Barcelona News Thread

[Magical20]

Dutch coach, Frank Rijkaard, has said that it is in games like the one on Sunday when "something can be demonstrated", despite knowing that "we'll have to be strong", in order to get a result.


In spite of only being able to take 14 first team players, Rijkaard has assured everyone that the team is "looking for a good result". He has said that it is games like these where the team "can demonstrate something". The coach, however, agrees "it won't be easy", as "Getafe is a difficult place to play and we'll have to be strong", if Barça want to walk away with any points.

A tough encounter

Frank Rijkaard has described Sunday's game as "interesting", he has also explained that "I like knowing beforehand that it's going to be a tough encounter, due to the injuries and sanctions affecting the blaugrana. He agrees that Getafe are "a good team who are going to make us suffer.

No more motivation

Asked about the whether or not the players who start on Sunday will have to have greater motivation than normal due to many players missing, Frank Rijkaard appeared blunt "A Barça player has to be fully motivated at all times". For the coach "a connexion doesn't exist" between players being absent and that of playing at the Alfonso Perez Coliseum.

"The players work together and there are no rivalries between them". Moreover, "If some players are not physically ready, they will be mentally ready", concluded Rijkaard.

On the pitch

"The fans want to see a team working well together and that every player is giving his all on pitch", said Rijkaard in response to the barrage of questions directed towards him regarding the late return of some players. He believes that "the given explanations are convincing" and that "the players have been responsible" and for the coach "the delays experienced have happened in other places", and he has explained that for him, what is more important is "they work seriously - which is happening".


No sanctions

Frank Rijkaard emphatically spoke about the possible sanctions to be dished out to the players returning late: "If I started fining players, I would have to pay attention everyday. This has been an isolated case and the players involved are extremely responsible", he explained. However, "if a player always arrived late, he wouldn't have the right to be with the rest of the team".

[Magical20]

Frank Rijkaard will take a squad of 16 players with him to the game against Getafe. The squad will comprise of 14 first team players and 2 younger players of Olmo and Marc Crosas.


A combination of injuries and sanctions has left Frank Rijkaard short on options for the game. In the end, he has opted to go with 14 first team players plus Marc Crosas and Olmo; the former being a midfield player, the latter a defender, who can play either as a centre or full back. Both players have already officially played their debuts for the first team.

Gio, yes

A last minute addition to the squad list has been that of Gio Van Bronckhorst. The Dutch full back has fully recovered from a bout of the flu and is fit to play. Motta, on the other hand, has been unable to fully shake off his illness and therefore will not be travelling with the team.

The 16 players in the squad for the game against Getafe on Sunday are: Valdés, Jorquera, Iniesta, Puyol, Gudjohnsen, Sylvinho, Giuly, Edmílson, Xavi, Márquez, Belletti, Gio, Ezquerro, Saviola, Olmo and Marc Crosas.

[Magical20]

Barça kick off their New Year campaign this Sunday against Getafe (17h, Barça TV). Historically, Barça do well in the first games of the year, although the challenge will be far from easy.

The holidays are over. Following a two week break, Barça return to action this Sunday against Getafe in the Alfonso Perez Coliseum. Rijkaard goes into the game with seven absentees, among them Deco and Ronaldinho, however, despite this, Barça are confident of coming away with all three points and regaining their position as league leaders (Barça have 34 points, 3 points behind Seville, but with two games in hand). Being the team which has let in the fewest goals this season, Getafe are sure to make life difficult for Frank Rijkaard's men.

Top players missing: Frank Rijkaard has to start the year with many players out. Injuries to Etoo, Messi, Thuram, Zambrotta and Oleguer; Motta has been unable to shake off a bout of the flu and Deco and Ronaldinho are out with a one match suspension.

Therefore, Rijkaard has only been able to count on 14 of his first team squad. In order to complete the line up, he has called upon Barça B players, who already have experience - albeit very limited, Crosas and Olmo.

Hard pushed to find the back of the net: The Barça attack has proven that it is able to continue being dangerous even in the absence of Eto'o and Messi. Ronaldinho, Deco, Gudjohnsen and other players have talked about how the absence of other players is not noticeable. Now, however, they have the challenge of finding the back of the net against one of the most solid defensive line-ups in the league.

Only two goals have been scored against Getafe in the Alfonso Perez coliseum, and in total they have only let in eleven. New keeper Pato Abbondanzieri has had much to do with these statistics. Despite the positives, it has been nearly two months since ex-blaugrana Bernd Schuster's team have won at home; points which are necessary in order to qualify for the UEFA cup. A new signing in striker Verpakovskis, who could have his first run out this Sunday, may help to Getafe to a much needed victory.

Favourable precedents: Getafe and Barça have only ever played twice in the Alfonso Perez coliseum, and on both occasions the blaugrana have been victorious. The first occasion being on the 27th of November 2004 which saw Deco and Marquez score for a 1-2 win. Last season, Eto'o, Giulyand Motta found the back of the net in a 1-3 win.

A busy January

The game against Getafe is the first of seven games Barça will play in the first month of the year. Frank Rijkaard's team have their hands full over the next three to four weeks with five league games (one being to make up for the game against Betis), and two King's cup ties.

[Magical20]

This Sunday sees Barça take on Getafe, but it has also seen some activity at the Masia raining ground. Deco, Ronaldinho and Motta have all been taking part in a physical training session in continuation of what they started on Saturday.


With physical trainer Paco Seirul·lo running the session, Deco, Ronaldinho and Motta have all returned to the Masia again in order continue with their physical training, which started on Saturday.

Always with the ball

After having completed various physical exercises, the three Brazilians then practised their ball skills. Paco Seirul·lo had prepared them a course of obstacles and slaloms which they had to complete while maintaining control of the ball.

With the goalkeeper

The last part consisted of trying to get the better of young Barça B goalkeeper Urko. Deco, Ronaldinho and Motta all managing to show their quality with the ball; making it go where they wanted it to.


Oleguer as well

Oleguer was also present at the Masia. The Catalan defender is currently out through injury, however, he had recovered enough to be put through some exercises and also practise his ball skills.

[Magical20]

Barça made up some ground on leaders Sevilla on Sunday evening. Rijkaards men battled back from a goal down through Xavi's free kick, which brought them back to level pegging following Güiza's goal. Barça now find themselves two points adrift from leaders Seville.

Both goals came in the second period following a fairly even contest in the first half. Getafes first goal came after an unfortunate error by Marquez; when the Mexican tried to pass the ball back. Barça, however, managed to draw even 16 minutes later from Xavi free kick; wipping the ball in past the hands of Abondancieri. Without Deco and Ronaldinho, Barça have drawn a game in one of the most difficult places in the league.

Home territory

Frank Rijkaard picked a starting 11 with out any surprises. Santi Ezquerro started the game; making up the attacking line up along with Gudjohnsen and Giuly. The defence was made up of the same player who formed last season's back line, Puyol, Marquez, Belletti and Sylvinho. Completing the line up in midfield were Xavi, Iniesta and Edmilson.

The first half saw both teams trying to study their rival's movements. Both teams playing well and cancelling out the opposition's threat, however, it was Barça who dominated territorial wise. The highlight, was a great pass by Edmilson to Gudjohnsen, who found himself in a great position, however, referee Mejuto Gonzalez deemed him to be a little offside. The Barça number '7' had another opportunity in the 11th minute; after receiving a pass from Marquez, he darted into the area and shot just wide of the keeper Abbondanciari.

Great save from Valdes

Bernd Schuster's team had their fair share of the ball during the first half. In the 23rd minute, ex Barça B player Dani Guiza had the best occasion. He got the better of Puyol and had a shot on goal; however, a superb save from Valdes to the right denied him the goal.

From this moment on, it was Barça who upped their game and began to dominate the possession. This period of possession brought about another opportunity. Unfortunately, yet again, the referee deemed Gudjohnsen offside following a neat pass form Ezquerro in the 42nd minute.

Unfortunate error

The first goal of the game came due to an unfortunate error from Rafa Marquez. In the 54th minute, Marquez's attempted back pass was intercepted by Guiza, which left him in a one on one situation against Valdes. Despite the Barça keeper getting his hands to the ball, he was unable to stop it crossing the line for a goal. Following the goal, Frank Rijkaard decided to change things around a little by bringing on Saviola for Ezquerro in the 54th minute; in a hope of injecting a little more pace into the attack.

Great goal by Xavi

The league champions, however, were not to be denied. Knowing how to respond, Barça began to attack more and in the 70th minute, Iniesta was brought down near the area after a mazy run. Xavi took over the dead ball responsibilities and fired the ball to the left of keeper Abbondancieri to bring the scores level. The goal being the third consecutive free kick scored by Barça against Getafe.

Ten minutes from time, Ludovic Giuly had two opportunities to find the back of the net. Dominating in possession, Barça opened up an opportunity for the Barça number '8' in the 80th minute. A shot from Giuly was well saved by the Getafe keeper, although in doing so, he conceded a corner. From the corner, Giuly was again in a good position, however he was to be denied the goal again.

Late pressure from home team and Olmo's debut

Late on in the game, Bernd Schuster's team were able to create a great chance in the search for the winning goal. Two minutes from time, Manu del Moral, who had come on for Pachon only minutes earlier, shot just wide of the post. Getafe continued looking for the winner with insistence. Cotelho, in time added on, shot well from distance bringing about yet another great save from Valdes; tipping the ball over the crossbar for a corner.

The positive to come out of the came was the debut of Olmo, who came on near the end for Edmilson. Olmo slotted in at the back and Marquez moved up to the midfield. For the home team, a negative was Alexis, who saw red near the end by picking up two yellows. The game stayed as it was and both teams ended up with a share of the spoils (1-1).

[Oliver_Kahn]

Lilian Thuram has rejected speculation linking him with a move to Marseille.

Reports emanating from France claimed Marseille were keen on signing the Barcelona defender.

Thuram's future at Barca has been the subject of intense speculation with the player thought to be unhappy with a lack of first team action.

However, the French international insists he has no plans to move and is content with life at Camp Nou.

"I am very good where I am," Thuram told Le Journal du Dimanche.

"Normally, I stay with Barcelona, but we never know what can happen.

"I do not detain the truth.

"But my departure isn't in the air.

"If (Marseille chairman) Pape Diouf calls me, I will tell him I am a Barcelona player."

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[Magical20]

The Dutch coach was happy with his team's performance on Sunday against Getafe "Given the circumstances" with which they played. Overall though, Frank Rijkaard agreed "we still have to get better".


Eight players out, being the first game after the Christmas break and in a ground which has only conceded two goals all season, it was easy to imagine that this was not going to be easy. However, we are happy that the team has come away with a point "I'm happy with the result and the attitude displayed by the team, it's a difficult place to come to and many teams have come away with nothing".

Beyond the difficulties of the Madrid stadium, Barça have had to deal with the handicap of being eight players short for the game. "we are in the beginning, we still have to get better and we want are waiting for some important players to get over their injuries. It's not that we played a great game, it's just we had to fight back from a goal down, which is no easy task. We've only had a few training sessions and so I hope to improve in the weeks to come".

Interpretation of the game

After the goal from Getafe, Barça knew how to respond in the search for the equalizer. The Dutch coach was happy with the way the players responded; "it was a shame to concede the goal, however, we had to react and went about looking for a goal well. The team had to work hard and they did it well. Overall, Rijkaard agreed that "the game was lacking a little rhythm", although it was the first game of the year.

Regarding the great goal from Xavi Hernandez, the coach said: "he scored a great goal, it was perfect. I can only congratulate him".


Rijkaard on Schuster

Frank Rijkaard commented on the ex blaugran player and Getafe manager, Bernd Schuster: "He was a great football player and he leaves his impression on his teams. He likes his teams to play well in both attack and defence. I think he's doing a fantastic job".

[Magical20]

nice.. hope he stays here until the end..

[Magical20]

The FC Barcelona players all agreed that the point earned at Getafe was important as they all reflected on the circumstances of the team after the 1-1 draw on Sunday evening.


Xavi Hernández's spectacular free-kick gave the Blaugrana a share of the spoils after Daniel Güiza had put the hosts in front and the Barça squad were all upbeat following the encounter. With Sevilla losing, the result moved Frank Rijkaard's side closer to the top so there was a positive feeling from the players.

Below is what some of the stars had to say.

Xavi

"It was quite a tough game and one to forget, although it allowed us to earn a point."
"We have the best free-kick taker in the world in Ronaldinho. We are all used to talking about it, but he is the true specialist."
"Getafe's goal woke us up because in the first half they had more of the ball than us. After scoring the equaliser we looked for a winner and had (Ludovic) Giuly had a few chances."
"It is normally the players that make the difference, but here the field was very difficult to play on. It was hard and dry and they pressed us back. A draw is not a bad result."
"We always want the three points, but after everything that has happened, it was hard. After Sevilla lost we knew that we could go top, but we are still in a good position and we are happy."
"With things the way they are this is an important point, it was not easy. The opposition work very hard and they do not let you settle at all. We have had to play many long balls."

Iniesta

"This point helps to continue fighting at the top."
"We knew that it would be difficult to win here and that Getafe are a strong side that close down very well. Perhaps in the second half we improved slightly and we saw a better Barça."
"The team worked hard to make up for the mistake that led to their goal and it was all fine in the end. Anyone can make a mistake, but we are a team. Márquez knows that."

Puyol

"The move for their goal was unfortunate, but Márquez is a great player and there is no problem. After they scored, we have calmed down although we did not lose any our desire."
"Adding points is always important. Three at a time is better, but this point is a positive."
"The pitch was very bad and the ball bounced a lot. I knew that they could score, but preferred not to make the tackle because I could have been sent off with a lot of the game still remaining."
"They are a very well organised side that know how to play their game. Without looking for excuses, the pitch hampered us a lot. The state of the field made us play more directly and we are not used to playing like that."

Valdés

"On a difficult surface we have earned a point against a Getafe side that played well and we must now build on that and look to win the match against Real Betis."
"It is a stadium that I have good memories of. It was a shame that we could not win there like we have in the last few seasons."

Ezquerro

"It was not a comfortable game for the team as Getafe worked hard and defended very well. I tried to create chances, but we managed a draw i the end and now we must focus on the cup match against Alavés."
"The mentality of this team is to always win and when we do not there is always a slight sense of frustration. In general terms we are hapy with the way that we have played."
"All players need confidence and to play regularly. Not playing often is not easy, but I cannot complain and I just have to continue working and wait for more opportunities like this."


Three years, three mistakes

Barça have played three times at Getafe in the past three seasons and on each occasion have scored from a free-kick. In 2004-05, Rafa Márquez netted in a 2-1 for the Blaugrana, while last season it was Thiago Motta who guided home a set piece in a 3-1 win for Frank Rijkaard's outfit. On Sunday, Xavi completed the sequence with a marvellous strike from 25 yards

[hura]

Moratti Denies Messi Link
Internazionale president Massimo Moratti has brushed aside rumours of possible interest in Barcelona winger Lionel Messi.
Soccer365

Do you really think messi is going to san siro... no, he already part of barca' future plans...

[Magical20]

Santiago Ezquerro believes that accusations that FC Barcelona are not playing well unfounded as the team continue to press at the top of the table and remain just two point behind leaders Sevilla with a game in hand.


The former Athletic forward is optimistic about the club's chances and does not agree that Frank Rijkaard's side have not been performing as they are still in contention and could go top if they defeat Real Betis on January 24. "We have been obtaining the results and I do not feel it can be said that the team is not playing well," Ezquerro said. "We have played a game less and could go top."

"We did not have a great game on Sunday against Getafe, but we will return to our best," he continued, reflecting on the 1-1 draw against Bernd Schuster's outfit at the weekend. "We are used to playing a different style of game."

Caution in the cup

The Copa del Rey outing against Alavés on Wednesday provides Barça with the perfect opportunity to continue improving, but Ezquerro is cautious about the dangers the Basque Country side pose. "We will always be favourites, but that guarantees nothing," he continued. "Alavés have been in the first division in recent years and if we are not at our best then they could cause a surprise."

Crowded out

Ezquerro then looked ahead to the possibility of a boycott by the home fans of the game. "As a player you always want to play in front of a crowd, but if this benefits us more than Alavés then that will be good. I cannot though, give an opinion on what is happening there as you would have to be on the inside to realy know."

Siezing the moment

After coming on as a substitute against Atlético de Madrid before Christmas and then starting the match at Getafe, Ezquerro explained: "A player always feels better when he is given more chances. I have not had many opportunities, but when I have had I believe that I have given everything. It has not ben easy for me because throughout my career I have always had the confidence of the coaches, but here the competition is very strong."

Demanding the best

Despite not being a regular in the team Ezquerro understands that every player at the club is ready to perform. "All of us demand things of ourselves and know we have to be at our best in every match," he stated. "In Getafe we may not have played that well, but the pitch did not help. Now we have to look forward and correct any errors that we may have made. It is no good looking back."


Madrid still in title challenge

Santi Ezquerro refused to rule Real Madrid out of the title race as he explained: "You have to take Madrid into account, however they are playing or what anybody says. In football, not team is as good or as bad as people say. Everything is always exagerated."

[Magical20]

Thiago Motta has been named in the FC Barcelona squad in place of Marc Crosas for the Copa del Rey game against Alavés in Mendizorroza on Wednesday. The rest of the squad is the same as the one that travelled to Getafe.

The Brazilian-Italian missed the first league encounter after the Christmas break after reporting back with flu. Coach Frank Rijkaard has called Motta up at the first opportunity, however, as he has been named for the Last 16, first leg encounter against Alavés.

While Motta takes his place for the first time in the New Year, the rest of the players were all included for the 1-1 draw against Getafe with B-team defender Jésus Olmo retaining his place.


