I thinkthat I am up against someone who will become the best player in the history of the game. He's still young, but he's going to break all the records. I learn a lot from him, as well as all the other great players I play alongside at Barça. I have been able to grow as a player thanks to them, and to Leo in particular".

Xavi is also clear as to the keys to his own success: "there are many factors. Being a big fan of the sport helps and loving the Club so much also helps. I have been lucky to be at Barça and enjoy this most recent historical phase we are in". The Catalan also spoke of the "excitement" that the presence of the three Masia graduates would create for the youngsters currently at the Club academy: "the three of us were brought up through the Club and we also now have a manager who is brave enough to bring in new youngsters from La Masia".


Messi praises teammates

Messi admitted it was "nice" to receive all the recognition as an individual, but stressed that the most important was what was won " as a group – without our teammates, Xavi and I wouldn't be here. He and all of my team-mates are vital. They allow me to play the way I do, and we all help each other. We know if we continue like that then between us we will win the prizes. Having these teammates is fundamental".


Finally, Messi thanked all those who have supported him from his home country Argentina:"I don't stop to think about what I've achieved – I just try and enjoy it all. I'm very happy that my country is so proud of me and I am very grateful".

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS