Wazzup with FC BARCELONA?!! (News)

[Classik]

Barça look to promote from within




04/28/2012 11:32

Barça’s decision to appoint Tito Vilanova as the new first team manager reinforces the Club’s policy of giving a chance to home-grown coaches, as can also be seen in the other sports sections

PHOTO: ARCHIVE FCB

Josep Guardiola’s decision not to stay at the helm of FC Barcelona next season could have unleashed a flurry of rumours about possible successors. However, as Andoni Zubizarreta revealed last Friday, the Club had long ago decided to follow the same policy as for new players – to look first at the people already in the Club. And that’s why the baton is being passed to the man who has been Guardiola’s number 2 for the last five years, Tito Vilanova .

Basketball and handball

The same policy can be seen at work elsewhere in the Club. The departure of basketball coach Dusko Ivanovic led to the appointment of his number 2, Xavi Pascual , who has already won 11 trophies since he took over at Barça Regal .

The same happened in the handball section after the Club parted company with Manolo Cadenas and replaced him with his assistant, theother Xavi Pascual . His record in charge of Barça Intersport has been impeccable, culminating in an historic league and Champions League double a year ago. In both cases the Club put their faith in the number 2 coach rather than look elsewhere.

Futsal and hockey

It’s pretty much the same story in the futsal and roller hockey sections. Former Barça star and technical director Marc Carmona has managed Barça Alusport since the 2004/05 season. Meanwhile, Gaby Cairo , a former captain and a Barça player during 11 years, became the fifth home-grown manager of the hockey team at thestart of the 2011/12 season.

The choice of Tito Vilanova to succeed Guardiola is no mere coincidence but very much a reflex ion of the way things are done here at Barça.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Squad named for Rayo clash

www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/28/2012 13:06

Bartra, Montoya and Tello from Barça B have been named alongside the 16 available players from the senior squad to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

Josep Guardiola has announced a squad of 19 players to make the trip to Madrid for the match against Rayo this Sunday. It includes the 16 fit members of the first team squad ( Fontàs, Villa, Abidal, Piqué and Xavi are all out injured) plus Montoya, Bartra and Tello from Barça B. The manager will have to leave one player out of thefinal squad before the match.

Last training session

The players had a final training session on Saturday morning at the Club’s ‘Joan Gamper’ sports complex, after which Guardiola named hissquad.

They will fly to Madrid on Sunday morning where they are due to arrive at noon. The match kicks off in the Vallecas Stadium at 9.30 pm. The Barça party will fly back to Barcelona immediately after the match.

FCB

 

[Lewis]

I'll call 911

Would you have them shoot me please

 

[Classik]

Puyol: "Tito is the best news"



04/28/2012 13:59

The Barça captain has revealed the players’ satisfaction at Tito Vilanova’s appointment: “He knows the team and our philosophy better than anybody and has been working alongside Guardiola the whole timeâ€
Puyol went on to add: “He’s the ideal person to take this project forwardâ€
Puyol believes that Josep Guardiola "has markeda ‘before and after’ in footballâ€
"Messi is very grateful to the boss"
Regarding Lionel Messi’s absence from the press conference in which Guardiola announced his departure, Puyol insisted: “I want to clear up what’s been said. When training finished yesterday, we got together and said that the four captains would go. Leo wanted to go but onseeing that the captains were going, he took a step back. Then more players appeared by their own volition. Leo is very grateful to the boss, just like all the squad, and if there’s a farewell do then we’ll all be there, because we’ll all 100% behind himâ€.
"Tito Vilanova the continuation of a project and has the support of all the playersâ€
Carles Puyol spoke at a press conference on Saturday which was, obviously, dominated by the news that Josep Guardiola is standing down as first team manager to be replaced by Tito Vilanova . He confirmed that the players “wanted Pep to continue†but on learning of his decision and the reasons behind it, he explained:“The fact that Tito will be the manger is the best news we could get. He’s the continuation of a project and has the support of all the playersâ€.
The project goes forward
Puyol also expressed his agreement with the thinking behind the choice of Tito Vilanova : “He knows the team and our philosophy better than anybody. He knows a great deal about football and has worked hand in hand with Pep all this time. It’ll be more or less the same as it has beenup to now. The philosophy and the idea will be the same. He’s the ideal person to take this project forwardâ€.
As for the mood of the players now that they know Guardiola is stepping aside, Puyol spoke mainly of gratitude: “We’ll be eternally grateful to him. He has marked a ‘before and after’ in football, and that’s really important. He’s given us so much, more than we could have imagined. Things like always going out to win, having great respect for opponents…Now life goes on and we will try and follow the path he has marked out for us and to do as good a job as he has doneâ€.
Puyol also revealed how the players had heard the news: “If you’d asked us before the Chelsea match, we’d have said he was going to continue. After having two days off and, given everything that has been coming out, we were expecting it yesterday. We players have tried in our day to day work and attitude to get him to continue. We’ve given our all. But when the pressure is like he’s explained, it’s difficult. It must be really hard to be a manager, and even more so the wayhe lives it. He thinks about football 24 hours a dayâ€.
"Guardiola has left behind a legendary team"
Asked by reporters what he would most remember about Guardiola , Puyol didn’t hesitate a moment: “I’ll remember everything he’s given us. His way of understanding football. He’s left behind a legendary team that will be remembered for ever. I hope he gets the send-off he deserves, for everything he’s given us. The players are united and keen to take this project forwardâ€.
Finally, turning to this Sunday’s match against Rayo , Puyol told reporters. “They will be motivated to in the match, the same as us. We’ll try and do a good job, get out there on the pitch the way we’ve always done and then we’ll see what happensâ€.

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Would you have them shoot me please

NOPE: they won't shoot you. They'll make you sing an anthem at Camp Nou

 

[God's_gift]

you should replace Guardi...

 

[Classik]

you should replace Guardi...

cool.

 

[Classik]

Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona: Barça look to bounce back in Vallecas


04/29/2012 10:45
9.30 pm - FC Barcelona take on Rayo at the end of a week marked by elimination from the Champions League and the appointment of Tito Vilanova as the new manager

Messi / FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
Messi / FOTO: ARCHIVE FCB
The team need to bounce back in the Vallecas Stadium. FC Barcelona take on Rayo Vallecano in Madrid determined to get back on track after a tough week in which the team has lost to Real Madrid in La Liga and to Chelsea in Europe. And on Friday it was announced that Josep Guardiola will be stepping down to be replaced by Tito Vilanova , a change designed to continue the successful formula of recent seasons. The match against Rayo will be the first since the news broke.
19-man squad list
Josep Guardiola has named a squad of 19 players (one player will be excluded before the match) including the 16 available members of the senior squad (everyone except the injured Fontàs, Villa, Abidal, Xavi and Piqué) plus Bartra, Montoya and Tello from Barça B . This is the first time the two teams have met in the league in the Vallecas stadium since Rayo were last in the First Division in the 2002/03 season. On that occasion Rayo won 1-0.
Realistically, it will be a really tough call for FC Barcelona to renew their league title but the players will keep on competing to the end. The match will also serve to prepare for the Cup finalagainst Athletic Club in the Vicente Calderon on 25th May .
Key players missing for Rayo
Rayo manager José Ramón Sandoval will go into the match without some of his regular players. In defence he’ll be without left back Casado and central defender central Labaka, both suspended. In midfield, Armenteros, Javi Fuego and Piti, three players who have played a key part in Rayo’s surprising season, are all out injured. Rayo currently sit in a relatively comfortable 15th place, six points clear of the relegation zone and with a game in hand.

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Spanish League Preview – Week 35



04/29/2012 11:51

Last weekend’s result at the Camp Nou may have given Real Madrid an almost uncatchable lead, but there’s still plenty to be played for in LaLiga, with big games at both end of the table at the start of what could be a decisive week

PHOTO: Archive - FCB

Valencia lost their Europa Cup semi final midweek and they face another enormous gameon Sunday when they visit Malaga, who are just three points behind them. Valencia will go into the game without Sergio Canales, who suffered a serious knee injury on Thursday, after just coming back from a long layoff. Malaga’s Managing Director, Fernando Hiero, reckons: “this is the biggest game in our historyâ€, whilst their midfielder Ignacio Camacho insisted: “these are three vital pointsâ€.

Levante still have hopes of making the Champions League spots, but with just a point from their last three games they are now three behind Malaga and need to get back to winning ways in their game at home to Granada on Sunday, before trips to Zaragoza and Mallorca and a season finale at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Europa Cup finalists chasing Levante

The two Europa Cup finalists, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, are both chasing Levante hard, just a point behind and boosted by their midweek success, they will be looking to keep up the pressure when they travel to Zaragoza and Betis respectively. Bilbao then have home games against Real Madrid and Getafe, before the Levante match, whilst Atletico host Real Sociedad and Malaga before they finish the league away to Villarreal.

Osasuna are a further point behind, but with Saturday’s game at Villarreal their first of three on the road and just one more game in Pamplona, they may find it hard to retake a European place.

Seville and Espanyol live in hope

Seville are a point behind Osasuna on 46 and welcome back veteran keeper Palop for a tough trip to the Bernabeu, where Madrid will be looking to bounce back from their penalty shootout disappointment, knowing that a win could possibly hand them the title. Espanyol are on 45 points and know that their last chance to stake a claim for Europe is Saturday’s visit of struggling Sporting to El Prat.

Villarreal hold key to relegation places

If Villarreal (37 points) can beat Osasuna, Clemente’s team (31) will be as good as down if they are beaten, as will Zaragoza – level on points with Sporting- if they can’t beat Bilbao, allof which led Villarreal’s Argentinean striker Marco Ruben to declare: “we can’t wait for this season to be over and we have to take the three points against Osasuna – it’ll give us a great chance of survivingâ€. In contrast, Zaragoza’s midfielder Apoño believes: “if Villarreal slip up against Osasuna and we beat Bilbao, weâ™ll just be a win away from salvationâ€

FCB,

Nick Bedson

 

[Classik]

Spanish League Preview – Week 35



04/29/2012 11:51

Last weekend’s result at the Camp Nou may have given Real Madrid an almost uncatchable lead, but there’s still plenty to be played for in LaLiga, with big games at both end of the table at the start of what could be a decisive week

PHOTO: Archive - FCB

Valencia lost their Europa Cup semi final midweek and they face another enormous gameon Sunday when they visit Malaga, who are just three points behind them. Valencia will go into the game without Sergio Canales, who suffered a serious knee injury on Thursday, after just coming back from a long layoff. Malaga’s Managing Director, Fernando Hiero, reckons: “this is the biggest game in our historyâ€, whilst their midfielder Ignacio Camacho insisted: “these are three vital pointsâ€.

Levante still have hopes of making the Champions League spots, but with just a point from their last three games they are now three behind Malaga and need to get back to winning ways in their game at home to Granada on Sunday, before trips to Zaragoza and Mallorca and a season finale at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Europa Cup finalists chasing Levante

The two Europa Cup finalists, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, are both chasing Levante hard, just a point behind and boosted by their midweek success, they will be looking to keep up the pressure when they travel to Zaragoza and Betis respectively. Bilbao then have home games against Real Madrid and Getafe, before the Levante match, whilst Atletico host Real Sociedad and Malaga before they finish the league away to Villarreal.

Osasuna are a further point behind, but with Saturday’s game at Villarreal their first of three on the road and just one more game in Pamplona, they may find it hard to retake a European place.

Seville and Espanyol live in hope

Seville are a point behind Osasuna on 46 and welcome back veteran keeper Palop for a tough trip to the Bernabeu, where Madrid will be looking to bounce back from their penalty shootout disappointment, knowing that a win could possibly hand them the title. Espanyol are on 45 points and know that their last chance to stake a claim for Europe is Saturday’s visit of struggling Sporting to El Prat.

Villarreal hold key to relegation places

If Villarreal (37 points) can beat Osasuna, Clemente’s team (31) will be as good as down if they are beaten, as will Zaragoza – level on points with Sporting- if they can’t beat Bilbao, allof which led Villarreal’s Argentinean striker Marco Ruben to declare: “we can’t wait for this season to be over and we have to take the three points against Osasuna – it’ll give us a great chance of survivingâ€. In contrast, Zaragoza’s midfielder Apoño believes: “if Villarreal slip up against Osasuna and we beat Bilbao, weâ™ll just be a win away from salvationâ€

FCB,

Nick Bedson

 

[Classik]

Barça arrive in Madrid to face Rayo

WWW.FCBARCELONA.CAT

04/29/2012 12:25

The team led by Pep Guardiola arrived in Madridat 12.25

Jordi Cardoner, Jordi Moix, Pilar Guinovart and Andoni Zubizarreta accompanied the team

Barça have arrived in Madrid, where the first team will face Rayo Vallecano (21:30, Canal+) in the Liga BBVA’s week 36 round of matches. Guardiola’s men started their journey to the Spanish capital first thing this morning. At 10:15 the team’s motor coach left the Camp Nou for El Prat, the team’s plane took off at 12:25.

Upon arrival, the team went straight to their hotel. FC Barcelona will remain there until it’s time to go to Vallecas, where at 21:30 the Catalans will play against Rayo Vallecano.

FC Barcelona’s Social Area vice-president, Jordi Cardoner , the Economic and Strategy director, Jordi Moix , Social Area director, Pilar Guinovart , and Football director, Andoni Zubizarreta , accompanied Guardiola and the 19-player squad to Madrid.

After the match, the team will return to Barcelona, where they are scheduled to arrive at2:00 AM.

FCB

 

[Classik]

"We couldn't have done it without the fans"

04/29/2012 21:29

The Barça Alusport squad highlighted the support they received from the fans, who helpedthem win the first European title in Club history

Marc Carmona: “The journey was long and hard. We suffered a lot to get here, but we won the titleâ€

The Barça supporters and the team with the European Cup / PHOTO: Àlex Caparrós - FCB

O’Callaghan and Raventó are proud of the team

Xavi O’Callaghan , the man responsible for the team, witnessed Barça’s victory at the Barris Nord in Lleida this evening. O’Callaghan said that“emotion is very important,†and he added that he’s “very proud of the players and Marc Carmona.†He went on to thank “all the people that are behind [the team], that are also responsible†for today’s victory. Joan Carles Raventós , director of the Barça teams, is also “very pleased, because this is a project that started in 2003.†He thanked “the fans and the city of Lleida for supporting†Barça Alusport.

Wilde: "We have shown that we have a great team and that it’s hard to beat us"

Jordi Torras: "“The team was spectacular, the but the supporters were the bestâ€"

Paco Sedano: "Without the supporters we wouldn’t have been able to win it"

The Barça Alusport players were euphoric with their 1-3 win over Dynamo Moscow in the final of the UEFA Futsal Cup. Moreover, all the players highlighted the support the team received from the fans throughout the tournament. “The team was spectacular, the but the supporters were thebest,†said Jordi Torras , who is very pleased withfulfilling the dream of winning the European Cupin an Azulgrana strip. “I came to this Club to win titles,†he said.

The footballers also highlighted the team’s workon the Catalan court. “We were pursuing this game for a long time and we couldn’t fail with these supporters behind us, without them we wouldn’t have been able to win it,†said the keeper Paco Sedano , who added that the team showed maturity after the Russians came within one goal (2-1).

Wilde, MVP of the final

The Cup was a little closer to ending up in Barça’s trophy cabinet after Wilde scored the first goal of the game after 80 seconds: “we always try to do the best job possible. It was important to score the first goal, that helped up a lot.†He added, “we have been waiting for this moment a long time. I’m very pleased with our fans. We have shown that we have a great team and that it’s hard to beat us.†Wilde was also named MVP of the match after putting in a brilliant performance against the Russians.

Marc Carmona, the leader of a championship-winning Barça

Serigo Lozano talked about the difficulty of beating such a good side like Dynamo Moscow. “We worked hard to reach our objective. They are a great team, with a lot of good individual players, but we’re the rightful winners,†he said.

Marc Carmona , the manager of the European Champions, also weighed in on his team’s performance in today's match. “We were impeccable. We suffered a little today, we were playing against an impressive team. We were sensational on defence. We deserve this title,†said the Barça manager.

“I’m very pleased because we’ve come through alot to get here. The journey has been long and hard. We suffered a lot, buwe won the title,†said the manager. He concluded by congratulating the fans for the “extraordinary atmosphere†at the Barris Nord in Lleida.

FCB,

Sergi Garcia

 

[Classik]

Dinamo Moscou - Barça Alusport: European Champions! (1-3)

04/29/2012 21:30
Barça Alusport beat Dynamo Moscow in the final to claim their first ever European trophy
Wilde scored the first goal of the game after only 80 second, and Lin made it two at the start of the second half
Rahimov pulled one back for the Russians but Torras secured the title in the dying minutes of the match

Barça Alusport with the team's first European crown/ PHOTO: ÀLEX CAPARRÓS-FCB
MATCH STATS
Dinamo Moscou, 1
Barça Alusport, 3
Dinamo Moscou (0+1): Popov (Garagulya), Romulo, Tatú, Vinicius, Fernandinho -starting five-, Shayakhmetov, Rakhimov, Nando, Pula, Cirilo, Badretdinov
Barça Alusport (1+2): Paco Sedano (Cristian); Torras, Lin, Saad, Wilde -starting five-, Ari, Gabriel, Fernandao, Javi Rodríguez, Lozano, Igor
Goals: 0-1, Wilde (min 2); 0-2, Lin (min 23); 1-2, Rakhimov (min 37); 1-3, Torras (min 39)
Referees: Gabor Kovacs and Bogdan Sorescu
Barça Alusport are the champions of Europe! Marc Carmona ’s men beat Dynamo Moscow by 1-3 in the historic final played at Barris Nord in Lleida. This is the futsal team’s first European Cup, who won the title with attractive and courageous football. In the final, just like in the semi-final, Barça Alusport took the quick lead through Wilde after only 80 seconds of play. The team managed to maintain their advantage throughout the whole match. Lin scored Barça’s second at the start of the second half and Dynamo pulled one back minutes later, but it Jordi Torras that secured the title for the Catalans with Barça’s third goal in the dying minutes of the match. Congratulations, champions!
Wilde takes advantage of the first opportunity
The match was almost identical to the semi-finalagainst Sporting Clube , with a Barça Alusport determined to take the early lead. This time, in fact, they only needed 80 seconds to make it 0-1.The goal was a product of a strategic play from athrown in on the right taken by Torras, Wilde’s first-touch volley, from very far out, was unstoppable. It was Barça’s first goal, and a beautiful one at that.
Sedano, simply amazing
The goal gave Carmona’s men more confidence. Barça dominated the match from the start thanks to Lin, Saad and Igor , all of whom came close to scoring Barça second. Little by little, however, the Russian side gained ground and came close to equalising - especially through long-range shots. Paco Sedano was having a splendid night as he saved shot after shot. The match was intense and neither side were dominating ball possession. Halftime came and Barça were up thanks to Wilde’s goal.
Lin makes it two
The start of the second half was similar to the first. Barça Alusport scored a fast goal thanks to a good assist from Wilde for Lin, who beat Popov with a low, hard shot.
Dynamo pull one back
The 0-2 was scored with a little over 15 minutes left in the game. The Russians played a keeper-player to get themselves back into contention, and it worked. However, up until this point Carmona’s men were dominating and they came close on various occasions to make it three, especially through Wilde and Lozano. When it looked as though Barça Alusport were going to coast to victory, Rakhimov , after a good passing play from the Russians, pulled one back.
Champions!
With Dynamo on a full-out assault on Sedano’s goal, Barça Alusport killed the game off with a lethal counterattack: Ari kept the ball in bounds and assisted Torras, who had no problem making it three with the Russian’s goalkeeper high up the court. It was 1-3 with just two minutes left on the clock. The Barris Nord erupted in celebration as the referee blew the final whistle. FC Barcelona Alusport, Champions of Europe!

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Rayo Vallecano - FC Barcelona: Record win (0-7)


04/29/2012 23:40
Goals from Messi (2), Alexis, Keita, Pedro (2) and Thiago gave Barça a record win at Vallecas in a game they totally dominated
Further good news for the team was the return of Ibrahim Afellay after his long injury layoff

