27 November 2011
23 November 2011
Barcelona announce successful operation for Vilanova
Wed, 11/23/2011
Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova has undergone surgery on a salivary gland.
Vilanova has not travelled with the Catalan team for their match at AC Milan in the Champions League and had an operation at the Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona on Tuesday morning.
The 42-year-old joined the club in 2007 where he assisted Pep Guardiola with the B team before the pair took on the full side a year later.
Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova has undergone surgery on a salivary gland.
Vilanova has not travelled with the Catalan team for their match at AC Milan in the Champions League and had an operation at the Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona on Tuesday morning.
The 42-year-old joined the club in 2007 where he assisted Pep Guardiola with the B team before the pair took on the full side a year later.
Real Madrid coach Mourinho sends 'get well' message to Barcelona rival Vilanova
Wed, 11/23/2011
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho sent a 'get well' message to Barcelona No2 Tito Vilanova over his operation yesterday.
Vilanova has undergone surgery on a salivary gland.
The pair clashed in the preseason Super Copa, but Mourinho said: "Last year, I showed my concern for Abidal's health, like everyone else did, and I do so this year for Tito Vilanova's, Barcelona's assistant coach.
"I wish he has a swift return to his family and to football, and to see him in good health on the bench here on 10 December. I will be delighted to greet him."
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho sent a 'get well' message to Barcelona No2 Tito Vilanova over his operation yesterday.
Vilanova has undergone surgery on a salivary gland.
The pair clashed in the preseason Super Copa, but Mourinho said: "Last year, I showed my concern for Abidal's health, like everyone else did, and I do so this year for Tito Vilanova's, Barcelona's assistant coach.
"I wish he has a swift return to his family and to football, and to see him in good health on the bench here on 10 December. I will be delighted to greet him."
Barcelona chief Zubi "optimistic" over Abidal contract
Wed, 11/23/2011
Barcelona sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta remains "optimistic" over Eric Abidal's contract talks.
Only this week, the Frenchman's agent has cast doubt on the defender re-signing.
But Zubi says: "We like that the negotiations were conducted in the appropriate place.
"We are working hard to bring the positions to reach a meeting point, and I remain optimistic."
Barcelona sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta remains "optimistic" over Eric Abidal's contract talks.
Only this week, the Frenchman's agent has cast doubt on the defender re-signing.
But Zubi says: "We like that the negotiations were conducted in the appropriate place.
"We are working hard to bring the positions to reach a meeting point, and I remain optimistic."
Davor Suker: Real Madrid have more hunger than Barcelona
Wed, 11/23/2011
Former Real Madrid star Davor Suker feels his old club have the edge on Barcelona.
Suker believes Real's players are "hungrier" than their Barca opponents.
He told Marca: "Real Madrid is now hungrier than Barcelona. As in life, in football this happens, everything finishes.
"Not that Barcelona has dropped away, but it is becoming clear that things are more difficult and that's also because rivals are playing with more motivation, with the ambition to win.
"Madrid is proving to be a strong team with many resources."
Former Real Madrid star Davor Suker feels his old club have the edge on Barcelona.
Suker believes Real's players are "hungrier" than their Barca opponents.
He told Marca: "Real Madrid is now hungrier than Barcelona. As in life, in football this happens, everything finishes.
"Not that Barcelona has dropped away, but it is becoming clear that things are more difficult and that's also because rivals are playing with more motivation, with the ambition to win.
"Madrid is proving to be a strong team with many resources."
Barcelona boss Guardiola: I'll greet Ibrahimovic if I see him
Wed, 11/23/2011
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says he will greet Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he sees the AC Milan striker tonight at the San Siro.
The former Barca striker has slated Guardiola in his new book, which was released this month.
"If I meet him I will be spontaneous and greet him. Also, I have to say he helped a lot in the league we won with 99 points, led us to the semifinals of the Champions League,'' said Guardiola.
"He has an important track record especially in Italy. He is a formidable player.
"I have no problem with Mr Ibrahimovic. Of course, we will not do a press conference or do 500 photos shaking hands. If we meet, I'll greet him and we're done."
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says he will greet Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he sees the AC Milan striker tonight at the San Siro.
The former Barca striker has slated Guardiola in his new book, which was released this month.
"If I meet him I will be spontaneous and greet him. Also, I have to say he helped a lot in the league we won with 99 points, led us to the semifinals of the Champions League,'' said Guardiola.
"He has an important track record especially in Italy. He is a formidable player.
"I have no problem with Mr Ibrahimovic. Of course, we will not do a press conference or do 500 photos shaking hands. If we meet, I'll greet him and we're done."
Barcelona to wind-up Mourinho with bid for Chelsea fullback Cole
Wed, 11/23/2011
Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is being watched by Barcelona.
Sport says while new contract talks rumble on with Eric Abidal, Barca have drawn up plans in the event they need to replace the Frenchman - and Cole is high on their agenda.
Barca had scouts check on Cole in action against Liverpool on Sunday.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola gets along well with Chelsea counterpart Andre Villas-Boas and knows he has plans to overhaul an ageing Blues squad, which could include listening to offers for Cole.
Any deal for Cole would also wind-up Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who is close to the England international and is sure to be upset should the transfer happen.
Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is being watched by Barcelona.
Sport says while new contract talks rumble on with Eric Abidal, Barca have drawn up plans in the event they need to replace the Frenchman - and Cole is high on their agenda.
Barca had scouts check on Cole in action against Liverpool on Sunday.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola gets along well with Chelsea counterpart Andre Villas-Boas and knows he has plans to overhaul an ageing Blues squad, which could include listening to offers for Cole.
Any deal for Cole would also wind-up Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who is close to the England international and is sure to be upset should the transfer happen.
Barcelona scouts again checked on Tottenham's Bale for Villa win
Wed, 11/23/2011
Barcelona are maintaining their watching brief for Tottenham star Gareth Bale.
Sport says Barca had scouts in the stands for Spurs' victory over Aston Villa on Monday night - barely a fortnight after having him watched at Fulham.
Barca chiefs are bringing together as much information on Bale as they can before deciding whether to pursue the midfielder.
While he plays as a winger at Spurs, Barca management feel they can convert him into an attacking fullback.
Barcelona are maintaining their watching brief for Tottenham star Gareth Bale.
Sport says Barca had scouts in the stands for Spurs' victory over Aston Villa on Monday night - barely a fortnight after having him watched at Fulham.
Barca chiefs are bringing together as much information on Bale as they can before deciding whether to pursue the midfielder.
While he plays as a winger at Spurs, Barca management feel they can convert him into an attacking fullback.
FOR TITO!
Vilanova had a parotid gland operation and the team wants to dedicate him the victory
Guardiola admits that the last days were bad ones but he believes that Vilanova will be fully recovered.
Mourinho wished him a quick recovering and hopes that he will be in Bernabéu
Barça will try to win to be the first team of their group
Barça, in London to get Bale and Cole
20 November 2011
Liverpool, Arsenal eyeing Barcelona contract rebel Abidal
Sun, 11/20/2011
Liverpool are eyeing Barcelona contract rebel Eric Abidal.
The Mirror says Liverpool and Arsenal could lead the hunt for Barcelona defender Abidal after the player’s agent admitted his client is likely to leaving Barca at the end of the season.
The France international is out of contract next summer and has rejected Barca’s offer of one more year.
Liverpool are eyeing Barcelona contract rebel Eric Abidal.
The Mirror says Liverpool and Arsenal could lead the hunt for Barcelona defender Abidal after the player’s agent admitted his client is likely to leaving Barca at the end of the season.
The France international is out of contract next summer and has rejected Barca’s offer of one more year.
Arsenal boss Wenger shocked by Cesc, Nasri defections
Sun, 11/20/2011
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was shocked when Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri quit the club forBarcelona and Manchester City in the summer.
The Mail on Sunday says Wenger's friends concede that he was shaken by the events of the summer when Nasri and Fabregas quit the club, despite the manager believing he could persuade at least one of them to stay.
It was this as well as an unwillingness to compromise Arsenal's negotiating positions which led Wenger to delay signing replacements, such as Santi Carzola, who moved to Malaga instead ofArsenal, and Juan Mata, who eventually joined Chelsea.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was shocked when Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri quit the club forBarcelona and Manchester City in the summer.
The Mail on Sunday says Wenger's friends concede that he was shaken by the events of the summer when Nasri and Fabregas quit the club, despite the manager believing he could persuade at least one of them to stay.
It was this as well as an unwillingness to compromise Arsenal's negotiating positions which led Wenger to delay signing replacements, such as Santi Carzola, who moved to Malaga instead ofArsenal, and Juan Mata, who eventually joined Chelsea.
Southgate wants England coach to be English
Sun, 11/20/2011
The Football Association's head of elite development Gareth Southgate is keen that the next England coach should be English.
"It's all on record what I said when Fabio (Capello) was appointed - that the England manager should be English," he told The People.
"My view was based on the idea that international football should be the best of our country against the best of other countries.
"Now I'm involved in coach development, I'd also make the argument that you have to give hope and ambition to English coaches.
"The ultimate job for an Englishman is to manage England and that career pathway should ultimately be open.
"We've got to develop as many people as we can so that in 10 or 15 years' time, there will be such a pool of talent in place that we won't need to look elsewhere."
One of Southgate's key roles is to try and improve the relationship between club and country.
"One thing Spain and Barcelona have proved is that you can have success for club and country," he continued.
"Lots of big clubs realise there is a commercial value involved in their players being internationals. For every England schoolboy, it is still the be-all and end-all to be a full international.
"We have players with 80 or 90 caps and that takes commitment. They get all the criticism for supposedly having a lack of passion but I've never seen that.
"We have to accept players belong to the clubs and that we borrow them but, up to the Under-21 age group, we should be part of a player's development."
Southgate also insists that clubs should not be obsessed with appointing ex-players - something which he himself benefited from when landing the Middlesbrough job.
"We are slightly obsessed with the ex-player who has just finished playing going into management," he said.
"I had it myself. I went into a job when really I should have started at the bottom and worked up.
"I took my first job in the Premier League, without having coached any sort of team.
"Now I'm doing it in reverse. I've had three years managing in the Premier League and now one of the beauties of this job is seeing how people work at grass-roots level. I help coach an under-nines team, too.
"I'm glad I managed Middlesbrough but it was not the way to do it. Really, it was remarkable that I survived so long, especially with what was going on at the club at that time.
"There are guys in certain academies and in the grass-roots game, who have not played professionally and who are very forward-thinking - but we can't tell clubs who to employ as managers.
"I'm a firm believer that you don't have to have had a top playing career to be a great coach or manager because it's two completely different skill sets.
"It can help to relay your own experiences as a player but when you go into coaching you start all over again.
"But people like Villas-Boas and Mourinho have gone out there and done it, they have gone in as a translator or they have gone and pestered people.
"It's easy to say, 'There are no opportunities at the top of our game' but, if we are good enough and hungry enough, I think those chances will come.
"English coaches have to prove ourselves to be better than people from all over the world rather than just the British Isles."
The Football Association's head of elite development Gareth Southgate is keen that the next England coach should be English.
"It's all on record what I said when Fabio (Capello) was appointed - that the England manager should be English," he told The People.
"My view was based on the idea that international football should be the best of our country against the best of other countries.
"Now I'm involved in coach development, I'd also make the argument that you have to give hope and ambition to English coaches.
"The ultimate job for an Englishman is to manage England and that career pathway should ultimately be open.
"We've got to develop as many people as we can so that in 10 or 15 years' time, there will be such a pool of talent in place that we won't need to look elsewhere."
One of Southgate's key roles is to try and improve the relationship between club and country.
"One thing Spain and Barcelona have proved is that you can have success for club and country," he continued.
"Lots of big clubs realise there is a commercial value involved in their players being internationals. For every England schoolboy, it is still the be-all and end-all to be a full international.
"We have players with 80 or 90 caps and that takes commitment. They get all the criticism for supposedly having a lack of passion but I've never seen that.
"We have to accept players belong to the clubs and that we borrow them but, up to the Under-21 age group, we should be part of a player's development."
Southgate also insists that clubs should not be obsessed with appointing ex-players - something which he himself benefited from when landing the Middlesbrough job.
"We are slightly obsessed with the ex-player who has just finished playing going into management," he said.
"I had it myself. I went into a job when really I should have started at the bottom and worked up.
"I took my first job in the Premier League, without having coached any sort of team.
"Now I'm doing it in reverse. I've had three years managing in the Premier League and now one of the beauties of this job is seeing how people work at grass-roots level. I help coach an under-nines team, too.
"I'm glad I managed Middlesbrough but it was not the way to do it. Really, it was remarkable that I survived so long, especially with what was going on at the club at that time.
"There are guys in certain academies and in the grass-roots game, who have not played professionally and who are very forward-thinking - but we can't tell clubs who to employ as managers.
"I'm a firm believer that you don't have to have had a top playing career to be a great coach or manager because it's two completely different skill sets.
"It can help to relay your own experiences as a player but when you go into coaching you start all over again.
"But people like Villas-Boas and Mourinho have gone out there and done it, they have gone in as a translator or they have gone and pestered people.
"It's easy to say, 'There are no opportunities at the top of our game' but, if we are good enough and hungry enough, I think those chances will come.
"English coaches have to prove ourselves to be better than people from all over the world rather than just the British Isles."
19 November 2011
More than 4,700 Barça fans to join team for AC Milan v Barça
19-11-11
This will be the biggest ever travelling support (not counting the final at Wembley) since the semifinal in 2009 against Inter Milan. Close to 5,000 Barça fans went to that game
This will be the biggest ever travelling support (not counting the final at Wembley) since the semifinal in 2009 against Inter Milan. Close to 5,000 Barça fans went to that game
Barça fans in Milan, in 2010. / PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ -FCB.