The list

The squad for the trip to Alavés is: Valdés, Jorquera, Belletti, Gio, Sylvinho, Puyol, Olmo, Márquez, Edmílson, Xavi, Iniesta, Motta, Giuly, Gudjohnsen, Saviola y Ezquerro.

[Magical20]

The Barça players that helped earn a point against Getafe at the weekend enjoyed a light training session on Monday morning, while the rest of the squad began preparations for the cup game against Alavés.


With the matches beginning to come thick and fast, there is little time to recover before having to re-focus on the next important encounter. The first-team returned to training the morning after the first league game of the New Year and already it was time to look ahead to the Copa del Rey match on Wednesday.

Easy session

The members of the squad that started the game on Sunday evening were split up from the substitutes after they had all worked together for a warm-up session. Having played only the evening before, the programme was not arduous and focussed on rehabilitation.

Under the watchful eye of coach Paco Seirul·lo, the starting team against Getafe did some physical exercises without a ball, including sprints, before several players returned to the dressing rooms inside Camp Nou after half an hour. The first to leave was Xavi Hernández, who did not do the full physical circuit, and he was quickly followed by the others.

During the session, Frank Rijkaard spent a while talking closely with Santiago Ezquerro on the side of the pitch.

Márquez and Giuly absent
Rafael Márquez and Ludovic Giuly were the only two players that played against Getafe who were not present. The duo recuperated with a few exercises using the facilities inside Camp Nou along with the physiotherapists.

The four injured players (Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram, Samuel Eto'o and Leo Messi) were also not around. Oleguer Presas was also absent as he continues to recover from a knee injury that he picked up in the final match of 2006. The Sabadell-born defender appeared on the Camp Nou pitch for a few minutes before returning to the dressing room.


Crosas and Olmo stay with the first team

Marc Crosas and Jésus Olmo, both of whom travelled to Getafe, continued training with the first team. The players that did not appear on Sunday began preparing for the match against Alavés in midweek by working on their positional sense and applying pressure when not in possession before enjoying a five-a-side game. he teams for the small match were Thiago Motta, Gio Van Bronckhorst, Javier Saviola, coach Juan Carlos Unzué and Víctor Valdés on one side and Crosas, Olmo, Deco, Ronaldinho and Albert Jorquera on the other.

Belletti practices shooting

While the players that appeared against Getafe all drifted back to the dressing rooms, Juliano Belletti remained on the pitch in front of La Masia. The Brazilian stayed out to enjoy some shooting practice.

[Magical20]

After two months, the Copa del Rey kicks back into action tonight, and Frank Rijkaard's side travels to Deportivo Alavés for the first leg.


Tonight (21:30, TV3/Barça TV) Barça's cup campaign resumes after knocking Badalona out in the previous round. Without Deco or Ronaldinho, Barça will be hoping to exploit the turbulent times at Deportivo Alavés and get a good result in Vitoria ahead of the second leg back at the Camp Nou.

16 players: Just like for the league game against Getafe, Frank Rijkaard has named 16 players for the match, the change being that Motta returns to the squad in the place of reserve player Marc Crosas. Both Deco and Ronaldinho will be rested ahead of the upcoming derby on Saturday. The Barça boss, who has just been named manager of the year by the International Federation of History and Statistics for the second year in a row, wants to take this cup match very seriously indeed, and believes a win against Alavés will be a huge boost to morale.

Starting options and Jorquera: In tactical terms, Frank Rijkaard may opt to stick to the same eleven that he played against Getafe with the only doubts being whether he goes for Motta or Edmílson as a defensive midfielder, and Gio or Sylvinho at left back. But he is almost bound to go for a change of goalkeeper, it having been his preference to play Jorquera in all cup games for the last two seasons.

Internal problems: In fact, it is with Alavés that the main problems lie. The Basque outfit is performing poorly on the pitch and is having all kinds of problems on an institutional level. They are currently seventeenth in the second division, way below expectations, and president Dimitri Piterman has opted for a change of coach this week, bringing in Fabricio González Penelas Fabri' in place of 'Chuchi' Cos. Piterman has also had strong words to say about his players, who he believes are showing a lack of interest and a bad attitude.

Star men: The players to look out for in the Alavés ranks include former Barcelona keeper Roberto Bonano, although his position has been taken by Porato of late, Australian striker John Aloisi and Argentinian midfielder Astudillo, the only survivor of that famous Alavés side that made it as far as the Uefa Cup final against Liverpool, losing 5-4 in a memorable match.
Ex Alavés player in Barça B

Barça B midfielder Andrea Orlandi knows all about Alavés. It is his former club and he spoke at length about them to fcbarcelona.cat and Barça TV (spanish version).