Five months after his knee operation, Edmilson was back with rest of the squad for training on Thursday morning, whilst Messi and Gudjohnson, with slight muscle strains trained apart from the rest of the group.
José Edmílson did some warm up exercises before joining the rest of the players for some ball control work. Giovani dos Santos who’d also been working on his own as he gets over his ankle injury, also joined in at this point.

Messi and ‘Guddy’ preparing for Montjuic

The only four squad members who didn’t work out at the Masia were Thuram, Henry and Oleguer, who were working on their own recovery programmes on the Nou Camp pitch, and Sylvinho whose got knee trouble and stayed in the gym. After a gentle workout at the Masia, Leo Messi and Eidur Gudjohnsen, both with slight muscle strains, went into the gym to prepare for Saturday’s game against Espanyol.

Possession practice

After their ball control work, the squad then did some circuit training for speed practice and then split into two groups to maintain possession. The two groups, with Xavi and Iniesta moving between both groups, were: Ronaldinho, Edmílson, Milito, Puyol, Touré Yaya, Marc Crosas and Roca (trainer) on the one team and Ezquerro, Eto’o, Abidal, Márquez, Zambrotta, Bojan and Giovani on the other.

The session ended with some shooting practice.

 
Barca’s medical services confirmed this lunchtime that Thierry Henry and Sylvinho will both miss Saturday’s derby game against Espanyol at Montjuic.
Henry still has the lower back problems that kept him out of the Lyon game and although he’s been having treatment on it for some time, the doctors believe that he’ll be out until the pain he’s feeling gets better.

Sylvinho has a problem with his left knee and joins Henry, Eto’o, Deco, Oleguer and Edmílson as injury absentees for the big game.

 
Gudjohnsen is well aware that a Barcelona derby between Barça and Espanyol is something very special and has no intention of being on the losing side. He has made a fast recovery from his injury niggles and hopes to be available for Saturday’s match.
Gudjohnsen found out last season that a match against Espanyol is something more than just the three points. The fact that Espanyol are just two points behind Barça adds even more interest to Saturday’s duel. Speaking at a press conference after training on Thursday morning, Gudjohnsen admitted that there will be a lot at stake on Saturday. “A derby is special. It seems that there’s more at stake than just the three points but the most important thing is that a victory would enable us to put more pressure on the leading places in the table. Winning would make us very proud, of course. That’s why, in the dressing room, we’re not even considering losing in Montjuïc”.

A big improvement in Lyon

The Icelandic striker believes that the team played rather better in Lyon last Tuesday and is hoping to keep up the improvement against Espanyol: “We had a good game in Lyon and worked together as a team. We have to continue with this dynamic but scoring more goals and conceding fewer”. However, Gudjohnsen believes there are a number of aspects that could be improved: “We have to continue working as a team and improve our overall performance. With our quality, if we keep to this way of working, we can win all our matches”.

A good moment for Eidur

Gudjohnsen is seeing plenty of action in recent matches. He started against Olympique Lyon and Recreativo de Huelva and opened his goal tally for the season in the Cup away to Alcoyano: “The injuries in the team meant that I started to get time in the team but I’ve worked really hard in the last few months and that has helped me a lot. My aim is to help the team as much as I can. Against Recreativo I wanted to prove too much and I made a mistake but I did better in Lyon. I played more for the team”.

Espanyol on a roll

Espanyol are currently enjoying one of their best starts to a league season for some time and are in fourth place with 25 points, two behind Barça. So it should be one of the most hotly contested derbies in recent years. Gudjohnsen hasn’t seen Espanyol play much this season but he’s well aware of the quality in Valverde’s squad: “I haven’t seen Espanyol much but I know they play good football and are very strong, especially Tamudo. But I believe we just have to focus on ourselves and realise that, if we play at our level, we can beat any of our opponents”.

 
Olympique Lyonnais' Stade Gerland was the venue when FC Barcelona last named three forwards that all come through the club's youth ranks before Frank Rijkaard did so once again on Tuesday evening.
César Menotti named a trio of youngsters in his side during the 1983/84 season and this week Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Andrés Iniesta all made a little slice of history for themselves as they played together up front. While Iniesta is normally seen alongside another youth team product in Xavi Hernández, Messi is now considered to be one of the more experienced forward with Bojan and Giovani Dos Santos the latest generation to come out of La Masia.