FC Barcelona 2-0 Zaragoza
FC BARCELONA
Half time
ZARAGOZA
- 18'Piqué
- 42'Messi
Date: Saturday, 11-19-2011 20:00
Competition: League
Stadium: Camp Nou
Capacity: 99786
Referee: Undiano Mallenco
Newcastle boss Pardew rates Man City ahead of Man Utd
Sat, 11/19/2011
Toon's unbeaten record is under threat when they go to City.
"City are top of the league and the biggest scalp," Pardew said. "Outside of Barcelona andReal Madrid, they look like being one of the three best teams in Europe.
"I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson won’t like me saying that and he’ll probably ring me, but they are. We have to knock them off their perch. That’s what we’re all trying to do."
Valencia striker Soldado: We can upset Real Madrid
Sat, 11/19/2011
Valencia skipper Roberto Soldado insists they can upset Real Madrid.
Madrid won the corresponding fixture 6-3 last season despite fielding a weakened team just three days after an energy-sapping Copa del Rey final defeat of Barcelona.
But Soldado says: "That game was a one-off.
"When we left the field it seemed as though we were inferior and that cannot be.
"Now our mind is on winning. We are in a good phase and after Madrid we have a very important game against Genk in the Champions League and there would be no better way of going into that than with a win against the league leaders."
Tottenham coach Jordan tells Barcelona to forget about Bale
Sat, 11/19/2011
Barca president Sandro Rosell claimed this week that they would love to sign Bale, 22, for a £35million fee.
But Tottenham will refuse to listen to any offers for their winger — sticking to their stance to keep Luka Modric out of Chelsea's clutches.
Assistant boss Joe Jordan said: "That was the stance with Luka. He's still here."
Mancini says Man City on same level as Real Madrid, Barcelona
Sat, 11/19/2011
Roberto Mancini is happy to talk up his Manchester City.
Mancini feels they're now on the "same level" as Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"I don’t think we are playing better than Real Madrid and Barcelona but we are probably the same level now," said Mancini. "We are very close to these teams."
16 November 2011
Inter Milan president Moratti denies making move for Barcelona coach Guardiola
Wed, 11/16/2011
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti denies they made a move for Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola in the summer.
Reports were suggesting that the two men spoke while Guardiola was in Italy to watch former clubBrescia take on Ascoli in Serie B.
“I didn’t meet Guardiola,” stated Moratti. “Absolutely not. I’ve been asked about this story, but it is not true.”
Pouring more cold water on that kind of speculation is Brescia chief Gino Corioni, the man who signed Guardiola as a player a decade ago.
“I really don’t think that a marriage with Inter is on the cards right now,” Corioni told FC Inter News on Tuesday.
“Pep is happy at Barcelona. I can exclude his arrival in Italy. Obviously you can never say never in football, but I think it would be difficult to see him leave Barcelona.”
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti denies they made a move for Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola in the summer.
Reports were suggesting that the two men spoke while Guardiola was in Italy to watch former clubBrescia take on Ascoli in Serie B.
“I didn’t meet Guardiola,” stated Moratti. “Absolutely not. I’ve been asked about this story, but it is not true.”
Pouring more cold water on that kind of speculation is Brescia chief Gino Corioni, the man who signed Guardiola as a player a decade ago.
“I really don’t think that a marriage with Inter is on the cards right now,” Corioni told FC Inter News on Tuesday.
“Pep is happy at Barcelona. I can exclude his arrival in Italy. Obviously you can never say never in football, but I think it would be difficult to see him leave Barcelona.”
Barcelona squad set to be picked off by European rivals
Wed, 11/16/2011
Barcelona's squad faces being picked off by European rivals as a raft of players see their contracts wind down.
El Mundo Deportivo says Eric Abidal is wanted by AC Milan and PSG, while Maxwell hasManchester City, Milan and Zenit St Petersburg keen.
Milan, Liverpool and Anzhi are chasing Seydou Keita and striker David Villa has Chelsea and the Reds monitoring his situation.
Barca's younger players are also wanted, with Andreu Font a target for Real Betis and Malaga, Jonathan dos Santos linked with QPR, Valencia chasing Martin Montoya and Marc Bartra, while Rafinha is being linked with Real Madrid this week.
Barcelona's squad faces being picked off by European rivals as a raft of players see their contracts wind down.
El Mundo Deportivo says Eric Abidal is wanted by AC Milan and PSG, while Maxwell hasManchester City, Milan and Zenit St Petersburg keen.
Milan, Liverpool and Anzhi are chasing Seydou Keita and striker David Villa has Chelsea and the Reds monitoring his situation.
Barca's younger players are also wanted, with Andreu Font a target for Real Betis and Malaga, Jonathan dos Santos linked with QPR, Valencia chasing Martin Montoya and Marc Bartra, while Rafinha is being linked with Real Madrid this week.
Barcelona star Messi: Don't compare me with Real Madrid's Ronaldo
Wed, 11/16/2011
Barcelona star Lionel Messi says it's unfair to compare him with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi insists he's not interested in competing with Ronaldo.
"Everyone has their own personality and way of doing things, we are not comparable," said Messi.
"I want to win titles with both the national team and Barcelona.
"I want to do better for Argentina."
Barcelona star Lionel Messi says it's unfair to compare him with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi insists he's not interested in competing with Ronaldo.
"Everyone has their own personality and way of doing things, we are not comparable," said Messi.
"I want to win titles with both the national team and Barcelona.
"I want to do better for Argentina."
Barcelona president Rosell continues push for Primera Division to be reduced
Wed, 11/16/2011
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has continued his bid to cut the number of clubs in the top-flight.
Rosell wants the top European domestic leagues cut to 16 teams and proposes the money-spinning UEFA Champions League should be expanded.
Premier League teams have previously resisted attempts to cut numbers, but Rosell believes the lure of an enlarged Champions League could convince English clubs.
He said: "The objective of reducing from 20 to 16 is to give more space to our players.
"Once the dates are liberated, these dates are not for the national federations. They are for the clubs to organise friendly games or to increase the European competitions."
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has continued his bid to cut the number of clubs in the top-flight.
Rosell wants the top European domestic leagues cut to 16 teams and proposes the money-spinning UEFA Champions League should be expanded.
Premier League teams have previously resisted attempts to cut numbers, but Rosell believes the lure of an enlarged Champions League could convince English clubs.
He said: "The objective of reducing from 20 to 16 is to give more space to our players.
"Once the dates are liberated, these dates are not for the national federations. They are for the clubs to organise friendly games or to increase the European competitions."
REVEALED: Barcelona's 10-man shopping list for 2012
Wed, 11/16/2011
Barcelona have a ten-man shopping list for the 2012 transfer windows.
Sport says Barca chiefs are targeting the world's brightest young talents.
Barca's 2012 shopping list
THIAGO SILVA: Strong central defender with AC Milan.
GARETH BALE: Left-sided winger with Tottenham, who can also play at fullback.
JORDI ALBA: Exciting, young left-back with Valencia.
EDEN HAZARD: Lille star winger and at 20 is Ligue 1's current Player of the Year.
ESTEBAN ANDRADA: Capable young goalkeeper tied to Argentina's Lanus.
TOÑO RODRÍGUEZ: Experienced Racing Santander goalkeeper, who comes off contract in June.
VÍCTOR RUIZ: Former Espanyol centre-half now with Valencia. Regarded highly by Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.
OSCAR DE LOS SANTOS: Internacional superkid inspired Brazil to victory at the U20 World Cup this year.
RICARDO RODRÍGUEZ: FC Zurich left-back watched closely by Barca sports director Andoni Zubizarreta.
GUILHERME SIQUEIRA: Experienced, left-sided midfielder with Granada. Affordable squad player.
Barcelona have a ten-man shopping list for the 2012 transfer windows.
Sport says Barca chiefs are targeting the world's brightest young talents.
Barca's 2012 shopping list
THIAGO SILVA: Strong central defender with AC Milan.
GARETH BALE: Left-sided winger with Tottenham, who can also play at fullback.
JORDI ALBA: Exciting, young left-back with Valencia.
EDEN HAZARD: Lille star winger and at 20 is Ligue 1's current Player of the Year.
ESTEBAN ANDRADA: Capable young goalkeeper tied to Argentina's Lanus.
TOÑO RODRÍGUEZ: Experienced Racing Santander goalkeeper, who comes off contract in June.
VÍCTOR RUIZ: Former Espanyol centre-half now with Valencia. Regarded highly by Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.
OSCAR DE LOS SANTOS: Internacional superkid inspired Brazil to victory at the U20 World Cup this year.
RICARDO RODRÍGUEZ: FC Zurich left-back watched closely by Barca sports director Andoni Zubizarreta.
GUILHERME SIQUEIRA: Experienced, left-sided midfielder with Granada. Affordable squad player.
Santos star Neymar: Barcelona full of ALIENS. I rejected Real Madrid as 14yo
Wed, 11/16/2011
Santos star Neymar says Barcelona are full of "ALIENS"!
Neymar and Santos will face Barca in the Club World Cup next month.
"Barca is in another world," declared Neymar. "They are aliens and if we can play against them it will be a pleasure and an immense honor, would be the dream final, but first we have to think about the first game, the most dangerous."
Neymar, who inked a new deal with Santos last week, confirmed he had a spell with Real Madrid as a 14 year-old.
"I spent five or six days in Madrid, it was a very enriching experience. I trained with kids my age, I scored some goals, but I decided it was not the time to leave Brazil."
Santos star Neymar says Barcelona are full of "ALIENS"!
Neymar and Santos will face Barca in the Club World Cup next month.
"Barca is in another world," declared Neymar. "They are aliens and if we can play against them it will be a pleasure and an immense honor, would be the dream final, but first we have to think about the first game, the most dangerous."
Neymar, who inked a new deal with Santos last week, confirmed he had a spell with Real Madrid as a 14 year-old.
"I spent five or six days in Madrid, it was a very enriching experience. I trained with kids my age, I scored some goals, but I decided it was not the time to leave Brazil."
Man City, Barcelona interested in Schalke starlet Julian Draxler
Wed, 11/16/2011
Manchester City are interested in Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler.
The 18 year-old midfielder is wanted by Europe's biggest clubs, says Corriere dello Sport, including City,Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Schalke, for the moment, have no interest in parting with Draxler, tipped for great things by German pundits.
Manchester City are interested in Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler.
The 18 year-old midfielder is wanted by Europe's biggest clubs, says Corriere dello Sport, including City,Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Schalke, for the moment, have no interest in parting with Draxler, tipped for great things by German pundits.
14 November 2011
Barcelona star Cesc: Spain can handle ultra-defensive tactics
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists Spain can handle defensive tactics from opposition teams.
Cesc allayed fears that the kind of tactics employed by England - which also proved successful for Switzerland at the World Cup - could prove the champions' undoing in Poland and Ukraine.
"Nearly every team we've played now plays like that and we qualified with maximum points," he said. "In friendlies, it's true that's sometimes we don't go with the same mentality as the important games.
"We always suffer a little bit more in friendly games and we change a lot of players and it's completely different.
"But we are trying our best and hopefully we will be ready for the Euros.
"You cannot even compare the situation today and an important game like the Euros."
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists Spain can handle defensive tactics from opposition teams.
Cesc allayed fears that the kind of tactics employed by England - which also proved successful for Switzerland at the World Cup - could prove the champions' undoing in Poland and Ukraine.
"Nearly every team we've played now plays like that and we qualified with maximum points," he said. "In friendlies, it's true that's sometimes we don't go with the same mentality as the important games.
"We always suffer a little bit more in friendly games and we change a lot of players and it's completely different.
"But we are trying our best and hopefully we will be ready for the Euros.
"You cannot even compare the situation today and an important game like the Euros."
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is one of the nominees for TIME magazine's Person of the Year. Messi is among the 32 candidates for the Person of the Year 2011. The list includes figures such as Steve Jobs, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Silvio Berlusconi, Kate Middleton and Nicolas Sarkozy and the final choice will be announced in December. The magazine's website claims Messi has managed to create "a unanimous opinion amongst fans throughout the world" that he is "the best player of his generation." Although the magazine points out that Messi has yet to win the World Cup, it stresses that "he has won everything with his club, Barça and is "on the way to winning his third World Player of the Year award," whilst reminding its readers that he recently – in the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen - chalked up his 200th goal with the Club. Time also commented that Messi "has taken the most popular sport in the world to a new commercial level of success, as shown by the fact that so many North American children go to school in a Barça shirt."
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is having Brescia pair Nicola Leali and Bartosz Salamon scouted.
Guardiola asked after Polish attacker Salamon at the end of last season, while Argentine goalkeeper Leali is a target as Barca prepare for the eventual departure of Jose Manuel Pinto.
Brescia Oggi says the two clubs are in regular contact and Brescia are well aware Barca are keen on both young prospects.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is having Brescia pair Nicola Leali and Bartosz Salamon scouted.
Guardiola asked after Polish attacker Salamon at the end of last season, while Argentine goalkeeper Leali is a target as Barca prepare for the eventual departure of Jose Manuel Pinto.
Brescia Oggi says the two clubs are in regular contact and Brescia are well aware Barca are keen on both young prospects.
Barcelona star Messi up for TIME Person of Year
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is one of the nominees for TIME magazine's Person of the Year.
Messi is among the 32 candidates for the Person of the Year 2011. The list includes figures such as Steve Jobs, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Silvio Berlusconi, Kate Middleton and Nicolas Sarkozy and the final choice will be announced in December.
The magazine's website claims Messi has managed to create "a unanimous opinion amongst fans throughout the world" that he is "the best player of his generation." Although the magazine points out that Messi has yet to win the World Cup, it stresses that "he has won everything with his club, Barça and is "on the way to winning his third World Player of the Year award," whilst reminding its readers that he recently – in the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen - chalked up his 200th goal with the Club.
Time also commented that Messi "has taken the most popular sport in the world to a new commercial level of success, as shown by the fact that so many North American children go to school in a Barça shirt."
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is one of the nominees for TIME magazine's Person of the Year.
Messi is among the 32 candidates for the Person of the Year 2011. The list includes figures such as Steve Jobs, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Silvio Berlusconi, Kate Middleton and Nicolas Sarkozy and the final choice will be announced in December.
The magazine's website claims Messi has managed to create "a unanimous opinion amongst fans throughout the world" that he is "the best player of his generation." Although the magazine points out that Messi has yet to win the World Cup, it stresses that "he has won everything with his club, Barça and is "on the way to winning his third World Player of the Year award," whilst reminding its readers that he recently – in the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen - chalked up his 200th goal with the Club.
Time also commented that Messi "has taken the most popular sport in the world to a new commercial level of success, as shown by the fact that so many North American children go to school in a Barça shirt."
Man City plan to outbid Barcelona for AC Milan defender Thiago Silva
Mon, 11/14/2011
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is chasing AC Milan defender Thiago Silva.
The Daily Mail says City are set to go head to head with Spanish giants Barcelona for the signature ofAC Milan defender Thiago Silva.
Barcelona made a bid for the 27-year-old Brazilian international in the summer but it was rejected by the Italians who said they would not welcome any further approaches for their star player.
But Manchester City will not want to let the chance to sign one of the best centre backs in the world go without making their own bid, and look set to make an approach for Silva in the summer.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is chasing AC Milan defender Thiago Silva.
The Daily Mail says City are set to go head to head with Spanish giants Barcelona for the signature ofAC Milan defender Thiago Silva.
Barcelona made a bid for the 27-year-old Brazilian international in the summer but it was rejected by the Italians who said they would not welcome any further approaches for their star player.
But Manchester City will not want to let the chance to sign one of the best centre backs in the world go without making their own bid, and look set to make an approach for Silva in the summer.
Barcelona expect January decision from Guardiola about carrying on
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona's board expect to hear from coach Pep Guardiola in January over whether he'll stay on next season.
Guardiola likes to work with year-to-year contracts and El Mundo Deportivo says the board believe he will assess if his players still have the hunger to win titles after next month's World Club Cup.
Guardiola has always maintained he'll continue if he believes his players retain a winning desire, which was questioned by former Real Madrid Fabio Capello last week.
The Barca coach, if he was to decide it was time to move on, would make sure the club has enough time to find his replacement, hence the board's view that a decision will be made in January.
Barcelona's board expect to hear from coach Pep Guardiola in January over whether he'll stay on next season.
Guardiola likes to work with year-to-year contracts and El Mundo Deportivo says the board believe he will assess if his players still have the hunger to win titles after next month's World Club Cup.
Guardiola has always maintained he'll continue if he believes his players retain a winning desire, which was questioned by former Real Madrid Fabio Capello last week.
The Barca coach, if he was to decide it was time to move on, would make sure the club has enough time to find his replacement, hence the board's view that a decision will be made in January.
Barcelona midfielder Cesc: I want Van Persie to sign new Arsenal deal
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he wants Robin van Persie to stay with Arsenal.
Van Persie has put off new contract talks at Arsenal until the summer.
Asked if Van Persie was good enough to join him at the Nou Camp, Fabregas said: “He would fit in at any club but I’m an Arsenal fan and I want him to stay.
“We will see what he decides but he’s been very loyal to Arsenal.
“For me, he is the role model of Arsenal, the star player and they cannot afford to lose him. He is a key player, the fans love him.
“He is having an amazing season. Hopefully he will be fit for the whole season.”
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he wants Robin van Persie to stay with Arsenal.
Van Persie has put off new contract talks at Arsenal until the summer.
Asked if Van Persie was good enough to join him at the Nou Camp, Fabregas said: “He would fit in at any club but I’m an Arsenal fan and I want him to stay.
“We will see what he decides but he’s been very loyal to Arsenal.
“For me, he is the role model of Arsenal, the star player and they cannot afford to lose him. He is a key player, the fans love him.
“He is having an amazing season. Hopefully he will be fit for the whole season.”
Barcelona's Cesc: England need Arsenal playmaker Wilshere
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas feels England need former Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere to make them tick.
He believes his 19-year-old former Arsenal team-mate Wilshere — sidelined with an ankle injury — was sorely missed by Fabio Capello's men.
Fabregas, making his first return to London since quitting the Gunners for Barcelona in the summer, said: "England are a very solid team and if they have Jack back it will make a massive difference to them.
"He is the one with the talent to make things happen and on Saturday we didn't see that really."
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas feels England need former Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere to make them tick.
He believes his 19-year-old former Arsenal team-mate Wilshere — sidelined with an ankle injury — was sorely missed by Fabio Capello's men.
Fabregas, making his first return to London since quitting the Gunners for Barcelona in the summer, said: "England are a very solid team and if they have Jack back it will make a massive difference to them.
"He is the one with the talent to make things happen and on Saturday we didn't see that really."
Barcelona's Cesc takes swipe at Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood
Mon, 11/14/2011
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has taken aim at his critics.
Fabregas himself is loving life at Barca and he hit back at Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who suggested he would not get a game at the Nou Camp.
"Some people thought I wouldn't get in the team [at Barca]," said Fabregas.
"Maybe they didn't believe in me too much. I speak to the boys at Arsenal.
"Arsenal gave me everything and I will never forget that. It will always be a special club. The fans have always been amazing to me. I only have amazing words to say about them.
"It was a shame they started so badly but now they are back to winning ways and doing well."
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has taken aim at his critics.
Fabregas himself is loving life at Barca and he hit back at Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who suggested he would not get a game at the Nou Camp.
"Some people thought I wouldn't get in the team [at Barca]," said Fabregas.
"Maybe they didn't believe in me too much. I speak to the boys at Arsenal.
"Arsenal gave me everything and I will never forget that. It will always be a special club. The fans have always been amazing to me. I only have amazing words to say about them.
"It was a shame they started so badly but now they are back to winning ways and doing well."
Liverpool star Suarez embarrassed, but happy with Messi comparisons
Mon, 11/14/2011
Liverpool star Luis Suarez has laughed off comparisons with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
A Facebook group has been set up called 'Luis Suarez the new Lionel Messi' and the 24-year-old Anfield striker has been left red-faced.
"Comparisons with Messi embarrass me," Suarez said. "It also makes me smile, but I feel the comparisons are just the reaction from the Uruguay fans as everything seems to be going well at the moment.
'I am happy, but we have to look at the work of the whole team as it is not just about one player."
Liverpool star Luis Suarez has laughed off comparisons with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
A Facebook group has been set up called 'Luis Suarez the new Lionel Messi' and the 24-year-old Anfield striker has been left red-faced.
"Comparisons with Messi embarrass me," Suarez said. "It also makes me smile, but I feel the comparisons are just the reaction from the Uruguay fans as everything seems to be going well at the moment.
'I am happy, but we have to look at the work of the whole team as it is not just about one player."
Chelsea circling Barcelona for wing wizard Rafa Alcantara
Mon, 11/14/2011
Chelsea are circling Barcelona for winger Rafa Alcantara.
The kid brother of Barca star Thiago Alcantara, Rafinha played with Blues midfielder Oriol Romeu last season with Barca B.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas may have a fight on his hands to lure Rafinha to England as theBarcelona starlet said: "Chelsea? I don't pay attention to these stories, really.
"My idea is to renew my contract with Barcelona soon. We're close to a deal."
Chelsea are circling Barcelona for winger Rafa Alcantara.
The kid brother of Barca star Thiago Alcantara, Rafinha played with Blues midfielder Oriol Romeu last season with Barca B.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas may have a fight on his hands to lure Rafinha to England as theBarcelona starlet said: "Chelsea? I don't pay attention to these stories, really.
"My idea is to renew my contract with Barcelona soon. We're close to a deal."
13 November 2011
England vs Spain Report
England 1-0 Spain: Frank Lampard scores only goal as world and European champions are kept out at Wembley
Fabio Capello's men showed discipline to hold out under constant pressure, with the stand-in skipper's poached finish just after the break enough to secure a friendly victory
Stand-in captain Frank Lampard scored the only goal of the game just after halftime to deliver England a famous 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley, despite the hosts having to defend doggedly for the majority of the friendly.
In an experimental line-up, England fielded Phil Jones in midfield alongside Scott Parker, while Phil Jagielka overcame an injury doubt to partner Joleon Lescott in the centre of defense. Spain, meanwhile, deployed the in-form David Silva in attack alongside David Villa and Andres Iniesta.
England immediately set up simply to block the visitors out, defending deep and doing a good job of restricting space for the Spanish in and around the penalty area. Genuine chances were few and far between throughout the opening period.
The clearest opportunity fell to Sergio Busquets with just over five minutes left before the break. With Spain up for a corner, the ball came to Xabi Alonso in a deep position, who lofted it back into the area. The Barcelona midfielder attempted a flick to help the ball on but he only succeeded in lifting it over the bar.
After the resumption, England suddenly found itself a goal to the good. James Milner drew a foul on the hosts’ left flank and stepped up to take the resulting free-kick. His in-swinging delivery was met by Darren Bent, who rose highest and headed towards goal. His effort eluded halftime substitute Pepe Reina and came off the bar to find Lampard all alone with nothing to do but nod it home from point-blank range.
Villa then had a flash of a chance to strike straight back, freed down the inside-right channel and having rounded Joe Hart, but diligent defensive positioning by the keeper and Jagielka forced him too wide to get closer than the side netting.
Brought on for his international debut, 20-year-old Jack Rodwell found himself bearing down on goal thanks to some smart interplay between him and fellow substitute Danny Welbeck. However, a poor first touch let the Everton man down. Alba, the covering defender, nearly poked the interception past his own goalkeeper, with Reina having to block it uncomfortably, but the danger was past.
Spain came close to an equalizer with 15 minutes left when Glen Johnson’s poor header in the box gave Villa a sniff of goal. Spain’s record scorer reacted instantly to chest it down and volley past Hart, but the ball smacked off the post and away.
The visitors, growing desperate as the game entered its final stages, were guilty of trying one too many passes when Cesc Fabregas slipped inside the area and looked fruitlessly for a teammate in the center rather than shooting himself.
Fabregas then forced a good save out of Hart before fluffing his lines in the 88th minute. For the first time all match the England defense let him run between them and, with the goal at his mercy, the ex-Arsenal man dragged his shot wide.
It was a bad mistake that proved final for Spain's hopes of a comeback, and Fabio Capello's men celebrated joyously as the final whistle confirmed their triumph over the world champions.
Stand-in captain Frank Lampard scored the only goal of the game just after halftime to deliver England a famous 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley, despite the hosts having to defend doggedly for the majority of the friendly.
In an experimental line-up, England fielded Phil Jones in midfield alongside Scott Parker, while Phil Jagielka overcame an injury doubt to partner Joleon Lescott in the centre of defense. Spain, meanwhile, deployed the in-form David Silva in attack alongside David Villa and Andres Iniesta.
England immediately set up simply to block the visitors out, defending deep and doing a good job of restricting space for the Spanish in and around the penalty area. Genuine chances were few and far between throughout the opening period.
The clearest opportunity fell to Sergio Busquets with just over five minutes left before the break. With Spain up for a corner, the ball came to Xabi Alonso in a deep position, who lofted it back into the area. The Barcelona midfielder attempted a flick to help the ball on but he only succeeded in lifting it over the bar.
After the resumption, England suddenly found itself a goal to the good. James Milner drew a foul on the hosts’ left flank and stepped up to take the resulting free-kick. His in-swinging delivery was met by Darren Bent, who rose highest and headed towards goal. His effort eluded halftime substitute Pepe Reina and came off the bar to find Lampard all alone with nothing to do but nod it home from point-blank range.
Villa then had a flash of a chance to strike straight back, freed down the inside-right channel and having rounded Joe Hart, but diligent defensive positioning by the keeper and Jagielka forced him too wide to get closer than the side netting.
Brought on for his international debut, 20-year-old Jack Rodwell found himself bearing down on goal thanks to some smart interplay between him and fellow substitute Danny Welbeck. However, a poor first touch let the Everton man down. Alba, the covering defender, nearly poked the interception past his own goalkeeper, with Reina having to block it uncomfortably, but the danger was past.
Spain came close to an equalizer with 15 minutes left when Glen Johnson’s poor header in the box gave Villa a sniff of goal. Spain’s record scorer reacted instantly to chest it down and volley past Hart, but the ball smacked off the post and away.
The visitors, growing desperate as the game entered its final stages, were guilty of trying one too many passes when Cesc Fabregas slipped inside the area and looked fruitlessly for a teammate in the center rather than shooting himself.
Fabregas then forced a good save out of Hart before fluffing his lines in the 88th minute. For the first time all match the England defense let him run between them and, with the goal at his mercy, the ex-Arsenal man dragged his shot wide.
It was a bad mistake that proved final for Spain's hopes of a comeback, and Fabio Capello's men celebrated joyously as the final whistle confirmed their triumph over the world champions.
11 November 2011
Seydou Keita flattered by Liverpool interest but will not consider a move from Barcelona until the end of the season
Nov 11, 2011
Malian midfielder admits he would be keen to play in the Premier League but concedes it would be a wrench to leave Pep Guardiola's side following years of success in Catalunya
Seydou Keita has revealed he is flattered to be attracting interest from Liverpool but insists he will not be moving from Barcelona until next season at the earliest.
Keita will spend most of January at the African Cup of Nations with Mali making a winter transfer an unlikely prospect.
"Liverpool is a great club, it is fantastic to hear that they are interested in me, but you know how I feel about Barcelona." Keita told skysports.com.
"However we are in football and nothing is an absolute, so let's wait until the end of the season.
"I want to play more games than last season, playing regularly in a winning team is very good for the player, but the Premier League is very attractive and exciting for any player.
"My contract runs until 2014, at the end of the season we will see."
Keita has played over 160 times for the Catalan giants since moving from Sevilla in 2008 and no outfield player made more league appearances for Barca than the Malian midfielder last season who missed only three La Liga games throughout the campaign
Malian midfielder admits he would be keen to play in the Premier League but concedes it would be a wrench to leave Pep Guardiola's side following years of success in Catalunya
Keita will spend most of January at the African Cup of Nations with Mali making a winter transfer an unlikely prospect.
"Liverpool is a great club, it is fantastic to hear that they are interested in me, but you know how I feel about Barcelona." Keita told skysports.com.
"However we are in football and nothing is an absolute, so let's wait until the end of the season.
"I want to play more games than last season, playing regularly in a winning team is very good for the player, but the Premier League is very attractive and exciting for any player.
"My contract runs until 2014, at the end of the season we will see."
Keita has played over 160 times for the Catalan giants since moving from Sevilla in 2008 and no outfield player made more league appearances for Barca than the Malian midfielder last season who missed only three La Liga games throughout the campaign
The Barcelona shirt 'seems to suit' Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal's Theo Walcott
Nov 11, 2011
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott has conceded that former team-mate Cesc Fabregas has fit into theBarcelona team superbly since his summer departure from the Emirates
Fabregas spent eight years at Arsenal, in between spells at the Catalunyan club, and while he has now moved on to pastures new, Walcott was quick to praise the Spaniard for the job he did for the Gunners.
"He was an absolutely fantastic player for Arsenal,” Walcott told reporters.
“Throughout the years he went up so many levels.
"Now he puts on a Barca shirt and it just seems to suit him.
"He was fantastic for Arsenal but he has fitted into the Barcelona team so well, he's scoring goals and enjoying himself."
Saturday’s friendly between England and Spain will be the first time the two players come up against each other since Fabregas’ move, and Walcott admits it will be a strange feeling.
"It'll be nice to see him again but it will be weird playing against him,” he added.
The England man will come up against his former team-mate on Saturday, and while he commends what the Spaniard did for the Gunners, he admits he does fit in at the Catalan giants
Fabregas spent eight years at Arsenal, in between spells at the Catalunyan club, and while he has now moved on to pastures new, Walcott was quick to praise the Spaniard for the job he did for the Gunners.
"He was an absolutely fantastic player for Arsenal,” Walcott told reporters.
“Throughout the years he went up so many levels.
"Now he puts on a Barca shirt and it just seems to suit him.
"He was fantastic for Arsenal but he has fitted into the Barcelona team so well, he's scoring goals and enjoying himself."
Saturday’s friendly between England and Spain will be the first time the two players come up against each other since Fabregas’ move, and Walcott admits it will be a strange feeling.
"It'll be nice to see him again but it will be weird playing against him,” he added.
AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is worth both Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi, claims Massimiliano Allegri
Nov 11, 2011
The Italian coach feels both Spanish giants are beatable in Europe and measures the Sweden international against two players who are considered by many to be the world's best
The Italian coach also feels his side can match Europe's elite clubs and described their forthcoming Champions League clash against the Camp Nou-based giants as a "final".
"Ibrahimovic is worth Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi," Allegri told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Barcelona and Real Madrid are the best in the Champions League, but we can beat them [Barcelona] at San Siro.
"It's not a normal game against Barcelona, but a final."
Ibrahimovic has been the subject of intense interest recently following the release of extracts from his autobiography, in which he openly criticised Pep Guardiola.
Allegri believes the book was written with the intent of maximising sales through controversial comments.
"I think Ibrahimovic said those things so that he could sell lots of copies of his book," the coach reasoned.
Milan are finding their feet in Serie A after failing to hit the ground running during the early part of the season.
The coach is confident his men can challenge Juventus, who he sees as genuine Scudetto favourites, but he did not forget to mention Claudio Ranieri's Inter.
"Milan and Juventus are the favourites, but if Inter win five on the bounce like we have then they will be back in it [the title race]," added Allegri.
"I have also been surprised by Udinese and Lazio."
Milan are currently third in Serie A and will play Fiorentina after the international break.
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho is probably the best coach in the world
The Spaniard suggested that a playing career is not a necessary condition to become a good trainer and praised the qualities of his rival Portuguese boss at Los Blancos
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says that his Real Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho could well be the best coach in world football.
The 40-year-old took charge of the Catalan side's senior squad in 2008, with his 12 titles conquered to date making him the most successful coach in the history of the club.
Despite enjoying success as a midfielder in the '90s, Guardiola stressed that a career as a player is not a requirement to be a successful trainer, giving the example of the man on the bench at Santiago Bernabeu.
"It is not necessary to have played football to become a great coach," he is quoted by AS as saying. "Arrigo Sacchi changed this sport without having played and Jose Mourinho is probably the best coach in the world.
"Having been in a dressing room gives you advantages in certain situations, but not having been in one also gives you other advantages.
"This is life, as a player I did not have any physical aptitude that stood out, but I survived: I strengthened other aptitudes."
Guardiola has said on several occasions that he could soon put an end to his coaching stint at Camp Nou, and he has now underlined that it is always better to quit when one is on a winning roll.
"When I was a player, I realised I was in a moment in which I could not give any more of myself," he noted. "A moment in which I was tired and I know that as a coach it will be the same.
"I know the day will come in which I will get tired and I will quit. I hope that day will come, because normally coaches get sacked before they can choose to leave because they are losing.
"Right now, I can choose, but I know that things will not always be like this. Coaches who lose are sacked."
The 40-year-old took charge of the Catalan side's senior squad in 2008, with his 12 titles conquered to date making him the most successful coach in the history of the club.
Despite enjoying success as a midfielder in the '90s, Guardiola stressed that a career as a player is not a requirement to be a successful trainer, giving the example of the man on the bench at Santiago Bernabeu.
"It is not necessary to have played football to become a great coach," he is quoted by AS as saying. "Arrigo Sacchi changed this sport without having played and Jose Mourinho is probably the best coach in the world.
"Having been in a dressing room gives you advantages in certain situations, but not having been in one also gives you other advantages.
"This is life, as a player I did not have any physical aptitude that stood out, but I survived: I strengthened other aptitudes."
Guardiola has said on several occasions that he could soon put an end to his coaching stint at Camp Nou, and he has now underlined that it is always better to quit when one is on a winning roll.
"When I was a player, I realised I was in a moment in which I could not give any more of myself," he noted. "A moment in which I was tired and I know that as a coach it will be the same.
"I know the day will come in which I will get tired and I will quit. I hope that day will come, because normally coaches get sacked before they can choose to leave because they are losing.
"Right now, I can choose, but I know that things will not always be like this. Coaches who lose are sacked."
5 November 2011
20-man squad named for San Mamés
Ibrahim Afellay and Pedro Rodriguez miss the clash through injury
FC Barcelona will travel to Bilbao with a 20-strong squad consisting of the 19 fit and available players from the senior squad together with rising star Isaac Cuenca, from Barça B. However, Ibrahim Afellay and Pedro Rodriguez miss the clash through injury. Guardiola will make his final selection before the match.
Training for 22
The final training session before the Bilbao match was held on Saturday morning at the Club's training grounds. Sergi Gómez and Lobato, from Barça B, joined the 20 players finally named in the squad. Meanwhile, Afellay and Pedro continued with their recovery programmes.
The team will set off from the Camp Nou for Bilbao at 9.15 Sunday morning. The flight leaves at 10 and will land in Bilbao some 75 minutes later. The Barça party will return to Barcelona immediately after the match.
Guardiola: "We’ll need courage to win in San Mamés"
Speaking at Saturday’s press conference, Pep Guardiola admitted that his players will have to be at their best to take all three points against Athletic Club
He also expressed his admiration for Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa
He also expressed his admiration for Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa
"San Mamés is always San Mamés and Athletic is always Athletic." Pep Guardiola has plenty of experience against the Basque side both as a player and as a manager. And though a game in Bilbao has many attractions for the Barça manager, there is one that stands out above the rest. This will be Guardiola's first managerial head-to-head with the experienced Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, a man he admires greatly:"Bielsa's teams are authentic, different and unique. The only way we can win in San Mamés is to show more courage than them."
Guardiola revealed that he has only met the current Athletic manager once before and didn't hesitate to express his "admiration for what he's doing and what he's done."
Good vibes in the squad
Guardiola also took the opportunity to describe the excellent mood in the changing room: "There's always been a good atmosphere and the players have always got on together fantastically." However, he confirmed that this year it's even better: "There are people here who apart from getting on together, are very close friends. Their behaviour is excellent."
Apart from the upcoming clash against Bilbao, Guardiola also commented on a couple of other issues that have attracted attention. Earlier in the week, there was a story in the press that insisted that Spanish international striker David Villa was not happy at Barça. Guardiola dismissed the rumours saying, "It's impossible to make an enemy of David. He's much too nice a person, generous on the pitch and in his personal life."
There have also been a number of press reports originating from Barça's former Swedish international strikerIbrahimovic reflecting negatively on his time at the Club and in particular on his relationship with the manager. Guardiola closed the matter in typically polite manner: "I've got nothing to say. I don't want to make this a personal issue. I'd just like to thank him for everything he gave us that year."
Córdoba-FCB B: Ambitious draw (1-1)
Deulofeu put Barça B ahead in the fifth minute and Oier's performance was instrumental in salvaging a point from the game against the Andalusians
Eusebio's team saw their winning streak broken, but they come away with a valuable point
Deulofeu scores
Broken match
Draw, final score
Eusebio's team saw their winning streak broken, but they come away with a valuable point
Barça B wasn’t able to prolong their three match winning streak in Córdoba. Eusebio’s squad started out on the right foot in the high voltage game with Deulofeu’s early goal. The flow of the game wasn't in Barça's best interest. The game quickly descended into a constant back and forth, resulting in an uncertain game where both teams enjoyed plenty of chances to score. Oier, fortunately, had an inspired performance. Barça's ability to keep Córdoba off the scoresheet for 70 minutes was largly due to the Catalan keeper's efforts.
Deulofeu scores
The game started at a fast pace with the ball skipping across wet the pitch. Córdoba and Barça B both came out of the dressing room looking to put pressure on the opposite goal, the Blaugrana were the first to find the back of the net. With barely five minutes gone, Rafinha (Thiago’s younger brother) found an unmarked Gerard Deulofeu on the right, whose shot whistled passed Córdoba’s keeper, Alberto.
Broken match
Despite the early Barça lead the game was still wide open, the home team was pressuring high up the pitch and directly attacking Barça’s goal. Even though Barça was winning the possession game, the team that enjoyed the better chances was Córdoba. The Andalusians, invigorated by the flow of the game and a newly found confidence pressed the threatened goal guarded by Oier. Half time came at the most opportune time for the Catalans as they found themselves beaten back by an emboldened Córdoba side. However, moments before the half-time whistle, Espinosa latched onto Deulofeu’s pass and unleashed a powerful shot that forced a top shelf save from Alberto.
Córdoba draw level
Eusebio brought in Sergi Roberto to add more consistency to his midfield. But the story both teams had written in the first half repeated itself in the second. The Catalans, superior on the ball, would dominate at the start just to see Córdoba claw its way back into game. Barça’s keeper, Oier, had his work cut out for him as Córdoba laid siege to his goal. In the 56th minute, the keeper providentially saved what would have been the equalising goal with a quick foot. Shortly after, Oier, again, crucially saved another Córdoba shot just to see Borja knock in the rebound (min.70)
Draw, final score
As the game drew to a close both sides were still looking to claim victory, so much so that the three points could have gone either way in the match’s dying moments. After Córdoba’s equaliser, Barça B recovered their depth and goal scoring instinct, while the Andalusians spurred forward by their recent goal were equal to the task. The Azulgrana would come closest to victory, but in the end both teams would settle for a meritorious draw.
Gates, Rosell and Guardiola Lend Support to World Polio Day
The Fundació FC Barcelona and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have released a video to increase awareness of the disease to coincide with World Polio Day.
Monday October 24th is World Polio Day and the Fundació FC Barcelona and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would like to once again make public their support for the campaign to eradicate Polio, something they stated when they signed their strategic alliance last July.
“More than a goal. End Polio”
FC Barcelona have placed their powerful media profile and global reach at the service of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help the development of programmes aimed at ending the disease under the slogan: ‘More than a goal. End Polio.’ As part of that commitment, the first team players all wore shirts bearing the words “End Polio” before last Saturday’s game at the Camp Nou, with the number 99 on the back, referring to the 99% eradication rate of Polio.
Gates wearing a Barça shirt
In the video aimed at increasing awareness of the disease, Bill Gates, who can be seen wearing a Barça shirt, explains that “no other sporting institution in the world shows the same passion for resolving social problems,” and goes on to say that he is "proud" of the alliance signed between his Foundation and the Club. In the same vein, President Sandro Rosell states that Barça have “chosen the best team to beat this illness - the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.” Josep Guardiola also features in the video clip, produced by Barça TV and restates the first team squad’s “commitment “ to the cause. There is also a call to join up with thecampaign via its official Facebook page.
Monday October 24th is World Polio Day and the Fundació FC Barcelona and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would like to once again make public their support for the campaign to eradicate Polio, something they stated when they signed their strategic alliance last July.
“More than a goal. End Polio”
FC Barcelona have placed their powerful media profile and global reach at the service of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help the development of programmes aimed at ending the disease under the slogan: ‘More than a goal. End Polio.’ As part of that commitment, the first team players all wore shirts bearing the words “End Polio” before last Saturday’s game at the Camp Nou, with the number 99 on the back, referring to the 99% eradication rate of Polio.
Gates wearing a Barça shirt
In the video aimed at increasing awareness of the disease, Bill Gates, who can be seen wearing a Barça shirt, explains that “no other sporting institution in the world shows the same passion for resolving social problems,” and goes on to say that he is "proud" of the alliance signed between his Foundation and the Club. In the same vein, President Sandro Rosell states that Barça have “chosen the best team to beat this illness - the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.” Josep Guardiola also features in the video clip, produced by Barça TV and restates the first team squad’s “commitment “ to the cause. There is also a call to join up with thecampaign via its official Facebook page.
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