Barcelona News Thread

[Magical20]

Sometimes dreams do come true and in Ronaldinho's case they did against Villarreal as the Brazilian revealed that his over-head kick was something that he had always dreamt of and that the strike would change his life.

Spectacular. Incredible. Ronaldinho. The Barça players were full of praise to describe their team-mate after his wonderful effort on Saturday evening.

Below are what some of the squad had to say after the 4-0 win.

Ronaldinho

"I was thinking about controlling it and making it simple, but then the ball sat up and that was the result."
"Without doubt, this goal will change my life."
"In training I always try these things, and make them happen, and today it worked in a game."
"The feeling was really special in front of a full stadium and the fans' reaction was great. I will certainly sleep well now."
"I have also always wanted to score from the middle of the pitch, but that has not yet happened."
"The whole team have played well and we have great confidence."

Valdés

"Ronaldinho's goal was spectacular. Few players could do that. I have been on the receiving end of goals like that in training."
"Going forward we were very good and Ronnie's contribution was the crowning moment."
"Like normal in Camp Nou I have not had much work to do. The defence was focussed and I have done what I to do."
"When we all arrived we wanted to win and win well. All the better if things carry on like that."
"I am pleased for Iniesta. He scored a great goal."

Gudjohnsen

"What Ronaldinho did was incredible. That is Ronaldinho."
"Cygan pulled me down for the penalty."
"I play in a more advanced position now than I did at Chelsea and it is slightly easier for me."
"The game after I scored was over as a contest."
"The level of football is the best in the world. It is the best club in the world."
"I think that everyone is physically stronger, me included."

Edmílson

"In the last few games, Ronnie has played very well and has lost very few balls. He is a player that everyone knows and can see how he plays. There are days when things do not always go tight and others like the one tonight."
"Up until February we have an important run of games and we need a strong squad. For that reason we need to move ahead in the league."
"We are very happy because winning at home is important in the league."
"We played aggressively against a strong team and we now have a week to recover."

Zambrotta

"It was important to win today and continue our run of victories. We are all very happy."
"The team played well and everyone is adapting to the side very well."
"Ronaldinho is one of a kind. There is nobody like him."

Iniesta

"Ronaldinho has scored a great goal. In every game he does something news."
"I am pleased with the way we played. We looked strong."
"OI am possibly having the best moment of my career. We are only just starting the season really and my only goal is to continue improving."
"It was a game where we had to work hard for the first goal and then in the secnd half we totally dominated."


Ronaldinho, goal 50 (and 51)

Before the game against Villarreal, Ronaldinho had scored 49 league goals for FC Barcleona. In minute 34 he netted number 50 from the penalty spot after just three-and-a-half seasons at the club. Before the end of the game the Brazilian scored number 51 when an incredible over-head kick. In his first season, Ronnie scored 15 times, nine in his second and 17 last term. He is currently the top scorer in the Spanish First Division.

(fcbarcelona.com)

[Magical20]

Frank Rijkaard was keen to emphasise the performance of the whole Barça team after the victory against Villarreal, rather than pick out any individuals for special praise.

After a tremendous performance in Camp Nou, the Dutch coach was delighted with all his players for the part that they played in the 4-0 win and would not be drawn when asked about particular members of the side that he was happy with: "I want to highlight the attitude of the whole team," he explained. "I cannot pick out only one player."

In a similar manner, he then praised the crowd as the 74,000 fans inside the stadium were in great voice all night. "The support of the public was very important," he continued. "When the fans are like that it is vital. When it was goalless they gave us a real lift and that makes us a lot stronger. That reaction from the stands provoked a reaction in the team."

Match analysis

Before Barça scored their first goal, both teams had their chances according to Rijkaard: "There were two phases in this game," he stated. "At 2-0 we dominated posession and moved the ball very well, but we cannot forget what happened before that when both sides wre battling to score the first goal of the match. At that stage it was not easy. It was a game that had everything and was so good because Villarreal have such a strong team."

Physically stronger

FC Barcelona shone from the first minute to the last and the performance can only boost the confidence going into the final month of the year, Rijkaard believes: "The team is growing," the coach said. "Deco played well and was strong, Iniesta covered every blade of grass, while Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol and Gio are becoming physically stronger."

Rijkaard then spoke about the growing confidence of Gudjohnsen, who was influential during the game. "I have never entered into the debate about Guddy," he explained. "Today he won the penalty and then chipped in with a goal himself after that and was involved in the majority of important moments in the game. All the players work together and there is no competition between them. I believe that this all works very well for the team."

Ronaldinho's wonder goal

The incredible over-head kick from Ronaldinho has touched everyone. Rijkaard described it as "a true wonder" and gave his view of the goal by saying that strikes such as that "provoke strong reactions among football fans and with FC Barcelona fans. This goal was a special addition to our win."


(fcbarcelona.com)

[Magical20]

The amazing display against Villarreal means FC Barcelona have been able to equal their best ever start to a league campaign, which was set two seasons ago.

Nine wins, two draws, one defeat, 31 goals for and 11 against. That is what Barça have managed so far this season, and what a season, topped off last night with Ronaldinho's amazing overhead kick against Villarreal. This is the best start Barça have had to a league season since the three points for win system was introduced in 1996-97. Barça's previous best was set in 2004-05, when they went on to collect the league title.

It has to be said, however, that the same nine wins, two draws and one defeat were achieved in the 1990-91 season, but that was when the tournament was still operating with a two points for a win system. Barça won the league that season too.

The two best starts under

Rijkaard Both of these two great starts to a season have come with Frank Rijkaard in charge. In the Dutchman's second season as manager, 2004-05, the team had 29 points by week 12, the same as now. There had only been a couple of draws with Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club, and one loss to Betis.

But things are actually a bit better this year because Barça have scored seven more goals than two seasons ago. This year they have 31 for and 11 against, while they had scored 24 goal by this stage in 2004-05. And that is with last season's top scorer Samuel Eto'o injured since game four. But Ronaldinho has stepped in to replace the Cameroonian in the goal-getting department with ten goals this season.

(fcbarcelona.com)

[Magical20]

It isn't easy to pick the five best of the 51 goals that Ronaldinho has scored in the Spanish championship. Last night's overhead wonder against Villarreal was just the latest in a series of terrific strikes.

In 107 league games in a Barça shirt, Ronaldinho has scored a whopping 51 goals following his brace against Villarreal on Saturday night. Those goals have been free kicks, penalties, long-range strikes, headers, team plays and moments of sheer individual brilliance. There can be no doubting the amazing knack this player has of scoring memorable goals. Two of his finest efforts for Barça were his first ever, against Sevilla, and his last, against Villarreal. These are what we believe to be the five best goals Ronaldinho has scored for Barça in the league. It is our own opinion, and others may argue that his great goal in Valencia (0-2) or the free kick against Zaragoza (3-1), for instance, should have been included.

Welcome to the Camp Nou

It was in the second game of the 2003-04 season that Ronaldinho made his league debut at the Camp Nou. Barça were a goal down to Sevilla in that famous game that started at a minute past midnight. Ronaldinho rounded several players in the centre of the park, and then drove home a remarkable shot that tucked into the net past goalkeeper Notario. That made it 1-1 and the Camp Nou fans were given their first taste of this Brazilian's magic.

Control and volley at El Sadar

Our second choice was also in his first season, this time in Pamplona on February 8, 2004. The game was tied at 1-1 when Motta passed to Ronaldinho who, on the edge of the six-yard box with his back to goal, and with just three touches of the ball was able to turn and volley in amazing style to score Barça's second of the night and bag the three points against Osasuna.

A dream free kick

Six weeks later, March 21, 2004, with Barça flying up the table, Real Sociedad were holding Barça goalless at the Camp Nou. With just two minutes to go, Ronaldinho scored from a perfectly executed free kick on the edge of the area. That goal kept Barça's championship dream alive, although they ended up finishing second.

Ovation for the star

Ronaldinho can pop up anywhere and score unforgettable goals. Having already scored a cracker 20 minutes earlier, Ronaldinho made it 3-0 to Barça at the Santiago Bernabéu on November 19, 2005. Barça were on the counter attack with plenty of space, and Ronaldinho dribbled past Sergio Ramos and put the ball past Casillas with such brilliance that some of the Real Madrid supporters were actually seen to applaud. Barça and Ronaldinho were just too good for Madrid that night.

Overhead delight

And then of course there was this weekend's goal, images of which will be flashed around the world. It was pure genius. Xavi crossed the ball, Ronaldinho controlled it on his chest and turned with his back to goal to smash home a bicycle kick that made it 4-0 against Villarreal. "A dream goal", as he described it himself, and let's hope there are plenty more where that came from.

