Inter Milan beat Barcelona for Las Palmas prospect Alejandro Rodriguez

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Inter Milan have swooped for Las Palmas attacking midfielder Alejandro Rodriguez.

The 17 year-old had also been on the radar of Barcelona.

Barça had shown great interest in the young Spaniard, but it’s reported Inter have swooped first.

Rodriguez could be at the Appiano Gentile training ground as early as next week.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Cleverley outstanding against Barcelona

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson rated Tom Cleverley as outstanding in victory over Barcelona.

The midfielder created United’s winner for Michael Owen last night.

Ferguson said: "Tom Cleverley, physically, isn't the strongest lad but he's wily and he has a great idea of the game.

"He's a good footballer and I thought he was our best player tonight. His discipline was terrific, he's a good passer, he has good eyes... He's a big possibility to start for us at the start of the season.”

Man Utd striker Welbeck delighted with victory over Barcelona

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck was delighted with their victory overBarcelona.

The 20-year-old set up Nani’s first half opener in a 76-minute run-out at Washington DC’s FedEx Field which gave him more valuable experience against top-level opposition.

“It’s a great experience coming out here and playing against the European champions,” the striker told MUTV. “They’re a great side and we did very well to get the result in the end.

“The first half went well, Nani was excellent and really carried [the ball] forward for us.

“We’re not used to having so little possession but against Barcelona you have to bide your time a bid and pounce when the time is right. It was a good team performance.”

Welbeck spent an injury-disrupted 2010/11 season on loan at Sunderland but is pleased to be back at United and happy with his pre-season preparations in the USA.

“I’ve been doing well in training so I was ready to step up once I got the chance,” he said.

“I’m delighted to be back at United and it’s gone well.”

Owen does the business as Man Utd defeat Barcelona in DC

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Michael Owen provedManchester United's matchwinner as they gained some revenge on Barcelonawith a 2-1 win in Washington today.

Manchester United led at halftime after Nani finished superbly after a wonderful break from Danny Welbeck on 22 minutes.

Barcelona had been keeping possession well inside the United half, but were caught cold by Welbeck at a corner kick and the Portugal winger raced towards their goal before finding Nani, who slotted home well.

United players were left angry ten minutes by an X-rated challenge from Jonathan dos Santos on winger Ashley Young.
After halftime, Barca took advantage from a slip by Ryan Giggs to equalise. Man of the moment, Thiago Alcantara hit a screamer from 20 yards to level the scores on 70 minutes.

However, six minutes United were back in front thanks to Michael Owen. Tom Cleverley intercepted a sloppy pass from Sergio Busquets and fed Owen, with the former Real Madrid striker beating Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes with an ice-cold finish.

Starting line-ups:

Barcelona: Valdes; Fontas, Abidal, Alcantara, dos Santos; Busquets, Iniesta, Keita; Villa, Pedro, Afellay. Subs: Pinto, Masip, Balliu, Pique, Puyol, Xavi, Suarez, Riverola, Cabelino, Lozano, Muniesa, Carmona, Espinosa, Cuenca

Manchester United: De Gea; Evra, Vidic, Evans, Rafael; Cleverly, Anderson, Young, Nani; Rooney, Welbeck. Subs: Lindegaard, Amos, Jones, Ferdinand, Smalling, Fabio, Obertan, Owen, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Diouf, Berbatov, Macheda

Man Utd fullback Rafael suffers knee scare in Barcelona win

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United fullback Rafael da Silva suffered a knee injury in their friendly win over Barcelona.

Rafael was forced off on 17 minutes after injuring his knee - he was replaced by twin brother Fabio.

United defeated Barca 2-1 through goals from Nani and Michael Owen.

Arsenal boss Wenger: If Cesc is committed, he will reject Barcelona

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Arsene Wenger says if Cesc Fabregas is committed toArsenal then no amount of money from Barcelona will convince them to sell.

Wenger spoke after watching his side blow a two-goal lead in the 2-2 againstBoca Juniors in the Emirates Cup on Saturday.

He said: "If Fabregas is committed to this club and wants to stay, no money will get him out of here.

"We are not in a position where we need to sell our players. We are not looking after money.

"He cares about this club and that's why I hope he can keep him."

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Victory over Barcelona important for us

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson was delighted with their 2-1 friendly win over Barcelona.

United won thanks to goals from Nani and Michael Owen.

Ferguson said: It's important for us to win all games. That's the expectation. We're delighted to go into the season with a winning frame of mind and we've achieved that. It's been a good tournament for us, we've integrated the new players well.

"They've done well settling in with players they don't really know. We're happy winning the match againstBarcelona. Now we move on to matters back home and hopefully we keep our form.

“To be honest, you saw both teams – we made a lot of changes. It's difficult to gauge exactly the importance of the result. For me, I'm sure we're fit, I'm sure we've got a good squad and I've got some good young players coming through. These are all pluses – we have a squad able to deal with the demands of the English and European game.”

Man Utd midfielder Cleverley pleased with performance in Barcelona victory

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley was delighted with his performance in victory over Barcelona.

Cleverley created the winner forMichael Owen in the second-half.

“It’s nice to test yourself against some of the best players in the world,” he told MUTV.

“This was a big game for me and the other fringe players trying to stake a claim. There were a few nerves but they went after the first five minutes.

“It’s good after being out on loan for a season to return to the first-team set-up, to get back playing the Manchester United way.

“I’ve just got to take confidence from this and carry on.”

Ferguson pleased with performance of Man Utd No1 De Gea in Barcelona win

31.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson was pleased with David De Gea's performance in their friendly victory over Barcelona.

De Gea was beaten by a wonder goal from Barca midfielder Thiago Alcantara in the second-half.

“Replacing van der Sar is very difficult,” Ferguson said. “He was a great goalkeeper, but the benefit we have with De Gea is that he's 20 years of age.

“The qualities he has that stood out for us are great composure, great use of the ball, he's quick, agile and I think we banked on that. When we assessed him I thought he was the right goalkeeper to take.”

El Barça, a la Casa Blanca , Barceloan FC Visit White House

Barcelona FC Team Visit White House.
Puyor, Messi, Pique, Inesta, David Villa, Xavi, Predo, etc.

Working with IDB

30.07.2011 22:14  David Saura (enviat especial)

The FC Barcelona Foundation has strengthened its links with the Inter American Development Bank (IDB)following a meeting held in Washington. 

Although the presentation of the agreement between the Fundació and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation captured most attention, the Club’s Foundation has also been busy on other fronts during the Tour so far and part of that work was the meeting held with the President of the Inter American Development Bank Luis Alberto Moreno and members of his team. 

The meeting served as a chance to check the progress made since the two organisations signed an agreement earlier this year, which focussed principally on the project for building sporting facilities in 12 of the poorest areas of Rio de Janeiro, a commitment undertaken together with the NBA and the city’s council. 

Moreno surprised at Cub’s wide appeal 

Luis Alberto Moreno expressed his satisfaction with the co-operation so far and also explained: “I have been surprised at the relevance that this Club has. I was recently in Egypt and Haiti and you could see Barça shirts everywhere”. He also referred to his visit to the Club earlier this year: “I went and saw them explaining that the hardest game to win was to beat poverty. From that moment I understood what was in their hearts”. 

The Bank’s President reckons the Club can bring plenty to his own organisation: “we can teach in poor areas through sport -a thing as simple as the rules of building citizenship and that then helps us reduce violence which is a big problem in our countries”. 

The Vice President of the Fundació, Ramon Pont also explained: “the Club has known how to exploit this successful period in our history to project our values”, insisting that although the Club is rooted within its own community “we have to be global, because we can offer a lot”. Club President Sandro Rosell, director general, Antoni Rossich and the director general of the Fundació, Josep Cortada, were also present at the meeting. 

Barça players meet up with US fans

David Saura (enviat especial)

The Barça players were greeted by thousands of fans at Friday evening’s training, who enjoyed seeing the stars work out up close and were then treated to a long session of autograph signing. 

After nearly half an hour signing autographs for the fans after the training session proper had finished, the players left the FedEx pitch to chants of “The best team in the world”, as the US supporters and the players shared some quality time together at the gigantic Washington stadium. 

Open training session for UCL finalists 

Nearly 5,000 people watched United and then Barça train ahead of Saturday’s game, with the Barça fans certainly outnumbering the United followers and plenty of Barça flags and scarves in the crowd. 

The Barça players put in a physically taxing session, which was also very spectacular for the fans, with the ball control exercises moving from one side of the pitch to the other to give them a clearer view and the ball always present in every exercise. 

Autographs and photos 

As with the morning session, Gerard Piqué and Maxwell worked apart after their muscle strains, as did Carles Puyol, who continued his recovery from his knee operation. Those three were the first to leave the session and begin signing autographs for the fans and despite the humid conditions and the effort they had just put into training, the rest of the squad soon joined them, as did Pep Guardiola – the last man off the pitch - for autographs and photos. 

Barça boost international profile

Sergi Nogueras / David Saura (special correspondents)

A delegation from FC Barcelona. Led by Club President Sandro Rosell went to The White House this Friday on a private visit of one of the States’ most iconic buildings.

After a morning training session, the whole squad and the Club directors accompanying the Tour were taken up Pennsylvania Avenue to The White House for a private visit. They were met at the U.S. President’s residence by Michael Strautmanis, who is Deputy Assistant to President Obama and Counselor for Strategic Engagement to the Senior Advisor. 

Nearly 60 people 

The Club delegation was made up of 59 people and headed by President Sandro Rosell who was accompanied by vice presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Jordi Cardoner; Club directors Josep Ramon Vidal Abarca and Didac Lee, Club Director General Antoni Rossich, Andoni Zubizarreta, Josep Guardiola, the rest of the technical staff on the Tour and the full playing squad. 

Guided Tour 
After passing through the security controls at The Executive Mansion, the party was split into two groups for their tour of the building, where they saw a number of areas, such as the reception rooms and the corridors leading to the conference rooms. The fascinating stories surrounding the building and some of its past Presidents were also explained. 

The group also visited the Portrait Room of past Presidents where all the Presidents painted are looking straight at the viewer, except for John Kennedy, whose portrait was finished after his death and for that reason the painter was unable to reproduce his face. 

The group finished the trip with a photograph on the South Lawn of the White House. 

Pinto: “Nobody can beat us through desire alone”

David Saura (enviat especial) / Anna Segura

José Manuel Pinto does not think that Manchester United will be looking for revenge when they meet Barça in a friendly in Washington. Although the Champions League final is fresh on everyone’s minds, this game is only about preseason preparations. 

Two months after meeting at Wembley, FC Barcelona and Manchester United meet again, this time on the Fedex Field, Washington in the early hours of Sunday morning in Europe (1.00, CET). But this will be a very different game to the one on May 28 in London, as José Manuel Pinto said to the press after Friday’s training session. 

No revenge 
The goalkeeper said the game with the Red Devils “is not about revenge. I’d say it will be a nice game”. Pinto explained that his team is only just beginning its preseason preparations and these matches “are about nothing more than improving and getting into our rhythm”. 

The main objective is “to get ourselves up to 100 percent for the start of the season” but that “nobody can beat us through desire alone.” 

Wonderful youth structure 
It is telling that no fewer than nine reserve players are with the first team in the United States. Pinto described these youngsters as “wonderful” and congratulated them on all that they are achieving. In the youth teams “they have learned well” and that makes it so much easier for them to adapt to football at the highest level.

Barça trains with the ball for the first time in the USA

David Saura (enviat especial) / Vanessa Forns

Guardiola and his team used the ball in training for the first time since arriving in the United States. The venue was the emblematic Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

Barça will be in America for ten days, and after working out in the gym and then having the Thursday evening session cancelled on Thursday, today they finally trained with the ball. 

Long tradition 

The venue has been used in the past for a host of different sports events, including matches at the 1994 World Cup. It was built with baseball in mind, which is why it is slightly more oval shaped than a regular football stadium. Its previous tenants include the NFL’s Washington Redskins, who were there for 36 years, and baseball’s Washington Senators (now Texas Rangers), while it is currently home to Major League Soccer franchise DC United. 

Xavi joins squad 

The positive news today was the return of Xavi Hernández to active duty. Until now, the midfielder has been working out in isolation, and his colleagues gave him a hearty round of applause as he came onto the field today. 

Puyol, Piqué and Maxwell, apart 
In stifling temperatures of 36 degrees, and humidity of 45%, Puyol, Piqué and Maxwell all trained on their own. Puyol is still recovering from a knee injury, while Piqué and Maxwell have taken minor knocks, Piqué to the calf and Maxwell to the abdomen. 

Gates: “Nobody better than Barça for this agreement”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The founder of Microsoft is delighted with the agreement between his foundation, Bill&Melinda Gates, and the FC Barcelona Foundation for the eradication of polio from the world. 

“I am very happy with the agreement with Barça, because we have the common cause of looking after children’s health”, said Bill Gates during the presentation of the agreement . 

Grateful to Barça

The American praised FC Barcelona for such commitment and stressed that their objective “is to eradicate polio, something which is now much closer, but unfortunately there are still many people with this illness”, he said. 

Bill Gates also spoke about how the agreement will help get the message across to more people. “Through this agreement we can say that that objective can be reached, and people have to receive the message so that they can help us”, he said. 

The president of FC Barcelona, Sandro Rosell, speaking to Barça TV also spoke about the agreement. “Our objective is to transmit the values and messages of Bill&Melinda Gates”, he said. 

Unique Barça 
Sandro Rosell also said that “once the objective of eradicating polio has been achieved, and there is only about 1% left to go, we shall support whatever other project they create”, while also pointing out that his club’s role will be focusing on “Barcelona and the Camp Nou” but without forgetting its global projects. 

Bill Gates also said that “we are associating ourselves to a great organisation, which is known around the world … Barça is unique and the ideal companion for this agreement”. 

He also spoke about how “Barça has sponsors, Unicef and the Qatar Foundation, who help a lot of people and are sponsors with values”. 

He ended by repeating the message once more: “We want to eradicate polio together.” 

Arsenal legend Henry ducks questions over Cesc Barcelona move

30.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has ducked questions over whether Cesc Fabregas should be sold to Barcelona.

Four years after Henry quit Arsenal forBarcelona in a £17million switch, Wenger and Arsenal fans are now being tormented by the prospect of Fabregas swapping North London for the Nou Camp.

But Henry, 33, clearly has picked up some of The Boss' ways as he defended questions about the saga with a straight bat.

The Arsenal legend, who moved to the MLS with the New York Red Bulls 12 months ago, said: "I'm not going to enter this type of discussion.

"Ask The Boss about it. I already made the move. Now I'm out of the limelight. I'm not on the back pages any more.

"I'm not on the third from the back, fourth from the back, fifth from the back, sixth from the back.

"Trust me, after all the publicity you have in Europe, that doesn't bother me."

Man Utd midfielder Carrick confident they have learned lessons from Barcelona defeat

30.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is confident they have learned from their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Tonight, in Washington, the two sides meet again in a friendly and Carrick says the defeats have actually provided United with their inspiration for the new season.

Carrick said: "Barcelona have set the standard and taken it to the next level - and it's up to us to try and achieve that.

"They're not unbeatable and we have shown that. They are a terrific team with special players and that's the challenge we face.

"It drives you on to come back this season and try to go one better.

"You don't wipe it out of your mind because setbacks stay longer in the memory than being successful.

"When you look back on your career, the harder times stand out and that's what you learn from.

"It was such a disappointment not to go one better last season - and losing in the final drives you on even more for this season."

Xavi insists Arsenal ace Cesc can play with Thiago in Barcelona midfield

29.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Barcelona midfielder Xavi insists Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas can play in the same team as Thiago Alcantara.

Xavi certainly does not buy into the belief that the emergence of Thiago, who scored both goals in Barca's Audi Cup win over hosts Bayern Munichyesterday, would be hampered by Fabregas' arrival.

"There will be games for all the players," said the brilliant midfielder.

"In any case, Thiago is compatible with Fabregas."

Pique says Barcelona must be patient in chase for Arsenal playmaker Cesc

29.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Gerard Pique says Barcelonamust play the long game in order to prise Cesc Fabregas away from Arsenal.

Pique, whose own move back toBarcelona from Manchester Unitedthree years ago has paid off in quite astonishing fashion, believes the deal should be allowed to run its course.

"All signings have their due process," said the Spain defender.

"Some are easy, some are more complicated.

"He is an important player for Arsenal so it is sensible that they are trying to keep him.

"There has been a lot of talk about this, which is normal.

"It is best to let the negotiations take their due course and see what happens."

Ferguson accepts Man Utd second best to Barcelona

29.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester United bossSir Alex Ferguson accepts they're second best toBarcelona.

The Champions League finalists will meet this weekend.

The Scot said: "If I thought they'd play all their young players on Saturday then I'd play all mine. It would be a fascinating game.

"Barcelona's performances and feats over the last two or three years have elevated them in everyone's mind. Currently they are the best team in the world.

"It's not just about the football team, it's the philosophy - what they believe in, how they coach, how they produce young players.

"I'm quite happy to be in second place at this moment in time. Our challenge is to get to that level."

Pique insists only tiny difference between Barcelona and Man Utd

29.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique expectsManchester United to bounce back from last season's Champions League defeat.

The two clubs meet this weekend in a friendly.

Former United defender Pique said: "We are at the same level. We were lucky to win the Champions League last season.

"We played a great game and deserved to win. But the difference between one team and the other is so small, that maybe Manchester United can win on Saturday."

Barcelona defender Pique tribute to Man Utd boss Ferguson

29.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has paid tribute to his former Manchester Unitedmanager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Pique spent four seasons at United, having been snapped up fromBarcelona as a 17-year-old and made 20 appearances for the club.

"I have never seen anything like this in Spain," he said. "It is unbelievable.

"I was with him for a few years and know why he is there.

"He is a great coach but he also treats the players really well. It is not only in terms of football. No matter what it is, he will be there for you.

"He has won so many titles and so many important things.

"All the Manchester United fans are really happy that he has stayed because they never won as much as they do now.

"Most of the is because of him and I hope he stays for many years yet."

Sanchez confident Barcelona move will make him better player

29.07.11 | tribalfootball.com

Alexis Sanchez is convinced he will improve playing alongside Barcelona's stars.

The Chile international joined from Udinese on a five-year deal for a fee which could rise to almost 40million euros, is champing at the bit to link up with Barca having completed his Copa America commitments.

"I cannot wait to go back, step on the field and receive the ball to show what I can do," he told BarcaTV.

"The best players in the world play here. I want to learn from Messi, Xavi and Iniesta and reach their level.

"I always had faith in myself. That allowed me to move to a big team likeUdinese and be the best I could be, individually and for the team."

Sanchez's flamboyant style should see him fit in well at the Nou Camp, and he pledged to continue enjoying his football and expressing himself on the field.

"I see the sport as a game, but without forgetting the responsibility it entails," he said. "I'm still the same player as when I was five or 10 and playing in my neighbourhood."