FC Barcelona Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

eZe^

redout wrote: »

I can see Barca having difficulty against the English sides as Gimmick pointed out in the other thread. Going forward obviously they are brilliant but thats not always enough as last season I thought they ran United ragged but couldnt score. That said United have the best defence of all the English sides. At the back they are not solid enough I dont feel to keep out United and Pool. I think Chelsea and Arsenal are certainly doable but and would be better suited for Barca. To concede three in the two knockout legs against one of the smaller sides remaining I thought was worrying. This time it didnt matter as Barca scored six but they wont be capable of knocking in six against the English teams who all have far better defences than Lyon. Puyol was missing last night but it can hardly be used as an excuse.

A sh*t Barcelona played an amazing Man United team last year in the semi's. They were beaten by 1-0 goal, over 180 minutes, and it was a wonder strike. To write off Barcelona's chances this year in the CL is laughable, considering how close United and Barca were last year. In comparison Barca are 100 times better than last year, and United are far from being as potent as they were last year.

I seriously doubt this years Barcelona team would be unable to score against United. Write them off at your peril.

keane2097

eZe^ wrote: »

A sh*t Barcelona played an amazing Man United team last year in the semi's. They were beaten by 1-0 goal, over 180 minutes, and it was a wonder strike. To write off Barcelona's chances this year in the CL is laughable, considering how close United and Barca were last year. In comparison Barca are 100 times better than last year, and United are far from being as potent as they were last year.

Literally?:eek:

eZe^

keane2097 wrote: »

Literally?:eek:

Ya, they'll get 6700 league points this year. I swear.

redout

eZe^ wrote: »

A sh*t Barcelona played an amazing Man United team last year in the semi's. They were beaten by 1-0 goal, over 180 minutes, and it was a wonder strike. To write off Barcelona's chances this year in the CL is laughable, considering how close United and Barca were last year. In comparison Barca are 100 times better than last year, and United are far from being as potent as they were last year.

I seriously doubt this years Barcelona team would be unable to score against United. Write them off at your peril.

A bit of an over exaggeration to say the least. Now look here, I watch Barca every week as you know unlike the majority on here and you cannot deny that they raised their game in the two matches against United compared to what they were doing in la liga at the time. It was quite peculiar actually considering before the first leg and after the first leg they went back to looking well below par in la liga but again upped it at old trafford in the 2nd leg and actually looked like Barcelona. I am not writing them off as only a fool would do so but I am making the point their defence is a weak link in the chain which could cause them a problem against both Liverpool and Man Utd.

redout

“Liverpool’s playing style, as we saw against Madrid, does not suit us at all,” he said in an interview with RAC-1 programme ‘Tu Diras’.

“At the Santiago Bernabeu, they closed the game down completely and did not allow their opponents to play. A rival who would suit us better would be a team like Arsenal because they like to play and attack just like us.”

Gerard Pique

This somewhat goes along with what I said myself the other day.

gimmick

Stupid comment to make. If Barca do draw Liverpool it gives Liverpool a psychological edge over at least one player.

He is right though. Liverpools style would not allow Barca play their expansive style at the Camp Nou. I hiope for Barcas sake they avoid them.

When is the draw actually?

Mgoraf

20th March.

eZe^

As it seems like we are picking up a bit more momentum after a bad few weeks, I really think a few things need to be addressed;

First lets get the bad stuff out of the way...
Barca recently have been conceding wayyyy too many silly goals, goals that weren't even coming close to being created in the first half of the season. I don't know why this is, Toure/ Busquets are still beasts in midfield, with Busquets playing much better now than back then imo (when ironically he was getting all the plaudits). Without Abidal, we have been playing Alves and Sylvinho as our FB's, that's is far too attacking really, we need to play a more defensive LB imo. I think our backline should tonight be;

---

Alves

---

Marquez

---

Pique

---

Cacares----

I know Cacares has failed to impress so far, but he is more defensively competent, so he may add a bit of oomph to the defense. He is also young, and needs to be given time to develop, he has played excellently for Uraguay, there is no reason to give up on him after only about 15 appearances.


Now for the drooling praises of a biased fan....
The reintroduction of Iniesta has been excellent on the team imo. He really has EVERYTHING a midfielder needs to be world class, the only thing missing from his arsenal is goals, but if he adds that to his game anytime soon, he'll be a future Ballon D'or candidate. His passing is fantastic, maybe not as accurate at long ranges than Xavi, but his short-mid range through balls are as good as anybody on the planet atm. Also, his dribbling is second only to Messi in our team, people really need to take notice of how good his runs are.

Henry's goal scoring form has been the difference in a number of games recently, and his stats so far have been excellent. 20 goals and 7 assists in 33 appearances, better stats than the current world player of the year this season . Not bad for a past it 31 year old I guess. And considering he stated he wants to retire here, he'll be an excellent back up winger for when we get Ribery next year. Hahahaha.

Finally, I think Lionel Messi is actually unbelievable. Watching him against Lyon just reiterates how good he is in so many positions. He was everywhere at times, playing as an incisive winger, picking the ball up in midfield and distributing beautifully, scoring an absolutely breathtaking Maradonaesque goal and creating many chances with his excellent passing.

He really has it all, and I can see how Rijkaard was saying he may turn into a proper midfielder ala Kaka/ Gerrard one day, he has the pace, the passing ability, the dangerous runs, the finishing. I love Messi more now than I ever did Ronaldinho. 29 goals and 13 assists in 37 games, thats a direct contribution to 42 goals this season, and I can see him making at least another 10-15... It's a pity that his performances this season aren't being as hyped as Ronaldo's last season (he's been better imo), basically only because he doesn't play in the EPL. It's a shame.

redout

eZe^ wrote: »

I know Cacares has failed to impress so far, but he is more defensively competent, so he may add a bit of oomph to the defense. He is also young, and needs to be given time to develop, he has played excellently for Uraguay, there is no reason to give up on him after only about 15 appearances.

I agree somewhat. Think he has been utter rubbish and was expecting a lot more from a player who for €16 Million thought would have had more to show. Pique my opinion has been far better.

redout

Sandro Rosell Set For Barcelona Presidency Campaign - Report
Former Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell is looking to go one better as he eyes a return to the Camp Nou as the supremo.

Rosell left Barcelona amid controversy after a falling out with president Joan Laporta, and, according to Sport, he now has his mind set on replacing his former boss.

The Brazilian is believed to have been working on his project for a year, and has formed a team of 15 people with strong ties to the club. In addition, he is said to have reached verbal agreements with three unnamed star players to join him should he capture the presidency.

Rosell is famous for having contacts with a variety of star South American players due to his former work for Nike, and his departure is believed to be one of the main reasons behind Ronaldinho's exit.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/15/1156322/sandro-rosell-set-for-barcelona-presidency-campaign-report

Carles Puyol On Life, Leadership And Trophies At Barcelona,

Barcelona's club captain has revealed that he does not feel like a leader, but is keen to stay at Camp Nou for the rest of his career having led the club to success this term.

Carles Puyol has dedicated himself to Barcelona for the rest of his career and admitted that he does not see himself as captain material despite having the Camp Nou armband.

The Blaugrana skipper is confident that he can guide the club to success this term despite the fact that the pressure began to tell with the team's recent dip in form.

Having joined Barcelona at the age of 16, Puyol cannot envisage himself ever playing for another club, despite the numerous offers that he has had throughout his career.

"I never want to change teams and if they want me, I will stay here for many years," he told El Mundo.

For a player that is now synonymous with the Catalan senyera armband of the Barcelona captain, Puyol himself still feels that he is not the top dog of the side.

"I do not consider myself to be a leader in any aspect, that is the truth. I have simply played for this club for a long time and I have been very lucky," he continued.

"In school I was also captain of the football team, but I was never the class delegate or known for my style.

Barcelona suffered a slight blip in February when they were beaten by Atletico de Madrid and Espanyol, but Puyol thinks that the club is now back on track.

"The team is hungry for trophies and we are all working hard and with a great desire," he explained.

"Although Real Madrid have trimmed the lead that was 12 points, we have to continue to be positive and to have complete confidence."

Such is Puyol's dedication to the club and his desire to perform that he had to be told by the club's staff to slow down if he wanted to avoid burning out.

"I train a lot because I like to be at my best for games. Before I dedicated even more time to it, but the physical trainers have told me to slow down a little because it was not good," he added.

"I do not like to go out much, although it is good to disconnect and I like to read."