Goals galore

With the trio lining up together against Lyon they helped ensure Barça of a place in the next round of the Champions League as the 2-2 draw earned them first place in the group. For the opening goal Messi supplied Bojan and he sent over a sublime cross for Iniesta to slot home after just three minutes. In the second half, Messi was fouled in the area and rose to his feet to score the visitors' second.

A new precedent

A trident such as Messi, Bojan and Iniesta has not been seen at Barça since the 1983/84 campaign when Menotti named Rojo, Clos and Carrasco up front in the Stade Gerland.

That same year the three players helped Barça to a 5-2 win against Espanyol in the local derby and all of them played a key role in the victory. The Blaugrana and the Blanc i Blau are due to meet again this weekend.

Carrasco was the motor of the team with his stong runs down the wing and strong tackling, while Rojo helped to organise the play and was an integral part of the side. Finally, Paco Clos worked hard and helped to disrupt the Espanyol defence with his quick runs and depsite not scoring did have a hand in opening effort by Barcelona.

 
This season is not the first time that FC Barcelona have qualified for the next phase of the Champions League as group winners and the last time it happened was in the 2005/06 campaign when Barça went on to lift the trophy.
The Blaugrana qualified for the next stage after the 2-2 draw against Lyon on Tuesday and clinched top spot with the point. With five games played, Frank Rijkaard's side have eleven points, four more than Rangers and Olympique Lyonnais and can now not be caught, independent of the result against VfB Stuttgart in the final match. Barça secured their passage with three wins and two draws and by scoring nine goals and conceding only two.

A good omen

Two years ago Barça won the Champions League after qualifying for the next stage before the final game of the group stage and they were able to travel to Udinese for the final game without any worries, having already won the group. The team's place was booked after a 3-1 victory against Werder Bremen, but the team still secured a win in Italy to cap a fine run.

Two other times

In 2002-03, Barça also made it through to the next phase in top spot before the last game as the team finished with 18 points as they won all their games in a group that contained Galatasaray, Bruges and Lokomotiv.

The other year that the feat was managed was in 1999/2000 as a 5-0 win against AIK Solna meant that the last game against Fiorentina was a formality. Barça finished the group with 14 points, five more than the Italians.

 
Three months after suffering a knee injury, Samuel Eto'o is on the verge of playing again. Before his comeback, he spoke to Barça TV about his current state and about his thoughts on the team this season.
The Cameroonian international damaged his knee on August 29 in the Joan Gamper match and after a long recuperation period he is almost ready to return to action. In an interview with the ‘Zona Mixta’ programme on Barça TV, he revealed his thoughts on many personal aspects and about the club.

How are you?

"I am very well. Improving little-by-little."

In the last few days we have seen you on the training pitch and you appear to be completely recovered. It will not be long before you can play again?

"Not long? I do not know about that. I hope so. I feel good. I have worked hard and it seems like I am on the final straight now."

This time you want to take it easy and return when you are really ready.

"I suffered the second big injury in the same leg and I think that it was going to be a mistake then. We have taken all the time needed for the benefit of everyone; Barça, myself and my family. And I am pleased by the recovery has gone."

Everyone has been asking you when you are back, no?

"A lot of people want to know if I will play on Saturday. All I know is that I have worked hard up until now. In football everything changes very quickly and moves so fast, that nobody knows. I know that I have worked hard and if it is not today, then I will be back tomorrow."

You have been out of action for three months. What are your thoughts about the team during that time?

"Very good. Apart from the away games, where we have been slightly inconsistent. I am pleased about yesterday because we ran a great deal and we put pressure on further up the pitch. With out play and our way of playing the team was impressive, just like in the second half against Recre."

Barça have been very strong in Camp Nou winning every game, but all the talk is about the away games. What is the problem?

"At home the pitch is bigger and we can open up the play and play as we want to. