Five reserves in squad for Cup debut squad

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The Barca Atlètic youngsters Iván Benítez, Andreu Fontàs, Jonathan dos Santos, Jonathan Soriano and Gai Assulin have been called up to the squad to face Cultural Leonesa in Wednesday's Spanish Cup tie.

Barca Atlètic reinforcements
With Messi, Piqué, Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol and Ibrahimovic all being rested for the game,Guardiola has brought in five reserve team players for the cup game: Iván Benítez (shirt number 37), Andreu Fontàs (shirt number 32), Jonathan dos Santos (shirt number 28), Jonathan Soriano (shirt number 36) and Gai Assulin (shirt number 31), who joined up with the rest of the squad for training on Monday.

Only 16 for the game
The Spanish Cup only permits a 16-man squad, so Guardiola will have to leave one of the 17 man squad he's named to watch the game from the stands.

Travel plans

The 17 players will travel to Leon on matchday, flying out from the El Prat airport at 11-30 and arriving in Leon at 13.00. The game kicks off at 22-00 and the squad will stay over in leon, before returning on Thursday.

Messi: “the whole squad deserves this award”

Messi: “the whole squad deserves this award”

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Leo Messi, voted 2008-09 Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, thanked his team mates for their support, whilst President Joan Laporta expressed his pride at the awards given to the team at the LFP ceremony in Madrid on Monday.

With 8 awards, Barca were the big winners at the LFP gala and Leo Messi was undoubtedly the star of the show, picking up two awards as Best Player and Best Forward. The recognition certainly didn't go to Messi's head though and after the ceremony he declared: “I was lucky that things went well for us, both on an individual and on a collective level. I'm very happy with everything I've achieved so far, but all the squad deserves this trophy for the great season we put in last year and the titles we won”.

Laid back
The awards came at sweet moment for the players, following the 6-1 win over Zaragoza and Messi commented: “we were lucky enough to be able to play our own game, control it and score six goals. I always need good games to be at my best”, It's been Messi at his best that has caught the football world's attention and made him a firm favourite for this year's Footballer of the Year Award, but Messi is as laid back about that as he is about everything: “I'm relaxed, but obviously it'd be a very special to win both awards”.

Laporta grateful

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta was also present at the ceremony and was clearly pleased with the evening's proceedings: “I'm very proud and grateful to the league for the recognition and also especially to our players and staff who've made us such an admired club”. Laporta also spoke of Samuel Eto'o: “I've only got words of thanks for everything he did as a Barca player during his five years at the club. I'll always love him, regardless of any questions that are still outstanding between us. I wish him lots of luck at Inter”.

On the right track

Laporta also commented on the great start the team have made to this season: “I think we are on the right track, continuing the good work we did last season with the same spirit of sacrifice and playing with the same intensity. We respect everybody's opinion, but we think that this team has a lot to give still and we believe that we have to continue in the same way we have so far, showing maximum intensity and commitment . We mustn't stop playing the Barca way that has brought ius so much success”.

Finally, Laporta didn't rule out any signings in the winter transfer market: “we want to continue with what we planned, but if the technical staff see the need for new signings, they have the final word”

All 18 available players named for Rubin Kazan

All 18 available players named for Rubin Kazan

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Josep Guardiola has picked the same players that travelled to Valencia, the 18 that are fit, for Tuesday’s game at the Camp Nou against Rubin Kazan.

New competition, same faces. Three days after the 0-0 draw at Mestalla, in their seventh league outing, FC Barcelona return to the Champions League to face their group rivals Rubin Kazan.

To do so, Pep is using the same set of players that faced Valencia. Milito, who came out for training and joined some of the activities, and also Henry and Chygrynskiy, who worked out in the gym and just came out with a fitness coach for a short while, are still recovering from injuries.

Last session

The squad appeared on the Camp Nou turf on schedule, at 18.00, for the second to last training session before they face Russian League champions Rubin Kazan. The players went through the usual warm up drills, and the atmosphere among the squad was as positive as ever.

Positional play and shots on goal

They then worked on positions, with two players taking pivotal roles in an exercise designed to fine-tune attacking plays. It was only at this point that Josep Guardiola arrived, for he had been busy attending to the media in the Camp Nou pressroom. The session ended with shooting practice.

Staying at Hotel La Florida

Like he did for the game with Dynamo, once training was done, Guardiola led his players off to Hotel La Florida, where they will stay the night together. On Tuesday morning, FC Barcelona will be back at the Camp Nou for a 12.00 session. Then they will return to the hotel until kick off time.

All 18 available players named for Rubin Kazan

All 18 available players named for Rubin Kazan

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Josep Guardiola has picked the same players that travelled to Valencia, the 18 that are fit, for Tuesday’s game at the Camp Nou against Rubin Kazan.

New competition, same faces. Three days after the 0-0 draw at Mestalla, in their seventh league outing, FC Barcelona return to the Champions League to face their group rivals Rubin Kazan.

To do so, Pep is using the same set of players that faced Valencia. Milito, who came out for training and joined some of the activities, and also Henry and Chygrynskiy, who worked out in the gym and just came out with a fitness coach for a short while, are still recovering from injuries.

Last session

The squad appeared on the Camp Nou turf on schedule, at 18.00, for the second to last training session before they face Russian League champions Rubin Kazan. The players went through the usual warm up drills, and the atmosphere among the squad was as positive as ever.

Positional play and shots on goal

They then worked on positions, with two players taking pivotal roles in an exercise designed to fine-tune attacking plays. It was only at this point that Josep Guardiola arrived, for he had been busy attending to the media in the Camp Nou pressroom. The session ended with shooting practice.

Staying at Hotel La Florida

Like he did for the game with Dynamo, once training was done, Guardiola led his players off to Hotel La Florida, where they will stay the night together. On Tuesday morning, FC Barcelona will be back at the Camp Nou for a 12.00 session. Then they will return to the hotel until kick off time.

Barça v Rubin Kazan: Did you know…

Barça and Rubin Kazan meet on Tuesday in a historic game for the Russian club, who have never played a Spanish team before. The following are some items of trivia associated to the game.

Barça have played Russian League teams four times at the Camp Nou, and have won three of them and lost one.

- The only defeat was in a game Barça manager Josep Guardiola will remember, because he played in it. That was in the 1992/93 season, when CSKA won 2-3 to end Barça’s dream of winning the Champions League for the second year in a row.
The last visit from a Russian team was in 2002/03, when Frank de Boer scored the winner (1-0). Puyol and Xavi played that day, October 23, 2002, while Valdés and Iniesta were on the bench.

- Both teams are currently top of their respective leagues, and both by just one point, although the situation is very different in Russia as they have already played 25 games.

- The Russian captain, Sergei Semak, has already experienced defeat to Iniesta, Puyol and Xavi. Spain beat Russia twice in the 2008 European Championships, both in the group stages and the semi finals.

Rubin Kazan have one player, César Navas, who knows all about Barça and La Liga. In March 2009, he went to the Russian club from Racing Santander. Curiously, one of his last games was a 2-1 defeat to Barça, the very game in which Messi scored the 5,000th goal in Barcelona history.

- South African Sibaya, of Rubin Kazan, can play on Tuesday, having served his three match suspension.

- Rubin Kazan won last week (2-1) for the first time in six games.

- Barça is one of only four teams in the current Champions League that have yet to concede a go

Barça stay top (0-0)

Barça stay top (0-0)

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FC Barcelona stayed on top of La Primera with their first draw of the season against a determined Valencia side in Mestalla on Saturday evening.

The visitors were hoping to make club history by securing their seventh straight league win at the start of the campaign, but had to settle for a share of the spoils in a tight encounter that saw both teams without their first choice strikers both not in the starting sides.

While David Villa was in stands for Valencia, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named on the bench after the knock that he received on international duty and did not make an appearance. For the visitors though Víctor Valdés was at his best, while Andrés Iniesta was asked to play in the front three in the absence of Thierry Henry along with Pedro and Lionel Messi.

Vital Valdés

The first notable chance that came in a game of few clear opportunities and it fell to the home side as Pablo Hernández tested Valdés. Valencia then implemented their well-prepared tactics that were clearly designed to nullify Barça where and when it was possible as they blocked up the midfield and kept seven or eight men back when the visitors ventured forward.

Iniesta close

In the opening half the home side looked confident as the majority of the game was played in the Barcelona as Xavi was unable to find space or time to help his side move clear. It was not until the 35th minute that the away team had their first good chance and it was Iniesta that tested César.

Change of dynamic

Within four minutes of the second half starting Messi had a chance but he was unable to connect properly with his volley and the ball went wide. The game began to open up and Pedro saw César deny him after he had been set up by Xavi just after the midfielder himself had seen a shot deflected behind the goal for a corner.

Few chances

Valencia were still looking like they could spring a surprise and Mathieu sent a rasping drive off target before Pablo looked to chip Valdés only for the Barça keeper to tip the ball over. Messi showed glimpses of skill, but in the last 20 minutes chances were at a premium and a goalless draw looked more and more likely. After winning their first six matches of the campaign and with 13 players having been away in the past two weeks on World Cup duty Pep Guardiola's side can be pleased with a performance against a difficult Valencia team that will no doubt be challenging for the top four again this term.

Valencia v Barça: evenly matched

Every Barça fans knows that the away trip to Valencia is always a tricky one. Historically, the game at Mestalla has been one of the toughest of the season.

FC Barcelona have played there 74 times, and the results have been very evenly matched. Barça have won 29 times, lost 29, and drawn 16 times. In these games Barça have scored 119 goals and conceded 124.

They have always been gruelling affairs, usually decided the by the narrowest of margins.

Big wins

VALxNCIA_6_BARxA_2_x61-62x.jpgBut there have also been a few thrashings. Valencia’s biggest win over Barça at Mestalla was in 1960/61. Then managed by Domènec Balmanya, they won 6-2. Barça were just recovering from the setback of defeat in the European Cup Final in Berne on May 31 and the announcement of the departure of some key players.

VALxNCIA_2_BARxA_5_x84-85x.jpgBarça had one huge 5-2 win under Terry Venables, and won 4-0 in the 1993/94 season. Both these emphatic victories counted towards league championship titles.

The famous 4-3

In recent years, the game most people will remember was the one in 1992/93, when Cruyff’s side beat Valencia, under Guus Hiddink, 4-3. Most observers believed that was Barcelona’s finest performance of the year.

VALxNCIA_3_BARxA_4_x20-3-1993x.JPGThe first half ended one each thanks to Nadal for Barça and Lubo Penev for the home side. The flood of goals came after the break, Fernando and Álvaro adding two more for Valencia, and Begiristain, Bakero and Laudrup notching up the Barça goals.

Guardiola: patience and then attack and then attack

Guardiola: patience and then attack and then attack

Squad back in training ahead of Saturday game

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Baraca's first team squad will be back in training this evening after a three day break. The squad will train four times this week ahead of the visit to Mestalla this weekend, when the team will be looking for their seventh league win on the run.

2009-10-06_ENTRENAMIENTO_FCB_015.JPGOnce again though, Guardiola will be faced with a reduced squad as just six of his players - Pinto, Valdés, Maxwell, Pedro, Jeffren and Bojan will be available and will possibly be supplemented with players from Barça Atlètic or the youth team.

First batch of internationals back on Wednesday

The internationals who have already returned to Barcelona - Alves, Márquez, Xavi, Puyol, Keita and Touré will be back at work on Wednesday morning for the training session which begins 11.00. Alves is waiting on Dunga's decision to release him or not after he picked up a yellow card that means he misses Brazil's game against Velanzuela.

Evening sessions on Thursday and Friday

2009-09-03_ENTRENO_12.jpgThursday sees another evening training session(18.00) at which Ibrahimovic, Abidal, Henry, Busquets, Piqué and Iniesta are scheduled to be present, though Leo Messi will not have arrived back in time to train. Friday's session is set for 18.00, which should give the Argentinian star time to get back from his country's all important game against Uruguay.

Return trip on Saturday

2009-09-26_VUAJE_WEB_69.JPGThe team will leave for Valencia on Saturday morning and return straight after the game, ready for Sunday lunchtime's training ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Rubin Kazan. On Monday the squad will train at the Nou Camp at 18.00.

Ibra talks to Revista Barca

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Barca's latest signing talks to the “Revista Barca” in their latest addition about his career so far and his first few months at the club.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the club's magazine before the game against Malaga and revealed much about his background, his motivation and his hopes and expectations for his time at Barca.

Winning mentality

2009-07-27_ENTREVISTA_BARxA_TV_IBRAHIMOVIC_03.jpgZlatan's father was Bosnian and his mother Croatian and he grew up in the a quiet Swedish town. He began playing football at Rosengard where he began to develop his strong personality: “you have to be strong in life and I didn't let anybody put me down. If you show me respect, I'll respect you. I like people to speak clearly and say things as the are. I don't want to be second, third or fourth . That's the same as being last. I want to be first – or nothing”,

Inter

2009-08-23_PARTIDO_04.jpgLa Liga is Ibrahimovic's fourth league after starting in Sweden, moving to Ajax and then Italy where he played two seasons at Juventus before switching to Inter for the next three years. Now he's at Barca and he's clear about the difference between this and his previous clubs: “At Inter there were not as many players who could turn a game. When one of them was off form, the game was tough, but here even if one of the bets players Is out, there is always somebody else who can make a difference ready to come in. That's want makes Barca such a great team”.


Eto'o

2009-07-27_PRESENTACION_ZLATAN_IBRAHIMOVIC_006.JPGThe Swedish striker's goals and assists so far this season have put a stop to any yearnings for Eto'o from the fans, but Ibrahimovic has plenty of respect for the African striker: “ he did a great job at Barca and I've got a lot of respect for what he did. He's one of the greats, but that pressure doesn't affect me, maybe the opposite in fact, it drives me on. However, I don't think you can compare us as we are so different”.

Guardiola

2009-08-03_GUARDIOLAx_IBRAHIMOVIC_04.jpgAfter working under bosses such as Koeman, Capello, Mancini or Mourinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic likes Guardiola's system: “he explains well what he wants and wants to know what you like most, what you want to do......There's always a very open dialogue. He's got a winning mentality like me, but he also wants to win with elegance and by playing attractive football”.

A place in history

2009-09-25_IBRAHIMOVIC_11.JPGWith five goals in his first five League appearances, Ibrahimovic has made his mark and entered into club history, a history he is very well aware of: “I remember the times of Romario, then Ronaldo, one of the bets ever players – the most complete footballer ever for me. Players like Stoichkov, Ronaldo, Romário, Eto'o... they've all done extraordinary things here and I'd love to be able to leave my mark too”.

Henry out, Gai in

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Josep Guardiola has confirmed that Thierry Henry will miss the match against Dynamo Kiev. A hamstring problem will keep him on the sidelines for six or seven days. Meanwhile, reserve team hopeful Gai comes into the squad.

Guardiola will have to put together a forward line without Henry, Bojan and, possibly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is still carrying an ankle knock. However, the squad can count on plenty of attack minded players such as Pedro, Jeffren, Messi, Iniesta and Gai.

Gai and Espasandín

The young Israeli star joined Monday afternoon’s training session along with Barça Atlètic team-mate, Victor Espasandín. The session lasted about an hour and was open to the media. Espasandín has not been included in the squad.

The squad

The 18-man squad to play Dynamo Kiev: Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Abidal, Maxwell, Puyol, Piqué, Márquez, Touré, Xavi, Keita, Iniesta, Busquets, Messi, Pedro, Ibrahimovic, Jeffren and Gai

Photos match Barcelona and Malaga

Alkatloni team returned again to continue the series of victories at the Spanish La Liga and won the day with a 2-0 win at Malaga with a view to the player Abrahimovic industry superstar Lionel Messi and a superb goal another industry player Pique Engineer Shafi Hernandez ... you pictures of the meeting, the official site ..

Summary of match Barsha Racing

Summary of match Barsha Racing

Ibra makes scoring history

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has become the first FC Barcelona player to ever score in each of his first four league matches for the club.

Neither Laszlo Kubala, Johan Cruyff, Hans Krankl, Romario or Samuel Eto’o could match that incredible record, despite all of them going on to become club legends in front of goal. The Swedish striker arrived in a blaze of publicity in the summer and has lived up to his billing with an impressive start to his Barça career.

Goals goal

Having netted four goals in his first four matches for the Blaugrana it remains to be seen if he can continue the run. After netting on his debut against Sporting de Gijón on September 1, Ibrahimovic showed that even though he was settling into the team, he could still score.

In his next game at Getafe he added a second and then matched that feat with goals against Atlético de Madrid in Camp Nou and then Racing Santander on Tuesday evening in El Sardinero.

Racing ahead

Having played seven games in total for FC Barcelona the former Ajax, Juventus and Inter forward’s adaptation to life at Camp Nou has been quick. His display in El Sardinero was outstanding as he nodded home the opener before showing his strength and ability to set up Gerard Piqué for Barça’s third of the evening.

Over-taking Stoichkov

Ibrahimovic has taken the record of goals at the start of a Barça career off Hristo Stoichkov as it was the Bulgarian who had been at the top as he scored in each of his first three matches for the club in 1990. After opening his account against Espanyol, the striker netted against Valenica and Real Betis before being unable to add to that against Rea Valladolid.

Barça strikers first four matches for the club

	League	R.1	R.2	R.3	R.4
Eto'o	2004/05	1	0	0	2
Kluivert	1998/99	0	1	2	1
Rivaldo	1997/98	2	1	0	2
Romario	1993/94	3	0	0	2
Stoichkov	1990/91	1	1	1	0
Cruyff	1973/74	2	0	0	1
Re	1962/63	2	1	0	1
Escolà	1934/35	1	0	2	1

Barcelona 5-2 Atletico Madrid All Goals & Highlights

Midnight training

Midnight training

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After the win over Atletico Madrid and with the Nou Camp empty of fans, Josep Guardiola sent out the three subs he didn't use – Puyol , Toure and Abidal for a for a short training exercise.

The three had sat through the game on the bench, but Guardiola, undoubtedly concerned that no member of the squad misses a day without some sort of activity, sent his three unused players out for some post match exercise as the crowds emptied and midnight approached.

Not the first time

It's not the first time Guardiola has chosen to give his unused subs some work – before the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup he had the players not selected to play on the Nou Camp pitch for a pre-match training exercise.

Barcelona 5-2 Atletico Madrid

Goal.com

Barcelona crushed Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou with a stunning first half performance to return to the top of the table. Although the visitors found a brace of goals from Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, the Blaugrana were always in control of the match thanks to goals by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi, Dani Alves and Seydou Keita.

Both sides were at full strength up front: Messi, Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry formed the attacking trident for the hosts, while Aguero and Forlan lined up in attack for los Rojiblancos. Dmytro Chygrynskiy made his home debut for the Blaugrana.

Messi stay in barca to 2016

Messi 2016

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Lionel Messi extended his stay at FC Barcelona when he put pen-to-paper on a new deal at the club on Friday. The Argentinian forward’s new agreement runs until 2016 and has a buy-out clause of €250million included.

Having previously had a contract until 2014 with a clause of €150million the club have improved the player’s deal.

The 22-year-old signed the new contract on Friday in the Barça club offices and also present were 3 PM. With the new deal Messi has insured that he will be a Blaugrana player for 15 years as he joined the club’s youth team ranks in 2001.

to see

Summary of match Inter Milan vs Barcelona

Summary of match Inter Milan vs Barcelona

We went out a precious draw from the heart of San Siro (Photos)

Ended shortly before the summit match between the group f Barcelona and Inter Milan result of a goalless draw after a goalless game more than a wonderful and enjoyable.


Pictures ............

Barça impress and take away point (0-0)

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Barça impress and take away point (0-0)

Jordi Clos

Barça have got their Champions League title defence off to a fine start with a draw away to Inter Milan, but on chances created, were probably worth the win.

Barça have no teams to fear in this competition. Last season in the Champions League they came away from such places as Lyon, Munich and Stamford Bridge before winning in Rome. And this season they have come away with a thoroughly deserved point at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The first half was a lively affair, with chances falling to both sides, but FCB were clearly the better side in the second. At times, Inter were pegged back defending in their own area, and a bit more luck in front of goals and Barça could have easily have returned from Italy with all three points.

Trademark football

Both sides fielded as strong a side as they could. And it was the finest player in last season’s Champions League, Leo Messi, who was the first to appear with a slaloming first minute run topped off with a shot that Julio César did well to save. That came on a counter attack, with Inter opting to match Barça’s possession based game.

Barça impose themselves

Barça also enjoyed the second chance, in the 7th minute, where Ibrahimovic, motivated by the jeering from his former fans, found himself one on one with Julio César but his strike went wide. Then a dangerous header from Messi –playing as a false centre forward- was further evidence of why Barça won the trophy last year. Maicon then issued a tenth minute warning that there were two teams on the park, and the pace of the game slowed down. It was at this point that we started seeing the best of Xavi.

Clash of giants

Pressure from Inter’s forwards, and especially Eto’o, made it hard to get the ball out, and there were signs of discomfort among Guardiola’s charges. Milito (min 28) and Sneijder (min 32) both issued further warnings, but Barça still had it in them to produce further danger before the half was out. Keita came close when spotting a gap in the Inter defence, and Messi’s low drive was turned away by Julio César. This was high voltage stuff – a fascinating duel between two of the best teams in the world.

Differing responses

Both sides returned after the break as hungry for victory as before. Sneijder and Ibra both enjoyed goalscoring opportunities, but most of the action was in Inter’s half. Barça pushed forward patiently, playing the ball to feet but perhaps not quite as fast as they usually do. Inter went for a more direct approach, with Stankovic almost scoring with a splendid effort in the 65th minute.

Firing the final rounds

Barça, with incommensurable displays from both centre backs, Puyol and Piqué, gained ground, and by the end of it, Inter almost seemed content to settle for a draw. Barça had them under siege in their own area, where Messi missed from point blank range following a crafty cross from Henry (min 73). Immediately after, Alves made a penalty claim for what looked like handball by Stankovic. Iniesta came on towards the end, but failed to do anything to prevent the game from ending as it had begun, but ultimately, a draw at the Giuseppe Meazza is a result Barça can feel very happy with.

Formally: FC Barcelona squad against Inter

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Barcelona - Barcelona coach issued Pep Guardiola Almstdap squad to face "Inter Milan" in the first round group stage in the Champions League at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium.

Goalkeepers: Valdés, Pinto

Line of defense: Marquez, Abidal, Pique, Maxwell, Puyol, Alves, Higrenci.

Midfielders: Busquets, Keita, Xavi, Iniesta, Toure.

Forwards: Henry, India Broadband, Ibrahimovic, Pedro, Messi.


The Higrinski Although entry in the list will not play against Inter Milan because of his participation in the same contest with Shakhtar Donistek, which means that the squad will be reduced to 18 players and is the number required by the laws of the European Union.
On the other hand will be held in the press room for the Giuseppe Meazza stadium Jose Mourinho, with one of his players told a news conference tomorrow at 16:30, while Pep Guardiola and Carlois Captain Carles Puyol will hold a news conference also at 18:15 local time in Italy.

IBRAHIMOVIC vs MESSI - Top 5 Goals

Hey, God willing, fine
IBRAHIMOVIC vs MESSI - Top 5 Goals

Gerard Pique: Do not keep Samuel Aitulanh source of risk in forward!!!

Me now. Gerard Pique continue to fight the big challenges. It is since his arrival the team last season, he was able to book a seat in the basic starting lineup. And has been a key piece in the Group of Pep Guardiola, who won three. Especially in the Champions League when the coach asked him to monitor Cristiano Ronaldo in the final of Rome and has already succeeded to the task. Is still evolving. He is now a key piece in the team del Bosque ", Spain" as it is the top scorer in the team although he's a defender as he scored three goals in 9 games with the team. And on the day after tomorrow. Pique will run a new experience in front of a powerful adversary. Situsband and this time with former teammate Samuel Eto'o. "Be careful and not give them the area." This is the way they thought it would make Pique team emerge victorious from Jawsepe Meazza stadium.
What do you think the second win Ballega?

"We're a good way. But we must understand that there are many things in the future. Important thing is we won and we got three points from a difficult against a team as complex as Getafe."

How do you assess Cegrinski for the debut?

"Although it was the first game. I think he'll adapt to the team very quickly. It's a very good player. Gave me great comfort in the Getafe match. And I think he will do a lot for the team."

Have you talked with him?

"He speaks English. As he learns Spanish quickly and he knows its now. But football can help you to understand the larger player, and I think that this is the fastest way for mutual understanding between colleagues within the pitch."

Day after tomorrow, will play against Ito. How do you feel before going to this meeting against him?

"It is things happen in football. Colleagues may be players competing in other teams. Positive thing is that you know how to play well. And negative thing is the same. He knows us very well too."

So how Sthdon of gravity?

"It's a serious player in the penalty area. So it must be banned. Should be removed from the area as much as possible and prevent it from receiving more passes. This is the best way possible."

And you talked with Eto'o before the meeting?

"I do not. But before they got out of the team spoke to me and wished me good luck. I had a good relationship with him. It's a great player. And has helped us greatly in order to achieve a triple."

Is there a fear of Ito being a player in Barcelona?

"I'm sure he will try to give all he has and try to register in the range of Barcelona. This is expected. He is a very enthusiastic player and play against Barcelona might give more incentive to score goals. But anyway, we will try to stop him."

Do you think that team could emulate the tripartite you achieved last season?

"We know that it is complicated. But we have all the possibilities that will help us to replicate this feat. The problem is that in 109 years has not been achieved Troika. Fairey that it is very difficult to achieve in three successive seasons. I think that this is complicated."

And what about the money spent by the great Real Madrid?

"They have contracts worth large. They are in very need for such a thing. Because they want to compete with the team that won three. The team has achieved everything. So they are working to compete with the team and win trophies as well."

Go back to the league. Is it true that the Barcelona and Madrid are the favorite to win Ballega?
"So everyone thinks. But anything can happen in football. And possibly to battle another team to achieve the title. But Barcelona and Madrid are the candidates always. But to achieve another team of the tournament was also possible."

Great tournament, the Champions League. And this year's League final will be at the Bernabeu?

"Everyone wants to be in the final of the Champions League. But for the Collis Vallab in this final will be something special. And the desire to do so especially well. Will win the championship this year is very beautiful."
Is the Champions League is a tournament favorite for you?

Aside from that. But there are 7 or 8 great teams competing for this title. There are 3 or 4 from England, 3 from Italy, Barcelona and Real Madrid. These teams are favorites to win the tournament. If there is Mcrahin many. But it would be of achieving victories in Madrid. "

Is the World Cup for clubs is a great challenge for you and for the team this season?

"Yes. It is something obvious. Barcelona have not won this tournament before and we want to achieve. I hope to be one of the first team to win this tournament. Win this tournament is very important for a club that win will be the first in history."

Finally .. How do you see Ibrahimovic?

"He has more and make his mark, but beautifully. Zlatan has a great talent. And a lot of physical strength as he copes with the team quickly. I think that it would be a very important player in the team."

Source here

Coming week dominated by Champions League

Coming week dominated by Champions League

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Barca face two demanding commitments this week, with the Champions League kicking off next Wednesday at Inter Milan, then Atletico Madrid at home on Saturday.

After returning from the Getafe game on Saturday night, the squad is already focussed the Inter Milan tie, and they trained behind closed doors on Sunday morning at the Ciudad Deportiva. The next training session will be on Monday morning in the same place, but this time the press will be allowed in during the first minutes.

Off to Milan

The squad will travel to Milan on Tuesday after breakfast at Camp Nou, and they will be training the same day at 19:00 in the Giuseppe Meazza stadium. The game itself against Inter Milan takes place on Wednesday at 19:45, and so Barca’s 2009/10 campaign to defend the Champions’ League begins.

Visit from Atletico Madrid

As soon as they return from Milan, Guardiola’s squad will be straight back to training both on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning in readiness for the visit of one of the top teams in La Liga; Atletico Madrid. The game itself is at 22:00 on Saturday at Camp Nou.

Touré: “Now it’s important to gain confidence”

Touré: “Now it’s important to gain confidence”

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Toure thinks it’s important the fact that Barca are leaders after the second game of the season. He thinks that the victory away at Getafe will give them the self-confidence to face the coming games, especially the one next Wednesday away at Inter.

Once again, there’s no time for Barca to wind down and savour their victory over Getafe because this coming Wednesday they begin to defend their Champions League title away at the Giuseppe Meazza against Inter Milan with Samuel Eto’o.

The price of playing for Barca

But for Touré, who gave a press conference this Sunday, this is the price you pay for playing for Barca: “Barcelona is a great team, and every time there are internationals, a lot of players go, and so the return is always tricky”. He believes there’s time to get ready for Wednesday: “We’ve got two or three days to recover”.

Summary game Khtavi 0-2 Barcelona (video)

Summary game Khtavi 0-2 Barcelona (video)

Panel date Tdrabiyat Barcelona Coming

Barcelona - Pep Guardiola announced in a statement to the official site of the date of exercise club Ketloni coming after you finish the task successfully against Getafe duality clean.

Exercise would be prepared to face Inter Milan on Sunday at 11:00 am local time Catalans, and will be in the Joan Gamper Sports City under the closed doors, and after completion will be the player ivory "Yahya Toure" press conference.

Perfect debut for Chygrynskiy

Perfect debut for Chygrynskiy

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The game against Getafe was a good opportunity to see Barca’s latest signing Dmitro Chygrynskiy in action. The Ukrainian formed the defensive axis with Piqué, and he played the full 90 minutes.

Dmytro Chygrynskiy was presented to the club on first La Liga match of this season against Sporting Gijon, when he had to watch the game from the stands. The following day he joined the Ukrane squad, and then returned to Barcelona last Thursday. He resumed training on Friday and Guardiola decided to take him to Getafe, where he made it to the starting line-up.

Partnership with Piqué

With Puyol out on the right, Guardiola decided to play Dmytro Chygrynskiy in central defence with Gerard Piqué. Both players understood each other, and they kept their zone under control. Though little was known about Chygrynskiy when he was signed, we now see why Guardiola’s was keen to sign him.

Impressive match stats

Dmytro Chygrynskiy’s performance at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez makes for some impressive statistics. In 90 minutes, he made seven successful tackles and he didn’t lose the ball once. And he didn’t commit any foul. He also seems to have a great vision of the game which was shown in his 52 passes, all good ones. His long-range passes are very accurate

Barcelona vs Getafe (Photos)

If you do not see this game, specifically in the second half and you'll be regretful The team of Catalan and enjoyable for hundreds of disguise and Ibrahimovic made a very large degree been able to manufacture the goal and scoring a goal and making a lot of opportunities the Catalans victory ended the meeting with two goals to none against Getafe These images of the game ..