After a flight of more than 9 hours, the Barça expedition left behind the Renaissance city and is now in the Mecca of modern architecture, Chicago.
The past and tradition of Florence have given way to a city like Chicago where the skyscrapers, glass and concrete dominate the skyline. In order to understand this graphically we’ve changed ‘Il Duomo de Santa Maria dei Fiore’, from the 14th C, for all 442 metres of the Sears Tower, built in 1973. This architectonic contrast is more than 9 hours flight away, the time taken by the Barça expedition in setting down at O’Hare International Airport.

Passport control

Having survived the usual North American rigor at passport control on entering the country, the team settled into The W Hotel Lakeshore, while they overcame the jet lag until the first training session at Illinois University

They’re back two years later

Two years after their last visit to the U.S.A., Barça again set foot in an American city. On that occasion, Los Angeles, Houston and New York welcomed the team with open arms. Now it’s Chicago’s turn, a new city on the American route the club has taken in the last few years.

Guardiola’s first tour

Manager pep Guardiola faces his first tour at the head of a renewed team, which out with exhibitions of football needs to get on form to face the Champion’s preliminary with guarantees. For the moment he is managing this amply.

 
The striker will leave this Thursday evening for China from France. Before he will have travelled from Rome to Barcelona and then on to Paris.
As expected, after the resolution of the sole judge of FIFA’s Player Statute, Leo Messi left Rome airport this Thursday morning for Barcelona, where he will arrive in the early afternoon. A few hours later Messi will travel to Paris, from where he will take a flight this evening for Shanghai, to meet up with the Argentine Olympic team to play in the Peking Olympics.

Messi will go to China with Pepe Costa, member of FC Barcelona’s technical team, and will accompany him throughout his stay in Peking.

We would remind you that the club has sent an appeal to TAS to enable the Argentine to play the Champion’s League preliminary.

 
The defender says goodbye to the fans with an open letter on
"When I arrived at the Camp Nou I saw one of my greatest dreams come true. From an early age I dreamed of wearing the Barça shirt; I used to imagine the Camp Nou at full capacity and me playing for the league title, surrounded by magnificent players, and helping win by scoring one, two or three goals. Obviously not everything is possible, but what had only been a dream a few years before, became reality on the 13th of November 2002: to play for Barça and be able to celebrate with everyone involved in Barcelona the teams successes.

I arrived without much fuss, with a desire to learn and give my very best in order for the dream to continue. Aware of my faults and virtues, but above all bearing in mind that what allowed me to play in this team was the desire to do well and the feeling that makes you give your all on the pitch. We all know that there are days when things go well and others not so well but the will to improve and the effort have been inseparable companions along the way. A few years in which I have enjoyed unforgettable experiences, like the title-winning celebrations on the streets of Barcelona and the Camp Nou, or winning the Champion’s League in Paris. But these moments would mean nothing without the little details that go along with them: the signs of joy, the support, and the warmth of the people, the complicity with my team-mates, the jokes, the hugs and above all knowing that each title has been the culmination of a years work, the team and the fans together.

Thank-you to all those who shared these experiences with me, without them it would not have been possible.

I’ve tried to show myself as I am. I’ve tried to act professionally coherent with my ideas. I’ve never enjoyed being the centre of attention for the press but this is not why I refuse to express my feelings. We all have our own and it is good to be able to express them and talk about them freely and respectfully in order to understand others and put ourselves in their skin. I think it is the best way to move towards a tolerant society.

My declarations have often been used to create problems, they have tried to read between the lines with things I haven’t said and misinterpreted others out of context. Throughout these years I have merely expressed my will to improve the society in which we live, still full of injustices, inequality and problems to be solved.

Thank you to all those who made an effort to understand and respect me, whether they agreed with me or not.

I say goodbye therefore with a letter, without making a noise, just as I arrived. I am going to Amsterdam to live a new experience and I hope to enjoy the minutes I haven’t had recently and help my new team to success. I think now is the time to do so and a good opportunity to experience other cultures, other languages, a new club, new team-mates…Definitively, a good way to continue growing in every way.

Therefore, it only remains to say that I will be among the millions of anonymous heads who celebrate my dream teams’ victories together. Thank you for everything.

A big hug

Oleguer"

 
Florence didn’t give up the chance to see Guardiola’s Barça in the flesh. A total of 40,428 spectators enjoyed the team’s high level of football, which earned the local fans’ admiration.
The third victory of the season (1-3) was also a success in the stands of the ‘Stadio Comunale Artemio Franchi’, which, curiously, is the name of the player being paid homage. The stadium only had a few empty seats in one of the corners usually reserved (and fenced of from the rest of the stadium) for visiting supporters. In this case the tickets for this zone were put on sale.

Ovation

Moreover, the local fans never doubted Barça’s superiority and applauded the players, on entering the pitch as well as spectacular movements by Messi or Puyol’s goal. The ovation was also spectacular with most of the public standing for Messi when Hleb substituted the Barça number ‘10’.

Almost constant cheering

Despite the powerful stifling heat in Florence, the local fans, who this season will again see Champion’s League games at home, never stopped cheering their team unconditionally.

 
After being chosen as best player in the Eurocopa 2008, Xavi went back to wearing the Barça shirt. He did so complying with Guardiola’s new demands: touch the ball in the offences space and in front of goal.
During these first few pre-season weeks there has been a lot of talk about Pep Guardiola’s tactical work and the modifications he wants to incorporate. On Wednesday in Florenced (1-3), one of these nuances could be seen clearly, with Xavi playing more advanced and in a more attacking role.

Playing in the opponents space

The player himself, back playing with Barça after the Eurocopa 2008, explained after the game: “Guardiola has told me not to fall back in defence as much. He wants us to have possession in the opposing half. It’s all about playing as far up field as possible”. To be more precise, the manager has asked him, according to the player, to fill in the intermittent positions in front of the central defenders, but closer to the strikers.

“I feel more comfortable”

The Barça number ‘6’, although not finding many substantial differences from Rijkaard’s style, is very happy with this tactical variation: “Up front I feel more comfortable.” He is convinced that “I can do more playing further up field.” In fact in these attacking positions Xavi stood out against Fiorentina and had a couple of chances, with shots from the edge of the box, before Puyol scored. On these occasions Touré and Keita covered the midfielder from Terrassa’s back.

New ways of seeing football

Xavi Hernández realizes that “when there is a change of manager, things change” and doesn’t hide the fact that Pep Guardiola “wants tactical variations and we’re working on them”. In fact, during the days they were in Scotland it wasn’t strange to see them both talking about these aspects on the training ground. Despite everything, it is clear to him that “we are still adapting” and he reminds us of the importance of the physical aspect in this first stage of the season.

 
Dani Alves explained that he felt the intensity with which FC Barcelona played against Fiorentina as the team stepped up a level to win 3-1 in the Stadio Artemio Franchi and enjoyed his 77 minute appearance.
The Brazilian full-back helped out in defence and going forward and was pleased with the way the game went throughout. "I am pleased with the win and the way that the team played," he explained. "All the players contributed so much and the game was played with a great intensity and knew what we had to do."

On his partnership with Lionel Messi the former Sevilla star regretted that he would going to the Olympic Games. "I feel it when Messi is not there, but we wish him the best of luck."

Below are what some of the other players had to say.

Piqué

"We played very well. In the first half we have been very strong at the back and in the second half we became slightly tired and the game opened up more. Overall things were good."

"The players have to stay out of things. From our point of view we think its unfair that Messi cannot play with us, but for them it is also important to have him. We have to accept the decision."

Messi

"I have always said I want to play for the national team and I want to thank the club for the way they have been with me."

"It was a difficult place to play and it was hot making it our most difficult game up until now, but we played well."

"The commitment that the team had is important if we are to achieve something. We are all working in the same way."

"Each coach has his own style and Guardiola does some things differently to Rijkaard."

"Guardiola tells is to stay together and to recover the ball quickly and play our game."

Xavi

"We are working to be ready to play n the first leg of the Champions League."

"We want Messi to be here and Argentina want him there. He is a decisive player and we cannot do anything. FIFA is that one that decides."

 
Pep Guardiola was pleased with FC Barcelona's performance in their 3-1 victory against Fiorentina on Wednesday evening and told reporters he was satisfied.
Goals from Carles Puyol, Jeffren and Bojan Krkic saw the Blaugrana triumph in the Stadio Artemio Franchi and the new coach stated that he was happy with the result, the incorporation of the new players, Messi's display and the positioning of his team overall.

"Positionally we have done well in every area," Guardiola said. "The movement of the ball was also good despite the fact that the pitch was very slow and that caused us problems. We have won against a good side. I think the team is playing at a good level. In general, that gives us a certain confidence to confront the next few games."

Changing roles

Reflecting on Messi's performance up front, the trainer stated: "He is a strong player mentally and I wanted to see him that position. These are pre-season games and the time to try things." Guardiola then explained that he started with Pedrito "to see how he coped against strong opposition." Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Puyol, Seydou Keita and Touré Yaya all appeared and the coach said he was pleased to have been able to give them a run-out.

 
After seven seasons with FC Barcelona, Oleguer Presas will be leaving the club that introduced him to professional football. Following 175 first team games in the League and Champions League, the defender is leaving Barça.
Oleguer Presas arrived at Barça in 2001/02 aged 21 years from UEA Gramenet, who he had played for for four seasons. He moved on to Barça B in the summer of 2001, where he remained until the 2004/05. It was during this period that Oleguer made his first team debut for Barça.

His debut

Although he played in the Gamper on August 24, 2002 against Red Star, he made his official first team debut in the Champions League on November 13, 2002 at the Camp Nou against Galatasaray, and helped the home side to a 3-1 win. He came on in the 86th minute, manager Van Gaal sending him on as substitute for Frank De Boer.

His stats

From 2002/03 to 2004/05, Oleguer played for both the first team and the reserves. It was not until January 2004, and under Frank Rijkaard, that he gained a regular first team place, and he played a central role from there on.

Oleguer has played a total of 175 official first team games: 127 in the league, 31 in Europe, 14 in the Copa del Rey and 3 in the Spanish Super Cup. Of these 175 matches, the most important was his place in the starting line-up at the Stade de France, where Barça beat Arsenal to win the European title for the second time.

He only scored one goal in all that time. That was in the 2004/05 season against Malaga at La Rosaleda. Oleguer scored the first of Barça’s four goals that day.

This season

Oleguer made very few appearances in the season just ended. A metacarpian injury in his left hand did not help matters, and also Frank Rijkaard took a preference for Zambrotta on the right of defence. So he only got to play in 15 games: 12 in League, 2 in the Champions League and 1 in Copa del Rey.

 
Pep Guardiola had 28 players report for training today, including seven of the reserve team. The first session of the day saw Márquez, Gudjohnsen and Hleb back with the group.
The Miniestadi was the venue for a training session that got under way at 9.30.

Márquez, Gudjohnsen and Hleb return

The three players missed the Monday evening session. Márquez, who had ischiotibial injuries in both legs and Gudjohnsen, with a groin strain, worked out in the gym, while Hleb had been obliged to travel to Madrid and sort out his visa for the trip to the United States.

On Tuesday, everything was back to normal and the players went through their paces as per normal.

Physical start

After a group discussion, the players warmed up and stretched before doing a bit of circuit training. Divided into three groups, the players worked on strength and fitness, changes of pace and ball control.

 
The Ivorian is happy with the way the preparations have gone so far and claims the team has the same objectives as last year. On a personal note, he claims to 100 per cent at the best of his abilities.
Now speaking Spanish better than ever, Touré Yaya has spoken to the media, saying the team is “concentrated and united and ready to win all the trophies possible … it is important for our behaviour to be good, to be disciplined and to work intensely”.

Full strength

The African went on to say that he is 100 per cent fit. “I am feeling fine and working at the full rate. Truth is, it’s all going really well with the boss and my team mates.” Asked if, as he was feeling so much better, we can now expect him to shoot more, Touré replied “I am slowly recovering, because with my bad back it was so much harder. But my main role is in midfield, helping the midfielders in front of me and the defence.” Nevertheless he did promise that we will be seeing a little bit more of his shooting prowess this term.

Complete squad

How would he rate this squad, assuming there are no more recruitments? Touré is happy as things are, saying “we have a top quality squad right now, we have made some great signings and, with a long season ahead, with them everything will work out fine”.

He has also been impressed with the reserves that have been joining them in training, saying “there are very young players and three or four of them are top quality, for example Sergi Busquets, Pedro and Víctor. I think it would be nice if they could stay with us because they can help the team a lot.”

Eto'o, professional and positive

Touré had no qualms about discussing the Samuel Eto'o issue, commenting that “he’s got a lot of character and we want to have him with us … He is going through a difficult period, but he is a very positive person and is acting very professionally”. Touré also said it is also worth considering the fine statistics Eto'o posted last season.

Leo Messi

The Ivorian had similar things to say about Leo Messi, who he knows is in “a difficult situation because the club needs him but so does Argentina. Being selfish, I’d like him to stay with us and be able to play in the Champions League qualifier”.

 
Samuel Eto’o and Víctor Sánchez clashed heads in training on Tuesday morning, but after the Medical Services made the relevant checks, they have been able to announce that the Cameroonian has not suffered any damage of any consequence.
However, they recommended that he should get 48 hours rest, and he will be under observation for that time. He will be travelling with the team to Florence, and whether he plays or not in Italy depends on the kind of progress he makes.

Víctor Sánchez hurt

Meanwhile, Víctor Sánchez, has a lacerated contused wound in his scalp, which will require care, but he will be able to continue training as normal with the squad.

 
Oleguer Presas is an Ajax Amsterdam player. The Catalan centre back has signed for three seasons with the Dutch club, having passed his medical examinations successfully.
FC Barcelona and Ajax already reached an agreement in principle a week ago, whereby the former will receive 3 million euros in fixed payments plus a bonus of 2,250,000 euros, depending on Ajax’s presence in the next three editions of the Champions League.

Seven seasons with Barça

The defender leaves FC Barcelona after defending the colours for seven years . In that time he has played 175 official matches, and won five major titles, namely two Leagues (2004/05 and 2005/06), one Champions League (2005/06) and two Spanish Super Cups (2005/06 and 2006/07).

 
Josep Guardiola has called on his entire first team plus five reserve team players for the trip on Wednesday to Florence followed by the two-match tour of the USA.
After two days of training in Barcelona, the first team has to pack its bags again, this time to head to Italy and a game with Fiorentina, before jetting off to the United States on Thursday.

The squad

Josep Guardiola has added to his 21 first team players the names of Sergi Busquets, Jeffren, Víctor Vázquez, Víctor Sánchez and Pedro from the B team, meaning there is no place for two players that did travel to Scotland Abraham and Córcoles.

Evening session

The team list was announced after a second training session on Tuesday, held in the Miniestadi, but in the absence of Samuel Eto'o, who accidentally clashed heads in the earlier session with Víctor Sánchez. But there is no reason why the Cameroonian cannot join the team on the trip to Italy.

Henry gets permission

The injured Albert Jorquera was also missing, while special dispensation was given to Thierry Henry to ravel to London and sort out personal issues, and he will fly direct Florence from England and met the squad there.

Intense but relaxed

The first quarter of an hour of the session was held before the media, and featured the players running and then dividing into groups for an exercise that involved passing the ball with their hands, a relaxing activity that the layers clearly seemed to be enjoying.

The squad then worked on ball control and then passed the ball around in circles.

 
The football first team trained this Monday morning at La Masia in a session that started at 10 am. A number of players were missing as Guardiola had given them time off.
After their time in Scotland and Sunday off, the first team was back at work today Monday. It is the start of tough week in which Barça will play Fiorentina on Wednesday before heading off to the United States to play two friendlies.

Ten players

There were only ten players for this morning’s 10 am training session: Alves, Abidal, Jorquera, Hleb, Keita, Puyol, Sylvinho, Xavi, Iniesta and Eto'o. Pep Guardiola had decided to rest those who had spent more time on the pitch in Scotland.

Márquez and Gudjohnsen have niggles

Eidur Gudjohnsen has a strained left knee so missed the session to continue receiving treatment. Meanwhile Rafa Márquez has strained hamstrings in both legs and began with recovery work in the gym. Later on he came out onto the pitch to continue with his treatment.

 
The two games in Scotland have thrown up an interesting statistic for the start of Pep Guardiola’s time in charge of Barça. The games against Hibernian and Dundee United ended with eleven goals for, one against and seven Barça goalscorers.
Messi, Touré Yaya, Henry, Eto'o, Gudjohnsen, Bojan and Pedro all scored during the team’s time at Saint Andrews. Messi comes top of the list with four strikes.

First by Gudjhonsen

Icelander Eidur Gudjohnsen scored the first goal of preseason when the ex-Chelsea man found the net twice in the first game against Hibs. Barça notched four in the first half, the two from Gudjohnsen plus one each from Messi and Pedro. In the second half Bojan and Touré each added one more.

Hat-trick by Messi

Two days later Barça scored five against Dundee United. The first, just like last year, came from Henry and the teams went in at one all. In the second half, however, Barça pulled ahead with three from Messi and one from Eto'o.

All shots

Funnily enough all Barça’s goals have come from shots and none from headers. Ten were scored from inside the box, with only Gudjohnsen’s first against Hibs coming from outside. Seven were struck with the left foot and four with the right.

 
After six days with the squad, Andrés Iniesta says that “the way we are working is different and hard but I like it, and if we go on in the same vein the results will come.”
Iniesta joined up with the first team last Wednesday and has been getting up to speed. “It’s hard at first, but I’m gradually getting more into it,” he says. “I hope to be ready to play in the qualifying matches which are vital for the rest of the season.”

O ld hands have more responsibility

“Time goes by, things get harder and you get more responsibility,” said the midfielder. “But I find responsibility motivates me.” One thing he might take on is the role of one of the team’s captains now that Ronaldinho has gone, and he feels ready for it. “I’m always ready for anything,” he said. “Being captain is very important and to be honest I’d love it.”

Discipline or self-management

Over recent years the Barça team was encouraged to manage itself by Frank Rijkaard, but this has now given way to strict discipline which is “necessary” in Andrés Iniesta’s view. “When things don’t go well you need discipline,” he argued. “This change will be good for the team and if we go on in the same way the results will be very good.”

However, Iniesta denied that the squad is ruled by “the culture of strength” as each player has their own abilities and works as well and as hard as they can. “The new system is different and tough, but I like it,” he added

Chats with Guardiola

Iniesta says he has spoken with Guardiola though they have yet to talk about where he will play: “I’ve only been here for a few days and we’ve just had the usual preseason chats. He knows I feel happiest in the middle but that I can also play on the left.” He thinks that now it is time for Guardiola to use all the knowledge he has picked up over his career.

About Eto'o

Iniesta was full of praise for Samuel Eto'o as “the best player in the world in his position or at least one of the three best”, and said that he always wanted to be able to count on the Cameroonian as “a friend, colleague and footballer”.

And about Messi

“Selfishly I want him to stay with us” said Iniesta talking about Leo Messi. Although the club is insistent that the Argentine play in the qualifying matches, Iniesta denied that there is one Barça with Messi and one without: “It’s important that he’s with us as he creates chances, but the most important thing is having a good unit, a good squad, because that wins titles”.

 
This Thursday FC Barcelona begins its US tour. The team will fly from Italy where they play Fiorentina on Wednesday to America where they have games in Chicago and New York.
After their game Wednesday against Fiorentina, the Barça players will stay overnight in Italy before heading off for the United States.

First stop Chicago

The Barça party is to leave from Pisa airport this Thursday at 11 am on a charter flight bound for Chicago. They should arrive there at around 2 pm (9 pm Catalan time).

First training on Thursday

On arrival Josep Guardiola’s men will go to their hotel until 8 pm local time when their first training session is programmed to take place at Illinois University. The Friday and Saturday morning sessions will be held in the same place, while the afternoon ones will be at Toyota Park and Soldier Field Stadium.

Training and game

On Sunday at 9.30 am the team will once again train at Illinois University in their last Chicago session. Barça will play its first friendly of the tour against Chivas from Guadalajara at 6 pm on Sunday (1 am on Monday in Catalonia) at Soldier Field Stadium.

New York next

On Monday morning a charter flight will take the team to New York where they should arrive at JFK at 1.45 pm. The same day the players will train.

On Tuesday at 7 pm local time the team will train for the last time at Giants Stadium, where they are to play the Red Bulls.

Game and back to Barcelona on Wednesday

The second game on the tour will be played at 7 pm (1 am in Catalonia) against the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium.

After the game Barça will catch their flight back to Barcelona and they are expected to arrive at El Prat airport at 1.45 pm on Thursday.

 
The team has trained this Monday at the Miniestadi. After only ten players were at La Masia for the morning session, with those who played most in Scotland having a rest, all available players put in an appearance at the Miniestadi.
25 players were at the training session, seven of whom were from the reserves who took part in the trip to Scotland. First teamers missing at the Miniestadi were Gudjohnsen, with a strained left knee, and Márquez, who has hamstring problems. Alexander Hleb was also away as he had to go to Madrid to get a visa for the club’s tour of the US.

It was thus the first session with all available players since Friday. On Saturday and this Monday morning, only the least used players turned out while Sunday was a holiday. Before beginning training, open to the press for the first fifteen minutes, the team gathered in the centre of the pitch.

 
There have been many changes since Josep Guardiola took over and one of these is the creation of a new department that uses video to analyse training sessions and opponents.
The new department of Scouting and Audiovisuals formed by Domènec Torrent and Carles Planchart will be in charge of recording all the first team games and some training sessions to show the players everything they need to correct or improve. This will give the players the motivation to keep developing and correcting their own errors. For a picture is often worth a thousand words.

Wide angle recordings

The Barça staff will record all of the games with their own cameras because they want pictures of the games that show every detail of the pitch, from the defence up to the last striker. To analyse the tactical movements of all of the players, television broadcasts do not offer everything that is needed, as they tend just to close in on the action around the ball using many close up shots.

Training and opposition

As well as first team games, the department will also be asked to produce recordings of training sessions and recent games involving the sides Barça are due to play.

Normally, Domènec Torrent and Carles will be getting other people to do this, because at the weekend they will be busy with their scouting duties. But for some games, especially those in the Champions League, they will be travelling to see the games live.

Games dissected to seven minutes

Throughout the week, the department will be repeatedly showing the Barça game and images of forthcoming opponents, highlighting anything that might be of interest, such as errors made by the players or details about the opposition that will need to be dealt with.

The duo will work with Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova to edit the video down to a maximum of seven minutes, picking out the most interesting or illustrative moments for the players.

A popular system

The use of video to analyse one’s own team and opponents is new at Barça, but is already common practice among Italian and English clubs. Meanwhile, in other sports like basketball, video has been used in this way for several years.

For example, this system is especially interesting for explaining tactical concepts to injured players that have missed training sessions, and can also help new arrivals to adapt more easily to a new style of play.

 
FC Barcelona have their busiest week of the preseason ahead of them, with two games and trips to Italy and the USA in just seven days.
Last week the squad was based entirely in Scotland, where the first two games of the preseason were comfortable wins for Guardiola’s side. Now come two more games including a trip to the United States.

Monday and Tuesday in Barcelona

But first the players will get some rest after the trip to Scotland, and will spend three nights in Barcelona. Sunday is a rest day, then on Monday it will be back to training at 10.00 in the Miniestadi. On Monday evening, at 18.30, there will be a second session, this time at La Masía, while there will also be two sessions on Tuesday.

Wednesday in Florence

On Wednesday morning, the team will travel to Florence, and at 20.45 they play their third game of the preseason against Fiorentina , one of the clubs in the forthcoming Champions League. This being the European year of intercultural dialogue, the game will be played under the banner of fair play and anti-racism.

Once the game is over, the players will stay the night in Italy, and then on Thursday will jet off to America, where they continue the preseason with two further matches.

Sunday night in Chicago

After two days in the USA, in Chicago, the team will play on Sunday (1.00 on Monday CET) their first game in the Americas against Chivas of Guadalajara. This game will end what will have been the most intense week of all Barça’s preseason preparations.

 
Josep Guardiola was pleased with FC Barcelona's performance in their second match in Scotland against Dundee United on Saturday and admitted he was delighted with their stay at St Andrews as part of the club's pre-season preparations.
"There was a good feeling about the game and the week has been excellent," he said. "We have done things that we have been working on and everyone did very well throughout. We have only played two games and it is not normal to win 6-0 and 5-1." Barça beat Hibernian by six goals in midweek and followed that up by putting five past Dundee United.

Collective conscience

Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick against Dundee United, but Guardiola was keen to praise the whole squad for their efforts. "It is clear that Messi brings something different, but I want to create a collective conscience. I do not see football as a game about one player, but about teams. Messi played well and created a lot. But I want to transmit that every player is important and if they know that then they will help us win games."

Messi going forward

Guardiola explained what new instructions he has given to Messi. "I was him near the area because that is where he is effective," the coach continued. "But for that to work, the rest of the team has support him and he should be given the ball in and around the area whenever possible."

Patience required

Asked about the evenness of the first half against Dundee United, Guardiola replied: "What was important was to see that work we have practices was carried out and the talent will come out. We are not always going to go three goals ahead after 18 minutes. One has to be patient because it would appear the opposition is not good, but they were strong sides and games last 90 minutes."

 
Lionel Messi continued his fantastic start to pre-season with a hat-trick against Dundee United on Saturday and praised the strength of the squad for the team's emphatic 5-1 victory at Tannadice.
"The squad is looking very strong and is becoming more united all the time," he said. "We are pleased with the two games that we have played and with everything else we have achieved in Scotland because we are looking good." Barça's secured their second successive win having beaten Hibernian by six goals on Thursday at Murrayfield.

Coaching instructions

After Pep Guardiola's first two games in charge, Messi reflected on the instructions he has given. "He has his style and is trying to teach us all what he wants. He has asked me, along with the other wide players, to be involved more in the middle and to move in when we do not have the ball and also to ensure that we pressurise, like we did under Rijkaard."

Henry pleased

Thierry Henry equalised for Barça in the first half against Dundee United and he said afterwards that he was pleased with the defensive display. "We are pressurising high up when we lose the ball," he explained. "The first half was difficult because they played well and the pitch was small and dried out a bit which slowed things down. I think that was done on purpose to suit their team."

 
Dani Alves keeps you up-to-date with his thoughts on Barcelona's pre-season preparations and today explains his feelings on his second ever game for the club.
"Hello everyone,

We have reached the end of our stay in St Andrews. The truth is that, as I told you on the first day, we have been able to enjoy some fantastic facilities that have allowed us to train very well. The climate has also helped because there has not been much heat; in fact it was a bit cold. This time has also allowed us to know each other better, especially the new players. That is also very important in a team.

Now we have just finished out second game against Dundee United. It was tougher than the game against Hibernian, although the final score may not actually reflect that. We came up against a stronger side that did not allow us as much space. Also, their supporters never stopped cheering them on throughout the whole game. We played well enough, although there are still a number of things that need to be improved, because you can always improve. On a personal note, I played for longer and I felt better than in the first game. That is normal and I sure that in my next game I will feel even better. In this second match I linked up even more down the right with Lionel Messi and we understood each other very well. He is a spectacular player and is very easy to play with."

As I write this we are arriving in Edinburgh on the coach and I am sitting next to our captain, Carles Puyol, and now we are going to board the airplane to take us back to Barcelona. On Sunday we will have a break and then on Monday we are back at training. The first stage is now over and now we must work even harder.

My diary has finished here. Thanks to everyone and I will speak to you all soon,

Dani Alves"

 
FC Barcelona's squad were back in training the day after recording an emphatic first victory of the pre-season campaign and were put through their paces in the morning and in the afternoon.
The first session after netting six against Hibernian on Thursday evening focussed on recuperation and was watched by president Joan Laporta, the new director of external relations, Manel Estiarte, and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain.

Warming down

On Friday morning the squad began the session with a series of runs without a ball as part of their warm-up. That was followed by six of the starting team from the Hibs game (Piqué, Márquez, Córcoles, Henry, Gudjohnsen and Pedrito) all moved to train on their own doing some muscle stretching exercises. Sylvinho also worked on the sidelines and Éric Abidal remained absent with a knock.

Pep Guardiola oversaw the rest of the players go through the usual ball games and after half an hour Jeffren, Busquets, Bojan, Cáceres, Messi and Touré all left to do some recovery exercises. Those that were now left did physical circuits that ended with shots at goal.

Staying on

Training finished with a game with the emphasis on possession between three teams. Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Alves, Oleguer, Crosas, Hleb, Eto'o, Víctor Sánchez and Víctor Vázquez all took part until the close.

 
Xavi Hernández joined the FC Barcelona squad in Scotland on Tuesday and has discovered that the team's system of play has been maintained but modernised by new coach Pep Guardiola because he has paid more attention to the details.
The Catalan midfielder enjoyed his first training session in midweek and has already had a taste of what is expected this term by the new coaching staff. "The level of demand is very high this season," he commented.

Same ideology

"Many things have changed this season with the change of coach being a big thing and means we work in a different way," he continued. "Despite the fact that the ideology is the same in regard to the style of play, the philosophy of training and gameplay is different. It is a more modern method that takes a lot more care of the details, which is good because the details are what makes the difference."

Free-kicks

When asked about who would become the free-kick taker in the team following the departure of Ronaldinho to Milan, Xavi said that he felt there were a number of players capable of doing that. "There are quite a few players qualified for it, for instance myself and Dani Alves can both take them," he stated. "It is something to talk to the coach about. It is still very soon, but we will see how things go. It is important though because historically Barça has scored a lot of goals from free-kicks."

Messi and the Olympics

Xavi would not be drawn on whether Lionel Messi should or should not go to the Olympic Games in Beijing and instead praised his team-mate. "It is very important for him to have a good pre-season before a campaign that will be very long," he explained. "To play in the Olympics is interesting, but the team also need him. It depends a bit on the player, on the Argentinian Football Association and on the club. If I were him I would do what my heart told me."

True professional

Samuel Eto'o is with the squad in Scotland and Xavi is pleased to see the striker still with the club. "I think he is doing well and working hard," he said. "His case also depends upon himself and the club and what they want to do. He is a player that can make the difference in a game and is always very good, even after his injuries. For us he is a very important player and an example of professionalism.

 
Dani Alves keeps you up-to-date with his thoughts on Barcelona's pre-season preparations and today explains his feelings on his first ever game for the club.
"Hello everyone,

"On Thursday I was finally able to make my debut with FC Barcelona. I was named in the starting line-up and despite not having many days in pre-season training, I felt I did well for the first 45 minutes. The truth is that I felt comfortable from the start.

I have to say that it was a pleasure to play on the right side along with Lionel Messi because is a great player. We had an understanding from the first minute and as I like to go forward and help out up front a lot, we combined quite often, even in the opposition area.

Apart from the play, I think that the team entertained and the fact that we were able to score early on, through Gudjohnsen, also helped us. The 6-0 scoreline says it all and despite there still being things to improve upon, we already showed that we have been working well up until now.

Now we are in the last phase of our stay in St Andrews and this morning we did some recovery work following the game, although the ones that did not play as much spent longer out on the pitch. Now we are also thinking about second pre-season game against Dundee United.

I am sure they will make us work harder and my team-mates have been telling me they were a good side when they met last summer. They have also told me that Tannadice is smaller than Murrayfield and that there will be more pressure on us. These conditions will help us to prepare for the Champions League qualifier. Now we have for a good result this weekend like the one we managed against Hibernian.

Next time I will let you know how the second game has gone.

Hasta Mañana!"

 
FC Barcelona's five summer signings are expected to make their debuts for the club in the friendly encounters against Hibernian and Dundee United in Scotland this week.
Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, Martín Cáceres, Seydou Keita and Aliaksandr Hleb are all set o be given a few minutes each in the game against the Edinburgh-based outfit (20:45, Barça TV and Barça TV Online).

Provisional numbers

The two games against Hibs and Dundee United will see the five newcomers given their first taste of first-team action in a Blaugrana shirt with the first game coming on Thursday and the second on Saturday.

In both games the new faces will done provisional numbers as none of the squad have had their squad numbers confirmed for the new campaign, but it should indicate what they will choose.

Gaining confidence

It is predicted that all the playrs will play a part of the game in order not to become overly tired. All the new arrivals have expressed their desire to make their debuts and will ensure that they are ready with a brief training session on the morning of the games.

Hleb stated on Wednesday that the match against Hibs was important because it would give everyone a chance to gain some confidence, but what is vital is that none of the players pick up injuries.

 
French international defender Éric Abidal has looked back at Barça’s first few days in Scotland, and has commented on the past and present under Josep Guardiola.
The former Olympique Lyon was speaking to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat and said “we are different people this year … we’ll have to work hard and well these days so that we are tactically and physically a better team than last season”.

New methods

Abidal has noted a change in the training this year. “It is all different” he said. “It is much more physical than last year, but this year I don’t think physical aspects are going to be as fundamental as they were before. This year, from what I have seen so far, position plays, solidarity on the field of play, these are things we need to be more aware of, and we have to play together as a team more, we need to have a better understanding”.

Josep Guardiola

Abidal said that his new coach “wants everything and wants it well done. The boss works and speaks in a very specific way, and he wants us to operate in the same way”.

Fitness

The Frenchman also commented that “last year I had six very good months, but the I didn’t play as well as I had started. Personally, I need to work on fitness, my body is calling for that”.

Abidal also confessed that “last season I found it really hard to adapt to the league, to the way the club and Spanish competition work. Now I know what it is all about and that’s good for me”.

Good vibes

The Barça player has felt a good atmosphere at Saint Andrews, although “last year it was the same, I haven’t seen, broadly speaking, any changes in that respect. There is a good atmosphere and working in a good atmosphere is essential to achieve the objectives we have set ourselves”.

Message to the fans

Abidal knows it has been two seasons since the Barça fans had anything to celebrate. “Yes, this year we have to give the members two or three titles to celebrate” he promised.

 
The three players that starred for Spain at the European championship have started training. All three started the day with the rest of the squad and worked out in isolation for the remainder of the session.
The sixth training session at Saint Andrews, in the build up to Thursday evening’s game with Hibernian, included Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Iniesta. The Euro 2008 winners joined the squad for ten minutes for the typical warm-up routine and then did circuit training with the ball on their own.

Gentler than usual

The rest of the side had a gentle session of little more than an hour, with the coaching staff well aware that the players have a game this evening, and therefore there was no need to overdo things in training. The players worked on possession plays and then Pep Guardiola took twenty minutes to discuss tactical issues, including defensive strategies, set plays from corners, and dealing with free kicks on the edge of their area.

Cáceres, OK

Martín Cáceres, who missed the Wednesday session with gastric bother, was able to train normally today. However, Abidal is still out with an Achilles heel injury and jogged this morning in the company of the other player carrying slight knock in his left leg, Sylvinho.

