Injury doubt Alexis travels to Prague

he Chilean striker is back in the 21-man squad for the Champions League match against Viktoria Plzen. Cuenca and Oier are also included for the trip to the Czech Republic.

Alexis Sánchez has been added to the squad for the first time since picking up his muscle injury on 10th September. He will travel to Prague on Monday despite not yet having been given the all clear by Club doctors. The players will train on Monday in the Eden Stadium and then a decision will be taken on the South American star’s fitness.

The squad is made up of the 19 available first team players plus Isaac Cuenca and Oier Olazabal from the reserves. Olazabal has been taken along as a precaution against last minute injuries to the senior goalkeepers during Monday training, as connections between Barcelona and Prague would otherwise make it impossible for him to join the squad in time for the match. Pedro and Afellay miss the game through injury.

Reserves join session

The players were back in training on Sunday morning after their 5-0 drubbing of Mallorca. As usual after a match, it was a light session for most of them. They were joined by 11 players from Barça B: Cuenca, Montoya, Deulofeu, Soriano, Gustavo, Espinosa, Sergi Gómez, Rosell, Rodri, Armando and Masip.

David Villa Goal vs Manchester United in 10 Languages

Zubizarreta: “The main aim is to qualify”

The sports manager for professional football believes that a win on Tuesday in Prague will give the team the chance to relax a little, as they will be mathematically through to the last sixteen of the Champions League.



Before setting off for Prague, where the team will play its fourth Champions League fixture, Andoni Zubizarreta spoke about the importance of getting a good result at the Eden Stadium: “Before the group stage, the main aim is to qualify. The second is to finish top, but the most important thing is to qualify and go into the hat for the second round. So, a win will mean we can relax a little”.

Getting on the map

Zubizarreta warned that the game won’t be as easy as people are saying. “The crowd generates a lot of pressure. And the opposition have a challenge, because beating Barça is a way of putting themselves on the map. Viktoria showed that they are not a team that shows fear. They take risks, they look for the opposition’s goal and try hard. We had a lot of chances at the Camp Nou, but that didn’t scare them much either” he remembered.

No doubting Messi

On Leo Messi, who scored a hat-trick in last Saturday’s 5-0 win, Zubizarreta said “His value and talent shouldn’t be doubted. If we look at things in terms of mistakes, he’s the man who makes the fewest in world football right now”.

Shakira & Pique celebrate David Villa & Messi’s goals with a KISS

FC Barcelona – Zubi: “Messi es el que menos se equivoca”

Lionel MESSI Scores Hat Trick! Barcelona vs Mallorca 3-0

Rating: 5.0/5 (8 votes cast)

Barcelona lose Pedro for three weeks

Thu, 10/27/2011

Barcelona winger Pedro is out for 2-3 weeks with an ankle injury.

Barca had revealed early tests allayed fears of long-term damage - predicting he would be out for 10-15 days - but more in-depth examinations show it could be as long as three weeks until he can play again.

A statement said: "Tests this morning have confirmed that the forward has a sprain of his left ankle. The time off required is approximately two to three weeks."

Pedro therefore misses Primera Division games against Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao, the Champions League clash with Viktoria Plzen and the Copa del Rey tie with Hospitalet.

Barcelona's Cesc again forced to deny racism claims

Thu, 10/27/2011

The race storm around Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has reignited.

Ex-Gunners ace Fabregas was accused of insulting Fredi Kanoute in an ugly incident that saw theSevilla star sent off during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Barcelona.

Fabregas denied the claims after the game — and again yesterday after being grilled about it.

He said: "I spoke with Kanoute and we said what we had to say.

"Like every football player, I'm no saint, but I never said anything racist."

Kanoute sparked the bust-up by kicking the ball off the spot as Lionel Messi prepared to take a penalty.

Pele declares Barcelona star Messi best in world - for now

Thu, 10/27/2011

Pele feels Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.

While triple World Cup winner Pele believes Messi is the best at present he said every generation produces its greats.

Asked what Messi has to do to be remembered as the best ever, Pele told Sky Sports News: "It is time - each generation has your own good player.

"Messi no doubt today is one of the best players, no doubt.

"You have some time ago (Diego) Maradona, you have (Michel) Platini, you have (Zinedine) Zidane, you know a few years ago Zidane was the best.

"In every generation you have one and at the moment Messi is the best."

Barcelona chiefs to settle on Man Utd target Jordi Alba as their left-back signing

Thu, 10/27/2011

Barcelona are ready to move for Valencia fullback Jordi Alba.

Sport says Barca powerbrokers are leaning towards moving for the Spain international as they seek a new left-back signing.

The youngster is refusing to consider new contract talks with Los Che and is aware of the growing interest in his signing.

Along with Barca, Manchester United have also been linked with Alba.

The player's camp are refusing all attempts by Valencia to open new contract talks as they wait to see if Barca sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta will make his interest concrete in the coming weeks.

Messi's ex-: Barcelona star's Mum came at me with frying pan!

Thu, 10/27/2011

Lionel Messi's ex- admits she was chased by the Barcelona star's Mum swinging "a frying pan"!

Macarena Lemos, a 20-year-old model from Rosario who briefly dated Messi, says she was out shopping with her mother and her aunt when she noticed the player's parent was following her and taking photographs.

"She was following me and taking photos until I turned around and asked her what was going on," the model explained on Telenoche.

"That's when she started insulting me. What was she doing there in the electronics section, with a frying pan in her hand? She was following me with a telephone and a frying pan."

Lemos was bemused by the actions of Mrs Messi, claiming she has never gone on record with any details of their relationship.

"I have never came out and said whether I had slept with her son. I was 14 and he was 18 - and I didn't reveal anything about our relationship," she added.

"She treated me like I was nothing, as if I were hanging from her son's ribs. She seems to think I said something to a magazine, but I never did. They are confused.

"It shocked me because I wasn't expecting something like that to happen on a Sunday afternoon, especially with my mother and my aunt present.

"He has bodyguards, but I don't. I go out on the street and meet my friends like a normal person."

Man City to try again for Barcelona veteran Maxwell

Thu, 10/27/2011

Manchester City are eyeing Barcelona fullback Maxwell.

City boss Roberto Mancini has concerns over his fullback options and is weighing up a January move to the Brazilian veteran.

Maxwell's agent, Mino Raiola, revealed he rejected an offer from City last summer and City could now revive their interest ahead of the winter market.

Alexis Sanchez returns to Barcelona training

Oct 26, 2011 

The Chile international has been out for six weeks, but is gradually making his way back to full fitness, while Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol are also making progress

Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez has returned to full training as he nears a return to first-team action.

The Chile international has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad on September 10.

Barcelona's official website confirmed the 22-year-old took part in training with the rest of the squad following Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Granada in La Liga.

There was further good news for Barca coach Pep Guardiola as Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol could be called back to the squad for Saturday's clash against Mallorca.

Puyol has not played since last week's Champions League encounter against Viktoria Plzen, while Pique has been out since the 3-0 win over Racing Santander on October 15.

However, Pedro is likely to be out for at least two weeks after suffering an ankle injury against Granada.

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas: Lionel Messi is a born winner

Oct 26, 2011

The Spain international believes his club colleague will hit the ground running in Saturday's Liga clash at home to Mallorca as he rejects goal drought concerns

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has backed Lionel Messi to score again soon, insisting the best players in the world always bounce back.

Messi has 10 Liga goals this season but failed to score in the 1-0 win over Granada on Tuesday night as Xavi netted the winner.

However, despite Messi's lack of goals in recent games - the Argentine missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw with Sevilla on Sunday - Fabregas feels his colleague will rediscover his scoring touch.

"Messi is the best and a born winner," Fabregas is quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.

"Messi always wants to score goals, but that did not happen on Wednesday.

"However, the great thing about football is that the best players take no time in getting back on their feet. On Saturday he will have another chance to prove that he is the best."

Barcelona meet Mallorca at Camp Nou on Saturday evening.

Franz Beckenbauer: Barcelona are their own worst enemies

Oct 26, 2011 

The Germany legend is full of praise for Pep Guardiola's men, but feels their success in Spain and Europe has built unmanageable pressure for the Catalan giants

Bayern Munich great Franz Beckenbauer has stated that Barcelona are their own biggest rivals, as their success has put unbelievable pressure on the side.

Pep Guardiola's men have dominated both Spanish and European football over recent seasons and after some sub-par results recently, the Bayern Munich executive has explained the downfall of achieving such excellent standards.

"The great rival of Barcelona is Barcelona themselves. Why? Quite simply, the fans never have enough now that Barca have won so many things and have played so well; they will not settle for less," he told Mundo Deportivo.

The 66-year-old went on to praise the Camp Nou outfit and their talisman Lionel Messi.

"This team is the best I've seen in my life, they are the reason Spain won the European Championships in 2008, and the World Cup [in 2010].

"Lionel Messi is by far the best player in the world, the most decisive player for what he brings to the team and what he does individually," he concluded.

Pepe Animal

☆☆☆FC Barcelona II Dream team II ☆2011☆ NEW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David Villa Goal vs Manchester United in 10 Languages

Frederic Kanoute apologizes after Camp Nou fracas with Cesc Fabregas

The Mali striker wishes to draw a line under the incident which saw him dismissed in the dying moments of Saturday’s draw with the European champions.

Frederic Kanoute has apologized for his part in the fracas which marred the end of his side’s 0-0 draw with Barcelona on Saturday.

The Mali international was sent off deep into stoppage time for grabbing Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas by the face. Allegations that the Spain international racially abused Kanoute surfaced, but the former Tottenham striker has moved to end the feud on his official twitter page.

“I’m sorry for what happened yesterday. There was provocation and insult, you know. His behavior was as bad as mine, but we continue with football,” said Kanoute.

Later, the striker tweeted, “@cesc4official [Fabregas] and I have spoken on the phone. The matter is explained and we’re two adults and aware that we were at fault yesterday. That’s that.”

Last night, Fabregas categorically denied uttering racist slurs towards the 34-year-old.

Pedro out for between 10 and 15 days

First examinations of Barça’s Spanish international forward has shown he has not suffered any break, but has strained tendons in his left ankle. He will undergo further tests on Wednesday.

Pedro Rodríguez was carried off in the 55th minute of the game against Granada tonight and was replaced by David Villa after he twisted his ankle.

The Club’s medical services’ first examinations revealed he had not suffered a broken bone, but had damaged the tendons in his left ankle and is expected to be out for between 10 and 16 days.

Guardiola: “Granada will be a good test”

The boss is well aware that his players “have put in a lot of effort in a short time” and that Tuesday’s game will be “a good test for us”, whilst alerting his squad to the threat that Granada pose.



hree days after the Seville game, Barça face another league match – against Granada on Tuesday night. The Andalucía team have not played Barça in the league for 35 years and are this season struggling in the bottom three, but Guardiola insisted at his press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva this lunchtime that Granada are “brave, willing to take risks and very dynamic – a number of their bad results haven’t been deserved at all”.
Different game than against Seville

“We think we will be in for a different game than we had against Seville”, according to Guardiola, “it’ll be a good test for us. We have put in a lot of effort in a short time and we’ll have to see how we respond”, However, the boss has no complaints about his players’ attitude: “if all the draws and defeats we have get the same response from them, there will be no problem” and also insisted that there is still a long way to go in the league: “there are still 90 points to play for”.

All cleared up between Cesc and Kanouté

Cesc Fàbregas and Frederic Kanouté announced on Twitter this weekend that they had spoken on the phone and resolved the incident that led to the Seville player’s red card on Saturday night and Guardiola closed the door on the incident, insisting “it’s been cleared up”.

The evening ended with a fantastic firework display

The future looks bright for Barca

Six of Barca's homegrown stars pose in front of the centre

Barca inaugurated their state-of-the-art facility on Thursday

The original La Masia closed earlier this year after 32 years

Barcelona's brand new La Masia

Roma chief Baldini admits offering job to Barcelona coach Guardiola

Sat, 10/22/2011

New AS Roma director general Franco Baldini admits they offered the coaching job to Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

Baldini made the revelation yesterday at his unveiling.

"I had a word with Guardiola,” stated Baldini. “I asked him if he fancied taking a step towards Roma. He responded by saying perhaps in a few years’ time…”

After much pondering, Roma eventually decided to replace Vincenzo Montella with Barcelona B boss Luis Enrique.

“I liked him from the start,” said the man who has worked alongside Fabio Capello for the English national side. “I instantly adored him as a person and the facts are proving me right.

“This is his first real experience, but he is talented and he has to make his own mistakes. He’s going to be a great Coach.

“I want him to be that immediately and he has all the characteristics to do so. We now have to give him the elements to succeed.”

Jesus Navas insists Sevilla need not fear rampant Barcelona

Sat, 10/22/2011

Sevilla winger Jesus Navas insists they do not fear Barcelona.

They go into the game unbeaten.

Navas said ahead of Saturday's game: "We haven't lost in the league and we are full of hope.

"It's a very important game, we are deservedly up there and winning the three points would be a great step forward. And, even though Barcelona are a great team, we are going to make it difficult for them.

"It's complicated, but they've already drawn two games in the league. I think we are going to have our chances and we have to take advantage of them."

Tottenham scouts keep tabs on Barcelona pair Montoya, Bartra

Sat, 10/22/2011

Tottenham are posting scouts to watching Barcelona pair Martin Montoya and Marc Bartra leading up to the January market.

The Daily Mail says Tottenham are continuing to scout Barcelona's Bartra and Montoya.

Centre back Bartra, 20, was a target in the summer before Spurs began to pursue Bolton's Gary Cahill.

Montoya, also 20, is a right back and seen as potential cover for Kyle Walker.

Jorge Valdano: Real Madrid should channel their energy into beating Barcelona, not hating them

Oct 22, 2011

The former general manager was ousted from his position at the Santiago Bernabeu after a power struggle with Jose Mourinho, but still has love for the capital city side

Jorge Valdano has urged his former club Real Madrid to channel their efforts into beatingBarcelona on the pitch, and put petty grievances behind them.

The Argentine was ousted from his position as general manager of the Santiago Bernabeu outfit due to a disagreement with Jose Mourinho, but, despite this, insists that his love for the club remains untainted.

"Football is very passionate and I am more reflective since [leaving] Madrid. I would like to see Real return to glory days; I am in permanent debt to the club," he told AS.

The capital city side have had to play second fiddle to Barcelona both in the Champions League and in La Liga over recent seasons, but the 56-year-old has stressed that his old club should not hate Pep Guardiola's men.

"It's amazing what you intend to do at Madrid, with the tremendous challenge of [beating] Barcelona. Now, being from Madrid has not enabled me to hate Barcelona.

"Madrid should not give up, but their energy must be put into beating Barcelona, not hating them," he stated.

Ahead of the weekend fixtures, Barcelona top La Liga, with Real Madrid a point behind their arch-rivals.

Thiago Motta: If Lionel Messi ever leaves Barcelona, he would join Inter

Oct 21, 2011

The former Camp Nou midfielder would love to see the Argentina national team captain in Serie A and believes that such a scenario is possible in the future

Inter's Thiago Motta believes that if Lionel Messi ever leaves Barcelona he would join the San Siro outfit over any other club in the world.

The 29-year-old midfielder thinks that Messi could decide to quit the Camp Nou giants at some point in the future and join the Italian side who have always admired him.

"If Messi was to leave Barcelona then the first team he would join would be Inter," Motta toldInter Channel.

"He is still young, but sooner or later the moment for him to change will come."

The Italy international played alongside Messi during his time at Camp Nou before leaving for Atletico Madrid in 2007.

Motta explained the striker's qualities off the pitch and suggested he would like to team up with the superstar once more.

"I am a good friend of Messi, he is a simple guy and very humble," added Motta.

Motta then spoke about the Blaugrana's footballing philosophy - just 24 hours after the Spanish club opened their new La Masia youth academy.

"When I arrived at Barcelona, they taught me to always pass the ball and look for the play, never to waste possession," added Motta.

"When I arrived at Camp Nou my idol was Rivaldo. Then when Louis van Gaal came I realised my position on the pitch was that of Phillip Cocu who I played with for two or three years. I learned a lot from him."

The Brazilian-born midfielder joined Barcelona in 1999 and played for the B team before making his debut for the senior side two years later.

Barcelona earn comfortable Champions League win

Thu, 10/20/2011

Barcelona enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win over Champions League opponents Viktoria Plzen last night.

Barca outclassed their opponents with Andres Iniesta opening the scoring on 10 minutes andDavid Villa rounding things off eight minutes from time.

AC Milan and Barca are now on seven points, six clear of BATE and Plzen in their Champions League group.

Udinese chief Quique Pina: Barcelona not making public true Sanchez price

Thu, 10/20/2011

Udinese chief Quique Pina has revealed the complete price Barcelona paid for Alexis Sanchez.

The Chile international resisted interest from Manchester United and Inter Milan to sign for Barca in the summer.

Pina revealed: "He cost €43 million.

"This figure does not match what Barça published on its website: The cost of the transaction amounted to €26 million fixed and €11.5 million in bonuses."

NEWS SHOCKER: Barcelona legend Cruyff praises Real Madrid

Thu, 10/20/2011


Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has stunned Real Madrid fans by praising their team.

Cruyff was impressed by Real's victory over Lyon.

"Madrid are playing very well in recent years. Eighteen months ago they broke their record for points (96, with Manuel Pellegrini on the bench). It is true that Barcelona took the title, but Real Madrid now have a great team and plays very well," said the Dutchman before returning to type and criticising Real coach Jose Mourinho.

"What he says does not interest anyone. In any sport you must have respect for your teammates and opponents."

Abidal wants Barcelona answer this week as Man City, PSG circle

Thu, 10/20/2011

Eric Abidal will enter new contract talks with Barcelona this week.

Sport says the veteran French defender wants an answer over his push for a new two-year deal.

Abidal has offers from Manchester City, PSG and AC Milan on the table, but his priority is to stay with Barca.

"I have great respect for Barca, but if we cannot agree, the door is always open. I think my legs can still take two seasons at a good level," he said.

Barcelona's Andres Iniesta: Return Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen in Czech Republic will be anything but easy

Oct 20, 2011

The midfielder was impressed with his side's Group H opponents on Wednesday, but added that the Catalans could have scored more goals than the two they managed at Camp Nou

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta insists the Champions League Group H away game against Viktoria Plzen on November 1 will not be easy after the Czech outfit impressed him in Wednesday's encounter at Camp Nou.

Goals from Iniesta and David Villa helped the competition holders to a 2-0 victory in Barcelona, but the Spain international believes the opposition's performance proved they will be a tough nut to crack in the second game of their double-header.

"We saw that the return in the Czech Republic will be anything but easy. Physically they are strong opponents, they like to attack and, although winning over there might be difficult, it's important we do so as three points will pretty much see us through," Iniesta was quoted as saying on uefa.com.

Nevertheless, despite Viktoria good performance, Iniesta felt that Barcelona could have scored more.

"At 1-0 up we went in search of the second, which would have made the night easier and allowed us to relax a little. We wanted to remove hope of Viktoria equalising as quickly as possible because we know that any individual chance can be converted.

"We expended a lot of effort to get that decisive second and we certainly created enough chances to merit another goal. Perhaps it's the result more than the scoreline we should be happy with."

In the other game in Group H on Wednesday, AC Milan defeated BATE Borisov 2-0 in San Siro.

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano: This is a deceiving result, we deserved more goals against Viktoria Plzen

The Argentina international expected his side to bag more goals, while insisting the match against AC Milan is not in their thoughts just yet

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano believes his side did enough in their 2-0 victory against Viktoria Plzen to deserve a much more convincing result.

An Andres Iniesta goal 10 minutes into the game and a late David Villa strike made sure the Catalan giants remained at the summit of Group H.

Despite the game being a one-way street, Barcelona wasted several chances, and Mascherano lamented his side could not translate their dominance into goals.

"This is a deceiving result," the Argentine was quoted as saying by AS after the game. "I believe we deserved to score more goals because we created the chances.

"Viktoria Plzen did not even take a shot on goal."

Barcelona and AC Milan are sharing the top spot in the group, but Mascherano stressed his side are not yet thinking about the match at San Siro.

"First, there is the trip to Viktoria Plzen, which will not be easy, considering today's game," he added. "Then, after securing qualification, we will analyse our situation."

Barcelona 2-0 Viktoria Plzen: Villa & Iniesta guide Catalans to workmanlike win over staunch visitors

The holders were below their brilliant best but still could have won by a hatful of goals as Lionel Messi starred once again in a home victory which was never in doubt

Barcelona made it two wins out of three in the Champions League this term as they overcame Czech side Viktoria Plzen 2-0 thanks to goals from Andres Iniesta and David Villaat Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.

The impressive Iniesta gave the Catalans the lead after 10 minutes with a lovely goal as he combined with Lionel Messi and Villa rounded off the scoring with a late second after the hosts had missed a series of chances.

Barca were pegged back by AC Milan in their first Champions League game this term, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou, but Pep Guardiola's men returned to form in their second match as they thrashed BATE Borisov 5-0 in Belarus.

Imperious at home in the Primera Division this season, having scored 21 goals without reply in four crushing victories over Villarreal, Osasuna, Atletico Madrid and Racing Santander, the Catalans looked set to rack up another comprehensive win here.

Guardiola was without Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique in defence, but stand-ins Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal were barely troubled as the home side exerted their influence early on.

And they didn't have to wait long to go ahead as Iniesta combined with Messi on the edge of the box, controlled with his right foot and slid a low shot into the corner with his left.

The midfielder had returned from a hamstring injury on Saturday against Racing and Barca look a different team when he is on the pitch.

Iniesta then set up David Villa moments later, but the Spain striker shot wide.

Villa came close again later in the half with a trademark angled drive from distance which was just off target, while Messi came within a whisker of a second goal as he got between two defenders but was left without an angle and saw his effort saved by Viktoria keeper Marek Cech.

Pedro then fired over from a rebound with an open goal to aim at and Messi hit the side netting before sending a free-kick against the woodwork on the stroke of half-time.

The Argentina captain was brilliant as the second half got underway, hitting the post again and almost scoring a wonder-goal as the visitors held on for dear life.

The 24-year-old was also brought down in the area with eight minutes left and Barca could have had a penalty, but it mattered little as Villa was on hand to sweep home the rebound anyway.

AC Milan beat BATE by the same scoreline in the other match, meaning the Italian side and Barca are level on seven points and already look certain to reach the knockout stages.

FC Barcelona 2011/12 Pre Match Football Shirt

Wed, 10/19/2011

FC Barcelona 2011/12 Champions League Pre Match Football Shirt

 Wed, 10/19/2011

Barcelona star Messi: There is no war with Real Madrid's Ronaldo

Wed, 10/19/2011

Barcelona star Lionel Messi denies he's in a personal duel with Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo for global dominance.

Messi and Real Madrid star Ronaldo are widely considered to be the best two players in the world at the moment, with the pair battling it out for the Pichichi over the past two seasons.

He told fcbarcelona.com: "This is a thing for the journalists. I have no battle against him and I just want to help my team-mates to keep winning."

Messi is closing in on becoming Barca's all-time leading scorer, needing 39 to overtake Cesar Rodriguez.

Messi said: "It is my goal to match Cesar. The more goals the better, but not to beat the record - to win titles, which is what most interests me.

"We've made history, but we want to do more."

Barcelona ace Messi denies Krkic rift reports

Wed, 10/19/2011

Barcelona star Lionel Messi admits he's surprised by reports he never got along with Bojan Krkic.

It was claimed Messi had little to do with Krkic when the AS Roma striker was at Barca.

"It's wrong, I talked to him," said Messi. "I learned from him.

"I was surprised by the reports, but I haven't talked to him about it."

Barcelona icon Romario: Messi better than Pele? He first must catch me!

Wed, 10/19/2011 

Barcelona legend Romario says Lionel Messi can learn from watching videos of Pele.

Pele has declared he plans to send videos of himself to the Barca superstar after learning the Argentine had never seen footage of him playing.

"If he sees the videos, he'll probably learn some things," said Romario.

"You cannot compare him with Pele. You cannot say he is the same when he has never won aWorld Cup.

"Messi has all the conditions to be the best, but first he has to beat (Argentinian Diego Armando) Maradona, Romario and then eventually Pele."

Blackburn, Fulham chasing Barcelona defender Andreu Fontas

Sat, 10/15/2011

Blackburn Rovers and Fulham are chasing Barcelona defender Andreu Fontas.

The Sun says Rovers and Fulham want Barcelona's £2million-rated central defender.

Blackburn are expected to pounce with a formal offer for the 21-year-old next week.

Barcelona keeper Pinto eyeing Premier League move

Sat, 10/15/2011

Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto is eyeing a move to the Premier League.

His representative insists the veteran shot-stopper would be happy to remain at Barca should a new deal be offered, but has revealed that the Premier League would be his preferred destination if the time comes to move on.

"The first option would be to remain at Barca, if the club are interested," Juan Maraver told COMRadio.

"If that is not possible, then he would prefer to go to the Premier League.

"There have been rumours that Barca are searching for a new keeper for next season, but I don't want to comment on these things.

"The player is calm at the moment and rumours will always surface at a club as big as Barcelona."

Barcelona boss Guardiola accepts criticism from Roma striker Krkic

Sat, 10/15/2011

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola accepts Bojan Krkic's criticism this week.

AS Roma striker Krkic felt he was ignored by Guardiola during his time at Barca.

"He [Bojan] did everything to help us. I have good memories of him and I understand his disappointment as I used to play football too," Guardiola told the press.

"He is still young and in two years he will be back here. He now has time to show that he can return to this club.

"I would have liked to have helped him more, but I couldn't. I have to ask whether we did something wrong.

"If I am still the coach should he return, then I will need convincing he can be a Barcelona player. He is young and has a great future, but the success depends on him."

Pedro says Barcelona cannot take Racing Santander lightly

Sat, 10/15/2011

Barcelona winger Pedro says they must avoid taking Racing Santander lightly.

The reigning champions are widely expected to maintain their unbeaten run come the final whistle on Saturday night, although should Racing cause an upset Pedro insists the international fixtures cannot be blamed.

"It is always hard to get back into shape after an international break," the 24-year-old toldfcbarcelona.com.

"But we are training well, are fully confident, and in good shape.

"Racing have a great team and we expect a good game at the Camp Nou and to keep collecting points.

"Those who have been with our national teams are recovering strength, but I'm sure we'll be ready in time for this game.

"Because of the travel and the minutes played it is always hard to be at one's best after playing internationals, but we are confident and will be at 100 per cent against Racing."

Barcelona interested in Valencia's Jordi Alba - report

The Champions League holders are already planning for next season and the young defender, who can also play in the midfield, appears to be high on their shortlist

The 22-year-old defender has established himself as one of the most in-demand players in La Liga after an impressive start to the season at Valencia.

His efforts have earned him his first-ever call-up to Spain's senior team, and he featured as a starter in the side's 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory against Scotland.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola is reportedly keeping an eye on Jordi Alba, who spent part of his youth career at Camp Nou, as he plans to solve his problems at left-back.

Eric Abidal's contract runs out at the end of the season and the Frenchman has yet to commit his future to the club, amidst reports Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are both interested in his services.

Jordi Alba has so far made five appearances in all competitions for Valencia, who sit fifth in the league.

Barcelona keeping tabs on Brescia's Bartosz Salamon - report

The 20-year-old Polish midfielder has allegedly caught the Champions League holders' attention with his impressive performances for the Serie B side

Bartosz Salamon could be on his way out of Brescia in the winter transfer window as Barcelonahave shown an interest in signing the young midfielder, Sport reports.

Pep Guardiola visited the Serie B side, for whom he played in 2003, during pre-season and is said to have been impressed with the 20-year-old's potential.

The successful coach considers Salamon a player who could be a useful addition to his squad and is keen to lure him to Camp Nou in the not too distant future.

Salamon is a product of the Lech Poznan youth academy and moved to Brescia in the summer of 2007. He was farmed out on loan to Foggia for the 2010-11 campaign and impressed with a string of strong performances.

The Poland Under-21 star has an ongoing contract with Brescia, but could be available for a fee in the region of €2 million.

AC Milan join Paris Saint-Germain in race for Barcelona's Eric Abidal - report

The France international's contract with his current club expires at the end of the season, and the Italian side have joined the Ligue 1 outfit in the chase for his signature

Eric Abidal could be on his way out of Barcelona at the end of the season, and AC Milan are said to have shown an interest in signing the experienced defender, L'Equipe reports.

The 32-year-old's contract with the Camp Nou side expires in the summer of 2012, but he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and the Serie A giants are closely monitoring the Frenchman's situation as a result.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is eager to add more experience to his defence and sees Abidal as the perfect signing, particularly with there being a chance that Alessandro Nesta could hang up his boots at the end of the 2011-12 campaign.

Abidal has previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, and the Ligue 1 big spenders are still hopeful of luring him back to his native country.

The left-back joined Barcelona from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2007 and has since made over 100 official appearances for the Champions League holders.

Racing Santander’s Papa Diop: We can take points off Barcelona

The midfielder is confident in his team’s ability to produce an upset at Camp Nou and underlines the importance of not conceding early to the Spanish champions

Racing Santander midfielder Papa Diop has warned Barcelona against taking them lightly when the two sides confront each other on Saturday evening.

Hector Cuper’s team will head into the Primera Division fixture at Camp Nou as the underdogs, as they are currently third from bottom in the table with just four points from six matches.

Defending Spanish champions Barcelona are level on 14 points with Levante at the top of the standings and have won all three of their league encounters at home so far, scoring 18 goals in the process.

However, Diop believes that Pep Guardiola’s side could drop points against them and explains their strategy against the Catalan giants.

"I know that many think we aren't capable of doing something at Camp Nou, but I think we can pick up points," the 25-year-old is quoted as saying by PA. "Barcelona are not going to win every game.

"We have the team to withstand them and the important thing is not to concede any goals in the opening minutes, because this forces you to become more attacking."

Racing have yet to win a game in La Liga this season after six rounds, but have drawn four times.