Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Athletic Club v Barça: A time to show courage

Guardiola has named a squad of 20 players consisting of the 19 available members of the senior squad plus Cuenca

Rain is forecast over San Mamés, one of the toughest away venues of the season

Roger Bogunyà 11-06-2011

The main attraction of the weekend features two classic names from La Liga . Athletic Club and FC Barcelona face each other tonight (8 pm local time, Canal + and Radio Barça) at a moment when both teams are experiencing a good spell of form. Barça will be looking to secure their fifth consecutive away win – so far they've accumulated two each in the league and in Europe - ,while the Basques are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run. Tradition, tactics and the rain This match has everything. Tradition and a great atmosphere are always guaranteed when Barça visit "The Cathedral" . The tactical duel, with Bielsa in charge for the first time against Barça, also looks promising. The two managers have mutual respect for each other as was evident in their pre-match press conferences. To all of this we have to add the rain which has been forecast for the time of the match, and which would add even more drama to a clash that mark a trend just ahead of the last international break of the year. Starting line-up a mystery One of the big unknowns is who exactly Guardiola will include in his startingline-up. The manager has left Iniesta on the bench for the last three games while Xavi hasn't featured since the Granada match . We'll have to wait and see whether he sticks with two men out wide, a role carried out by Cuenca and Adriano against Mallorca and Viktoria Pilsen , or instead goes back to the midfielders who give greater control of the game. Pedro and Afellay , both still injured, are the only absentees in a 20-man squad. What seems absolutely certain is that Guardiola will take risks, attack and show courage. He made this clear on Saturday: "You only win in San Mamés if you show courage" . We can be sure that FC Barcelona will put out a team designed to take charge and create danger. Athletic Club on form In contrast to Guardiola, there's little doubt about Bielsa 's starting line-up, given that the Argentine coach has relied on a fixed group all season. Ekiza , Castillo , Gurpegui , Ocio and Igo Martinez are all unfit but most of them have played only a fringe role in a team that is in great form. Since 21st September they've strung together a nine-matchunbeaten run which has lifted them to ninth in the league table, a far cry from their position a few weeks ago when they found themselves in the bottom three after a poor start to the season. It'll be a clash of titans

FCB

 

[Classik]

Athletic Club - FC Barcelona: Epic point in the rain (2-2) Cesc and Messi, the latter in injury time, twice scored to bring Barça back from behind

The real protagonist was the pouring rain, which made the field as good as unplayable

The game between two of La Liga's historic outfits was no disappointment and ended 2-2, but could have gone absolutely either way. In pure footballing terms, Barça deserved to win and comfortably, but with just ten minutes left to play found themselves a goal down, and it was only thanks to a Messi goal in injury time that they didn't come home empty handed. Earlier on, Ander had put the his side ahead before Cesc headed home an equaliser shortly before the break. But the rain had been so intense that especially in the second half it was almost impossible for either side to produce any kind of flowing football whatsoever. The draw means that although Barcelona stay second in the table, they are now three points adrift of Real Madrid. Next up is Wednesday night's cup tie against Hospitalet . Ander puts Bilbao ahead It only took a few minutes for it to become clear that Guardiola had made the right decision in resting some of his more creative midfielders. This was going to a highly physical encounter on a pitch that was covered in puddles, with the grass totally invisible in some areas. The conditions were even dangerous, and it was a Mascherano slip that gave Susaeta the chance toproduce a counter attack that was finished in fine fashion by Ander. 1-0. Cesc uses his head It didn't take long for the Catalans to conjure up a response, and Alves almost equalised following a terrific set play started near to the corner flag. But in the very next move, Cesc headed home a sublime assist from Abidal . It was no less than Barcelona deserved after a veritable onslaught on the goal defended by Gorka, with Messi as decisive as ever with some typically dazzling diagonal runs. Against the grass The rain didn't stop all game, and although the drainage had held up reasonably well for the first 45 minutes, in the second half the conditions were verging on the farcical. It was particularly bad in the half defended by the Basques, and when a Javi Martínez pass to his keeper stopped dead in the water, al most allowing Iniesta to score one of the simplest goals of his life, it was a clear warning to both sides that any balls along the ground would be dicing with danger. Bilbao score and Barça react The second goal for Bilbao was a particularly unfortunate incident. In avoiding a throw-in, Mascherano ended up conceding a corner, and it was from that that there was a horrendous mix-up in the Barça area, not helped by the sodden turf, which ended with Piqué kicking the ball into his own net. There were just ten minutes left for FCB to make amends, and following a series of clear-cut but squandered chances, in injury time a dreadful misunderstanding between Gorka and his defence caused the ball to land straight at Messi 's feet. The Argentinian did what he had to do, and Barcelona had managed to salvage a point from this epic in the rain.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Barça, dominate play, Athletic more effective