 
Carles Puyol is keen to start the preseason and thrilled at the prospect of a season in which he knows that hard work will lead to the right results.
Speaking for the first time in Scotland, captain Carles Puyol is looking forward to the new season. Puyol, who along with Xavi and Iniesta joined the Thursday training session, is ready to get his batteries charged. “We haven’t had much holiday” he said. “But we are excited to be back and full of enthusiasm. We have all been congratulated on winning the European Championship, but now’s the time to get our form back and help the team. We have to suffer during the preseason if want to be successful later on”.

Good signings

Puyol is pleased with the new signings the club has made. “I think we have signed quality players that have done a lot in their respective teams, I hope they can do just as well or better for Barça”.

As for Guardiola, Puyol considers it the beginning of a new era. “Whenever a new coach comes it’s the start of a new period. Guardiola has to study and get to know the players and we all have to assimilate his ideas. We players have to win our place in the first team”, said Puyol.

Messi a key player

The captain didn’t want to delve too deep into the issue of Messi and the Beijing Olympics, saying “we have a great squad, but Messi is a very important player for us, one of the best in the world. The thing is, his situation is something we can’t comment on, it is something we can’t control. I hope a solution is found and that he can play with us”.

 
Before playing at Murrayfield, Dani Alves tells us how he’s feeling on the verge of possibly making his debut in the Barça colours.
"Hello everybody,

I’m writing my diary just a few hours before I make my debut for Barça. I am looking forward to the moment because since I’ve been here my main objective has been to be able to play, compete and pick up form as each day goes by. The most important thing is to get ready for official competition, which in our case will be mid August and the Champions League qualifiers.

Seydou Keita, Samuel Eto'o and me came a few days later and haven’t trained as much as our colleagues, so we might not get as many minutes, but I think I am ready for 45 minutes. Whatever happens, we also have to consider whatever minutes we get as if it were another training session.

The first game of the preseason will be at Murrayfield, a stadium that is usually used by the Scottish rugby team and they have told me its really nice. I have never played there, but I do know other Scottish stadiums. In the 2003-04 season with Sevilla, we played in Glasgow Celtic’s farewell match for Henrik Larsson before he came to Barça. My other game on Scottish soil was at Hampden Park, in the 2006-07 season, the final of the UEFA Cup, when we beat Espanyol.

Apart from the game with Celtic, I have never played a Scottish team, but I know what kind of game they’ll play. I expect Hibernian to play with a lot of contact, physical play and balls in the air. I think it is important to start the preseason against strong teams, who can cause us problems, because that is the best way of learning what errors we are likely to commit. Playing against weak sides is misleading because you don’t notice what you are doing wrong.

In the training sessions, and especially our last one, we have worked a lot on strategy plays. I think that is an important thing to do because at the end of the season, strategies like that can gain several points. And I should know that, because at Sevilla last season we conceded far too many goals from set pieces!

On Friday I’ll explain how I feel after making my debut for Barça.

See you tomorrow!"

 
Barça manager Pep Guardiola was happy with his team’s behaviour and positional sense, including the way the centre backs moved the ball up. As for Messi, he said “FIFA must say something now”.
Pep Guardiola couldn’t have wished for a better start on the Barça bench. Not only did they crush Hibernian 6-0, but the team looked settled in every department. “I am generally happy with everybody’s behaviour” he said. “But as is normal, there are things we can do better. It was a good test, good training. I think we’ll have harder games, that’s for sure, but I’m only worried about my team and that was good for a start.”

Defensive work

Defensive play has been one of the prime concerns of the team since they arrived in Saint Andrews. “As I see it, for attackers to create chances, the midfield has to get them the ball, and they have to have received the ball from the defence. If you get the ball out properly from the back, the plays generate themselves. In Scotland, we have been working on getting the ball forward as something very important … The defence, seeing as this was their first day, interpreted things very well”.

Wanting word from FIFA

He was asked what he thought of the way Leo Messi had played, and answered that “he looked fine to me, he got balls near to the area, and that’s what I want. I am delighted with him, and with everybody else.” As for the Olympic situation, he said “Blatter had better decide because it is Leo who is losing out at the moment. I’m tired of this. I think FIFA should say something now”.

Young players shine

To end, Pep Guardiola said how impressed he had been with the youth team players that are taking part in this preseason trip to Scotland. “If anybody knows them then that’s me. They are helping a lot with little changes. They know that and they’re making the job easier for me. And they bring all the enthusiasm of aiming high”, he said.

 
Juan Carlos Unzué has explained that he prefers to have three goalkeepers to work with in pre-season after the strong performance of José Manuel Pinto last season and to relieve the pressure on the club's younger custodians.
The Blaugrana are currently in St Andrews at their first pre-season training camp and it is the first time for three seasons that the squad has not relied on two first choice keepers and one youth team player who has been called up to cover. Unzué explained to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat what a difference that has made.

Christmas injury

After gaining the approval of Pep Guardiola, the club's goalkeeping coach now makes all the decisions regarding the number of players he can work with and admits that he enjoys working with three following the arrival of Pinto during the winter transfer window. The keeper was signed after Albert Jorquera picked up an injury during the Christmas break.

Pinto impresses

"The unexpected injury of Jorquera in Decemeber meant that Barça signed Pinto and he has won our confidence with his good form," Unzué said. "His level has been very high. Because of that his contract was renewed in May."

While praising Pinto, the coach wanted to ensure that he meant no disrespect to the club's youth team keepers. "We have a lot of confidence in them, but they are very young and we did not want to add additional pressure to them at that age."

Same philosophy

The change of coach has not meant any major changes to the way that the goalkeepers are trained and Unzué explained that the philosophy is the same as it has been for several seasons. "I have to work harder because instead of two keepers we now have three, but that is not a problem because I have the ideal people to work with," Unzué continued. "There are always things that need polishing or something that needs to be done, but basically our objectives are the same."

 
Henrique Adriano Buss has only been playing top level football for six months, but is already a member of the Brazil national team. The 21 year old centre back played last season for Palmeiras.
Henrique Adriano Buss, the sixth new signing of the Guardiola era, was born on October 14, 1986 in Curitiba, in the State of Paraná (Brazil). He is tall at 185 cm and physically strong. He is extremely good at bringing the ball out of defence and can either play at centre back or in a more advanced position. He is quick, good at making himself available and well positioned.

Start with Curitiba

Aged just 12 years, Henrique was already showing promise in the Curitiba youth teams, and progressed right through to the first team in 2006. The following year he won the league championship and his side moved up to the First Division, and Henrique was named best player in the Brazilian Serie B.

Move to Palmeiras

Vanderlei Luxemburgo, the former Madrid boss, spotted the youngster and on January 30, 2008 signed him for Palmeiras. The São Paulo ended the regular season level on points with Guaratingueta, but won in the Paulista finals against Ponte Preta.

Debut with ‘seleçao'

Carlos Dunga named Henrique in his side for friendlies with Canada and Venezuela with his mind firmly set on the Olympic Games. He has not named his definitive list yet, but such a promising talent as Henrique is likely to be among those making the trip to China.

 
Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta will travel to Scotland on Wednesday to join up with the FC Barcelona first team for their first taste of pre-season training after reporting in to Camp Nou for a medical this morning.
The trio that helped Spain to win the European Championships this summer had a complete set of tests to judge their physical state at the hands of the club's doctors.

Starting on Wednesday

None of the players had any problems at all and by 11.30am were all given the green light to begin pre-season, which they will do in St Adnrews on Wednesday.

Player coach

When they all land in Scotland this afternoon, Iniesta will meet up with Guardiola on a pitch for the first time since he trained with the first team many years ago that still contained the club's new coach. "It is one of those coincidences that happen in football and it is very important that he now uses his experience to help the team and to ensure we all do what he wants," the midfielder said.

New campaign

Looking ahead to the new season, Iniesta continued: "I hope that I can stay fit and that the team can start to win trophies again to cheer the fans up. We will give it everything we have so that we can enjoy the season."

 
Henrique is now officially an FC Barcelona player after he put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract at Camp Nou and will now travel to Germany on Wednesday afternoon to join Bayer Leverkusen on loan.
At midday, the Brazilian central defender entered the Blaugrana's offices and penned his deal to join the Catalan outfit in a deal that will keep him at the club until 2013. His first year in Europe though, will be spent on loan in the Bundesliga. Despite the quick transfer out of the club once again, president Joan Laporta expressed his happiness with the arrival of the player.

Arrival in Barcelona

Henrique landed in the Ciutat Contal on Tuesday and went straight to the Hospital de Barcelona where he underwent the first part of a medical check-up and was accompanied by Baye Leverkusen's doctor, to save him having to do a second set of tests in Germany. The player than travelled to Camp Nou where he had the second round of exams and was soon given the green light having passed all the tests. On Wednesday, Henrique quickly returned to the medical rooms to finalise some details.

Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta

During the check-up on Wednesday, Henrique met Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, as the trio all reported in for their medical tests before they travel to Scotland to join up with the first team squad for pre-season training.

 
Hleb is enjoying his first week at FC Barcelona and told journalists at the morning press conference at St Andrews that he feels that he will "adapt to the Spanish league and to his new team-mates quickly" and claimed he was enjoying training.
Alexander Hleb  has been pleased with his early impressions of the Blaugrana. "I wanted to leave London for Barcelona for many reasons, but basically it was the plan at Barcelona that I liked. It was my dream and is a great challenge," he explained.

Close friends

Thierry Henry's presence has also helped Hleb a great deal. "He helps me a lot, translates things for me and we speak a lot and I am learning," he continued. "He explains everything to me and is constantly teaching me about the way thing are done here. I will adapt quickly though. I know that the league is very different from the Premier League, but I am convinced that I can do well."

Friendly encounters

On Thursday, Barça play their first pre-season game against Hibernian and Hleb is looking forward to it. "These games are important because there a lot of new players and we have to see how we understand each other and how things work," he said. "It is also important that there are no injuries because in games like this you are no expecting any really tough challenges."

Training methods

Hleb explained that Pep Guardiola's style of coaching is nothing like Arsène Wenger's. "In London things were very different, but for me there is no problem because we are professional and we can adapt to anything," he stated. "I like this way of training and Henry and Ediur Gudjohnsen help me to understand what Guardiola is saying."

 
In the second instalment of his diary, Dani Alves talks about the expectancy that surrounds Barça and about the importance of working hard in pre-season in order to benefit later in the year.
"Hello again,

We are now almost halfway through our stay at St Andrews and one of the most different things I have found until now has been the expectancy that Barça creates among the public and the media. It reminds me of the trips I have made with the Brazilian national team when we went to Teresópolis. There we also sign in a rural setting and also a lot of press people come out and follow us. I understand that it is normal that so many people re interested in what goes on in and around a club the size of Barça.

I also felt a difference when we arrived in Edinburgh on Monday. At the airport we were met by over 100 Scottish supporters. When we used to travel with Sevilla we would be met by a lot of fans for games in the league and the Copa del Rey, but I never saw it when we travelled for international games like this.

Aside from that, I am pleased because on Tuesday Xavi, Xandrés Iniesta and Carles Puyol joined us in the afternoon. Apart from being three very important players in the team, I have always considered them to be gentleman of football for their behaviour both on and off the pitch and the way they play. Also, now we are all together here. Now we can all train together and start to know each other and create an understanding on the field, which is vital.

When Joaquín Caparrós was my coach at Sevilla, I remember him always telling us that it was very important that all the players were like family on the pitch. That means that we have to know each other very well and from then on we can feel confident in a team-mate or vice versa and can understand what we have to do and connect better. We will all begin to see the game i the same way then. This can only be achieved by implementing it in training a lot though. I always say that now is the time of year when we have to suffer and then later on we can have some fun because working with an extra intensity now reaps long-term benefits.

In the next instalment of my diary I will tell you about the build-up t our first friendly game and let you know what I am expecting from my first game for Barça.

See you tomorrow.

 
FC Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam have come to an agreement in principle over the transfer of Sabadell born defender Oleguer Presas.
FC Barcelona will collect a fixed 3 million euros plus bonuses of 2,250,000 euros depending on Ajax’s appearances.

The definitive agreement is pending negotiations between the Dutch outfit and the player himself. Once these terms have been agreed, the player will travel to Holland for a medical examination.

 
Henrique Adriano Buss, aged 21 years, arrives on Monday in Barcelona from Palmeiras, where he will take medical examination before officially signing for FC Barcelona.
Henrique will take these tests at 16.30 in Hospital de Barcelona and at 18.30 he will be completing the examinations at the FC Barcelona Medical Services.

The cost of the operation between FC Barcelona and Palmeiras is 8 million euros, plus 2 more in bonuses depending on whether Barça qualify for the Champions League this season once his loan period at Bayer Leverkusen is over.

 
At 10.00 local time, Barça’s Tuesday morning training session in Scotland got under way, but the players were already out exercising before that.
Pep Guardiola wanted the players to get some fitness training in even before the session was scheduled to start. There was no transport laid on from the hotel to the practice ground – the players were ordered to run there!

30 non-stop minutes

Once at the training ground, Guardiola divided the players into three groups, who did circuits without the ball, working on fitness and changes of direction.

There was no time for rest between exercises, the players went straight on to the next item. That meant that for 30 minutes, Guardiola made sure his players never stopped moving.

With the ball

The players were then divided into two groups, and for 20 minutes tried to keep possession of the ball. The idea was to get the ball off the opposing side.

The last ten minutes involved medicinal balls, with which the players did sit-ups and similar exercises in a more unusual way to what they are used to.

 
French striker Thierry Henry told a press conference in Scotland that his sole intention this year is to score goals, and he is happy with the way things have gone so far.
“It’s normal” said the former Arsenal man, “that we are a bit tired after the holiday … last preseason I wasn’t able to train at the same rate as my colleagues, but this year I can, and I’m happy about that”.

His position

Going into his second season as a Barça player, Henry said “the centre forward position is the one I like best, but I can also play on the left side of attack. That’s down to the boss … Last season I had to help defend, but this year I am only thinking about scoring goals. That is and will be my objective”.

Possible signings

Although there is talk of another centre forward being signed, Henry does not feel undervalued. “The same thing happened at Arsenal” he commented. “I’m not worried. Last year I didn’t play that well, but I still scored 19 goals. If injuries are kind to me, I hope to do better this time”.

Guardiola’s plans

Asked about Guardiola and the new approach to training, Henry said “I am not surprised. Fitness and resistance are the same, but we will be working more on tactical movements”.

Messi, Eto'o and Ronaldinho

Three names have been spoken about all summer, and Thierry Henry gave his comments. On the Argentinian, he said “we need all the players for the qualifier. I think Messi is fine. He’s joking away as usual, and happy to be here”.

As for Samuel Eto'o, Henry said “I would do everything I could for the team. I don’t know what his situation is or what he would do”, while on Ronaldinho, the French star said “we are all starting from scratch, the boss and the team. Ronnie has been an incredible player at Barça and I wish him a lot of luck, because I am really keen to see the best of Ronaldinho again, who will always be one of the best players in Barça history.”

 
Dani Alves gives us his first person views of his adaptation to Barça, his new team mates and the training camp in Saint Andrews. Every day we’ll be learning how he is getting on in a personal style.
Every season brings us closer to the preseason by looking through the eyes of one of the new signings. This season, we’ll be enjoying the opinions of Dani Alves:

"Hello everyone,

We started very early on Monday, at 8.00 in the morning we had training at La Masía. I had had a similar experience in my time at Sevilla, because for the preseason in Andalusia, and to avoid the fierce heat down there, we had training sessions at seven in the morning!

I am with a really nice bunch of people and they have helped me to adapt. We have plenty of chances to laugh and the others are very communicative and easy to talk to. That’s important for creating a good atmosphere. In fact, in the current squad, apart from Seydou Keita, who played at Sevilla, I only knew Sylvinho, although that was only to talk a few times. But as they say, footballers speak the same language, so we have all understood each other very quickly.

This is my first training camp in North Europe. At Sevilla we always stayed in Andalusia and then went to Asia or the USA. It’s nice to come to a place like this, especially because the weather is nice, and that’s important for good preparation. Also, Saint Andrews is a spectacular place and we can use some top class facilities and the optimum conditions.

They have told me that Saint Andrews is a legendary place for golf, like the Maracaná is for football. I didn’t even know. I like watching it on television. Once I tried playing with one of my team mates at Sevilla and I didn’t take long to learn that it’s not the game for me. I’m much better using my feet!

Tomorrow I’ll tell you about my earliest experiences of playing with Barça. See you tomorrow!"

 
New Barça signing Henrique has spoken in Barcelona, saying he feels very happy to come to Barça, but also knows that he still has plenty to learn before he can become a regular squad member.
Henrique arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday at 4.40 and went straight to Hospital de Barcelona for some of his medical tests, a process that was overseen by a doctor from Bayer Leverkusen, the club to which he is due to go on loan. The Brazilian defender said he was satisfied to have made the move to Barcelona, saying “all players always dream of playing for a club like Barça and therefore I am very pleased to make this step”.

From Barcelona to the Bundesliga

The Brazilian will sign for five seasons with Barça, but he will spend the first on loan to Bayer Leverkusen: “I am very happy to come to Barça, but I still have things to learn, and I will do that in Germany. I think it will be good for me to spend this time in Germany, where I will get my first experiences outside of Brazil and where I will be able to start adapting. I hope things go well and that soon I will be able to come back to Barcelona”.

On the loan: “I chose the team”

The player claims it was his own decision to go to Bayer Leverkusen because “I had offers from other clubs, even in the Spanish League, but it was me who decided to go there, basically because of the way they play”. Asked if he had spoken to Pep Guardiola, the player said he hadn’t “had the opportunity to speak to him, I have only just arrived and wasn’t able to get into contact with him”.

Asked how he would define himself as a player, Henrique said “I am a young footballer, but with a good head and technique”.

 
In an open letter printed on his new club AC Milan’s website, Ronaldinho has shown his gratitude for all the affection he received at FC Barcelona, where his life went through "an exceptional stage ".
In the first paragraph of the letter, the player says: "First, I would like to thank the Barça fans. I always felt they cared. I was very happy in Barcelona because the people transmit such excellent sensations. I felt I was accompanied all the way and that gave me strength at all times. I enjoyed playing football at Barça and I enjoyed helping all the fans to enjoy themselves. I felt close to the people at FC Barcelona who always showed me their affection. I just hope one day I will be able to properly say good bye to the Camp Nou."

Sharing emotions

He goes on to say that: "I am leaving a great club, but always with the sorrow you feel for leaving a place where you have felt happy, where we have shared triumphs, but most of all, emotions. We Brazilians also play football to make other people happy. That was one of my objectives and I can feel satisfied for having achieved it."

Words of thanks

Later the Brazilian star comments on his concept of football being a form of personal and collective satisfaction, and also thanks his team mates for all the support they gave him in his five years with the club, as well as all of the coaching and auxiliary staff.

Ronaldinho concludes with the words: "I will remember the best moments of an exceptional stage of my life. They were many, many of them. I was happy in Barcelona and with Barcelona. Such affection will always have a place in my heart."

Click here to read Ronaldinho's complete letter.

 
After a brief training session at La Masia, the Barça first-team left for the airport to catch a plane to Scotland.
This Monday morning the Barça players were up early, called in by Pep Guardiola for 7.30 for some light training before leaving for Scotland. At 8 o’clock the team were on the La Masia pitch for some running, stretching exercises and gentle ball work.

First session for Keita, Alves and Eto’o

It was the first training session for Seydou Keita, Dani Alves and Samuel Eto’o with their team-mates. The three players only did their medicals last Saturday and so were not able to take part in group training.

Destination Saint Andrews

Once training was over, at 9.15 the players boarded the coach on the Camp Nou forecourt that was to take them to the airport for their flight to Saint Andrews.

 
This Monday morning Barça left El Prat airport for Edinburgh. Leo Messi was in the party.
After early morning training, at 9.15 the team left the stadium to board the coach that was to take them to the airport. The plane left Barcelona under cloudy skies at 10.30 and is expected to arrive in Edinburgh at 12.30 Catalan time.

There are 51 people in the Barça party for Saint Andrews, including players, coaching staff, physiotherapists and medical services, although only 48 are travelling today as Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta are to join up with the group on 23 July.

Leo Messi travels with the team

One of the major figures on the trip this morning was Leo Messi, who travelled with the team while still waiting to see if he can play at the Olympics or not. For the moment Pep Guardiola has taken him to Scotland like any other Barça first team player.

In addition Marc Valiente has stayed in Barcelona to continue receiving treatment for a groin injury which has prevented him from working flat out in recent days.

 
Tito Vilanova will be Pep Guardiola’s assistant for the second year running, this time with the first team. The assistant coach is grateful to Guardiola and also happy with the way the players have performed in this first week back in training.
After their first week’s training, Barça are travelling this week to Scotland to play friendlies against Hibernian FC and Dundee United FC. Before leaving, Tito Vilanova spoke to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat about his first impressions as assistant coach.

What’s the first week of training with the Barça first team been like?

"Very good. It’s our first contact with the players and they’ve been able to get used to the way we do things a bit. They are all very ready to work and we are very happy with all of them."

Have you worked more on physical or tactical issues?

" At the start of the season you normally work on the physical side, though we’ve also dealt with tactics. A lot of ball work, moving the ball around and positional play. We’ve also worked hard to bring in tactical considerations."

Pep Guardiola has said more than once that people will be very proud of this team because the players give their all on the pitch. Although they still haven’t played a match, can we be proud of the first week?

"We are, much more than we expected. There’s been no change in the training or in the demands we put on players. They’re young and really want to play. Training has been at the same level and with the same interest and excitement. They need to come along and work hard, but they also need to have a good time as when they do, they work more, which is what we’re after."

There have been some changes, such as switching from La Masía to the Miniestadi ...

"It would be ideal if we had 4 or 5 pitches, like you get in the Ciudad Deportiva. The Ciudad Deportiva is great but maybe lacks some things for the first team. It’s true that the team has achieved a lot of successes when it trained at La Masía. But the distances at La Masía, and especially the way we organise the training sessions, don’t allow for it. We try to ensure there is time between exercises to drink some water. You can’t do that at La Masía because there’s no room and you waste a lot time changing the cones and fences. We do get that at the Mini but not as much as we’d get at the Ciudad Deportiva, with two pitches. We try to make the time the players spend out on the pitch as intense as possible but they don’t need to be out there for two hours to do that."

What are your goals for this week in Scotland?

"In the first week we worked on defence and defensive tactics. In the second week we’ll look at the attack, when we have the ball and how to lay out the team. In the first week they have to get used to the typical soreness and niggles, so we begin the harder work and the games in the second week and that’s what players like because training morning and afternoon gets to be a bit of a pain. In the second week we make more physical demands and they feel increasingly comfortable as the soreness and niggles start to disappear and they feel better."

You’ll be playing two games in Scotland and people are anxious to see how Pep Guardiola’s Barça will play. Will we see a bit of that style or is it still too early?

"Things have changed over the years. Years ago people didn’t see the first team’s preseason games. The Gamper came along and we all went along very excited to see the first team for the first time. Now everything’s on TV right from the word go. Sometimes people expect to see the level you only reach in October or November, when the team has played with the new players, the new system and the new methods, and done the new training sessions. That’s impossible because some players are still missing in the first week. People need to see us over time and see how we do then."

Before you said you were looking for fun in training sessions. Is playing games in Scotland part of this new way of working to stop the players getting bored?

"Well, there’s also the question of temperatures. It’s true that we had good temperatures for the first week in Barcelona, which is not usual. I think it’s easier to play friendlies in places where the temperatures are better. So what you’re looking for is better temperatures and playing away from Barcelona."

 
Sylvinho gave the first press conference in Saint Andrews. The Brazilian is having no trouble with his first days under the new leadership of Josep Guardiola.
Speaking shortly before the first training session in Scotland, Sylvinho seemed more than happy with the work and methods of new Barcelona manager Guardiola: “The work is very good. We are happy although we are working hard. He is putting a lot of effort into it and we are gradually clearing up tactical issues. The team is learning well”.

Importance of a good preseason

As the full back pointed out, the important thing about the preseason is getting into the right condition ahead of the games that count towards prizes. “It’s true that we won’t be travelling so many kilometres this year, but I don’t think that’s decisive. In the last four years we travelled to Asia and America and sometimes we played for titles and sometimes we didn’t. The important thing is to have a good preseason and the less kilometres we have to cover, the better for everybody”.

Last season’s frustrations

Sylvinho admitted that last season was not the best and that there are plenty of mistakes that need to be corrected if this season is going to bring the success the club needs: “We ended a bit frustrated because it was a disappointing season. We didn’t expect to finish so many points behind the leaders although in the Champions League we did well until the last game. That’s why we want to work hard and improve things a lot this season so we can win titles.

Best wishes for Ronaldinho

Sylvinho also had some caring words for Ronaldinho and wished him all the best in his time at Milan “That’s life. He’s not a Barça player any more. He is a fantastic footballer but he has to go on his way and so does Barça. It has been a pleasure to play with him for four years and to enjoy his enormous talent. I wish him all the luck in the world”.

 
Alexander Hleb is proud to be part of a team like Barça which, like his former side Arsenal, has an attacking philosophy. The Byelorussian wants to integrate, play and above all win.
A smiling and comfortable Alexander Hleb set out in an interview with Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat his hopes and goals for this new stage of his career at Barcelona. The midfielder said he is right-footed but shoots better with his left and revealed one of his dreams: to win the Champions League with Barça by beating Arsenal.

What does coming to Barça mean to you?

“It’s a great opportunity for me. Since I was 7 my dream has been to play for a big club like Barça. I love Barça and I want to do my very best to try to win as many titles as possible.”

What do you know about Barça?

“I know it’s a great team, with great players. What I want to do is to integrate, play good football with them and obviously win.”

Have you had the chance to look round the city?

“Not that much. I once came to Barcelona from London with my mate Cesc Fábregas, but that was only a day-trip and I saw little of the city which is now my home.”

You are the first Byelorussian to play for Barça.

“That’s great and I’m pleased to be the first.”

Let’s talk about football. You can play just about anywhere, but which position do you prefer?

“I really don’t mind where I play – wherever the coach tells me. I learnt a lot at Arsenal from Arsène Wenger. He taught me to play in different positions and now I can play anywhere.”

We’ve seen you shooting well with both feet. Are you left or right-footed?

“I’m right-footed, but now I think now I shoot better with the left because I’m always practising shooting and passing with it.”

Piqué said at a press conference that you will bring clarity in attack and that you are hard to stop in one on ones.

“Thanks a lot, Piqué! I don’t want to talk about myself. I just want to give this club the best I can.”

Did you know that Barça fans like this sort of attacking football?

“The way Barça plays is great. FC Barcelona and Arsenal have the best ways of playing in the world. I come from Arsenal and I know about attacking play and I hope I can continue with it here.”

Talking of Barça and Arsenal, they met in the Champions League final in Paris in 2006, when you were with Arsenal. What do you remember about that day?

“Well, it’s a really important game in my life. We lost, but it was a great match. Now I hope I can win the Champions League with Barça.”

And now you’ll be playing with the team that was your opponent…

“Yes. And I hope to meet Arsenal in the final this season.”

You starred in the Bundesliga and the EPL, and now you’re in Spain. What do you know about the Spanish League?

“It’s a tough League with high class football. We’ll see what I can do. I hope to be able to play and score a lot of goals. I really want the team to win titles.”

The squad has been revamped and you’ve come with Cáceres, Keita, Piqué and Alves. What do you think about them?

“They’re fantastic players and will be really important. Plus the new coach believes in them. I reckon with all these changes we can play good football and win titles.”

There have also been changes in the dugout. What do you know about Josep Guardiola and what’s your first impression?

“He was a great player and I know he recently won the League with the reserves. I hope he can now do it with the first team.”

What are you hoping for in the new season?

“I want to integrate as quickly as possible and just play and enjoy playing with my team-mates. That’s what’s important to me now.”

The complete interview with Hleb will be broadcast on Barça TV this Sunday at 15.00, 21.00 and 00.15.

 
Back from injury, Touré Yaya is starting a new phase with his team-mates. The Ivory Coast player, who has worked with Rijkaard and is now under Guardiola, reviews the changes he has found.
A solid, discreet and hard-working midfielder, Touré has become a key figure in the team with his aggression and commitment. A year after his arrival at the club, a new period is beginning. In a report on Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat, Touré says he is “a lot better” although he admits that the start of preseason is not proving easy for him.

No pain

“The beginning is always tough, especially for me as I had a back injury for two months, so in effect I’ve had 10 weeks holiday and coming back after all that time is always hard,” he points out. “But now my back doesn’t hurt at all and the doctor’s had a look and says everything is okay.”

Changes in daily routine

And without that pain Touré’s daily routine has swung through 180 degrees. “Now the daily stuff is easier because I’m okay, though not yet 100%,” he says. “Maybe I’m at 50% because the first training session was tough and the second very tough, but as we get used to it things are getting better.”

New places

But it’s not only Touré’s physical condition that has changed. Details like a change in training ground are also important for players. La Masia has been the focal point in the daily routine of Barça players in recent seasons, but now they are doing most of their work in the Miniestadi.

For Touré, however, this change isn’t very significant. “I don’t think where we train is important, that it’s further away or whatever,” he argues. “The boss chooses it and all we have to do is focus on winning all the titles we can.”

Tough training

The sessions in the Miniestadi, with Guardiola as coach, are proving to be pretty tough. “We’re working at a high pace, with two sessions a day and it’s hard but we’re professionals and we have to work,” says Touré. “The sessions are tough, very physical, but we also work on tactics a lot, and we do a lot of ball work, and when everyone’s here I reckon we’ll train really, really well.”

 
Alves, Keita and Eto'o rejoined the Barça first team squad this Saturday. Together with Messi and Hleb, this morning they did the usual preseason medical checks.
While most of Josep Guardiola’s men were training at La Masia, Alves, Keita, Eto'o, Messi and Hleb were doing a series of medical tests.

Analysis for Eto'o and Messi

At around 8.30 am Eto'o and Messi had a complete analysis done. The Argentine hadn’t had his before as he arrived on Tuesday straight from his flight and he was supposed to come in today Saturday.

The route

Straight afterwards Eto'o and Messi, together with Alves, Keita and Hleb, went over to Medical Services to do the first part of their tests. When that was done the five moved on to the Miniestadi to finish their physical checks and then went back to Medical Services for the last few tests.

 
The first team has had a very tough training session this Saturday morning at La Masía, the last before they head off to Scotland.
The session began at 9.30 with a warm-up and circuit training followed by ball work in pairs. Next the players divided up into two groups and played keep-ball on a reduced pitch in order to practice putting opponents under pressure and getting the ball back.

Messi and Hleb come through tests

The session was not attended by Leo Messi and Alexander Hleb as they were doing medical checks and field tests at the Miniestadi alongside Samuel Eto'o, Dani Alves and Seydou Keita.

Henry, Touré and Márquez also missed out on the group session as they were doing an isokinetic test which measures leg strength; this monitoring is to be continued throughout the preseason and all first team players will have to do it.

 
This Monday the FC Barcelona first team will be heading off to Saint Andrews for the second year in a row to continue their preseason build up. They will have two matches and daily double training sessions in Scotland.
At 9.15 am on Monday and after a gentle session at La Masía, the first team expedition will leave the Camp Nou for El Prat airport. There they will catch a flight to Edinburgh where they will arrive at 12.30 pm local time.

Double sessions

That same afternoon the team will have their first training session in Scotland at 6.30 pm at Saint Andrews. It will be the first of many as the team will have double training morning and evening (10 am and 6 pm) on Tuesday and Wednesday.

First game Thursday

On Thursday there will only be training in the morning as that evening Guardiola’s men will be taking on Hibernian (19.45 local time, live on Barça TV and BTV Online) in their first preseason match at Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

Saturday against Dundee United

The day after the debut of Barça 2008/09 the team will have another double training session before going back to a single one on Saturday. That’s because that afternoon they will be taking on Dundee United (16.00 local time, live on Barça TV and BTV Online) at Tannadice Stadium.

After the game the team will fly straight back to Barcelona, arriving at around 00.30.

 
The Brazilian full back isn’t worried about changing clubs and is relishing the challenge. “I signed for Barça because I loved what they are doing,” he said.
On a first day at work that began with medical tests in the morning, Dani Alves appeared at a press conference at Camp Nou to speak about his move. “It’s been very good and it’s important to be in a side with fantastic players,” he said. “I hope the spirit we have now stays with us right until the end.”

Hungry for titles

Alves is anxious to play a key role in the side: “I’m used to being under pressure, and here I have a bit more, but it’s always going to be there and you have to get used to it”

“I signed for Barça because I loved what they are doing,” he added. “I’d love to win more titles, especially those that I haven’t won yet.”

Memories of Seville

Dani Alves admitted it was “tough” to leave Seville, but said that now he wanted to work with his new team and be as successful as he had been before. He will have his first contact with his new team-mates in training at 8 o’clock on Monday morning, just before setting off for Scotland.

 
Pep Guardiola made the FC Barcelona team squad work on their strength, resistance and change of rhythm and speed during Friday morning's training session in the Miniestadi.
The players took to the pitch and with five minutes left before the scheduled 9.30am start, the entire group was ready to start and the coaches were able to begin with a few warm-up exercises.

Physical circuit

A total of 23 players were present and began with a physical circuit set out by coach Lorenzo Buenaventura that involved different obstacles and medicine ball exercises in different areas. The players divided in to four groups and work on their strength and speed. The three goalkeepers, Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera and José Manuel Pinto broke away to work with Juan Carlos Unzué. The remains formed the following groups:

- Crosas, Cáceres, Sylvinho, Piqué, Córcoles, Jeffren, Márquez, Gudjohnsen.
- Sergio Busquets, Oleguer, Víctor Sánchez, Pedrito, Abraham, Abidal.
- Henry, Hleb, Messi, Touré, Víctor Vázquez, Bojan.

Henry and Hleb

Aliaksandr Hleb and Thierry Henry have worked closely with the Frenchman helping his former Arsenal team-mate to adapt as quickly as possible to his new club and the new city. Throughout the training session the pair were rarely apart as Henry talked to Hleb about what each exercise involved.

Vázquez back in action

After not training for the past few days, Víctor Vázquez returned to normal on Friday and join the rest of the players in the Miniestadi session. The Barça Atlètic forward has almost fully recovered from his knock.

 
Gaby Milito will travel to Argentina on Saturday where he will continue his recuperation from the injury to his right knee after being permission by the club to take advantage of the pre-season period to spend some time back at home.
The FC Barcelona defender is in the middle of his recovery programme after undergoing surgery on May 13 to repair a cruciate ligament in his knee. After the operation, doctors estimated that the player would be out of action for at least six months and has chosen to head back to South America in order to be among his family for a while.

Check up

Like the rest of the Barça squad, Milito underwent the pre