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB
The game proved to be the perfect opportunity to react positively following the disappointments against Madrid and Chelsea as the team swept Rayo aside with a demonstration of attacking brilliance which sawthem three up at the break. Goals from Messi (2),Alexis, Keita, Pedro(2) and Thiago gave Guardiola’s team a comfortable win which beat their previous best result at Vallecas(1-4 in the 1989-90 season)in their first visit to this ground in the last nine years.
The result was another demonstration of the team’s character, bouncing back from a difficult week with painful defeats and the announcement of Guardiola’s farewell with a seven goal show that keeps them seven points off the leaders.
Messi starts the scoring
It was pretty clear from the start that we were infor a game full of goals, with Messi opening his account by rounding off a good team move and then winning the ball in midfield to set up Alexisfor the second. To add, literally, injury to insult, Rayo defender Rober banged into the post in thegoal and was stretchered off.
Three up at the break
Rayo were playing a high line and Barça were happy to take advantage, looking for the runs of Alexis and Pedro in behind and after laying siege to Cobeño’s area, it was really no surprise when they went three up through a Keita goal – once again set up by Messi to deservedly send them three up at the break.
Pedro joins in
There was no change in the second half, with Messi firing an early chance from an Alexis cross at the bar and the ball falling to Pedro who simply had to knock it back in to make it four. Ahead of his probable game in the Cup Final, Pinto got a rare start and made a number of classy stops, whilst Afellay came on for Busquets on 73 minutes to make a welcome return after his long injury layoff, which has seen him miss most of the season.
Three more
Barça then got three more in the last quarter of an hour, as Thiago headed in a great cross from Alves for the fifth and Pedro got his second after more great work from Messi, who rounded off the rout with his second on 90 minutes. It was a great performance from the Argentinean, who isnow just two short of Gerd Muller’s record of goals in a season, and indeed from the whole team who were once again at their very best !

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Afellay: "I'm very happy to be playing again"
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/30/2012 00:15

Ibrahim Afellay returned to competitive football after seven and a half months on Barça’s injury list. This Sunday he played 20 minutes against Rayo Vallecano
The Dutch player’s last official match with the team was the Barça-Osasuna game played on September 17th.
Afellay: “I really like to play football. I’ve worked hard during the team’s training session and I’m very pleasedâ€
"We won't changeâ€
Afellay also talked about Guardiola’s decision toleave the Club at the end of the season: “Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world but Tito is almost the same. They’ve worked together all these years. I believe everything will be the same.†The Dutch player, who spoke to the press in Spanish, said “I hope to speak to you in Catalan next year.â€
His last minutes played in the Barça strip were atthe Camp Nou during the 8-0 thrashing of Osasuna, and today, he did his part in another Barça exhibition (7-0). After a long time on Barça’s injury list, Ibrahim Afellay returned to competitive football today against Rayo Vallecano.“I really like to play football. I’ve worked hard during the team’s training session and I’m very pleased,†said the Dutch footballer, who also said that he’s been looking forward to this moment with a lot of enthusiasm: “you know the moment will come someday but you don’t know when. I’m happy to return.â€
Afellay, therefore, has left behind the ACL injury that he picked up on September 22nd during training. On October 3rd he underwent surgery to mend the torn ligament and he started his long road to recovery the following day. On April 11th, after six months of work and rehabilitation, he was given medical clearance to play and this Sunday he stepped out onto the pitch to help his teammates claim another victory.
Afellay was subbed in for Sergio Busquets on 72 minutes, with 0-4 on the scoreboard. In the 20 minutes he was on the pitch he participated in 10 collective plays and was involved in 21 overall plays. However, beyond the numbers, this Sunday will be remembered as the day of his return. The Dutch player hadn’t played in an official game since the Barça-Osasuna match on September 17th. He played 24 minutes that game.

FCB

 

[Classik]

Guardiola: “Each game serves as preparation for the finalâ€


04/30/2012 00:25

The Barça manager is very pleased with the attitude of his players after the team beat Rayo Vallecano 7-0 at Vallecas. The manager says thatthe remaining games in La Liga will serve his team to prepare for the final of the King’s Cup onMay 25th
Guardiola praised Pinto’s performance: “Like always, he played very wellâ€
Cardoner: “This is a present for the fans and for Guardiolaâ€
The Social Area vice-president considers the 0-7 result at Vallecas a good present for Barça fans and for Guardiola. “It was a perfect game where Barça played with tranquility. The team emptieditself and they were very comfortable on the pitch. Spectacle once again won this Sunday.†On Guardiola’s goodbye and the news that Tito Vilanova will be Barça’s new manager, Jordi Cardoner explained that, “we were discrete on the matter, and we managed the change naturally. Tito Vilanova is looking forward to the challenge with excitement. He’s excited and the fans are behind him.â€
Josep Guardiola said that this Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano was “a demonstration†of what type of team Barça have been in recent years. “A football game is always useful for a lot of things. We know that Madrid are champions [of La Liga], and that this match was a demonstration of what this team is and have been. My players played a very serious game andthey were on form throughout the whole match,†he said.
He added: “the team ran a lot, and they played a serious game against a team that’s fighting to stay in the Primera División. The players know that we’re preparing ourselves for a final and that everything has its worth. Every match counts.†Guardiola also said that his players are pleased after having scored seven goals in today’s game. “I have the impression that we have scored a lot of goals over the years. They are all welcome,†he said.
Praise for Pedro and Pinto
Pedro , with two goals, was one of Barça’s most lethal men in tonight’s match. The Barça manager highlighted the Spaniard’s performance: “I appreciate him a lot. We started in Third Division together, and I know him well. It’s true that his injuries have stopped him from playing more this season. I’m very pleased with his performance, for his two goals, and for the passes he gave. Also, for the way he moved on the pitch.â€
He also talked about why he included José Manuel Pinto in today’s starting line-up: “if he’s on form he’ll play the final. Therefore, I prefer that he gets a bit of playing time on a pitch that’snot very easy to interpret. Like always, he playedvery well.â€
“Barça will stay on topâ€
On his decision to leave the Club next season, Guardiola said that Barça is his home: “it’s my home, and in the end I knew that it was over. The Club is healthy, and the team is young, Tito knows them perfectly and I’m convinced that Barça will compete for everything.â€
Lastly, the Barça manager apoogized to Rayo Vallecano’s fans for Thiago and Alves ’ celebration after Barça’s fifth goal. “It won’t happen again,†said Guardiola.

FCB,

VANESSA FORNS

 

[Classik]

Pedro: "The team is strong and eager"


04/30/2012 00:26
The Spanish striker laments Guardiola’s decisionto leave the Club at the end of the season but he said that the team is looking forward to workingunder Tito Vilanova
Dani Alves and Thiago Alcántara apologized to Rayo’s fans for celebrating Barça’s fifth goal witha dance
Thiago congratulated Afellay on his return to thefootball pitch after being injured for more than seven months

Messi and Pedro / PHOTO: Miguel Ruiz - FCB
Training session on Monday
Barça will train this Monday at 12:00 at the Ciutat Esportiva Sant Joan Despí. Pinto will hold a post-training press conference.
Thiago: “Before anything else I want to congratulate Afellay for his return. He deserves the best"
Busquets: "We have to do everything we can so that Leo Messi finishes the season as top goalscorer. He’s broken all the records, he’s the best in the world"
Pedro: "We’re very pleased that Tito will be manager. We wish him the best"
Pep Guardiola’s team put in a spectacular performance in Madrid as they thrashed Rayo (7-0) to take the three points from Vallecas. The players highlighted the team’s commitment and professionalism as key factors in today’s victory.
“After a difficult week because of our elimination from Champions League and the game against Real Madrid, this match was proof that the team is strong and eager,†said Pedro Rodríguez , who scored a brace against Rayo.
With Guardiola to the end, excited that Tito will be next
The Spanish striker said that the team is with Guardiola “100%†until the end of the season, but that the squad is optimistic about Tito Vilanova’s appointment as manager for next season. “It was a hard blow for the players, aftereverything Guardiola done for the Club, but we have to respect his decision. However, we’re very pleased that Tito will be manager. We wish him the best,†said the player.
“We’d like to present the King’s Cup title to the fans and to Guardiola. We’ll see how we come into that match,†said Pedro. The canterano also evaluated Lionel Messi’s insatiable goalscoring appetite: “he demonstrates game after game that he’s the best in the world. We all have to help him finish the season as top scorer.â€
Congratulations to the futsal team
Pedro also analyzed the game against Rayo: “we found the goals very quickly, we pressured them high up the pitch. It was an open match and we’re pleased with the victory.â€
On the other hand, the footballer said that he’s fighting to be included in Spain’s Euro Championship squad. He also congratulated Barça Alusport for their conquest of the Club’s first European Cup. “It’s a very big joy,†he said.
Here are some of the statements made by Barça players after the match (some of them were made on Twitter):
Víctor Valdés :
“The team played a great game and we showed a lot of ambition and perseverance. Now we have to focus on our next match.â€
Dani Alves :
“I want to apologize to the Rayo fans if I offended them with my goal celebration. I neverwanted to offend anyone.â€
Sergio Busquets :
“The most important thing is the team, but we have to do everything we can so that Leo Messi finishes the season as top goalscorer. He’s broken all the records, he’s the best in the world.
“Pinto is the keeper in the Cup and this match was a good opportunity for him to get a bit of game rhythm. The game we have left [Cup final]is very important, I hope Pep can leave the Club with the Cup title.â€
Thiago Alcántara:
“Before anything else I want to congratulate Afellay for his return. He deserves the best.
â€I want to apologize if I offended Rayo’s fans with my goal celebration. I made a mistake when I was overjoyed with my goal. It won’t happen again.â€

FCB,

Sergi Garcia

 

[Classik]

Rayo Vallecano - FC Barcelona (0-7)
04/29/2012 23:53

PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ-FCB

FCB

 

[Classik]

Rayo Vallecano - FC Barcelona: Record win (0-7)
Goals from Messi (2), Alexis, Keita, Pedro (2) and Thiago gave Barça a record win at Vallecas in a game they totally dominated
Further good news for the team was the return of Ibrahim Afellay after his long injury layoff


04/29/2012 23:40

The game proved to be the perfect opportunity to react positively following the disappointments against Madrid and Chelsea as the team swept Rayo aside with a demonstration of attacking brilliance which sawthem three up at the break. Goals from Messi (2),Alexis, Keita, Pedro(2) and Thiago gave Guardiola’s team a comfortable win which beat their previous best result at Vallecas(1-4 in the 1989-90 season)in their first visit to this ground in the last nine years.
The result was another demonstration of the team’s character, bouncing back from a difficult week with painful defeats and the announcement of Guardiola’s farewell with a seven goal show that keeps them seven points off the leaders.
Messi starts the scoring
It was pretty clear from the start that we were infor a game full of goals, with Messi opening his account by rounding off a good team move and then winning the ball in midfield to set up Alexisfor the second. To add, literally, injury to insult, Rayo defender Rober banged into the post in thegoal and was stretchered off.
Three up at the break
Rayo were playing a high line and Barça were happy to take advantage, looking for the runs of Alexis and Pedro in behind and after laying siege to Cobeño’s area, it was really no surprise when they went three up through a Keita goal – once again set up by Messi to deservedly send them three up at the break.
Pedro joins in
There was no change in the second half, with Messi firing an early chance from an Alexis cross at the bar and the ball falling to Pedro who simply had to knock it back in to make it four. Ahead of his probable game in the Cup Final, Pinto got a rare start and made a number of classy stops, whilst Afellay came on for Busquets on 73 minutes to make a welcome return after his long injury layoff, which has seen him miss most of the season.
Three more
Barça then got three more in the last quarter of an hour, as Thiago headed in a great cross from Alves for the fifth and Pedro got his second after more great work from Messi, who rounded off the rout with his second on 90 minutes. It was a great performance from the Argentinean, who isnow just two short of Gerd Muller’s record of goals in a season, and indeed from the whole team who were once again at their very best !

FCB,

Roger Bogunyà

 

[Classik]

Facts and figures from the Rayo game
www.fcbarcelona.cat 04/30/2012 10:15
This Sunday’s game saw Messi reaching 43 goalsfor the season and the re-appearance of Afellay after a long layoff amongst other stats, we detail below

Messi and Alexis / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
- The competition for the Pitxitxi goes on, with Leo Messi’s brace taking him level with Cristiano Ronaldo on 43 La Liga goals.
- Pinto was back between the sticks for his first league start since the game against Maaalaga atthe end of last season.
- Barça achieved their seventh away win on the run with the 0-7 thrashing.
- That result was the fourth time Barça have won0-7 in the league, the first since the 1962/63 winagainst Malaga.
- Barça have now scored 104 league goal so far this season and are just one short of the record they set in the 08/09 season when they bagged 105.
- Alexis scored his 12th goal of the season, making him the team’s second highest scorer.
- Afellay made his reappearance after a seven and a half month layoff. His last league game was in another big win – the 8-0 thrashing of Osasuna at the Camp Nou on September 17th 2011.

FCB