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The statistics show that Barça was the clear winner in terms of play in the amazing two-all draw against Athletic Club

Athletic Club was more effective in offense, scoring two goals from five shots on goal

Iniesta against Athletic

Messi , after playing five games in Bilbao, scores for the first time in San Mamés . It was his first goal away from home in La Liga.

• Andrés Iniesta played his 250th game in the championship.
• Cesc , with seven goals, is the second highest goalscorer for Barça in all competitions along with David Villa .
• Pep Guardiola has never lost to Athletic Club as a manager. His record in San Mamés is three victories and three draws.
• Athletic Club committed 25 fouls, more than doubling Barça’s 12.
• The Basques had 5 shots on goal, FC Barcelona had 15.
• Mascherano recuperated the most amount of balls for Barça (11).
• No Barça player managed to successfully complete more than 70 passes.
• In total, Barça completed 502 passes, Athletic Club completed 250.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Cesc Fàbregas, lauds Athletic Club, teammates' effort

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Leo Messi scored the equalising goal for FC Barcelona in the dying minutes of the match

Cesc, scorer of Barça's first, praised Athletic Club and their coach, Bielsa

Preparing for the Copa

The team will train on the 7th, this Monday, at 11 AM. Xavi will hold a press conference afterward.

Pep Guardiola’s men said the game, where FC Barcelona managed to get a draw in stoppage time, was complicated. Cesc Fàbregas , scorer of the first Barça goal, said the game “was very difficult, we had to put a lot of effort in, there was a lot of rain, and the fans were fantastic.â€

The pitch conditions were especially bad during the second half, where both FC Barcelona and Athletic Club players suffered the consequences of a saturated field. According to Cesc, “the pitch was really wet, it was difficult, the last two goals were defensive errors.†Furthermore, Cesc had nothing but praise for Bielsa and the opposing team, “ their coach is very good, we know that they will have a fantastic season. â€

Despite the draw, Cesc Fàbregas underlined the importance of being the only team in the league that remains unbeaten , he added “even though it’s not the most important thing I’m very happy for the goal. The most important thing is to help the team, now we have to focus on Tuesday’s match against Hospitalet.â€

Here are additional comments from Barça players made through their social media channels:

Víctor Valdés : “Draw in San Mamés. Another very important point for the league. A bit sad we didn’t take the game...â€

Dan Alves : “Great team effort, prouder than ever to have such teammates!!â€

Thiago Alcántara : “Amazing atmosphere and amazing game in San Mamés despite the draw! We’re proud of the game we played!â€

Andrés Iniesta : “Great game in San Mamés even though we didn’t get the three points, [it’s] a very difficult stadium where they pressure you...â€

Carles Puyol : “Hello everyone. We weren’t able to get the three points in a vey exciting and vibrant game for the spectators. Now we have to continue working.â€

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guradiola, proud of his squad, praises

AthleticThe Barça manager described the match against Athletic Club as a "top shelf game," and that he was "proud" of his players

Guardiola told Biesla that "you players are beasts"

Bielsa considers the draw fair
On other bench, Marcelo Bielsa said “It wouldn’t have been fair for us to win. The draw corresponds with what I saw on the pitch.†The Argentinean went on to praise Barça: “They are a new artistic expression that has generated culture.†The Athletic Club boss went on to say that Messi “is an incomparable footballer. Everything he does surprises you.â€

“We knew what type of game it would be from the first minute, it’s an honour that the players knew how to interpret it.â€

“How can I be happy with the spectacular show that the 22 players put on for us?†With this question, a hoarse Pep Guardiola expressed his joy for the amazing game played in San Mamés. After the draw, the Barça manager said: “Everyone enjoyed this marvelous game thanks to these very good players. This was an ode to football.â€

Two teams looking for victory

Guardiola qualified the match as “a top shelf game, an amazing match.†He continued, “When both teams look to win the game these things can happen.†The Barça trainer admitted that he wasn’t surprised by what he saw, “We knew what type of game it would be from the first minute, it’s an honour that the players knew how to interpret it.†He went on to say, “there are few days where I can be prouder of my players. They completely understood the requirements of the match... It’s means a lot to come here and have the opposing team only reach your area three times.â€

An opponent worthy of praise

After the final whistle, on the pitch of the San Mamés, Pep Guardiola had a short conversation with Marcelo Biesla, “I told him that they are [Biesla’s players] beasts. I had never played against a team so intense and aggressive.†With that said, Guardiola congratulated “Athletic Club,their manager, andtheir players for the wonderful game they played.â€

FCB,

Club Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Strategic agreement between FC Barcelona and Google+

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona, the only team from the Professional Football League present in the worldwide launch of 'Google+ Pages'Like40Send

FC Barcelona strengthen their leadership on the field of new technology with a strategic agreement with Google, the Club will have an official presence on the social network when Google unveils ' Google+ Pages ' worldwide.

Google+ , recently released social network, will be added to the social networks FC Barcelona currently uses to disseminate content about the Club worldwide. With this agreement FC Barcelona will join other prestigious organizations on Google+ such as UNICEF and become the only club in the Professional Football League (LFP) with an official presence on the social network.

Google+ users will be able to stay up to date with Club news by adding FC Barcelona’s Google+ page directly to their circles. In addition,business pages will be indexed in Google+ searches with the functionality of connecting directly to the page from the search results.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Xavi, satisfied with Barça's play

Following the draw in Bilbao, Xavi reckoned today that “if anybody deserved to win it - we did,†whilst admitting, “Bilbao put in a great performanceâ€

Xavi also insisted that the squad weren’t worried about the dropped points, believing that if they play like they did on Sunday, the wins will come

"Teams are always prepared to play us like that– it just takes a capable and brave coach"

"We have a lot of games and to play in all of them would wear us out"

Xavi reckons that the draw was less than Barça probably deserved in Bilbao, whilst accepting the Basques put in a great performance. "On a footballing level, it was the best game of the season. Both teams went for the win and the pace didn't drop. I really enjoyed the time I was on the pitch, it's just a pity we didn't win," he explained in a press conference this lunchtime.

"Duel between brave teams"

Xavi defined the game as "a duel between braveteams. Athletic put in a great performance, but ifanybody deserved to win it – we did. If we continue to play like that, plenty of wins will come." Xavi also praised the Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa, "teams are always prepared to play us like that – it just takes a capable and brave coach."

On the right track

Although the draw meant two points dropped and leaves Barça three behind Madrid, Xavi revealed that the Barça players "aren't worried about that. We are doing things well. It's three points and there is still a long way to go in the league. We just have to continue playing at the same high technical and physical level." He also referred to the four draws the team have suffered so far this season, "it's just a coincidence. Every game is different. It gets harder every year. Although people say that this is a league of two teams, it's not easy to win, particularly away from home."

No fitness problems

Although he was subbed in the second half, Xavi made it clear that his fitness "is perfect." The midfielder welcomes Guardiola's rotations, "theyare logical and necessary. We have a lot of games and to play in all of them would wear us out. We have a lot of top quality players and we don't notice it when we are without one or another."

Xavi also declared he was "very surprised and disappointed" about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent comments about his time at the Club, adding"we have all learnt a lot with Guardiola. He explains why we are doing things and the philosophy behind our game."

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Barça prepare Copa del Rey tie against Hospitalet

Barça have trained with the 13 available first team members plus 5 from the reserves as they prepare for the cup tie with Hospitalet on Wednesday

Happy birthday Pinto, 36 todayLike96Send


A day before the Copa del Rey gets under way for Barça , the team worked out at Sant Joan Despí with thirteen first team players (Valdés, Pinto, Puyol, Piqué, Fontàs, Maxwell, Abidal, Xavi,Iniesta, Keita, Busquets, Cesc and Villa) and five from the B team (Deulofeu, Rafinha, Dos Santos, Tello and Sergi Roberto).

Guardiola is having to make do without Alves, Adriano, Mascherano, Messi, Alexis, Thiago and Cuenca, who are on international duty, and the injured Pedro and Afellay.

Applause for Pinto

The session was held behind closed doors on pitch number 2 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. It started with a round of applause for goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto, who is 36 today.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

L'Hospitalet-FC Barcelona: Barça open cup bid 22.00, TV3 and R@dio Barça): Barça play their first Copa del Rey match of the season tonight away to L’Hospitalet, in the round of 32

13 from first team and 5 reserves

Benidorm (08/09), Cultural Leonesa (09/10) and Ceuta (10/11) were the first three opening cup rivals for Barça under Guardiola. In all three cases, the team has taken its responsibilities very seriously, winning the away leg and then sentencing matters at the Camp Nou. Tonight theCopa 2011/12 campaign starts in L’Hospitalet, a local derby that has been brought forward in order for Barça to take part in the Clubs World Cup in December.

Six internationals out

Being the start of a FIFA break, Barcelona are missing six players that have already left on international duty, namely Messi, Mascherano, Alves, Adriano, Alexis and Thiago. The eight players that have been called up by Spain, plus, Abidal (France) and Keita (Mali) will not be joining their own national teams until after the cup tie. Pinto (who has started cup matches for the last three editions), Fontàs and Maxwell are the only players that have not been called up.

With Pedro and Afellay also out through injury, there are just thirteen first team players available for this cup opener, which is why Guardiola has been using reserve players Deulofeu, Rafinha, Dos Santos, Tello and Sergi Roberto in training this week.

Good news before the break

Barça are playing their first game since the epic draw at San Mamés, which took a lot out of the players. But now it is time to lay aside the Liga and Champions League for a while to concentrate on the last game before most of the players will be away with their national teams. The opposition is L’Hospitalet, currently top of their Division 2B group, and who have no fewer than seven players that spent time in the Barcelona youth system on their books.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

Rafinha and Tello, the latest reserves to debut for Barça’s first team

In total, counting these two, 21 youth system players have made their debuts under Guardiola

Tello played the entire game against Hospitalet, whilst Thiago’s brother played the final quarter hour

The 21 debutants under Pep
2008/09: Busquets, Thiago, Xavi Torres, Muniesa, Botía and Abraham
2009/10: Fontàs, Dos Santos, Soriano, Gai Assulinand Bartra
2010/11: Oriol Romeu, Sergi Gómez, Miño, Nolito,Montoya and Sergi Roberto
2011/12: Cuenca, Deulofeu, Rafinha and Tello
Pep Guardiola isn’t afraid of giving the youth players from the reserve sides a chance at the first team. The latest players to make the leap, this Wednesday, were Cristian Tello and Rafinha ,at the away leg of the round of 32 in the King’s Cup against Hospitalet . Just 10 days ago Gerard Deulofeu was donning the first team shirt as well. In total, Guardiola has seen 21 reserve players make their debuts for the first team.

Passing the test
Tello played from the start and he was one of the most active players on the pitch, specifically in the first half with his destabilizing runs down the right. He tried his luck with 5 crosses and he was involved in 69 plays. Rafinha came on the pitch at the 75th minute mark, replacing Cesc . Hewas involved in 11 plays.

Two future strikers
Cristian Tello (20 years old) is striker with a lot of pace that usually plays wide, but he can also perform the traditional duties of a number ‘9.’ Hewas integral to the reserve side’s good second half of the season last year, thanks to his goalscoring instinct and his ability to assist.

Rafinha (18 years old), Thiago Alcántara ’s younger brother, is a left footed offensive player that has made a spot for himself in the Barça B squad after having a great year with the Under-17’s. He’s strong and technically gifted. Eusebio usually positions him as a fake center forward.

FCB,

Jordi Clos

 

[Classik]

CLUB
Estrella Damm has renewed its deal as official FC Barcelona sponsor for the next five years

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Agreement signed this Wednesday at the Antigua Fábrica de Estrella Damm

Sandro Rosell upbeat about the deal: “they are acompany who wholly identify with Barça and our valuesâ€


Agreement signed this Wednesday at the Antigua Fábrica de Estrella Damm

Sandro Rosell upbeat about the deal: “they are acompany who wholly identify with Barça and our valuesâ€.

The signing was attended by Club President Sandro Rosell, economic vice-president Javier Faus and Damn Director General Enric Crous. The new deal, set to last through till the 2015-16 season, will strengthen even further the historic ties between the two institutions.

Exclusive FC Barcelona beer sponsors

The deal means that Damn keep their status as"Premium Partner and Official FC Barcelona Beerâ€, as the exclusive beer sponsor to the Club, whilst deepening its relationship with the European and Spanish Champions.

One of the new aspects of the sponsorship is that Damn will exclusively feature in the presentation of the line ups before games on theCamp Nou video scoreboard.

The contract signed on Wednesday also includes the exclusive sponsorship of the Joan Gamper Trophy for 5 years, with naming rights so that it becomes known as the Fiesta del Gamper Estrella Damm and the Damn logo will figure on all the hoardings used during the Trophy. Damn will also retain the right to award the Player of the Trophy Award.

"A Catalan company which identifies with Barça"

President Sandro Rosell expressed his satisfaction with the renewal of the agreement: “Damn are a Catalan company, who wholly identify with Barça and our values. The ties that bind us are strong – we have worked together for more than 20 years. This deal will hopefully help us promote this Catalan company throughout the worldâ€.

Rosell continued: “with Damn we share the desire to become more global, whilst maintaining our Catalan and family roots. Damn is a company with a lot of history, which is the result of the hard work and effort of many generations –just like Barçaâ€.

A partnership with history

For his part, the Damn Director General Enric Crous stated: “we are proud to renew our agreement with FC Barcelona, a club which forms a part of our history and has given us all somuch pleasure. In addition, at this time of international expansion which our company is enjoying, it is an honour to deepen this relationship with such a globally well known and loved clubâ€.
Sr Crous also remarked: “we have been together with Barça for many years and we hope it continues for ever. We make a good team – two Catalan institutions with more than 100 years of history, who love a job well done and look to thefuture, whils always retaining our identityâ€.

 

[Classik]

Five Barça players in international action this Friday

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Argentina and Chile have World Cup 2014 qualifying matches to play, while Mali and France have friendlies

Spain, with 8 FCB players in the squad, play on Saturday against England at Wembley

There are eight Barça players in the Spain squad for the two friendly matches this week, The first challenge for Vicente del Bosque's side is England at Wembley on Saturday at 18.15.

After the wins on Thursday for Brazil , with Adriano in the starting line-up, and the Spanish Under 21 team with six Barcelona players in Luis Milla 's squad, there are more internationals on Friday with Barça involvement. Argentina with Messi and Mascherano, Chile with Alexis, Mali with Keita, and France with Abidal are all in action .

World Cup 2014 qualifying matches

Messi and Mascherano are both likely to start Argentina 's game, which kicks off at 21.00 against Bolivia . The venue is the Monumental in Buenos Aires , and is part of the third round of qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil .

● Argentina v Bolivia: Friday 11 November at 21.00 (Esport3).

Meanwhile, and after recovering from the injury that had him sidelined for the best part of two months, Alexis Sánchez is back with his national side. Chile face Copa America champions Uruguay at 23.00 in the Centenario, Montevideo and is also a World Cup qualifier.

● Uruguay – Chile: Friday 11 November, at 23.00 (Esport3).

Friendlies for Mali and France

Mali, who have qualified for the final stages of the African Nations Cup in January and February, have a friendly tonight against Burkina Faso in Paris . Seydou Keita is one squad who have just one match this week ,and which kicks off at 17.00.

● Mali v Burkina Faso: Friday 11 November at 17.00.

Finally, Éric Abidal also has an international tonight. At 21.00, France take on the United States at the Stade de France.

● France v United States: Friday 11 November at 21.00.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Patrick Vieira highlights Barça as the model to follow

The former French player and current manager of the Manchester City Academy is impressed with the way Barça has relied on local talent and feels his club has to do likewise

Vieira says that Messi is one of the best players he has ever seen and loves the way FCB play as a team


"When you see a team win the Champions League with six or seven of its youth players in the side, you know they’re doing the right job"

“Zidane was the last great player I’ve seen, and then I’d go for Messi"

"Abidal loves the treatment he gets from the Barça fans and he has a special relationship with this club"

Patrick Vieira was one of the best defenders to grace the pitch these past last few years, after showing promise at Cannes and Milan and then triumphing at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger . He then left the Premier League to play for Juventus and Inter . His final club was Manchester City , where he is now in charge of the Academy.

Vieira was in Barcelona for the game between Barça and Manchester City in the Next Gen Series ,a youth competition that follows the same formula as the Champions League. He spoke to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat about the tournament and his views of the Catalan club.

What do you think about the creation of the Next Gen Series?

“I think it’s very interesting. It is always good for youngsters to play. In our group, as well as City, we’ve got Barça, Celtic and Marseille. Three different countries and cultures, it’s a fantastic experience and a chance for the young players to develop their potential.â€

What do think of the Barça way uses players from its own youth system?

“ It is no secret that Barça is an example of a successful youth system. When you see a team win the Champions League with six or seven of its youth players in the side, you know they’re doing it right. It is an example Manchester City should follow.â€

At the Joan Gamper Trophy in 2005, Leo Messi amazed the world with his performance against Juventus. You played that day, what do remember about it?

“I remember it well. I think it was one of Messi’s first games, he was incredible. We couldn’t stop him, he showed no fear. He is not scared of contact. We all knew that he’d become one of the best players in the world. Messi can do everything, he can win you games, score goals, provide assists … He is one of the best, if not the best player in the world.â€

Is Messi one of the best players ever?

“Zidane was the last great player I’ve seen, and then I’d go for Messi. He’s the kind of player that only appears once every 10 or 15 years. I think Messi makes a difference. What I think makes him different is that he’s not selfish, he plays for the team. What I like best about him is that he plays for the benefit of the team. That’s what football’s about, playing for your team. His class makes a difference, he’s a fantastic player.â€

Can Manchester City compete with the best clubsthis season and win the Champions League?

“You have to remember that City is a new club among the elite. In fact, this is the first time we’ve played in the Champions League. If we take the example of Barça, this team got where it is after many years among the elite and a youth policy means several years of patience. You can’t invent a football philosophy in one or even five years, it takes time. But there can always be surprises in the Champions League, and it could be City's this year. We have a quality team and a wonderful spirit.â€

You are firm friends with Eric Abidal. How do youview your compatriot?

“I have taken advantage of this trip to Barcelonato speak with him and he says he’s very happy here. Eric is a contagiously optimistic person, he has a fantastic personality. He loves the treatment he gets from the Barça fans and he as a special relationship with this club. Everybody loves Abidal because he’s such a likeable guy.â€

FCB,


Jaume Marcet

 

[Classik]

Barça and Benfica only unbeaten teams in Europe


Barça and Benfica are the only two leading clubs in Europe who remain unbeaten since the start of the season

Guardiola’s team has indeed remained unbeaten since 30th April, when they went down in the league against Real Sociedad

Since that game in Anoeta, Barça have gone 25 games unbeaten in official competitions, winning 16 and drawing 9, during which run they have taken 4 titles –Spanish League, Champions League and the two Super Cups

Although Barça aren't at the top of the Spanish League at the moment, they are unbeaten in the competition and indeed they have yet to lose in any of the competitions they are involved in.

Two titles already

Barça's season began with a big game -the Spanish Super Cup two legged final against Real Madrid, which they won after drawing in the Bernabeu and winning at the Camp Nou. Straightafter that, it was the European Super Cup, which they won against Porto in Monaco, before beginning their current run of 11 unbeaten games in the league - 7 wins and 4 draws. In theChampions League, Guardiola's men have already ensured qualification from the next round, with three wins and a draw, whilst the Spanish Cup campaign was begun successfully last week with a win at Hospitalet.


More than six months unbeaten

Barça's winning run began last season –after losing 2-1 to Real Sociedad at Anoeta on April 30th and since then they have gone 25 games without defeat -16 wins and 9 draws – and won the four competitions they have been involved in – Spanish League, Champions League and European and Spanish Super Cups.

Only Benfica match Barça's run

Only Benfica in the other top European leagues, can match Barça –like the Catalans, they are are unbeaten in the league though they do not top the table. The Portuguese team are also unbeaten in the Champions League –where they needed to get through two qualifying rounds.

In the other European leagues, Juventus, fourth in Serie A are the only unbeaten team in the Italian league, though they are not involved in European competition. In neither the Premier League, the Bundesliga nor Ligue 1 are any teams left unbeaten. Manchester City –who are unbeaten in the league – went down in the Charity Shield to city neighbours United , whilst Bayern Munich have lost twice and PSG once –in Germany and France

FCB,

Anna Segura

 

[Classik]

Barça's possible Club World Cup rivals

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Espérance, Monterrey and Al-Sadd are Barça's possible semifinal opponents

The final spot of the competition is reserved for the Japanese champion. Auckland City and Santos are on the other side of the bracket

Tunisia’s Esperánce , Mexico’s Monterrey , and Qatar’s Al-Sadd are FC Barcelona’s possible opponents in the World Club Cup semifinal in Yokohama. The quarterfinal draw will take place in Nagoya next Thursday, November 17th; the winner of that playoff will face Barça in the December 15 semifinal. The remaining team willbe paired with New Zealand’s Auckland City , the winner of that match will play Brazil’s Santos in the other semifinal.

Afful gives the championship to Esperánce

Barça’s first possible rival is Esperánce of Tunisia,crowned champion of the African Champions League this Saturday after beating Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca . The Tunisian’s beat Wydad 1-0 in the return leg of the competition to seal their victory and claim the title. The Ghanaian, Harrison Afful , scored the winning goal on 21 minutes after both North African teams failed to score in the first leg.

Monterrey, unbeaten champion

Mexico’s Monterrey, Barça’s second possible rival, won their first CONCACAF Champions League on April 27th thanks to a goal from Humberto Suazo . The Chilean striker, well known in La Liga, scored the only goal in the return leg against U.S.A’s Real Salt Lake , at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. The first leg ended in a two-all draw. The Mexican side finished the tournament without knowing defeat, they won six games and tied three. Currently, Monterrey enjoyes the highest IFFHS standing of any Mexican team, ranked 41st globally.

The Asian kings, known opponents

Qatar’s Al-Sadd Sports Club represents the developing potential of the Asian country. The Qatari side is trained by the Uruguayan ex-keeper Jorge Fossati . Furthermore, one of theteam’s most recognizable players is the Algerian Nadir Belhadj , ex-Portsmouth player and once rumored signing target for FC Barcelona. Their latest AFC Champions League title was won this past November 5th, in a penlalty shootout (4-2) against South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors . Al-Sadd has won the AFC Champions League twice.

FCB

 

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Gio van Bronckhorst: “Messi is the public face of Barça now and for many yearsâ€


The ex-Barça star and current Feyenoord assistant manager explained that the day the Argentinean was given his debut, Henk ten Cate predicted he would become “the best ever Barçaplayerâ€

Gio also praised the fact that despite having already won so much, the team were still hungryfor titles and put that down to the figure of Josep GuardiolaLike8kSend

Kluivert: "El Barça de Guardiola fa un futbol d’un altre mónâ€

Fa un parell de dies un altre ex jugador holandésdel FC Barcelona, Patrick Kluivert, lloava l'actual equip del Barça. En una entrevista dels mitjans de comunicació del Club, el que va ser davanter del primer equip afirmava que "el Barça de Guardiola fa un futbol d’un altre món".

[+] LLEGEIX L'ENTREVISTA SENCERA
"El dia del debut de Messi, Ten Cate em va dir que havia vist un talent increïble, i que seria la millor estrella del FC Barcelona"

"Veig l'equip molt atent i encara amb ganes de guanyar títols, i això també és treball de Guardiola"
At the end of the 2006/07 season, Gio van Bronckhorst announced that he was leaving the Club after four years at the Camp Nou to rejoin his first club, Feyenoord . Gio them went on to retire from the game after the 2010 World Cup Final. Now assistant coach to Ronald Koeman , Gio gave his view of the current Barça set up, with particular praise for Leo Messi and Josep Guardiola.

Gio remembers what Frank Rijkaard's assistant Henk ten Cate said about Leo Messi the day he made his debut in a friendly against Porto in the 2003/04 season: "he told me that he had seen an incredible talent and he would end up being FC Barcelona's best ever player. Years later, Messi is the absolute star and the public face of the team now and for many years".

Team's hunger down to Guardiola
For Gio , the work carried out by Pep Guardiola is basic to an understanding of the desire the players still show to win titles: "I've spoken withhim a few times and I think he is a very good coach who always gives his best at the job. I alsosee that the team is sharp and still hungry for titles and that's down to him too".

Finally, Gio revealed that he had been at Wembley last May and "I was happy to see so many of my ex-teammates there doing well and I hope that they will win more titles this season"

FCB,

ROGER BOGUNYÀ / VANESSA FORNS

 

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Fun time:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?desktop_...e.com/watch?v=qct8vVD2Gtc&v=qct8vVD2Gtc&gl=US

 

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Club World Cup: Al Sadd or Espérance possible rivals in the semi finals

Winners to face Barça on 15th December in Yokohama

Semifinals mexicanes

( http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/futbol/p...ls-partits-de-semifinals-del-mundial-de-clubs )

The draw for the quarter finals of the Club WorldCup was made this morning in Japan and FC Barcelona will play against the winners of the quarter final game between Al Sadd and Espérance (who play on December 11th ) in the semi final on December 15th in Yokohama.