Total of 72

Of course, we are only talking here about the player's 51 goals in the domestic league. He has scored 21 other goals for FC Barcelona. 12 came in the Champions League, 4 in the UEFA Cup, 4 in the Copa del Rey and one in the Spanish Super Cup. That makes a grand total of 72 goals.


(fcbarcelona.com)

[Magical20]

Deco believes that winning the league this sesaon will be harder than ever for FC Barcelona, but the return to form witnessed at the weekend has given everyone at the club a real boost.

The Portuguese international was in inspirational form in the victory against Villarreal on Saturday as he helped Barça to a 4-0 victory and to maintain their grip on first place in the table with 29 points. Sevilla though are just behind and Real Madrid sit three points away, as both rivals picked up useful away victories.

"The league will not be easy this year," Deco said. "Madrid are winning, which is very important, and Sevilla are playing very well and also winning games. But the vital thing is what we are doing. In the last games we have improved and the team is now returning to the form that we payed at before. We know though, that we will have to fight until the end."

Pre-season effects

The win against Villarreal saw the Blaugrana equal their best ever start to a league campaign, a record set just two years ago. Despite that questions still remain about how much the strenuous pre-seson programme has affected the players, but Deco understands the reasons why the club chose to go on a pre-season tour of the United States. "The majority of players did have a pre-season," he said. "Half of the squad were at the World Cup and did not have time to do the preparation that the coaching staff would have liked. If we were playing for another club perhaps we could have done a normal pre-season, but are at Barça and it is normal that things like this happen."

The early season difficulties do appear to be receding: "When we work hard small things start to happen," Deco continued. "It is normal that without a pre-season after the World Cup, and without having a base to build on that things do not go completely as planned, but gradually we are finding our form."

Better not to sign

The number of injuries has also become a major talking point and despite the team continuing to win games, there are rumours that the club may look to bring in a new face during the winter transfer window. "Whether anyone comes in or not is a matter for the club," Deco stated. "It is matter for the coaches as well, but not the players. Every season with endure some difficulties (with injuries) and have to stay strong. At the moment we are doing well. In January and February the players will rturn and if we make a signing we may have too many people."

Ballon D'Or

On Monday, Fabio Cannavaro is expected to be awarded the Ballon D'Or and Deco reflected on the reasons why the Italian World Cup winner had been chosen over some of the Barça players, including himself, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o. "He deserves it," the former Porto midfielder said. "When there is a World Cup it is easy to forget how he played all year, but he was also great in the World Cup."

(fcbarcelona.com)

[Magical20]

Samuel Eto'o maybe sidelined through injury, but the Barça team have continued to score goals as they have netted 31 times in the Cameroon international's absence. Ronaldinho has led the way and he is now top scorer in the Spanish first division.

Since Eto'o damaged his meniscus in the Champions League game away at Werder Bremen, Ronaldinho has scored nine times in the league and leads the way in the Pichiichi charts with his ten goals this term. The team were expected to struggle with the injuries, but without Eto'o the Blaugrana have only been defeated at Chelsea and Real Madrid, as the side were still adapting life without him.

Topping the charts

In the 11 games since playing Werder Bremen, Ronaldinho has scored nine times, netting twice in games against Recreativo, Sevilla, Real Zaragoza and Villarreal and once against Deportivo. His tally this term has seen him overhaul several other contenders for the top scorer prize in Spain and has put him at number one for the first time.

Previous seasons

In season 2003-04, after 12 league games, the former Gremio and PSG star had scored four times and went on to finish with 15 goals. The following year he had managed only two goals after the same number of games and would finish the campaign with nine. Last term he totalled eight goals in 12 games and went on to finish with 17, his record in the Spanish league. If Ronaldinho continues on his current course he will surpass that total this season.

All-round improvement

Not only is Ronaldinho scoring more often in Eto'o's absence, but also his team-mates are looking sharp in front of goal. Eidur Gudjohnsen as four in the league and two in the Copa del Rey, while Andrés Iniesta has two league goals and one in the Champions League and Santi Ezquerro has netted once in the league and once in the Copa del Rey. the average number of goals scored by the team has risen without Eto'o from 2.2 goals per game, to 2.4 goals per game.

(fcbarcelona.com )

(some very amazing stats if you ask me !)

[Magical20]

Youth players Marc Crosas and Giovani Dos Santos have been named in the squad of 23 to go to the FIFA World Club Cup in December.

With Leo Messi and Samuel Eto'o injured, the FC Barcelona coach has opted to bring in young Marc Crosas and Giovani Dos Santos for the trip to Japan. Both players already have first team experience. The midfielder played in the Cup match against Badalona, while the Mexican striker got his chance on the pre-season tour, although has yet to make his official debut.

The full list of players that will fly out to Tokyo from December 10 to 17 to play in the World Club Cup is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Víctor VALDÉS, Albert JORQUERA and Rubén.

Defenders: Juliano BELLETTI, Rafael MÁRQUEZ, Carles PUYOL, Gianluca ZAMBROTTA, Giovanni VAN BRONCKHORST, José EDMILSON, SYLVINHO, Lilian THURAM, OLEGUER Presas.

Midfielders: Thiago MOTTA, XAVI Hernández, Anderson de Souza DECO, Andrés INIESTA and Marc CROSAS.

Forwards: Eidur GUDJOHNSEN, Ludovic GIULY, RONALDINHO, Santi EZQUERRO, Javier SAVIOLA and Giovani DOS SANTOS.


(fcbarcelona.com..its blue coz its important)

[Jaime]

it think it is absurd that they left ronnies wonder goal against Chelsea at the bridge out....that is a GREAT GOAL TOO

[Magical20]

wahah lol

[Magical20]

The players returned to training on Tuesday afternoon and began their preparations for the next two games against Levante and Werder Bremen. Meanwhile, Saviola is continuing to train apart from the group in order to recover from a thigh strain.

After a two and a half day break, the squad was back to work on Tuesday afternoon. With the 4-0 thrashing of Villarreal still fresh in their minds, the main objective is now next Tuesday's Champions League decider against Werder Bremen. However, before that, there's another important league match against Levante.

Special exercises for Giuly and Márquez

Training began at 6.30 pm at the Club's La Masía training grounds. Giuly and Márquez left the session alter 30 minutes to continue their workout in the gym and were replaced by Thuram and Oleguer. After a few laps of the pitch the players divided into two groups for the usual ball control exercises before doing some circuit training, watched by Rijkaard and Eusebio, and encouraged by fitness coach Paco Seirul·lo.

Two teams

Finally, the players split into two teams: Ronnie, Belletti, Xavi, Motta, Thuram, Sylvinho, Jorquera and Eusebio (yellow) and Gudjohnsen, Puyol, Ezquerro, Zambrotta, Deco, Edmilson, Oleguer and Valdés (blue). They did some ball possession exercises and finished with a practice game. Before returning to the changing rooms, Gio and Ronaldinho did some shooting practice - with Valdés in goal - much to the delight of the watching fans. The next training session will be on Wednesday at 5.30 pm.

[Magical20]

After a logical period of adaptation, Zambrotta is beginning to look like the world class player we all saw in last summer's World Cup. On Tuesday he spoke to reporters in the Nou Camp and explained: "I'm almost at 100%".

His performance in the Villarreal game was his best so far, as the player himself told us: "I'm almost at 100%. Last Saturday's match was the best I've played so far. I'm in good form, like the rest of the team".

The 'Scudetto' and 'La Liga', two different worlds

According to Gianluca Zambrotta, the Italian and Spanish leagues are very different. He described the former as "physical and tactical" whereas in the Spanish league "much more importance is given to the ball and attacking play". He suggested that this difference explains his current level of form: "After three months of adaptation, during which I lacked a bit of confidence, fitness and adaptation, I can now state that I'm almost at 100%. Now I can show my attacking qualities as well as my defensive ones".

Defenders also have quality

Zambrotta told reporters that, in his opinion, the Golden Ball award received by his fellow countryman Fabio Cannavaro was justified: It was about time it was won by a defender. Quality isnt only in attack. I believe that defending well is just as difficult and he has demonstrated that he's the best defender in the world. He had a great World Cup and he also proved it with Juventus and before that with Inter and Parma".

However, the Italian international had plenty of praise for a number of other players, some of them current or former team-mates: "I don't understand how players like Del Piero and Henry haven't won it yet and I hope that, next season, one of my team-mates wins it, such as Eto'o, or who knows, maybe Carles Puyol."

(fcbarcelona.com)

[Magical20]

Club president Joan Laporta wants the Nou camp full to the rafters for the vital match against Werder Bremen. He believes the support of the fans will be an essential element in getting through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

It's probably the most important match of the season so far and Joan Laporta wants the fans to play their part. He told reporters on Wednesday: "Against Werder Bremen the fans have to play the match from the terraces as well and create an atmosphere, but a sporting one".

"The fans, the membership and all Barca supporters must cheer the players on because it's a very important moment for the team. We've got a lot at stake in this match. We have a team in which we have complete confidence and which deserves to be supported. I want the fans to give as much support as possible".

First the league

The match against Werder is the next home game for the team but before that they'll have to travel down the coast to Valencia to play Levante. According to Edmilson, who was with Joan Laporta today for the presentation of his Foundation, this match is the most immediate concern: "The present right now is Levante. We play in stages and the most important match right now is Levante". The players are well aware they mustn't lose their concentration against Levante: "We have to focus on the league. We only have a one-point lead over Sevilla and three over Real Madrid".

Ronaldinho and the FIFA World Player

Meanwhile, Joan Laporta expressed his satisfaction at the possibility of Ronaldinho winning the FIFA World Player for the third year in a row: "I'm very happy for him. Ronaldinho is a 10 of a player. He's the best player in the world and we always like these awards to go to Barca players". Laporta also gave his opinions on the controversy surrounding the choice of Fabio Cannavaro for the Golden Ball: "He must be respected. I don't like to upset a great player though I would have preferred the trophy to be won by a Barca player".

No problem with Rijkaard

Rumours are going about that Frank Rijkaard could leave the club at the end of the season but Laporta assured reporters there was nothing to be worried about: "I'm not worried. We have the best trainer in the world and our personal relationship is exceptional. So I want to be fair to him. He's a man you can learn from and he's helping to make the Club. He puts the interests of the Club and the players before his own".

[Magical20]

i'll just scream my longs out at home than...

[Magical20]

Ronaldinho has once again joined a shortlist of three for the FIFA World Player of the Year. Success in the final vote would give him an historic third trophy in a row.

Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro and retired French captain Zinedine Zidane are the two men who stand in his way for the title of FIFA World Player 2006. FIFA announced the names of the three finalists on Wednesday chosen from an initial shortlist of 30 players.

The winner will be announced on 18th December at the 16th World Player of the year Gala dinner in the Zurich Opera, exactly one day after the final of the FIFA World Club Championships in Tokyo. Ronaldinho has already confirmed he will attend the Gala.

Winner in 2004 and 2005

Club managers and captains from around the world chose Ronaldinho as the best player in the world in 2004 and 2005. As a member of the Barca team that won last season's La Liga and Champions League titles, the Brazilian is a firm favourite for 2006 but he'll have stiff opposition from Golden Ball winner Fabio Cannavaro and French midfield legend Zinedine Zidane, who have the advantage of being winner and runner-up respectively in the last World Cup.

One man who will be conspicuous by his absence in the Gala is Samuel Eto'o. The Cameroon striker was third last year behind Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Ronnie.


A chance to make history

Should he win, Ronaldinho will become only the third player to win the title three times and the very first to win it three years consecutively. As things stand he is the second player to have won the title twice in a row, the other being Ronaldo in 1996 and 1997. The Brazilian striker, currently playing for Real Madrid, won the award for the first time while with Barca and has accumulated three wins, the last being in 2002. The other player to have won it there times is Zinedine Zidane (1998, 2000 and 2003).

[Magical20]

There have been rumours going around that Juliano Belletti may be moving on during the winter transfer window, but the Brazilian says he is more than happy at a club where he will always have a place in the fans' hearts for scoring the winner in Paris.

There is no more to be said. One of the stars of the Champions league final has reiterated that he has no intention of leaving, even though he is enjoying fewer minutes than he did last season. "I feel loved by the club and by its people" he said. "And the club intends to offer me a new contract". He did not wish to talk about speculations that he might be leaving the club during the transfer window, saying with a smile "only my brother (and agent), who I am having supper with later, is able to talk about my contract".

The people's affection

The winning goal against Arsenal, now five months ago, has certainly changed things for Belletti. "People have a special affection for me because of the goal in Paris" he said. "And I want to stay here and try to show that I can play, but that is a matter for the coach".

League the priority

Juliano Belletti knows just how important next Tuesday's game against Werder Bremen is "We know what a Champions League match represents" he said. "But there is Levante first, and we mustn't forget that we also want to win the League again".


With Ronaldinho

He was also asked about the names of the three nominees for the FIFA World Placer that were announced today (Ronaldinho, Cannavaro and Zidane). Juliano Belletti made his opinions obvious. "Ronaldinho brings joy to the field, and also to sport, and so he deserves the award. But I am always biased towards players from my country!"

Basketball fan

Juliano Belletti appeared in the press room wearing the Winterthur FC Barcel