Barcelona ace Cesc: Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo great for La Liga

Tue, 02/28/2012

Barcelona ace Cesc Fabregas says Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo are good for the Liga.

Cesc has been a revelation since his arrival from Arsenal.

He said: "Both help the league grow. Thanks to these two, many people want to see our games, this is welcome. We do enjoy them all. They are two different players but in turn the most destabilizing.

"It sometimes seems that there is nothing and then they can decide matches. They have a special gift."

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva: I know Barcelona want me

Tue, 02/28/2012



AC Milan defender Thiago Silva is aware of interest from Barcelona.

Silva has reportedly attracted the attention of defending Spain and European champions Barca.

“I do not know what will happen in my future,” the Brazilian told El Mundo Deportivo.

“Through some friends and the Press I know that Barcelona are interested in me, but for now there is no concrete offer.

“I leave these questions to my agent, but at this time my only thought is to return Milan to being champions of Italy again.

“The Catalan team are the best in the world, even if they are not going through the happiest of times right now. Every player dreams of playing at a big club like Barcelona.

“I am only focused on Milan. They are a company that allowed me to fulfil my dream, namely to play in a great team.”

Barcelona ace Messi: No amount of money could tempt me to Real Madrid

Tue, 02/28/2012

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi says no amount of money could tempt him to Real Madrid.

Messi was asked if he could ever consider joining Real, especially if they were to double his current salary.

But he told Sport: "This is something I've already answered many times. Barca gave me everything: I grew up in this club, I know how much they about me. I would never think of going to an opposing team and even less for money.

"I'm really happy where I am."

Neymar: Ronaldinho has told me everything about Barcelona

Tue, 02/28/2012

Santos star Neymar admits Ronaldinho has urged him to choose Barcelona as his next club.

Ronaldinho is back in the Brazil squad this week with Neymar, who is also wanted by Real Madrid.

"I see him as an idol and I'm even kind of embarrassed talking to him because he has always been an idol for me. In some ways it still impresses me to meet him face to face," said Neymar.

"Yes, I spoke to him about Barcelona. He pointed out that it is a wonderful club with a fantastic city and an excellent climate. But these are things that everybody knows."

Barcelona struggling to find cash to compete for Arsenal's Van Persie

Tue, 02/28/2012

Barcelona face missing out on Arsenal ace Robin van Persie this summer.

Sport says Barca have £20 million to spend on one major signing - with Van Persie and AC Milandefender Thiago Silva topping their shopping list.

However, should Arsenal sell, they are expected to demand over £35 million for Van Persie, knowing that Real Madrid, PSG, AC Milan and Manchester City would all be willing to meet their valuation.

Barcelona's Cesc: Torres struggling to adjust to Chelsea style

Tue, 02/28/2012

Barcelona ace Cesc Fabregas has sympathy for Chelsea striker Fernando Torres over his form crisis.

Torres was axed from the Spain squad last week.


"In football there are times for everything. Now he is not living the best moment of his career.

"Fernando has suffered much from physical demands and at Liverpool they all played for him, so he is struggling to adapt. In any case, surely he will go come back," said Cesc.

Real Madrid, Barcelona join Arsenal, Chelsea for Swede Mirosavic

Tue, 02/28/2012

Arsenal and Chelsea face major competition from Spain for Sweden U17 international Robert Mirosavic.

Mirosavic is tied to Helsingborgs and recently had trials at Sunderland.

Arsenal and Chelsea remain keen, but it's emerged Real Madrid and Barcelona are also chasing the teenage striker.

Man Utd joined by Barcelona, Man City in Javi Martinez interest

Tue, 02/28/2012

Manchester United and Manchester City face more competition for Athletic Bilbao midfield star Javi Martinez.

Sport says Barcelona are also keen on the versatile midfielder.

United will have the chance to look at the player at close quarters when he lines up against them in the Europa League last 16.

But now reports suggest City and Barcelona have joined the race for his signature.

Roma insist no Barcelona escape clause for Luis Enrique

Wed, 02/22/2012

AS Roma sports chief Franco Baldini has warned Barcelona off coach Luis Enrique.

Enrique has been linked with a return to Barca as Pep Guardiola's successor.

But Baldini insists: “Luis will stay here with us until 2013 – and that’s for certain.

“There are no clauses in his contract and his future with us is in no doubt whatsoever.”

Pique: Why the worry? Barcelona have already won three titles this season

Wed, 02/22/2012

Gerard Pique insists Barcelona fans should be happy with their campaign so far.

Barca have a foot in the Champions League quarterfinals after their first-leg win at Bayer Leverkusen.

The 25-year-old told Barca TV: "It's been going on for three and a half years now and things are still going very well.

"We mustn't forget that we've already won three titles this season - that makes 13 out of 16. Astounding.

"Sometimes in football things happen so fast that it seems like we have no memory and forget about the things we have done.

"Okay, we're not in the league position we would have hoped to have been in at the start of the season, but we're still very alive in three competitions. I am convinced that this team can carry on doing as well for several more seasons."

Barcelona chief Bartomeu insists they won't break bank in summer market

Wed, 02/22/2012

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists they won't break the bank in this summer's market.

Barca have fallen short in the La Liga this season.

But Bartomeu says: "Those players are very good, but we always need common sense in any negotiations.

"We will not enter the madness market because it is impossible for Barcelona to pay 40 or 50million Euros (£33-42m) for any player.

"This is a decision of the club.

"We can't fight against every club. But we have an advantage in that players want to come and play for Barcelona."

Pique: Barcelona players can't influence Guardiola contract decision

Wed, 02/22/2012

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes the players won't be a factor in whether Pep Guardiola signs his new contract.

Speculation is increasing across Europe over Guardiola's contract stand-off.

"I don't think it depends on us," said Pique.

"The manager has always said he is proud of our performances and how we behave on the pitch. I think his biggest doubts are related to his family and his personal life. He has to dedicate 24 hours a day to football, and that's too much sometimes. We are doing all we can for him to renew. All the players have stated what we want and we are doing all we can on the pitch to show how much we would like him to stay with us. But it's his decision, and we have to respect it".

Barcelona watching Standard Liege prospect Michy Batshuayi

Wed, 02/22/2012

Barcelona are watching Standard Liege prospect Michy Batshuayi.

El Mundo Deportivo says the 18 year-old's stunning form this season has alerted Barca chiefs.

Batshuayi has struck an impressive five goals in just 14 games for Standard and is now being monitored closely by Barca.

Germany coach Low winks at Real Madrid, Barcelona

Wed, 02/22/2012

Germany coach Joachim Low has fueled rumours of a summer move to Spain.

Low has been linked with Jose Mourinho's job at Real Madrid, while Pep Guardiola's delays in penning a new deal at Barcelona has also seen the German mentioned for the Nou Camp.

"I cannot exclude the possibility of coaching a club in the future, it is an option that it would be very fun," smiled Low.

"If someone asked me today, I would say I'm excited to coach a foreign team in the future."

Barcelona legend Maradona: Real Madrid's Mourinho better than Guardiola

Wed, 02/22/2012


Former Barcelona star Diego Maradona rates Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho superior to Pep Guardiola.

Maradona also took a swipe at Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

On Mourinho, he said: "I love the man, as a coach and psychologist. For me, he's the best. Mourinho can turn a coin into gold and this is the reason he has my affection. I'm not in love with him or anything like that, but he is an exceptional man.

"Pep is a great person. I know him very well, but he may not have as much quality as Mourinho, he has better players at his disposal. But do not forget that Pep is very young and has a great career ahead."

On Valdes, he also told News360: "Barcelona are a great team, including the goalkeeper, who looks good with those players. It's true, Valdes is bad! But with players like that ahead of him, he looks good."

Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez shrugs off 2-goal heroics in Champions League

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez played down his heroics in their Champions League win at Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite scoring his first two Champions League goals, Sanchez, who joined from Udinese in the summer, played down his performance.

"I scored two goals, but a team-mate gave me the opportunity to do it," he told fcbarcelona.com. "I took advantage of the room they gave me.

"I always like to give more of myself in each game, but I still don't feel completely comfortable."

Barcelona fullback Daniel Alves: We needed that win

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona fullback Daniel Alves says their Champions League win at Bayer Leverkusen was timely.

Barca went into the game reeling from their Liga defeat at Osasuna.

“I think we have an important advantage but we must finish our work at the Camp Nou," said Alves.

“Winning always helps, it gives you encouragement and another spirit. A good quality that we have is that we accept things as they come. We adjusted phenomenally from one competition to another and we’ll fight until the end.

“I wasn’t too preoccupied with shooting, I simply decided to assist Messi. He had made an important play previously, and I wanted him to score. We’re all happy.”

Barcelona coach Guardiola gave up on Liga weeks ago

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola gave up on the Liga weeks ago, it has been revealed.

Barca are now ten points behind leaders Real Madrid and El Confidencial says Guardiola decided to focus on the Champions League and Copa del Rey over three weeks ago.

He is now protecting his players for the Champions League and Copa final.

Barcelona chief Estiarte loses rag with TV crew over Pique meeting

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona director Manuel Estiarte lost it with the TV media after being caught on camera speaking with the father of Gerard Pique.

Marca says Estiarte and Pique Snr spoke for 20 minutes after the defender was left out of Barca's win at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Barca director was unhappy when discovering he was being filmed by TV3 and berated the reporters for their actions. Estiarte insisted they did not release any images to the public.

Its suggested Estiarte was urging Pique's father to talk to the defender about changing his behaviour.

What feud? Solbakken spends two hours with Barcelona coach Guardiola

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola used part of his time in Germany to end his feud with Stale Solbakken.

The pair clashed last season when Solbakken was in charge of FC Copenhagen.

Solbakken is now coach of FC Cologne and spent two hours speaking with Guardiola after Barca's win over Bayer Leverkusen.

"We played twice against them last season in the Champions League. He's a very interesting and good coach. I spoke on the phone with his assistant and agreed to meet after the game. It was a very open conversation. We talked a lot about different tactical options and about football in general," said the Norwegian.

Former Barcelona star Evaristo: Messi and Neymar will be fantastic

Thu, 02/16/2012

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Evaristo says Neymar could make it at Barca.

Evaristo believes Santos ace Neymar and Lionel Messi can play in the same team.

The Brazilian spent fives years with Barca and said: "Messi and Neymar are compatibles. There would be no problem, they would do double what Messi does now.

"It's going to be fantastic. Messi helps Neymar and Neymar Messi."

Man Utd monitoring Pique blow-up at Barcelona

Thu, 02/16/2012

Europe's biggest clubs - including Manchester United - are monitoring Gerard Pique's blow-up atBarcelona this week.

Pique was dropped by Barca coach Pep Guardiola for victory at Champions League opponents Bayer Leverkusen, with both the Catalan and Madrid press agreeing it was for "technical reasons".

The former United defender was blamed for defeat at Osasuna and it emerged yesterday that his advisers have been urged by Barca to speak with Pique about his behaviour.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he never wanted to lose Pique and remains a big fan of the centre-half. With concerns over the fitness of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, a new centre-half is on the agenda this summer for Ferguson and the prospect of bringing back Pique will be explored.

The defender also keeps in touch with several of his former United teammates, includingWayne Rooney, who would love to see Pique back at Old Trafford.

Keita, Afellay return to Barcelona training

Thu, 02/16/2012

Seydou Keita and Ibrahim Afellay returned to Barcelona training yesterday.

Keita was back after helping Mali to third place in the African Nations Cup. He was given a rapturous welcome home by his team mates.

Afellay, meanwhile, has returned after recovering from knee surgery. It was his first appearance at training in over five months.

Barcelona No1 Valdes: Bayer Leverkusen win can boost Liga form

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes says their Champions League win at Bayer Leverkusen will boost their Liga form.

Barcelona put one foot in the quarter-finals with their 3-1 midweek victory and Valdes believes the competition could help them in the Primera Division.

"Doing so well in Germany keeps us alive in the competition," he told the club's official website.

"This is something very important for us and at the same time it provided inspiration for the league.

"The Champions League will affect what happens in the league.

"If we look at how the season has gone, there's no denying that we haven't been getting the away results we'd hoped for and that's why we're 10 points behind.

"But we have to keep at it. We won't let our heads drop. We have to keep believing and fighting."

Barcelona keeper Valdes insists no problems with Pique

Thu, 02/16/2012

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes insists there's no problems with Gerard Pique.

The Spain international was left out of the midweek trip to Bayer Leverkusen, which manager Pep Guardiola insists was only with Valencia in mind.

Valdes too was keen to downplay Pique's absence at the BayArena, adding: "There's no need to go on about that. He's the best centre-back in the world and he's always shown that.

"It was just the manager's decision the other day. I haven't noticed any change in him. He's working harder than ever and is enthusiastic about things".

Real Madrid to include Higuain in bid for £30M Arsenal star Van Persie

Fri, 02/10/2012

Real Madrid plan to open the bidding for Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie.

The Daily Mail says Real Madrid will make an offer for Van Persie in the summer as they join the £30million race for the Arsenal striker.

Manchester City and Barcelona are also keen on the Dutchman, 28, who has 16 months left on hisArsenal contract and is yet to commit to another deal.

Madrid will also look to put Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain in as part of the deal. Higuain, 24, is a target for Chelsea but has been long admired by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Man City star Silva not interested in comparisons with Barcelona's Messi

Fri, 02/10/2012

Manchester City ace David Silva has dismissed comparisons with Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Silva, 26, is searching for honours ­instead of hero worship.

He told the Daily Star: “No, I don’t aim to be better than Messi.

“I aim to win more trophies with my team and to improve myself – not to be the equal of Messi.

“But I have changed a lot. When I came here I wasn’t physically 100 per cent but I feel a lot better now.

“It’s hard on you physically in England and it will be a tough game to win against Spurs. It’s difficult to say who are our bigger rivals, Spurs or United.

“They are both very close but we have to ­concentrate on our own game."

Barcelona win through to Copa del Rey final

Thu, 02/09/2012

Barcelona have reached the Copa del Rey final.

A goal in each half from Cesc Fabregas and Xavi ensured Barcelona progressed to the Copa del Rey final with a 2-0 victory on the night over 10-man Valencia.

There was all to play for with the tie finely balanced at 1-1 heading into Wednesday night's second leg at the Nou Camp, and the hosts needed only 16 minutes to take the lead through a neat finish from Fabregas.

Sofiane Feghouli was sent off for the visitors in the 76th minute for a second bookable offence and soon after Xavi eased any Barca nerves by grabbing his side's second goal.

Barca will face Athletic Bilbao in the final after the Basque club completed an 8-3 aggregate win over Mirandes last night.

Barcelona coach Guardiola: Best I've seen from Thiago Alcantara

Thu, 02/09/2012

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was delighted with Thiago Alcantara for their win over Valencia in last night’s Copa semifinal.

Guardiola felt it was Thiago's best performance at senior level for Barca.

"He had an extraordinary match, he played like a man. He audaciously played in a position that he’s not used to,” said Guardiola.

Clemente: Barcelona did not create Lionel Messi

Thu, 02/09/2012

Spanish coaching legend Javier Clemente has scoffed at claims from Barcelona that they 'made'Lionel Messi.

Barca have long insisted Messi was a product of their La Masia system.

But Clemente snapped: "Messi is player from outside. They signed the best child in all of Argentina. They did not create the player. Messi was Messi and they polished."

Ex-Chelsea, Barcelona fullback Belletti: Nou Camp best place for Neymar

Thu, 02/09/2012

Former Barcelona and Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti feels the Nou Camp is the best place for Neymar.

The Santos star is a target for both European heavyweights.

But Belletti says: "Neymar would find room at Barca today. He is very impressive and can succeed at Barca.

"Barca is a team that can transform Neymar into the best in the world, as was the case of Lionel Messi."

Barcelona to include gun trio in bid for Arsenal captain Van Persie

Thu, 02/09/2012


Barcelona are ready to tempt Arsenal into parting with Robin van Persie by offering a host of their best youngsters.

El Mundo Deportivo says Isaac Cuenca, Cristian Tello and Jonathan dos Santos are all interestingArsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Barca plan to use that interest to drive down Wenger's asking price for Van Persie.

Only this week, Barca sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta was forced to deny claims he had flown to London to meet with Van Persie's agent.

Tottenham star Bale will reject any Barcelona approach

Thu, 02/09/2012


Tottenham star Gareth Bale isn't interested in a move to Barcelona.

The Mirror says Bale is ready to turn his back on Barcelona and stay at Tottenham.

The Welsh winger is top of Barca boss Pep Guardiola’s transfer wish-list and the Catalan club are desperate to get their man in the summer.

But Bale, who is under contract until 2015, has made it clear that he is in no rush to leave - even for the best team in European football.

The 22-year-old is happy at Spurs, and as long as they keep going in the right direction, he wants to stay for at least another year.

Mourinho wants Real Madrid to beat Barcelona for Arsenal star Van Persie

Thu, 02/09/2012

Real Madrid plan to compete with Barcelona for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

Marca says Real boss Jose Mourinho would rather go for Van Persie, who has the versatility to play as an imposing No 9, or take a place on either flank.

Mourinho's own future at the Bernabeu is in serious doubt, but he has told his bosses that 28-year-old Van Persie would be a perfect fit.

Any deal is also contingent on Gonzalo Higuain being offloaded - with Chelsea identified as a potential destination - as the Argentina centre forward has fallen behind Karim Benzema in the pecking order.

There would be no shortage of willing buyers if Van Persie does not decided to extend his stay in north London, with Manchester City likely to make a move.

Barcelona boss Guardiola excited facing Athletic Bilbao in Copa final

Thu, 02/09/2012

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is excited about the prospect of a Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Guardiola believes the May date will prove a "marvellous spectacle".

He told fcbarcelona.cat: "We're very excited to play against Athletic. We're happy to have another final saved away. It's a final with the teams that have the most titles in the competition.

"I believe it will be fascinating, because I haven't seen a team that plays into space like Athletic. They will come for us, and we'll do the same.

"It'll be a beautiful final for spectators that will give prestige to the competition."

Barcelona president Rosell: Fans want Guardiola to stay

Thu, 02/09/2012

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell remains confident Pep Guardiola will sign a new contract.

The coach's current deal expires in June.

"We are trying to do everything necessary to convince him to stay, of course, but it is his decision," Rosell told CNN.

"I still hope to renew his contract because that is what he has been doing from year to year and I hope that he remains a part of this club for many more seasons. It's what all the fans want."

Barcelona defender Pique: Guardiola still enthusiastic about job

Thu, 02/09/2012


Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says coach Pep Guardiola is still motivated about the job.

Pique denies Guardiola is losing enthusiasm for the role.

"I see Guardiola more motivated than in his first year here," Pique said during a press conference. "That says everything.

"Ever since Pep arrived, the team has not stopped growing. Barca are stronger now than four years ago."

Barcelona insist no direct contact with Arsenal captain Van Persie

Mon, 02/06/2012

Barcelona have cooled talk of making contact with Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

Barca say no contact has been made with the club or his agent and that they are focused on winning the Liga and Copa del Rey.

"Nothing exists with RVP," explained vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu after Saturday's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.

"It's rumours that appear in the papers. We've not contacted Arsenal, nor his agent.

"Our focus is now on the Liga and Copa del Rey. It's necessary to be focused on the task at hand and not be distracted by the transfer market."

Cristian Tello delighted to be on Barcelona scoresheet

Mon, 02/06/2012

Cristian Tello is delighted he stayed with Barcelona.

The striker struck in victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday night.

Tello could've signed with Espanyol, but chose to turn them down.

"Espanyol offered me a deal with the first team but I already had an ambition and that was to make it here. It's hard to get over leaving Barça so when they offered to take me back I didn't think twice and worked hard to take my chances," Tello told Barca's website.

Barcelona No1 Valdes impressed by young teammate Cristian Tello

Mon, 02/06/2012

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes was delighted for Cristian Tello after victory over Real Sociedad.

Tello struck on his full home debut in the narrow win.

Valdes said: “I want to congratulate him for his first goal with the first team, we have the best youth system in the world.

"It’s important to win all the games that we have to play, we are in a situation that leaves us with no margin of error, we have to keep on winning three points each week and wait for Madrid to stumble.”

PSG ready to pounce for unsettled Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita

Mon, 02/06/2012

PSG are watching Seydou Keita's situation at Barcelona.

The Mali midfielder is yet to open serious talks about a new contract at Barca and has openly flirted with AC Milan and Liverpool this season.

PSG are also monitoring developments, with Keita finding space in Barca's midfield at a premium following the arrival of Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of Thiago Alcantara this season.

Man Utd legend Charlton: Barcelona remain superior to Mourinho's Real Madrid

Mon, 02/06/2012

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton rates Barcelona as being superior to Real Madrid.

Charlton believes Barca remain the benchmark in European football.

"The coach of Real Madrid (Jose Mourinho) and Real Madrid leads the Spanish Liga, but does not do so convincingly.

"They may have more points than Barcelona, but Barca, overall, is the team you have to beat if you want to be the best," he told Catalunya Ràdio.

Barcelona star Messi "hurt" by Argentina criticism

Mon, 02/06/2012

Barcelona star Lionel Messi admits criticism over his performances for Argentina do hurt him.

Messi was speaking with TIME magazine and confessed the barbs aimed at him on the international stage do sting.

"It hurts and bothers me. They said things that were not true. Now, I think they understand that football is a team game and I try to play the same way as I do with Barcelona.

"I've never ceased to be Argentine and I've never wanted to. I am very proud of my country.Barcelona is my home because they gave me everything but I will always be Argentine."

Agent opens door to sensational Real Madrid move for AC Milan's Ibrahimovic

Mon, 02/06/2012


Super agent Mino Raiola has opened the door to a sensational move to Real Madrid for AC Milanstriker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The super Swede joined Milan after an ill-fated season at Barcelona and feels he has unfinished business in Spain.

"After his experience with Barca, it would be a very interesting challenge for him to play for this great team," Raiola told fichajes.com.

"Every day I receive offers for Zlatan ... For this reason I cannot give assurances that he'll end up finishing his career with the AC Milan jersey on his shoulders."

Man City striker Balotelli: I can win Ballon d'Or

Mon, 02/06/2012

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli feels he can win the Ballon d'Or.

Though he admits he'll need Barcelona star Lionel Messi to go off the boil.
Balotelli made the claims on Telefoot.

"I think I can win the Ballon d'Or ... But Messi has to lower his level of play or I can not do it," smiled Balotelli.

Barcelona's Keita: I could've made more money with Real Madrid

Fri, 02/03/2012

Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita admits he could be playing for Real Madrid.

Keita says Real and Juventus wanted him before joining Barca.

“Barcelona had come off the back of three difficult years and a lot of people had advised me not to sign for them," he told L'Equipe.

"I had been involved in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid and Juventus, the other clubs that wanted to sign me and who had offered more money.

"But I had given my word to the Barcelona directors.”

Espanyol sign ex-Barcelona midfielder Victor Sanchez

Thu, 02/02/2012

Espanyol have signed Victor Sanchez to a three-year deal.

A product of Barcelona's famed academy system, the midfielder rose through the ranks at Camp Nou to become a member of their senior squad.

He was, however, unable to hold down a regular role and was released from his contract in June 2011.

Sanchez accepted an offer from Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax last summer, but has been out of contract since the club saw their playing license revoked.

Isaac Cuenca inks new Barcelona contract

Thu, 02/02/2012

Isaac Cuenca has penned his new deal with Barcelona.

Cuenca signed a contract to extend and improve his association to Barcelona until June 30, 2015.

The extension and improvement of Cuenca's contract was signed at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, minutes before the second training session of the day.

Barcelona boss Guardiola: No problem not making any winter signings

Thu, 02/02/2012

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola had no problem not landing a new signing in January.

Guardiola said there was little to no chance of picking up a new player during the winter transfer window.

“We’ve thought about it, but I highly value the reserve players and I want to use them. I have no doubts about the footballers from the B team.

"If we have injuries, we’ll give the youngsters a chance. Cuenca, Sergi Roberto, Dos Santos, Bartra, Montoya ... whenever they play they do a good job,” said Guardiola.

Messi misses spotkick as Barcelona held at Valencia in Copa

Thu, 02/02/2012

Barcelona star Lionel Messi missed a penalty during their 1-1 draw with Valencia in the first-leg of their Copa tie.

The Argentinian wasted the chance to put the visitors in front after Carlos Puyol had cancelled out Jonas' opener for the hosts.

The visitors rode their luck in the first half, though, and might have had goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto sent off inside 20 minutes when a clear handball outside the area went unspotted by the officials.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola remarked afterwards: "It was the best game we’ve played here.

"They created the least amount of chances, beyond the stats we once again played very well on a very dry pitch and that’s always hard. But they are coming and we'll wet the pitch down (at the Camp Nou).”

Ex-Barcelona star Mendieta convinced Guardiola could quit in June

Thu, 02/02/2012


Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta feels this could be the final season for Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp.

Guardiola is yet to indicate whether he will extend his current deal at Barca.

"I think one day in Barcelona his cycle will end, he will know when it is the right time. I think as a professional he will want to meet new challenges," said Mendieta.

"The coming season it could occur, depends on how they finish. In the near future we may see Guardiola at another team, perhaps because of his Italian experience as a player it will be easier to go to Calcio, though he is a connoisseur of world soccer and could succeed anywhere."

Pique hits out at Barcelona critics: We have not bottomed out

Thu, 02/02/2012

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has hit out at critics after their draw with Valencia in the Copa.

The result came days after being held by Villarreal in the Liga.

But Pique argued: "Sometimes you don't win, but a draw in the Copa is a good result.

"We are optimistic. The talk that we're bottoming out is exaggerated, we are not sliding, this is untrue."

Vitor Baia: Real Madrid's Mourinho would've been Barcelona success

Thu, 02/02/2012



Former Barcelona goalkeeper Vitor Baia says Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho would've been successful at the Nou Camp.

Mourinho interviewed for the Barca job before they went with Pep Guardiola over three years ago.

"Mourinho has a capacity to adapt very well to all cultures. Porto, for Mourinho, was one, thenChelsea was different. And Inter Milan has nothing to do with the others. And in Madrid this is another where he's doing well," said the Portuguese.

"For me, Mourinho is the best coach in the world. He is very special."

Thiago denies Barcelona need Messi to win

Thu, 02/02/2012

Thiago Alcantara insists Barcelona do not rely on Lionel Messi for their success.

Messi missed a spotkick in their 1-1 draw at Copa opponents Valencia this week.

"Messi was a born winner," Thiago told a news conference. "Yesterday, he was brave enough to take the ball and take the responsibility for the penalty.

"He did not score, but that is not a problem. We have the best player in the world amongst us, but we do not depend on him.

"We have to exploit and use the power of each player, and if we have players like him or Xavi, we can certainly draw inspiration from them.

"I am only talking about two of them, but there are so many. We certainly are not dependent on Messi."

Guardiola currently La Liga’s most experienced boss

Pep Guardiola is currently the manager working in the Spanish Primera League with most games at the same club, following the sacking of Manolo Preciado 

After the departure of Manolo Preciado as manager of Sporting Gijon, Pep Guardiola has become the manager of a Primera Division team with more consecutive games managing the same team. Preciado led Sporting in 232 consecutive games, whilst Guardiola has been in charge of Barça for 220 matches since the 2008/09 season. Interestingly, his immediate pursuer is Unai Emery, his rival in the semifinals of the Spanish  Cup, who has reached 192 consecutive games as Valencia manager.

The fourth Barça manager with more matches

On the other hand, Guardiola now occupies fourth place in the ranking of managers with more games for FC Barcelona, ​​only bettered by Johan Cruyff (430), Frank Rijkaard (273) and Marinus Michels (264). The cold statistics become more significant if we look at the numbers in depth, as Guardiola is third in terms of wins (159), behind Cruyff (250) and Rijkaard (160), whilst in terms of goals scored by Barça under the leadership of Guardiola (562) he is only surpassed by those scored by Johan Cruyff's players between 1988 and 1996 (870). Thus, the percentages show that Pep is the best manager that Barça has ever had.

The Barça manager with more trophies

Obviously, if Guardiola is the best this is not only due to statistics, but also for something intangible such as his team's fabulous football, and especially their achievements. In this sense, the numbers speak for themselves:since 2008 Barça have won 13 of 16 possible titles, a record for FC Barcelona. Behind are the 11 titles won by Johan Cruyff's Dream Team and the 8 trophies won by Jack Greenwell in the years 1917-24 and 1931-33. On the horizon we may see a new record that would put Barça at the top of the podium of Spanish football, as the manager with most titles in Spanish history is Miguel Muñoz, former Madrid manager, who won 14 titles with his epic Madrid team between 1959 and 1974.

Valencia v FC Barcelona: First step towards the final

21.00, Radio Barça: Barça visit Mestalla in search of a good result in the Copa del Rey semi final first leg to take back to the Camp Nou for the remaining 90 minutes that will decide which of the two teams will be going to the final



Josep Guardiola's side puts its Liga campaign aside once again to concentrate on the Copa del Rey. On Wednesday they have a great chance to get at least one foot through the cup final door, but they're up against a tough Valenciaside that is currently third in the league. It promises to be a gripping encounter between the highest scoring team in the competition, Barça, and the side with the second best defensive record, Valencia. The Catalans are returning to the Valencian Community just a few days after suffering a setback in the league at Vila-real, and are doing so with several key players out through injury. But with concentration and effort, there is no reason why that cannot continue their hunt for what would be the fourth major trophy of the season.

On Saturday, Pedro's name was added to the injury list with a thigh strain. That means there have only been 14 first team players available for training for the last few days, and so the services of several members of Eusebio Sacristán's Barça B squad have been called upon.

Ready in reserve

And some of those reserves have been included in the squad for this crunch cup tie. Like against Vila-real, Jonathan Dos Santos, Sergi Roberto and Cristian Tello get places. With Pedro out, and considering how Barça are lacking in attacking resources, it seems likely that Isaac Cuenca will be given his chance on Wednesday night, a day after he signed a longer and improved contract with the club, and which also made him an official first team member.

This will be the sixth time that FC Barcelona and Valencia have met in the semi finals of the Copa del Rey. In previous meetings, Barça have gone to play in the final three times, and the Valencians twice. Curiously, whichever of these sides eventually went through, in all five cases they went on to lift the trophy. A good omen.

Valencia with injury worries too

Valencia have got this far by beating Sevilla and local rivals Levante. Their manager said in his pre-match press conference that the players are aware that "Barça are always dangerous. They may be missing some very important players, but there are plenty of other important ones left". Unai Emery has called up Alves, Guaita, Rami, Víctor Ruiz, Jordi Alba, Barragán, Miguel, Dealbert, Albelda, Mathieu, Tino Costa, Ever, Feghouli, Bernat, Piatti, Jonas, Soldado and Aduriz.

C.Ronaldo crying after Barcelona goal

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