The Qatar team Al Sadd are AFC Champions League winners after they beat the Korean team Jeonbuk in the final, whilst Espérance, from Tunisia, are the current African champions. The winner of the tie will face Barça in the competition's second semi final.

Monterrey and Santos in the other half of the draw

The first semi final will be between Santos and the Mexican team Monterrey , Kiwis Auckland City or the winners of the Japanese League. The Japanese and New Zealand teams meet in the qualifier to decide who meets Monterrey in the other quarter final to win the right to face Santos , who like Barça were guaranteed a spot in the semis, in the other semi finals.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

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Messi and Mascherano work out at the Ciutat Esportiva
www.fcbarcelona.cat

The Argentinean internationals trained indoors at the Ciutat Esportiva after their two games for Argentina over recent day

Alexis Sánchez is due back in Barcelona this Thursday eveningLike

The first team squad have been given a day off today, although a few of them did come into the Ciutat Esportiva to work out. Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano both did some recovery work after their exertions for Argentina over the last few days, which culminated in the 1-2 win over Colombia .

Adriano and Afellay also at Sant Joan Despí

Messi and Mascherano met up with Adriano and Afellay , who are both recovering from injuries, at the Ciutat Esportiva, whilst the other injured player in the squad, Pedro , is due to come in for some work this afternoon.

With Leo Messi and Mascherano both back in Barcelona, the only remaining international absentee is the Chilean Alexis Sanchez , who is due back on Thursday evening and should be in training with the full squad on Friday morning.

FCB

 

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Guardiola: “Don’t you want Messi to play?â€

Given the flood of questions asking about a possible rest for the Argentinian star, the manager insisted that he is in perfect condition to play the full game against Zaragoza on Saturday


"If we drop any more points, it will be very difficult to recover them"

"It's not long since Zaragoza were in the second division, but they're a very prestigious team"


"I'd like to think Abidal is going to stay"

One question. Then another. And another. The reporters went on and on about Leo Messi's form after playing two games for Argentina against Bolivia and Colombia, and the number of kilometres he has behind him. Josep Guardiola responded that "yes, he is fit to play the full 90 minutes against Zaragoza, but we'll decide on Saturday". And then there was another question about the Argentinian. His patience tested, Guardiola then sarcastically retorted "What? Don't you want Messi to play? Is that what you want? If it is, then tell me. Won't you let me decide for myself!" The fact is that Messi is ready to play, and he can play, but Guardiola won't decide anything until shortly before the match.


No reserves for Wednesday

He also made it patently clear that against Zaragoza he will field "everyone I think we need to win the game". He is not thinking of resting anybody with Wednesday's clash with Milan in mind. "If we drop any more points, it will be very difficult to recover them. We have seen how strong Madrid are", he said. He also spoke about how important it is to get points before the clásico, which is not always an easy thing to do mentally, because the media is always already focused on the Madrid v Barça match two weeks before it's played.


Asked about the announcement on Friday of the kick off time of the clásico, Guardiola said he was pleased it would be on Saturday, not Sunday. "The sooner the better, because we have to go to Japan. Abu Dhabi was only two hours time difference. This will be a longer journey, there is a difference of seven hours. We will need some time to adapt to the new time zone". But he added that ultimately, they will play whatever game whenever they are told.


Asked about the two teams Barcelona could face in the semi finals of the Clubs World Cup, namely Al Sadd and Espérance, Guardiola said he knows most about the Qatari side, "who have changed coach and they're a top side and the strongest one they have there. These are the champions of two continents and it's a demanding enough competition as it is".


Zaragoza, prestigious opponent

But the most immediate issue is Zaragoza at the Camp Nou. "They have a very good goalkeeper, they're a very physical side. Postiga is a great player, a goalscorer, he's very quick. They're coached by a manager with a lot of experience and Unzué has spoken very highly of him. It's not long since Zaragoza were in the second division, but they're a very prestigious team", said Guardiola, who hasn't forgotten how hard it was against the Aragonese outfit last season (1-0).


Optimistic about Abidal

Another pressing matter is the renewal of Éric Abidal's contract. Guardiola is optimistic. He said "if it was for what he has done, Abidal is a unique player. And we understand that he can give us more of the same. He's physically unstoppable. The club is crazy for him to continue. I have spoken with those in charge and they tell me that the club is also grateful to him. I'd like to think he's going to stay, for the good of everybody. It was also difficult with Alves. I just ask them to work on it in silence".

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà