FC Barcelona Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

Marty McFly

gimmick wrote: »

He did quite well in a new system last season. Had some poor games, but also had some excellent games. He is certainly not doing poorly anyway. He will be an asset for years to come no doubt about it.

Oh right I do wish him all the best, the article in Marca was saying he had done poorly in the Iniesta, Xavi roles and was better suited to playing more futher up the pitch but that Tito was struggling to find a place for him really.

Heres the article

http://www.marca.com/2012/08/28/en/football/barcelona/1346150827.html

gimmick

Erra, marca is a pro Real Madrid rag which is only trying to stir.

geeky

Marty McFly wrote: »

Oh right I do wish him all the best, the article in Marca was saying he had done poorly in the Iniesta, Xavi roles and was better suited to playing more futher up the pitch but that Tito was struggling to find a place for him really.

Heres the article

http://www.marca.com/2012/08/28/en/football/barcelona/1346150827.html

I reckon, particularly in the wake of subsequent transfer sagas, that a lot of Arsenal fans have more respect for Fabregas and how he handled himself throughout the saga.

Yeah, he wanted to go, he admitted it. He also said he'd knuckle down and play when a move didn't happen, and did. Then, since he's left, he's been nothing but respectful about his former club.

This stuff shouldn't be out of the ordinary behaviour from a footballer. Sadly, it is.

Marty McFly

geeky wrote: »

I reckon, particularly in the wake of subsequent transfer sagas, that a lot of Arsenal fans have more respect for Fabregas and how he handled himself throughout the saga.

Yeah, he wanted to go, he admitted it. He also said he'd knuckle down and play when a move didn't happen, and did. Then, since he's left, he's been nothing but respectful about his former club.

This stuff shouldn't be out of the ordinary behaviour from a footballer. Sadly, it is.

Fabregas is one of the players who has left and most Arsenal fans still hold in high esteem, he still has a lot of love for the club going by his twitter and as you said has always been respectful to the club, it was his boyhood club people can respect that. Plus i wish him all the best and he is a player who is a joy to watch on his day.

As for the some the others who left the less said the better.

I apologise for Song though

Davaeo09

I am probably one of the few people that does feel Cesc hasn't performed to his best. He is having to adapt to a more conservative style of play.

How ever, his transition is seamless. He is great friends with everyone in the squad and knew most of them before he signed ofc. I think over the next 1-3 years we will see a much improved Cesc, some thing like the player that arrived this time last year.

I have to say I am a massive fan of his though, I follow him on twitter and he seems like a genuinely nice guy, always full of praise for Arsenal and his former team mates. I remember how everyone was kind of sickened by it at the time, the love triangle seemed never ending. But Cesc did try and have respect for both clubs at all times, he never sought to cause a stir.

As for Song, I have to say I feel sorry for Arsenal, it seems stalls on contract talks deterred the player from the club. I am a fan of his though. I think he adds allot of energy and bustle to a mid-field. Some thing we could use in stale mate games like Chelsea last season. He is prone to lapses in concentration but I feel he can improve on this and go on to become a very, very valuable asset at Barca. it will be interesting to see how he copes with the slow start, assuming he will be eased into games over the next few weeks. Also it's worth noting that he is going to have to curb his attacking instinct some what like Yaya had to. He will be providing a platform for players like Iniesta, Cesc, Messi and Xavi. I definitely see him being up to the task when called upon.
Actually, tomorrow nights game might see him get some minutes if we were lets just say protecting a 2-0 lead :pac:

Oh and feel free to drop by any time lol :P

Marty McFly

Davaeo09 wrote: »

I am probably one of the few people that does feel Cesc hasn't performed to his best. He is having to adapt to a more conservative style of play.

How ever, his transition is seamless. He is great friends with everyone in the squad and knew most of them before he signed ofc. I think over the next 1-3 years we will see a much improved Cesc, some thing like the player that arrived this time last year.

I have to say I am a massive fan of his though, I follow him on twitter and he seems like a genuinely nice guy, always full of praise for Arsenal and his former team mates. I remember how everyone was kind of sickened by it at the time, the love triangle seemed never ending. But Cesc did try and have respect for both clubs at all times, he never sought to cause a stir.

As for Song, I have to say I feel sorry for Arsenal, it seems stalls on contract talks deterred the player from the club. I am a fan of his though. I think he adds allot of energy and bustle to a mid-field. Some thing we could use in stale mate games like Chelsea last season. He is prone to lapses in concentration but I feel he can improve on this and go on to become a very, very valuable asset at Barca. it will be interesting to see how he copes with the slow start, assuming he will be eased into games over the next few weeks. Also it's worth noting that he is going to have to curb his attacking instinct some what like Yaya had to. He will be providing a platform for players like Iniesta, Cesc, Messi and Xavi. I definitely see him being up to the task when called upon.
Actually, tomorrow nights game might see him get some minutes if we were lets just say protecting a 2-0 lead :pac:

Oh and feel free to drop by any time lol :P

I dont feel sorry at all neither does anyone at Arsenal, its wasnt stalls in his contract he had 3 years left to run his agent asked for an improved deal, he was told to wait until September for talks to begin given he had 3 years left and there were more pressing issues. it was then his attiude changed, he was cocky, late for training etc at one point Steve Bould had him by the throat in pre season it was then Wenger told him he was to be sold and was no longer wanted at the club. One thing most Arsenal fans agree on when it comes to Song was good riddance the club doesnt want or need him. Wenger was also said to be sick of his lack of discpline on the pitch being sloppy in possesion and tactical ineptness he was told to curb his attacking instinct by Wenger but numerous times last season he was caught to far up field and out of position. Who knows though maybe Barca can get the best out of him.


On Cesc yous do have a superstar of a player who also has time on his side and is a player who grew up loving the club the kind of player teams always want in there squad.

:pac: I will thanks for the warm welcome, wish yehs all the best for the new season but given the start Real have had that might not be an issue :P

dfx-

It's hard to judge Fabregas on last season, a lot of players were off colour, like Pedro for example and Villa before the final leg break with silly rumours of selling him.

Fabregas started very well, a great header at Bilbao but faded dramatically as the season went on, especially getting in the way of Iniesta but particularly Xavi's space.

SeantheMan

Word has it Ibra is being shipped out on loan for the season according to his agent

gimmick

SeantheMan wrote: »

Word has it Ibra is being shipped out on loan for the season according to his agent

Jesus PSG, have some patience!

miralize

I hope Affelay at least gets a chance to come back. He tries when he gets chances, but i think the barcelona system kind of stifled his descision making at times. He'd be a player to take a defender on, but when hes played for us, he's sort of stopped that and tried to pass it more than usual. Shame.

willmunny1990

Great win for Real tonight, fully deserved. Barca outplayed.

The first time I've seen Barca truly dominated in a while, is this the start of their decline? Not sure that would have happened under Pep...

markie29

willmunny1990 wrote: »

Great win for Real tonight, fully deserved. Barca outplayed.

The first time I've seen Barca truly dominated in a while, is this the start of their decline? Not sure that would have happened under Pep...

i missed the first half but from all accounts Barca were dominated but i watched the 2nd half when they had 10 men and they created the same if not more chances than Real Madrid.

they have won the first 2 games in la liga and are already 5 points ahead of Real Madrid,so i think you are a bit premature with the 'Are Barca finished'.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

willmunny1990 wrote: »

Great win for Real tonight, fully deserved. Barca outplayed.

The first time I've seen Barca truly dominated in a while, is this the start of their decline? Not sure that would have happened under Pep...

Definitely, the team is rotting away. Messi is 25, only has a year left at most, Xaviesta all the most over-rated midfield partnership in football, only the genius of Pep papered over their short-comings, now he's gone they're ****ed. Busi can't do anything other than dive, Villa is a crock and sure the rest of them aren't that great.. Don't even get me started on the defence!!!

Lol, no. Try harder next time though.

MD1990

beeb disapointed with Sanchez so far this season
diving too much too

CongoPowers

Pretty pleased with the team after that response. I'm not surprised Tito said its one of his proudest moments with the players. No one could have predicted that ridiculous first half performance by the defence. Piqué and Masche improved a great deal in the second half, though. I thought Alba was generally very good, as was Montoya when he came on. But man, Adriano, how many times is it said? His positional play is terrible, whether at RB or LB – doesn't matter, he has no intelligence as a defender. He's good on the ball, aggressive, and his pace CAN cover for his lapses to a certain extent, but he can't be trusted against sides that can punish Barça. I'd much prefer Montoya if Alves is unavailable. Don't get me wrong, I still like Adriano as a squad player, to cover against lesser sides and in the Copa etc, his versatility is useful. It's just that he really isn't very good at defending. Everyone should give Valdés great credit for some huge saves to keep the game alive, it seems like people only remember his mistakes.

I think you can say the same for almost everyone else, much improved second half. Busquets was naturally a lot better on the front foot, I thought Leo and Pedro were great. Xavi, for me, had a nightmare, but not to worry.

Positive debut for Song, could have had his first assist at the end

I mostly give credit to Tito for playing the second half brilliantly. The only call I would have made differently would have been Xavi coming off instead of Busi, but I can't say it would have made any difference.

València next, without Tito too, should be a good game.

EDIT: Guess it should be mentioned that Leo equalled Raúl as second top scorer in the history of the Clásico. Just three off di Stéfano now..

dfx-

willmunny1990 wrote: »

Great win for Real tonight, fully deserved. Barca outplayed.

The first time I've seen Barca truly dominated in a while, is this the start of their decline? Not sure that would have happened under Pep...

You won't get a reaction on the Barca thread:)

CongoPowers

Iniesta wins an individual award!!!

dfx-

:cool:

MisterAnarchy

CongoPowers wrote: »

Iniesta wins an individual award!!!

Strange decision to give the award to Iniesta.
He had a quiet season by his own standards and was injured/out of form for a large percentage of the season.
Hh had a good European Championships though and that is why he won the award similar to Cannavaro in 2006.

Turtwig

I know it seems an impossible thing to say but I do really think Xavi is still underrated. Yes Iniesta's close ball control is second to none, but the only time we ever notice Xavi nowadays is when he makes a mistake. The fact he has been carrying an discomforting injury for well over a year now, yet each time for Spain and Barca when Xavi played they were a completely different much fluider team. When Xavi played to his peak they were almost unbeatable.

Iniesta is amazing player but I really want Xavi to get some individual award sometime.

miralize

Incredibly happy for Iniesta! To come out first of a group of 3 that includes Messi and Ronaldo as the other two, you have to be seriously skilled.

CSF

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Strange decision to give the award to Iniesta.
He had a quiet season by his own standards and was injured/out of form for a large percentage of the season.
Hh had a good European Championships though and that is why he won the award similar to Cannavaro in 2006.

I don't think he was a worthy winner, the other 2 were a good bit better. Agree with your logic on the reasoning.

dagdha

Afellay gone to Schalke 04 on a year long loan. I would of liked to see him staying and getting more minutes but I suppose after missing most of the season with injury he needs to be playing regularly to get back to the form he is capable of. He is a great player to get on loan.

CongoPowers

Jernal wrote: »

I know it seems an impossible thing to say but I do really think Xavi is still underrated. Yes Iniesta's close ball control is second to none, but the only time we ever notice Xavi nowadays is when he makes a mistake. The fact he has been carrying an discomforting injury for well over a year now, yet each time for Spain and Barca when Xavi played they were a completely different much fluider team. When Xavi played to his peak they were almost unbeatable.

Iniesta is amazing player but I really want Xavi to get some individual award sometime.

Haha, to be honest I think us fans of his want him to win a lot more than he does himself. I get the impression he genuinely doesn't mind being overlooked for these awards. It goes without saying that he's a player worthy of having (at least) one to his name, but you would have to think what little chance he had is gone now that he's likely to play less and less.

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Strange decision to give the award to Iniesta.
He had a quiet season by his own standards and was injured/out of form for a large percentage of the season.
Hh had a good European Championships though and that is why he won the award similar to Cannavaro in 2006.

I don't really feel it's a shocking decision. He was the best player at the Euros, which has likely been valued more than the average international success by the journos voting seeing as it's Spain's third on the trot. The media there had been campaigning for a Spanish winner to acknowledge the achievement. I don't really agree with that, especially as they were putting someone like Casillas forward ffs, but Iniesta is obviously the posterboy for this era of Spanish dominance. Add in some majestic performances for Barça last season and there's a case for him. I still think Messi should and will win the Ballon d'Or, though.

Just thinking, what a summer for The Don. Euros, wedding and now this. Couldn't happen to a more humble guy. Who knows when/if Barça will produce a player of that ability and character again.

dagdha wrote: »

Afellay gone to Schalke 04 on a year long loan. I would of liked to see him staying and getting more minutes but I suppose after missing most of the season with injury he needs to be playing regularly to get back to the form he is capable of. He is a great player to get on loan.

Definitely, I'm sure he'll do well there.

Surprised Piqué isn't in trouble with Marca after his tweet last night. Said something like “well done to the journalist who had our vote and chose not to support Iniesta, great job”. Needless to say, it was a Marca journo who, of course, voted for CR. To be fair, Piqué isn't on his own, comment section on their site was filled with abuse from fans of all different clubs, including Real Madrid, saying that Marca weren't Spanish for ignoring a man who gave the country a WC and Euros.

As a matter of interest, our vote also went to CR. This country really has gone to the dogs

Turtwig

CongoPowers wrote: »

As a matter of interest, our vote also went to CR. This country really has gone to the dogs

Who gets a say in the vote?

CongoPowers

53 different journalists.

Emmet Malone of the Irish Times had the Irish vote. Gavin Hamilton, editor of World Soccer, had the English one etcetc

Here: http://www.uefa.com/uefa/uefa-best-player-award/season=2012/index.html

EDIT: If you're asking how the voters are chosen, no idea.

Davaeo09

CongoPowers wrote: »

53 different journalists.

Emmet Malone of the Irish Times had the Irish vote. Gavin Hamilton, editor of World Soccer, had the English one etcetc

Here: http://www.uefa.com/uefa/uefa-best-player-award/season=2012/index.html

EDIT: If you're asking how the voters are chosen, no idea.

Meh, Barca aren't exactly loved in Ireland due to the crazy number of United/Aresnal and Chelsea fans. Most Arsenal fans I know have/had a strong disdain for Barca because of the transfer business. While Chelsea and United have drawn Barca allot of times in the Champions league in recent years. Same for Arsenal actually.

Some thing that is slightly comforting about the game on Wednesday is that even though we did play rather poorly in the first half, Ronaldo and Co only put two passed us. (5-0 :pac::pac::pac:) And at that, 3 of the 4 goals they scored over the two legs were gifts in the sense that they were freak incidents of woeful defending. It's not that Madrid were "Brilliant" or any thing.

In the long run, I think that this was probably the right time for Barca to lose a classico in Madrid. The super cupa, and it provided some experience for the likes of Song, Alba and Monotoya.

Lastly, I am really starting to dislike Adriano. It's blatantly obvious that with him the team, we leak goals. I don't know if he's been instructed to get forward often or what but he just never seems to be at the races in the big games. I guess you could say he isn't a big game player. He reminds me of Milito. I used to shudder when I seen his name on the team sheet.

Davaeo09

Davaeo09 wrote: »

Meh, Barca aren't exactly loved in Ireland due to the crazy number of United/Aresnal and Chelsea fans. Most Arsenal fans I know have/had a strong disdain for Barca because of the transfer business. While Chelsea and United have drawn Barca allot of times in the Champions league in recent years. Same for Arsenal actually.

Some thing that is slightly comforting about the game on Wednesday is that even though we did play rather poorly in the first half, Ronaldo and Co only put two passed us. (5-0 :pac::pac::pac:) And at that, 3 of the 4 goals they scored over the two legs were gifts in the sense that they were freak incidents of woeful defending. It's not that Madrid were "Brilliant" or any thing.

In the long run, I think that this was probably the right time for Barca to lose a classico in Madrid. The super cupa, and it provided some experience for the likes of Song, Alba and Monotoya.

Lastly, I am really starting to dislike Adriano. It's blatantly obvious that with him the team, we leak goals. I don't know if he's been instructed to get forward often or what but he just never seems to be at the races in the big games. I guess you could say he isn't a big game player. He reminds me of Milito. I used to shudder when I seen his name on the team sheet.

Lol if Adriano can replicate that kind of performance on a more constant basis I might just forgive him for his defensive howlers.

Turtwig

Davaeo09 wrote: »

Lol if Adriano can replicate that kind of performance on a more constant basis I might just forgive him for his defensive howlers.

I think Andriano is one of those players who's problem is he can play literally anywhere and so he's not really a fully developed defender. He'll get better with time, but to use a cliche his strength is also his weakness.

Davaeo09

He is undoubtedly a great asset to have but I just feel that he is as good as he is ever going to be. He's 27 and as the years go on he'll only lose pace. Plenty of time left of course but when it comes to the knock-out phases of the Champions League and such can we depend on him?