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/15/1156551/carles-puyol-on-life-leadership-and-trophies-at-barcelona

gimmick

"I think what we are doing at the moment is the closest thing to art. Our team works in the spirit of great musicians and great ballets. We will for a victory, but a victory for aesthetics"

Joan Laporta on how Barca are playing lately

Maybe its been posted already

redout

Barcelona are scared of drawing Liverpool in the Champions League, says Johan Cruyff

Nou Camp legend Johan Cruyff revealed last night he was hugely impressed by the way the Red Machine crushed Real Madrid and Manchester United in the space of four days last week.

And the man who played for and managed the Spanish giants wants to avoid Rafa Benitez's side at all costs in Friday's quarter-finals draw.

Cruyff, who still acts as an advisor to Barca, said: "Against Madrid, Liverpool became a steamroller, and for sure, many of those who feared playing against Manchester United don't want to face Liverpool now.

"Because of the manner in which they demolished Madrid and then thrashed United, they are clearly the side who everyone will want to avoid in the draw for the Champions League.

"Barcelona can defeat any team, but I'm sure they've noticed Liverpool now. They were two convincing and prestigious victories, but each was different.

"Against Madrid, Liverpool went on the pitch to attack and press them. Against Manchester, they went shoulder to shoulder and the game finally turned their way thanks to one incident: Vidic's dismissal and the free-kick."

In the draw along with Liverpool, United and Barca are Bayern Munich, Porto, Villarreal, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Uefa president Michel Platini confirmed European football's governing body will do all it can to ensure Liverpool do not play their quarter-final second leg on April 15, the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/03/17/barcelona-are-scared-of-drawing-liverpool-in-the-champions-league-says-johan-cruyff-115875-21204488/

redout

Absolute Bollox. I am sure anyone who watched last saturday would agree.

Catalan Ire As San Mames Referee Given Barcelona Date

Having been at the centre of controversy last week during Real Madrid's win against Athletic Bilbao, Cesar Muniz Fernandez has been rewarded with a game at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Troubled referee Cesar Muniz Fernandez will take charge of Barcelona's game against Malaga on Sunday only a week after his controversial display in Real Madrid's victory over Athletic Bilbao. The Catalan press have not been slow to voice their displeasure.

The matchday official has been given the Blaugrana's league match in Camp Nou and is set for a warm reception after he was adjudged to influenced events in San Mames in favour of the visitors.

But the Catalan press are outraged that he has been given Barcelona's match after showing, what they believe to be, bias towards Real Madrid.

"It is not only that he committed various and decisive errors in the game between the Basques and Madrilenians, it is also to do with the grave mistakes he made in filling in his report," Sport state.

"What he wrote was surreal as he denied making any mistakes for the first three goals.”

Barcelona have not done too badly under Muniz Fernandez this term. He has officiated two of their Copa del Rey games, which saw the Catalan outfit draw 0-0 with Espanyol and beat Real Mallorca 2-0.

Sport claims that Muniz Fernandez has had to be used due to the fact that four top flight referees have failed the league's fitness tests and are unavailable.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/18/1161691/catalan-ire-as-san-mames-referee-given-barcelona-date

kinaldo

And kicking up such a huge fuss over this ref isn't likely to influence him at all now? Talk about double standards. Malaga have no chance.

redout

kinaldo wrote: »

And kicking up such a huge fuss over this ref isn't likely to influence him at all now? Talk about double standards. Malaga have no chance.

Its a bloody disgrace. If that was England the ref would no doubt have been demoted a division for a couple of games given the crap he allowed and dealt. Also to add that Iker should have been disciplined by the FA for his bringing the game into disrepute for feigning injury and helping getting a player sent-off. Didnt Dida get disciplined by UEFA for feigning injury against Celtic a couple of seasons ago ?

kinaldo

redout wrote: »

Its a bloody disgrace. If that was England the ref would no doubt have been demoted a division for a couple of games given the crap he allowed and dealt.

Yes well I'm sure he'll be more than obliging now if Barca need a couple of penalties or sending offs to go there way on Saturday,

redout

kinaldo wrote: »

Yes well I'm sure he'll be more than obliging now if Barca need a couple of penalties or sending offs to go there way on Saturday,

Ah Bollox. The refs are working against Barca like always. Lets not kid ourself's here. Madrid bias from Spanish referee's is welll documented going all the way back to the Franco days. They find themselves a mile behind Barca then find some very dodgy decisions go there way. The Basque keeper hit the nail on the head when he said after the match there was a conspiracy with the refs to help Real Madrid.

kinaldo

redout wrote: »

Ah Bollox. The refs are working against Barca like always. Lets not kid ourself's here. Madrid bias from Spanish referee's is welll documented going all the way back to the Franco days.

Well documented by whom exactly? Barcelona have to have someone to blame when things go wrong.

Kevster

Yo,

Does anyone know what the theme song for FC Barcelona is? It's the song that they play at the start of each game, like Liverpool's You'll Never Walk Alone (by Gerry & The Pacemakers).

Kevin

redout

Kevster wrote: »

Yo,

Does anyone know what the theme song for FC Barcelona is? It's the song that they play at the start of each game, like Liverpool's You'll Never Walk Alone (by Gerry & The Pacemakers).

Kevin

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055482408

Mgoraf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b8cGhxhAsY

??

An Citeog

Mgoraf wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b8cGhxhAsY

??

Yeah, that's it.

el rabitos

El Cant del Barça

Kevster

That's awesome guys... ...I appreciate it a lot. I just downloaded it for myself.:)

redout

Frustrated Guardiola Calls For Press To Respect His Players And Especially Eto'o

Pep Guardiola has called for the press to show more respect to his Barcelona side regarding transfer rumours and to avoid talking about the will he, won't he intentions of Samuel Eto'o in particular.

The Cameroonian international has been reported to be leaving the Camp Nou this summer and various other players have been put forward to replace him.

Speaking to Marca, Guardiola said that the striker should not be treated this way, demanding "respect for Eto'o, a player who has given so much for Barcelona and of who only has possible replacements."

"He does not deserve this, his future will be decided when it is. There are players here who are doing a lot to try and stay here. The day that we sign someone,, you can publish it, but not now," he said.

"You do not know how the negotiations work and this is where they mess it up. You do not know what players have been contacted nor what decisions are been made. Out of respect to players who have been here six months or fifteen years, do not speak about it."

Guardiola went on to say that he would understand the rumours more if his team were playing badly, but that is clearly not the case.

"I can understand the rumours when a team is playing badly, but the way we are playing, I do not understand it," he mused.

"During the week I have heard that we will have a new front three next year and that we have already signed [Franck] Ribery."

The coach also spoke about his decision to not allow Rafael Marquez to go and play with Mexico, as the defender is suspended.

"If he is suspended, why does he have to go?" he began.

"It is my decision; it is better that he stays here and rests. It would not make sense for him to make the trip and not to play."

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/21/1167560/frustrated-guardiola-calls-for-press-to-respect-his-players-and-e

Iniesta Out Of Spain Squad; Could Return For Barcelona-Bayern Clash

Barcelona and Spain’s midfield sensation, Andres Iniesta, will be forced to withdraw from La Seleccion’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Turkey next week after picking up an injury during the 6-0 mauling of Malaga overnight.

The 24-year-old tore an adductor muscle and had to be replaced 15 minutes into the second half. After further examination by the club doctors, Marca has confirmed that he will be sidelined for around 15 days.

This will effectively rule Iniesta out of both Spain’s upcoming qualifier against the Turks on March 28 in Madrid and April 1 in Istanbul, and he is also likely to miss Barca’s next league game on April 4 against Real Valladolid.

The club, however, are hopeful that ‘El Nino de Coro’ could return for the Blaugrana’s Champions League quarter-final showdown with Bayern Munich on April 8 at the Camp Nou.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is expected to name a replacement for his La Furia Roja squad in the next few days.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/23/1170399/iniesta-out-of-spain-squad-could-return-for-barcelona-bayern-clas

Eto'o Becomes Barcelona's Fifth All-Time Leading Goalscorer

Cameroon international forward Samuel Eto'o scored twice in Barcelona's thoroughly convincing 6-0 victory over Malaga on Sunday evening, and his double strike made him a member of a very elite band of forwards.

Eto'o's clinical finishes moved him onto 123 goals for the Blaugrana in official competitions, making him the fifth top goalscorer in the club's glittering history and moving him just one effort behind Mariano Martin in the all-time rankings.

Eto'o moved to Barcelona in 2004 after a hugely successful spell at Real Mallorca, and has since established himself as one of Europe's most prolific strikers in the five seasons since.

It appeared he may have been surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou after Pep Guardiola's re-building began in the summer, but he has proven that he's as important to the Catalan giants as ever, scoring 23 goals in 24 Primera Division matches, putting him in pole position to claim the Pichichi top goalscorer award.

Eto'o's goals edged him ahead of Dutchman Patrick Kluivert in the all-time goalscoring chart, however, he still has a long way to go to catch up with Barcelona's two most famous hit-men.

In position number one is Cesar, who has scored 235 goals in official matches for the club and he sits ahead of Hungarian Ladislao Kubala who achieved 196 strikes in the 1950's.

Brazilian forward Rivaldo completes the top three, with his 130 strikes during his six year spell at the club.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/23/1171659/etoo-becomes-barcelonas-fifth-all-time-leading-goalscorer


Iniesta injured yet again. I make that the third time this season. Hope thats the end of them for this season.

redout

More Fab talk.........

Pep Guardiola Told Cesc He Would Run Barcelona Midfield – Report

The lure of Barcelona is even stronger now for Cesc Fabregas as his idol Pep Guardiola is in charge. The Arsenal midfielder has never forgotten a grand gesture that the coach made eight years ago

Pep Guardiola gave Cesc Fabregas a signed Barcelona shirt with a message predicting that the youngster would one day be the controlling influence in the Blaugrana's midfield, according to a report.

With the Arsenal playmaker constantly being linked with a return to the club where he began his career, the coach now in charge at Camp Nou advised him in 2001 that he would be a star.

While Guardiola dedicated the message to the young Fabregas, little did either know then that they could end up working together as trainer and apprentice, El Mundo Deportivo state.

Arsenal are loath to see their captain leave but the Catalan star has already hinted that he will not stay if Arsene Wenger leaves. He may even go unless the Premier League club sign some big names.

Rodolfo Borrell, the coach that helped Fabregas come through his parents' separation, visited Fabregas in London after he had joined the Gunners.

Borrell told the player that he had a present for him and produced the Barcelona shirt signed by Guardiola along with the message, "Some day you will be Barca's No. 4."

The reference to the number that Guardiola donned throughout his time at the Catalan club meant a lot to Fabregas and he is said to have always remembered that gesture.

Now that the former Barcelona idol is in charge at Camp Nou, the temptation for his prodigy to return is said to be even greater.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/27/1177506/pep-guardiola-told-cesc-he-would-run-barcelona-midfield-report

ScholesyIsGod

Where does Fabregas play in that midfield, Iniesta and Xavi start ahead of him for Spain and Barca always play with a defensive midfielder.

yahoo_moe

redout wrote: »

More Fab talk.........

Now that the former Barcelona idol is in charge at Camp Nou, the temptation for his prodigy to return is said to be even greater.

Even given the usual crap that floats around (especially at international break time) I really don't understand how this constantly crops up without anyone in the sports media questioning where he'd fit into Barca's current lineup.

It's obvious that Fabregas is beyond moving somewhere for a squad place and given that he's pretty awful out wide, and he's not really a runner of the ball, he couldn't really replace Iniesta. So it'd have to be Xavi - who's barely 29 and is never linked with a move away... so what's with the Fabregas obsession in Spain?

Mgoraf

Barcelona have reached an initial agreement to sign Keirrison from Palmeiras. The forward could not hide his delight as he revealed his dream of playing alongside Lionel Messi.

The Blaugrana may still be on course for three trophies this season but plans for next term are already well under way and a recent trip to South America by Txiki Begiristain proved fruitful.

Talks between Barcelona and Keirrison's agency, Traffic, have led to an outline arrangement being made that will see a concrete bid set to follow in the next few weeks.

A price of €15 million was asked, however, the Catalan outfit are determined to see that lowered with a number of clauses and conditions related to the youngster's progress.

The 20-year-old forward has said that he wants to be successful and would relish the chance to play alongside Messi..

"I would really like to play alongside Lionel Messi," Sport quote Keirrison as stating. "He is the best player in the world.

"Since I was very young I have wanted to play… with a great club and, although I have nothing against any others, I have always identified with Barcelona.

"I saw a lot of games when Romario and Ronaldo were there and that made me dream that one day I would play at Barcelona."

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Valencia are all keeping tabs on Keirrison, with los Che tabling an offer in the winter market that was rejected by Traffic

http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/27/1177457/barcelona-reach-initial-keirrison-agreement-report

redout

yahoo_moe wrote: »

so what's with the Fabregas obsession in Spain?

He is one of the top young players in the world and one of their own. Just perhaps, thats the answer to your question.