FC Barcelona Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

24-02-2009 7:26pm

I need to stop going on hiatus from this forum....great thread!

gimmick · 25-02-2009 10:38am

Must say, I thought Barca looked jaded last night. I am worried of the PAthetico game on Sunday, when the gap will most likley be just 4 points given that Real are playing Espanyol Saturday.

Also in other news the Spanish FA have rejected Barca's appeal to overturn Pique's yellow and Keita's red from last weekend so both will no miss next weekends game against Atletico Madrid

Whatever about Piques yellow (yellows are rarely rescinded), but it astounds me that the red was not rescinded. It was hardly a foul in my book.

Warper · 25-02-2009 12:34pm

Agreed Barca looked out of sorts last night as they have done in their past couple of games. Worringly (wrong spelling i know) this is the worst time of the season to go off the boil - they are no where near the form they were showing before Christmas. The plus side is they have time to regroup and Iniesta should be back in 2 weeks which is a major boost but they have to improve their form as Real are closing the gap in La Liga and tougher teams await in the CL.

redout · 25-02-2009 2:03pm

Last three games have been Draw, Loss, Draw so hopefully Guardiola gives them a kick up the arse for sunday but with so many missing (Abidal, Pique, Keita, Iniesta, Milito, )for the Atletico game it will be tough no doubt. Seems to be that time of the season for Barca which all teams go through were suspensions and injuries coincide.

gimmick · 25-02-2009 3:19pm

This weekend is the test of the teams mettle. As I have said already, the gap will most likely be 4 points when Barca kick off on Sunday. Thats a small gap given that it was 12 just 10 days ago.

I think Barca will need to learn how to win ugly. Screw the gret entertainer tag for a few weeks. This is also a huge game for Athletico as their champs league hopes are extinguishing more and more each week. 3 points ehre could eb the filip they need for the rest of the league campaign.

redout · 25-02-2009 5:43pm

The Blaugrana trainer spoke with Goal.com’s French correspondent at the Stade Gerland following his side’s 1-1 draw with Lyon in the Champions League…
25 Feb 2009 03:00:20

Barcelona’s sudden wobbly form continued when they could only pinch a 1-1 draw at Lyon in Tuesday night’s first leg, last-16 Champions League clash following a poor first half performance.

The Catalan giants’ coach, Pep Guardiola spoke to Goal.com France at the end of the contest and he admitted his side were outplayed in the opening 45 minutes, although he praised his men for bouncing back in the second period.

“We really did not play well in the first half. Lyon were all over us but in the second half, we found our game,” he explained.

“Even though they dominated us in the first 45 minutes, I was not anxious. I analysed the match and I knew that they could not maintain this rhythm until the end of the game.

“I simply asked my players not to panic, to keep calm and composed and eventually we found the goal,” he elaborated.

The Santpedor-born coach continued to look for the positives to build on ahead of the second leg clash in two weeks’ time.

“Inevitably, you learn much more from difficult games like these compared to the ones where you win easily.

“I really appreciate how my players responded in the second half, especially after coming off the [2-1] defeat to Espanyol last Saturday. We will now depend on ourselves in the second leg at home. We will examine the game further in the next few days and start preparing for the return clash.

“The away goal makes it possible for us to advance to the next round, but the game itself still has to be played. And in 90 minutes, anything can happen,” he stressed.

Finally, Guardiola was asked about Juninho’s wonder strike from a freekick which gave Lyon the lead.

“It was a beautiful goal. No one could have stopped it and Victor Valdes really can’t be blamed for it,” he concluded.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2009/02/25/1126025/guardiola-believes-away-goal-gives-barcelona-the-advantage

dfx- · 25-02-2009 7:17pm

"They could only pinch a 1-1 draw at Lyon"

:rolleyes:

That documentary is very good, particularly learning of the Gaspart regime and the contracts some players had...and the reaction of that Malaga defeat and the Real win

redout · 25-02-2009 11:01pm

Lyon Plan To Replace Benzema With Bojan - Reports
The French side have the Barcelona youngster in their sights...
25 Feb 2009 19:09:53

Lyon are reportedly interested in bringing Bojan Krkic to France as they look set to lose Karim Benzema in the summer.

El Mundo Deportivo reports that the French club want to sign the Spaniard to bolster their striking department for next season.

Their performance in the Champions League against Barcelona was a reminder of their class, and with Bojan not exactly thriving in Catalonia, a move does seem on the cards.

The youngster has found himself benched for much of the season, bar the Copa Del Rey, and with the summer comes a chance that Barcelona will sign more strikers.

Indeed, Benzema is one of those who has been linked to the Catalan giants, and Bojan could well be involved in a deal between the two clubs.

The highly-rated Frenchman is aware that he has reached his peak with Lyon and looks set to move to Spain next summer, with Real Madrid and Barcelona the two main possibilities.

Lyon themselves are renowned for bringing up young talent and improving it, and Bojan could well be a crucial part of the team.

With Fred also leaving in the summer, it is clear that Lyon will need a forward, and Bojan could be the man to fill the void.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/722/la-liga/2009/02/25/1127219/lyon-plan-to-replace-benzema-with-bojan-reports

redout · 26-02-2009 7:47pm

Victor Valdes: I Have To Evaluate My Future At Barcelona
Rumours that Barca are looking for a new goalkeeper have left Victor Valdes under pressure...
26 Feb 2009 14:26:32

Victor Valdes has stated that he is weighing up what to do next as Barcelona remain quiet on a new contract amid reports that the club are looking for a new goalkeeper.

Talks on a new deal have yet to start and in a week that has seen the Catalan custodian under the spotlight once again for the goal he conceded against Olympique Lyonnais, he does not know what will happen.

Barcelona have vowed to offer new deals to all their long-serving players whose current contracts expire at the end of next term, but have yet to speak to Valdes.

"I have evaluate my future," Sport quote him as saying. "I have heard nothing from the club, but they know what has to be done.

"Now I only have a contract until 2010 and I am a professional."

With all the discussion about Juninho Pernambucano's goal and the fact some fans are disgruntled with him, Valdes has stated that he used to being the centre of attention.

"I have felt like I have been under a magnifying glass since I was 20 because Barca's goalkeeper is always under pressure," he continued.

"The whistles do not effect me as I have heard them before. The only thing I care about is the support of the coach and my team-mates."

http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/02/26/1128491/victor-valdes-i-have-to-evaluate-my-future-at-barcelona

Victor Valdes Wins The Support Of Barcelona Players And Coaches
Barcelona's beleaguered goalkeeper Victor Valdes has won the support of Pep Guardiola and the squad after being heavily criticised for conceding a goal against Olympique Lyonnais.
26 Feb 2009 12:05:34

Victor Valdes has been given unwavering support by his coach and team-mates at Barcelona after he was criticised for not saving Juninho's opening goal for Olympique Lyonnais in midweek.

The Catalan custodian appeared able to prevent the Brazilian's free kick from soaring past him but the Blaugrana players do not agree and have defended him.

Pep Guardiola was the first to support Valdes, who was Barca's hero in the Champions League final of 2006 against Arsenal and has an impressive domestic record this season.

"The goal from Juninho was a tremendous goal," the Blaugrana trainer said. "Not even seven goalkeepers could have stopped it."

Samuel Eto'o added, "Not even Thomas N'Kono, who, for me, is the best goalkeeper ever, could have saved that. Juninho took a superb free kick and he should be praised for that alone."

Toure Yaya and Thierry Henry both agreed that the drive from the left wing was unstoppable and that the critics should stop looking to dent Valdes' confidence.

"Victor is an excellent professional and Juninho is the best free kick taker in the world. at the moment," Toure explained.

Henry added, "Juninho can score against you at any time. You could have put three goalkeepers in the way and it would still have gone in."

http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/02/26/1128252/victor-valdes-wins-the-support-of-barcelona-players-and-coaches

I said at the time I didnt think it was his fault and still maintain that stance. I also dont think Juninho meant it neither.

yahoo_moe · 26-02-2009 8:09pm

redout wrote: »

missing (Abidal, Pique, Keita, Iniesta, Milito, )for the Atletico game

With Atletico's main strengths being in attack as well, it's a real concern that Barca are missing so many at the back.

They're still very much favourites for the title though so no need for panic stations yet...

redout · 27-02-2009 12:18am

Found this on YouTube. The no.1 is mine too

An Citeog · 27-02-2009 1:00am

redout wrote: »

Found this on YouTube. The no.1 is mine too

If Ronaldo had spent more than one season at Barça, he'd be well up the list. I'd have Xavi in ahead of Puyol aswell.

László Kubala deserves a mention aswell. 256 goals in 329 games for Barça!

redout · 27-02-2009 4:32pm

Lahm would be an excellent signing. Best LB in the world in my opinion. Just imagine Ribery on the left and Messi on the right ! Byebye Titi me thinks if so.

Barcelona Linked With Franck Ribery And Philipp Lahm – Report
Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribery are back on Barcelona's agenda after the Catalan club's technical secretary Txiki Begiristain visited Munich this month, according to a report in Germany.

Barcelona are stepping up their quest to tempt Franck Ribery and Philipp Lahm to join them in the summer as Txiki Begiristain travelled to Munich to lay the foundations, if Sport Bild are to be believed.

The Blaugrana technical secretary was in the Bavarian capital earlier this month to make enquiries about the availability of the highly-rated pair and could follow that up with a bid.

According to the German weekly, Lahm is currently valued at €25 million and has a contract until 2012, while Ribery's price tag is €35m and he has a deal until 2011.

While Begiristain may have been in Munich, Bayern told Sport Bild that Barcelona "have not been in direct contact with us and there have been no formal offers."

El Mundo Deportivo have covered the story and agree that Barça are hoping to reinforce the left flank in the summer and that the pairing of Lahm and Ribéry would be ideal.

One indication that the story may be somewhat flimsy is the fact that the Blaugrana had the chance to sign Lahm when he was set to be a free agent last year and could not agree personal terms.

While the German international full-back may have stated that moving to Camp Nou would have been a dream, he chose to renew with Bayern and Barça ended their interest.

Ribery could be a more realistic proposition as reports that Barcelona will only add one or two new faces in the summer could mean importing a big name with a big fee to keep the squad fresh and fans happy.

Franck Ribery is Barcelona's number one desire and the Catalan club are reported to have reached an agreement with Bayern that sees them installed as favourites to sign him.
27 Feb 2009 09:52:59

Barcelona have reached an basic agreement with Bayern Munich to sign Franck Ribery in the summer and will return with a concrete bid at the end of the season, according to a report in Sport.

The Blaugrana are keen to bolster their options out wide and believe that the French international is the one player that can fit into their style of play under Pep Guardiola.

Initial contact has been made and a tacit acknowledgement recognised that the two clubs will speak again, with the Catalan club now at the front of the queue to sign the Frenchman.

Ribery has said in recent weeks that he would be surprised if he stayed at the Allianz Arena until the end of his contract, which expires in 2011, as a number of clubs start to make their interest known.

"I know that Barca want me as I have spoken a lot to my agent," he told Sports Bild.

While Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked, Barcelona believe that they have taken poll position. President Joan Laporta has even discussed the matter with Bayern chief Franz Beckenbauer.

Mark van Bommel is believed to have told Ribery all about life at Camp Nou and the attraction that he may be joined by Karim Benzema at the club is another plus for the French international.

One cause for concern that the Blaugrana may have is that if Florentino Perez takes control again at Real Madrid, he could employ Zinedine Zidane to woo Ribery to join los Blancos.

But Sport reports that the number of French speakers at Barcelona, including Eric Abidal, Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o, Rafael Marquez, Seydou Keita and Toure Yaya, would help Ribery settle.

Bayern refused an offer, believed to be around €40 million, last summer from Chelsea, however, this time they are expected to see what is on offer and Barca are waiting in the wings.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/02/27/1129809/barcelona-reach-basic-agreement-with-bayern-munich-for-franck-rib

redout · 27-02-2009 4:46pm

Own goal or a winner? Thierry Henry takes aim at Spain's claim on Catalonia

Thierry Henry has followed a well-trodden path of footballers entering into politics
Graham Keeley, Barcelona
Away games could be about to become a lot more difficult for one of the world's greatest footballers.

Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal striker who transferred to Barcelona two years ago, has provoked the wrath of millions after telling a newspaper that Catalonia 'is not Spain'.

The French World Cup winner referred to the northeast region of the country as different, a sentiment which will please many of the fiercely proud Catalans who cheer him on in the Nou Camp every week and regard themselves as distinct from the rest of the country. But it has already caused anger among some opponents of Catalan nationalism.

In an interview with the Spanish daily La Vanguardia today, Henry said: “What I think is this: Catalonia is not Spain, it is another thing and you have to feel it. Barça is another story.

“When you arrive here from Arsenal it surprises you to see how the people are, it is a shock. You have to live it to understand it. England is another mentality.”

Henry, 32, who spent eight years with Arsenal, is the latest player to become involved in the controversial subject of regional nationalism in Spain.

The player’s comments received a hostile reaction from some fans in Internet forums.

One said: “Poor footballers who fall for the Mein Kampf Farca…they force them to praise the very old fashioned fascist, racist nationalism of Europe.”

Another said Henry should be aware his own country occupied Rossellon, which is regarded by Catalan nationalists as part of Catalonia. Jordi B said: “Rossellon is part of the Catalan nation”

Henry is not the first Barca player to become embroiled in the often stormy world of regional politics. Oleguer Presas, a former defender who is now with Ajax of Holland, was an outspoken Catalan nationalist who supported moves to allow the region to break away from Spain.

He wrote a well-received treatise in favour of Catalan independence but found himself in trouble with his former club when he reportedly voiced some support for Eta, the Basque separatist organisation.

At one stage, it was rumoured Oleguer was unhappy about playing with the Spain national squad, but later he joined them for training.

In the Basque Country, Athletico Bilbao only has only ever employed Basque players, in a move which has proved highly contentious. In contrast, Real Madrid has for many years been seen as a symbol of Castilian Spain and was the favoured club of the late dictator General Franco.

Nationalists in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia demand greater autonomy from Madrid, despite a series of concessions to the regions which gives them a high degree of self-governance

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article5815172.ece

Espanyol offer reminder of why we still watch – for an upset
Unlikely hero: De la Pena, the Espanyol midfield player, had not scored for more than four years before his goals in the 2-1 win over Barcelona

Gabriele Marcotti

This is why we watch. James “Buster” Douglas sending Mike Tyson to the canvas. Greece becoming champions of Europe. Joe Gaetjens and the United States getting the better of England at the 1950 World Cup finals. Pak Doo Ik and North Korea doing the same to Italy in 1966. Wrexham, bottom of the Football League, stunning Arsenal, the English champions, in the 1992 FA Cup. A horse, appropriately named Upset, at 100-1 beating Man O’War to the finish line in 1919.

Without upsets - or, more appropriately, the threat of upsets - sport would be like most Hollywood films: you may be entertained, but you know who’s going to get the girl and that James Bond is going to get away.

Those thoughts came to mind when watching the Barcelona derby on Saturday night. The game was at the Nou Camp, in front of the biggest crowd in club football, 98 per cent of them cheering for the home side. Barcelona had lost once in La Liga this season, and that was in August, when Lehman Brothers was still around. Espanyol had not won in the league since November 2, when George W. Bush was still leader of the free world. When they last won at the Nou Camp, Saddam Hussein was a dear friend of the West, ET was in the cinemas and Michael Jackson’s Thriller had yet to be released.

Barcelona had scored 3½ times as many league goals as Espanyol. Samuel Eto’o had struck 23, three more than Espanyol. Josep Guardiola, the Barcelona coach, was hailed as the next big thing. Until a few months ago Mauricio Pochettino, the Espanyol coach, was working in women’s football. Barcelona were top of the league and Espanyol bottom, with a mere 42 points separating them.

But there’s more. Yes, as the cliché goes, anything can happen in a derby. But the Barcelona derby is different. For a start, you have to wonder how a full-blooded Barcelonan can be anything but a Barcelona fan. It’s not just that they’re far better than Espanyol and always have been. It’s that marketing, culture, history and politics have stacked the deck in favour of Barcelona. In a city where Catalan identity is hammered home on every street sign and in every classroom and where kids grow up on stories of how the hallowed Nou Camp was the only place free of Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, you have to wonder just why any Catalan would support a club whose name means “Spanish”.

Many do support Espanyol, but it’s fair to say few would have dared to dream what transpired at the Nou Camp on Saturday. The match was decidedly one-sided - Barcelona outshot Espanyol 20 to two - even after Seydou Keita, the Barcelona midfield player, was controversially sent off late in the first half.

However, Espanyol found themselves two goals up in the wake of an amazing four minutes shortly after half-time. The fact that the scorer of both goals was one Iván de la Peña only added to the surreal nature of events.

De la Peña is a footballing oxymoron, a player who looks as if he has come from the 1930s. He has technique and vision, but is about as quick and dynamic as a sofa. Which is why, despite the hype surrounding him as a youngster - at Barcelona, no less - he never lived up to his potential.

He turns 33 in May, had started 14 games in the past two seasons, and before Saturday, had not scored a league goal in more than four years. And yet it was De la Peña, the second smallest player on the pitch, at 5ft 7in, who headed in Nené’s cross five minutes into the second half and then seized upon a botched clearance by VÍctor Valdés, the goalkeeper, to deliver a sweet chip that flew in under the crossbar. Barcelona pulled a goal back, but the damage was done.

The amazing thing about upsets is that they don’t need to make a difference to have a lasting effect. Barcelona will probably win the league. And Espanyol will likely be relegated.

But the magic of what transpired lives on. It fuels the fire of possibility every time teams step on to the pitch. It serves to remind us that beneath the pay cheques, the hype, the talent and the reputations, it’s still 22 men chasing a ball. Which means anything can happen, even if it probably won’t. And that’s why we continue to watch.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/gabriele_marcotti/article5786272.ece

yahoo_moe · 27-02-2009 5:52pm

BBC reporting Eto'o wants to stay at Barca - if they reach an agreement, I think it'll be great for all concerned.

For some reason, I can never quite believe how young he is - turns 28 in a couple of weeks :eek:

eZe^ · 28-02-2009 12:01pm

How Laudrup didn't make that top10 Barca players of all time I don't know. Realistically it should be something like;

1. Cryuff
2. Romario
3. Rivaldo
4. Laudrup
5. Koeman
6. Stoichkov
7. Guardiola
8. Lucho
9. Kubala
10. Ronaldinho

And if I didn't hate that cnut Figo so much he'd be in there too. The likes of Maradona / Ronaldo were left out because the top10 list there all has players that played for Barca for much much longer spells, and thus are more deserving. Let's hope in 10 years time Messi will be up there too.

Also, if we got Lahm for LB (this on is unlikely) and Ribery for LW (this will probably happen) we'd surely have the best wings in world football. If that happens it'd be important to keep Toure and other defensively astute players. And Henry wants to retire here, so he'd be an amazing sub to have to come on and change the game.

I also HOPE we keep Eto'o, because realistically all that we'd be doing is replacing him with Villa, who isn't so much better than Villa that it warrants us spending an extra 10-15 million on him.

Valdes

-Alves

Puyol

Marquez

Lahm--

Toure

Iniesta

Xavi

----Messi

Eto'o

Ribery

Subs - Asenjo, Pique, Caceres, Henrique, Busquets, Hleb, Gudjohnsen, Henry, Bojan.

That team would be F*UCKING amazing.

redout · 28-02-2009 8:03pm

Yet more Ribery gossip this timefrom his agent apparently.

Barca’s hopes of pulling off a major coup to sign Ribery has received a massive boost after the midfield maestro’s latest confession.
28 Feb 2009 02:32:55

Bayern Munich playmaker, Franck Ribery has become one of the most sought-after players over the past year with some of Europe’s heavyweights all gunning for his signature.

Mega-rich clubs, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City have all unashamedly declared their interest in the 25-year-old but it appears that their hopes of signing the French international have all but vanished after reports that Barcelona had reached a pre-agreement with Bayern to buy the player at the end of the current season.

And if that wasn’t enough for Barca to thwart off their competition, Ribery’s agent, Alain Migliaccio has revealed that his client will only leave the Allianz Arena for one destination.

“If Ribery does leave Bayern, he will only leave to join a club like Barcelona, where they have all the best players,” he declared in an interview with Catalan radio station, RAC-1.

“It would be a phenomenal opportunity for him to play with Barca,” Migliaccio added.

Despite yesterday’s reports of a basic agreement being reached by the Blaugrana and Die Roten , neither club have yet to officially confirm that a deal has been done

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/02/28/1130989/ribery-will-only-leave-bayern-munich-for-barcelona-agent

Quint · 01-03-2009 9:45pm

yahoo_moe wrote: »

With Atletico's main strengths being in attack as well, it's a real concern that Barca are missing so many at the back.

They're still very much favourites for the title though so no need for panic stations yet...

4-3 loss against Athletico, time to panic

kinaldo · 01-03-2009 11:01pm

eZe^ wrote: »

How Laudrup didn't make that top10 Barca players of all time I don't know. Realistically it should be something like;

1. Cryuff
2. Romario
3. Rivaldo
4. Laudrup
5. Koeman
6. Stoichkov
7. Guardiola
8. Lucho
9. Kubala
10. Ronaldinho

Imagine a Best of Real vs a Best of Barca, if you will. Even the last 15 years would be most fascinating. For los Blancos we have

Casillas

Ramos----Hierro----Cannavaro

R.Carlos

Redondo

Seedorf

Figo

Raul

Zidane

Ronaldo

It's ridiculous, no places for Laudrup, Zamorano, Suker, Mijatovic, Makalele, Salgado, Beckham, Morientes, Guti, Nistelrooy etc

I'm finding it hard to think of a Barca defence tbh. Nadal and who else? Also, I suppose if Real get Ronaldo and Figo, la Blaugrana shoud get Laudrup.

eZe^ · 01-03-2009 11:39pm

Best Barca 11 from the past 15 year? would be;

Zubizarreta

--L.Enrique---Koeman---Nadal---Sergi---

Guardiola

Laudrup

Stoichkov

Rivaldo----Romario----Ronaldinho-

imo.

Pretty attacking. :pac::pac:

kinaldo · 01-03-2009 11:46pm

eZe^ wrote: »

Best Barca 11 from the past 15 year? would be;

Zubizarreta

--L.Enrique---Koeman---Nadal---Sergi---
Guardiola
Laudrup
Stoichkov
Rivaldo----Romario----Ronaldinho-

imo.

Pretty attacking. :pac::pac:

I reckon my Madridistas would win over two legs. A 3-3 draw at the Nou Camp, followed by a 4-1 crushing at the Bernabeu

eZe^ · 01-03-2009 11:53pm

Are you for real? Your team is basically the team Real had at the start of the 00's, (bar Ramos), that team had a shocking record at the Camp Nou, thus you'd lose 3-1 at the Camp Nou. However, my team is a mix of the Cruyff dream team/ the best of Gaspart/ the best of Rijkaard. Rijkaard had a great record at the Bernabeu, I could see us sneaking at least a draw at the Bernabeu, thus it's my Barca team that wins.

redout · 02-03-2009 12:03am

Some pics from tonights game at the Calderon.

redout · 02-03-2009 12:08am

Some more.

kinaldo · 02-03-2009 12:10am

eZe^ wrote: »

Are you for real? Your team is basically the team Real had at the start of the 00's, (bar Ramos), that team had a shocking record at the Camp Nou, thus you'd lose 3-1 at the Camp Nou. However, my team is a mix of the Cruyff dream team/ the best of Gaspart/ the best of Rijkaard. Rijkaard had a great record at the Bernabeu, I could see us sneaking at least a draw at the Bernabeu, thus it's my Barca team that wins.

The team at the start of this decade that won a CL semi final at the Nou Camp, and also won there in the league and ended a 20 year barren run!

Anyway...

Casillas > Zubi
Ramos = Enrique (better as a midfielder or striker)
Hierro > Koeman
Cannavaro > Nadal
Carlos > Sergi
Redondo > Guardiola (although it's pretty damn close)
Laudrup > Seedorf
Figo > Stoichkov
Raul > Rivaldo
Zidane > Ronaldinho
Ronaldo > Romario

So in theory they should crush your erratic mish mash of forwards.

redout · 02-03-2009 12:12am

More.

redout · 02-03-2009 12:20am

More.

redout · 02-03-2009 12:27am

Some More.

eZe^ · 02-03-2009 12:30am

Casillas > Zubi
Ramos = Enrique
Hierro = Koeman
Cannavaro > Nadal
Carlos > Sergi
Redondo < Guardiola (Guardiola was more effective in attack and defense)
Laudrup > Seedorf
Figo < Stoichkov
Raul = Rivaldo
Zidane > Ronaldinho
Ronaldo > Romario

Imo, and Ronaldinho from 2004-2006 was better than any period from Zidane's playing career, Zidane edges it because of consistency. Also, Ronaldo is definitely superior to Romario, but Romario was imo a better finisher, and would be just as effective infront of goal with the likes of Laudrup supplying him as Ronaldo was with Zidane. Koeman was everybit as good as Hierro, and Rivaldo is a better footballer than Raul imo.

Also the fact that you put Redondo in that team instead of Makalele was a big mistake, Redondo got too forward too much, and wouldn't be able to handle the defensive duties. So your team is just as imbalanced if not more so than mine.

redout · 02-03-2009 12:31am

Last one's.

kinaldo · 02-03-2009 12:42am

eZe^ wrote: »

Casillas > Zubi
Ramos = Enrique
Hierro = Koeman
Cannavaro > Nadal
Carlos > Sergi
Redondo < Guardiola (Guardiola was more effective in attack and defense)
Laudrup > Seedorf
Figo < Stoichkov
Raul = Rivaldo
Zidane > Ronaldinho
Ronaldo > Romario

Imo, and Ronaldinho from 2004-2006 was better than any period from Zidane's playing career, Zidane edges it because of consistency. Also, Ronaldo is definitely superior to Romario, but Romario was imo a better finisher, and would be just as effective infront of goal with the likes of Laudrup supplying him as Ronaldo was with Zidane. Koeman was everybit as good as Hierro, and Rivaldo is a better footballer than Raul imo.

Also the fact that you put Redondo in that team instead of Makalele was a big mistake, Redondo got too forward too much, and wouldn't be able to handle the defensive duties. So your team is just as imbalanced if not more so than mine.

I reckon my Madridistas would be near unbeatable, but you make some interesting points. I vote for a poll...

eZe^ · 02-03-2009 12:44am

kinaldo wrote: »

I reckon my Madridistas would be near unbeatable, but you make some interesting points. I vote for a poll...

Nah, you'd destroy me in a poll, this forum would see Ronaldo and Zidane and vote straight away for your team. I'd say 5 people here know Laudrup and Stoichkov... :pac:

Also, your madridista team is excellent, but they never won the league and CL in the same season, which is a pretty interesting point...

kinaldo · 02-03-2009 12:49am

eZe^ wrote: »

Nah, you'd destroy me in a poll, this forum would see Ronaldo and Zidane and vote straight away for your team. I'd say 5 people here know Laudrup and Stoichkov... :pac:

Also, your madridista team is excellent, but they never won the league and CL in the same season, which is a pretty interesting point...

Ah yes, but the bulk of my team alone won 3 European Cups in 5 seasons, which is more than FC Barca have in their entire history!!

I do remember Stoichkov well, great player that he was, but I would take Figo over him everytime. I think you're perhaps letting emotions get in the way of reason there...

Sure Figo should be in both teams!

eZe^ · 02-03-2009 1:03am

True, but I also think Ronaldo's best ever season as a footballer was for F.C Barcelona, and the same could be said for Figo. So realistically I think they'd be a good shout for Barca's team, but Figo is a an dirty Portugese ..... so you can have him. :pac: My team also is missing Overmars, Kluivert, Van Bommel, Deco, Xavi, Eto'o, Puyol, Marquez, José Mari Bakero, Txiki Beguiristáin, Jon Andoni Goikoetxea, Gheorghe Hagi.

Realistically I think a hybrid of both those teams would be better than a team made up of players from any of the other players from world football in that time period. Taking each player for their best ever season;

Casillas

--L.Enrique

Koeman

Hierro(C)

Carlos--

Makalele

Laudrup

Zidane

Rivaldo

Ronaldo

Ronaldinho

I think that team would be basically unbeatable. If only I could think of a proper RB though. Alves may make that in the next 5 years.

kinaldo · 02-03-2009 1:10am

eZe^ wrote: »

True, but I also think Ronaldo's best ever season as a footballer was for F.C Barcelona, and the same could be said for Figo. So realistically I think they'd be a good shout for Barca's team, but Figo is a an dirty Portugese ..... so you can have him. :pac: My team also is missing Overmars, Kluivert, Van Bommel, Deco, Xavi, Eto'o, Puyol, Marquez, José Mari Bakero, Txiki Beguiristáin, Jon Andoni Goikoetxea, Gheorghe Hagi.

Realistically I think a hybrid of both those teams would be better than a team made up of players from any of the other players from world football in that time period. Taking each player for their best ever season;

Casillas

--L.Enrique
Koeman
Hierro(C)
Carlos--
Makalele
Laudrup
Zidane
Rivaldo
Ronaldo
Ronaldinho

I think that team would be basically unbeatable. If only I could think of a proper RB though. Alves may make that in the next 5 years.

You're leaving Makalele with a **** load of work to do when they lose the ball! That's why I had the underrated Seedorf alongside Redondo, far more balanced. I like the idea of hybrid but not if it leaves out the Portuguese maestro!

Ramos or Salgado are both good enough for right back. Enrique for the bench, the little traitor!

Also, Overmars, along with Petit, was a bit of a flop at Barca, no?

eZe^ · 02-03-2009 1:20am

Figo can suck a d*ck, he's not getting in ahead of arguably one of the top 3 most naturally talented footballers in the past 20 years.

Overmars was alright at Barca, it's just he was over priced, and was part of a terrible terrible regime. So he never lived up to the reputation, but he wasn't as an epic failure as the likes of Petit!

redout · 03-03-2009 3:18pm

Under-pressure Barcelona face an improved Mallorca side in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg as they attempt to break their run of four matches without a win.

The league leaders have a 2-0 advantage from February's first leg at the Camp Nou but in contrast to Barcelona's recent poor showing, Mallorca have won their last three league matches and moved out of the relegation places into 16th.

Barca defender Sylvinho said the poor results, including the 4-3 loss at Atletico Madrid when the Catalans twice surrendered the lead, would not affect their performance.

"This is a different competition and we won't be suffering from any damage to our spirits because of what happened on Sunday," the Brazilian said on Barca's website.

"It could be a problem if we think about the result in the first leg so we have to play our normal game and concentrate on attacking to win the match but it will be difficult."

They were confident of reaching May's final, he added, when they will face either Athletic Bilbao or Sevilla, who play in Bilbao.

Barca's advantage over champions Real Madrid in the league was 12 points when they won the Copa first leg on February 5 but the form that helped them amass 65 goals and concede just 15 in the 21 league matches up to that point has deserted them

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has told the club's players and supporters not to panic after successive defeats cut their lead over Real Madrid to only four points.

Earlier in February La Liga leaders Barca were 12 points clear of Madrid.

But since their 2-0 Clasico defeat in Juande Ramos's first match in charge, Los Merengues have won 10 Liga matches on the trot, while Los Cules slumped to defeats at home to local rivals Espanyol and - despite leading 2-0 and 3-2 during the match - at Atletico Madrid.

"We have had a big advantage and Real Madrid have cut it back by eight points in three weeks. But we will continue forward," said Guardiola. "We lost a game which was up and down, very exciting and I have to give credit to Atletico but we will now continue as before.

"Atletico play a very direct style of football and it caused problems. It was a game with plenty of chances, typical of an Atletico Madrid versus Barcelona game."

Atletico coach Abel Resino, whose team occupy fifth place, singled out his players' battling qualities.

"Against a good side we had a first half where we maintained our composure despite the onslaught. Each day I feel as though we are getting better and the team has shown character," he said.

"We never eased off despite being 2-0 down. Sergio Aguero was sensational and his attitude has been contagious."

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02032009/58/la-liga-guardiola-sees-need-panic.html

Some good news though is that Iniesta is on his way back and considering how the team has not won since his injury hopefully his return will help turn things around.

redout · 03-03-2009 3:38pm

The highly sought-after Brazilian has professed his admiration for the Blaugrana and has given a glimpse of where his future lies...
3 Mar 2009 06:13:46

One of Brazil’s hottest young prospects, Keirrison, has admitted that he has always dreamt of playing for Barcelona.

The Catalan juggernauts had shown a keen interest in the 20-year-old before he chose to remain in his native Brazil by joining Palmeiras on loan from Coritibia. It has been widely tipped that his next immediate move could be a long-awaited jump to Europe, and the striker has made no attempt to hide who he would love to play for most.

“Since I was little, I have always identified myself with one particular country and one great club. I have nothing against the other teams, but I have always seen myself playing for Barcelona,” he was quoted as saying by Sport.

“I have watched Romario and Ronaldo play for them in the past and that made me aspire to want to play for a great club like Barca.

“I have also dreamt about playing alongside someone like Lionel Messi one day.”

Keirrison, who has already found the net nine times in six games for Palmeiras, has been linked to a number of other heavyweight clubs in Europe including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Roma and Bayern Munich.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/03/03/1135691/keirrison-i-would-love-to-play-with-lionel-messi-at-barcelona

gimmick · 03-03-2009 3:43pm

I hope Henry, Etoo, Messi, Xavi, Puyol and dani Alves are rested for the game againsy Mallorca. I know the squad is fairly thin and that will stretch it, but priorities are the league and the CL. Witha 2 goal advantage going into this game, Barca should be okay with resting the above. But in saying that, I am struggling to think who would play up front? Bojan andwho else? Gudjonnsen?

redout · 03-03-2009 4:12pm

Jesus brother they are in a bad run of form at present. No way would I rest that lot and risk being knocked out and getting another media bashing. If anything it would only dent there confidence even further. Best to go out and win convincingly even if only to get morale back up after four games without a victory. Some good news as regards next weeks Madrid derby though is that Pepe and Sneijder are both suspended so hopefully "Kun" can work his magic again and do Barca a favour.

gimmick · 03-03-2009 5:16pm

I see what you mean, but these same players look tired. There are two far more important games than Mallorca on the horizon in Bilboa and Lyon both at the Camp Nou just days after the cup game. It would do no harm at all to rest (at least a few of) them and have their batteries well recharged.

Maybe Hleb will finally step up

redout · 03-03-2009 5:28pm

Maybe you are right but Messi only had a rest recently when Pep chose not to start him and keep him on the bench for a couple of games just before the bad results started. I was surprised Busquets didnt play on sunday. The Lyon game will be tough but anyone who thought otherwise is a fool as I remember how hard Man utd had it against Lyon last season in the knockouts. All it takes is a free-kick from Juninho or a poachers goal from Benzema to turn the tie on its head.

redout · 04-03-2009 12:32am

eZe^ as if by magic the hated one must have heard your ramblings yesterday !

I Didn't Want To Leave Barcelona - Luis Figo
The Inter Milan star has claimed he never wanted to leave the Catalan club...
3 Mar 2009 16:53:08

Luis Figo has backed up comments made to Sport recently by telling El Pais that he "wanted to stay at Barcelona" rather than move to Real Madrid.

The Portugal star was involved in a bitter move between the two clubs that saw him become one of the most hated men in Catalonia.

He explained his mistake today and said that he never wanted to leave Barcelona when he did.

"I didn't lie when I said that I wanted to stay with Barcelona. I wanted to remain there and the president also knew that," he declared.

"My only mistake back then was to say in an interview that I would not go."

Figo claimed that he did not say the truth at the time because he "had to take the decision" and because once he had completed the deal with Real Madrid it served no purpose as it would not help at all.

"I could not change the opinion of the people because I could not compete with the press, the president...Out of 80,000 people, only 5,000 would believe me" he mused.

"I take responsibility for it. It is normal that if I go to Barcelona, people will hate me."

The Portuguese midfielder did admit that when he retires he would like to return to Barcelona though, even he if he will not get a warm reception.

"When I retire I will visit Barcelona again. They may not ask me for autographs, but I will will return. I continue to have a lot of respect for the fans, I have a Catalan daughter and I knew my partner there...For, it is an important place, and I am proud to have played there. They were five good years of my life," he explained.

Lastly, Figo spoke about the current regime and said he would like like Pep Guardiola to "do well and win titles" because above all else, "friends come first".

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/03/03/1136540/i-didnt-want-to-leave-barcelona-luis-figo

redout · 04-03-2009 1:13pm

Barca abandon MLS franchise bid
Wednesday, 4 March 2009 11:49

Barcelona's plans to launch a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami are dead, MLS confirmed last night.

Barcelona had joined with local entrepreneur Marcelo Claure to launch an application for one of two expansion franchises MLS plans to add in the coming seasons.

Despite strong competition for the franchises, Barcelona's involvement catapulted Miami to the front of the queue, ahead of cities like St Louis and Vancouver that have been in the running for several years.

However, the move lost momentum in recent days after Claure flew to Barcelona for emergency talks, which were declared dead last night.

'After extensive discussions and collaborative evaluation, a decision was made at this time because it was determined that it was not feasible to launch a Major League Soccer team in South Florida in 2010 due to adverse market conditions,' said a statement issued through MLS.

The news came on the same day that Miami FC, who play in the United Soccer League, moved to the verge of dissolution after selling only 750 season tickets, well short of a 5,000 target.

However, the statement added that Barcelona remain interested in entering the North American market in the near future.

'Notwithstanding, FC Barcelona remains committed to Major League Soccer and the US market and will continue to work with MLS and Marcelo Claure on other soccer-related projects,' the statement added.

Barcelona already have a marketing agreement in place with MLS division Soccer United Marketing.

While there is no shortage of candidate cities ready to step in, the news will come as a blow to MLS, which would have loved to have had Barcelona's global branding power to help the expansion of the league.

'I want to thank both FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure for the tremendous effort to bring an MLS expansion team to Miami,' said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

'FC Barcelona is one of the best managed and strategically operated sporting clubs in any sport in the world and I appreciate the opportunity that we have had to work with them and Marcelo Claure over the last few months.'

The Seattle Sounders will join as the 15th MLS club when the new season starts later this month. A Philadelphia team will join in 2010.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0304/barcelona.html

04-03-2009 1:19pm

kinaldo wrote: »

The team at the start of this decade that won a CL semi final at the Nou Camp, and also won there in the league and ended a 20 year barren run!

Anyway...

Casillas > Zubi
Ramos = Enrique (better as a midfielder or striker)Hierro > Koeman
Cannavaro > Nadal
Carlos > Sergi
Redondo > Guardiola (although it's pretty damn close)
Laudrup > Seedorf
Figo > Stoichkov
Raul > Rivaldo
Zidane > Ronaldinho
Ronaldo > Romario

So in theory they should crush your erratic mish mash of forwards.

In theory you are way wide of the mark. Your analysis is not subjective at all.

Seeing as Ronaldos best ever season was the year he played for Barca, and given he was poor relative to this for Madrid, I say Romario > Ronaldo. OR both teams get the Ronaldo that played for them and Barcas> Madrids. Same goes for Figo.

Cannavaro was greater than Nadal WHEN HE WAS IN ITALY. He's been a huge let down for Madrid.

Ramos > Enrique is taking the p1ss. Ramos is savage but Enrique was amazing.

Redondo > Pep is again nonsense. Redondo was more creative sure but in this system that eZe suggested, Pep is far more effective.

kinaldo · 04-03-2009 1:56pm

Deleted User wrote: »

In theory you are way wide of the mark. Your analysis is not subjective at all.

Seeing as Ronaldos best ever season was the year he played for Barca, and given he was poor relative to this for Madrid, I say Romario > Ronaldo. OR both teams get the Ronaldo that played for them and Barcas> Madrids. Same goes for Figo.

Cannavaro was greater than Nadal WHEN HE WAS IN ITALY. He's been a huge let down for Madrid.

Ramos > Enrique is taking the p1ss. Ramos is savage but Enrique was amazing.

Redondo > Pep is again nonsense. Redondo was more creative sure but in this system that eZe suggested, Pep is far more effective.

Ok, I'll bite.

Ronaldo's greatest season was at Barca, true, but he also scored well over 100 goals for Madrid and was their top scorer every season there. He was more of a Madridista in the end, and Barca already have Romario, who was just as great as Ronaldo in a different kind of way. Romario is the best and most natural finisher I've ever seen, but Ronaldo could do it all on his own, a phenomenon, as they say.

Figo also spent more time at Madrid, is a Madrid legend, and Barca don't want him back. Michael Laudrup is not a bad compensation though, is it?

I didn't say Ramos was greater than Enrique, I said equal. Truth be told I think Ramos is an amazing talent and will become a great player, while Enrique was a great player but not as a defender. Ramos has so much talent going for him, but is still very young and lacks discipline. I also think it's an insult to Enrique having him in at rb.

As for Cannavaro, he had a wobbly start but looks far more comfortable now. No defender will ever truly shine in the colours of Madrid or Barca, such is the nature of their play. He sometimes gets exposed but still shows his quality. Madrid had a great defensive record last season, he's won 2 titles there in his 2 seasons, could be 3 in 3 soon. Hardly a coincidence. Nadal was a beast, and a fine player, but Cannavaro is a far superior defender.

With regards Redondo, what do you want me to do, leave out the best midfield player I've ever seen? Alongside Seedorf in midfield, they conquered Spain and Europe, not even Ronaldo, Figo and Enrique's heroics in Barcelona that year could stop them.

I leave you with these two beautiful tributes to one of the finest and most underrated (outside Spain) midfielders of his generation, a true legend and Madridista.

redout · 05-03-2009 7:57pm

Doesnt sound good for young Bojan as the club could have said they were not interested in any offers and chose not to. He has had a very stop/go season to be honest and a loan spell could do him the world of good.

Barca confirm Bojan interest

Barcelona have confirmed to skysports.com that clubs have made contact with them about starlet Bojan Krkic.

However, the Spanish giants insist that nothing has been decided over the 18-year-old's future.

Tottenham, as well as the likes of Villarreal, Paris Saint Germain and Ajax, have been linked with possible some moves for the international striker, who has seen his chances at Camp Nou limited this season.

But Barca insist nothing has yet been decided, despite reports in Spain that coach Pep Guardiola is happy to let him leave on loan next season.

A club source told skysports.com: "Bojan Krkic is a player who has a deal with Barcelona and is very much part of the squad.

"Nobody has decided anything about his future.

"Some clubs have asked about Bojan, but until the end of the season we will not even visit this subject."

The player's father, Bojan Krkic senior, also insisted that his son wanted to continue to try and make his mark in Catalunya.

"We are calm because I am convinced my son will get his chance and will triumph," he said.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5008818,00.html

redout · 07-03-2009 1:36pm

Laporta - Cesc has Barca at heart

Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas would be a 'big player' for the club.

Fabregas has repeatedly been linked with a return to Barcelona, having originally left the Catalan giants as a 16-year-old to join Arsenal.

Reports have claimed that Barca will launch a big-money bid to bring the midfielder back to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Though Laporta would not be drawn on any imminent attempt to sign Fabregas, he expressed his admiration for the 21-year-old.

Praise
"Although he is with another club, I have always praised Fabregas," Laporta told Spanish radio station Punto Radio.

"He was born in Catalonia and has become a better player since leaving the club.

"But I feel he has this club at his heart and understands the type of passing football we like to play.

"The technical staff will decide on any movement for him, but there is no doubt he would be a big player for us."

Fabregas is currently sidelined with a knee injury suffered against Liverpool in December, but the Spain international is targeting a comeback early next month.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5017522,00.html

redout · 11-03-2009 2:39am

kinaldo wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about Real, they'll be back as usual. In the meantime they can focus on claiming their 3rd liga title on the spin as the fixtures pile up for under pressure Barca. Florentino Perez will return in the summer and spend big. It wouldn't surprise many to see the likes of Kaka and Fabregas at the Bernabeu next season.

If Fabregas ever puts on the white shirt I will eat my hat. That boy is a Catalan through and through. He has said he wants to play for Barca at some point and they have openly expressed their interest in bringing him back home. As for Real and a third la liga I would not be so sure. I think Barca just had their blip and its back to business now. A win tomorrow night coupled with increasing their lead over Real at the weekend and Real's whipping tonight will be more than enough to change the press attitudes towards Barca and their supposed impending meltdown.

kinaldo · 11-03-2009 2:51am

redout wrote: »

If Fabregas ever puts on the white shirt I will eat my hat. That boy is a Catalan through and through. He has said he wants to play for Barca at some point and they have openly expressed their interest in bringing him back home. As for Real and a third la liga I would not be so sure. I think Barca just had their blip and its back to business now. A win tomorrow night coupled with increasing their lead over Real at the weekend and Real's whipping tonight will be more than enough to change the press attitudes towards Barca and their supposed impending meltdown.

I think Barca's fixture pile up and impending trip to the Bernabeu will ensure it's a close race, at the very least.

As for Fabregas, never say never. One Luis Figo didn't want to leave Barcelona at the time, and we all know how that turned out. That's how good Perez is at getting his man. And with Xavi and Iniesta already at Barcelona, they don't need Fab at all.

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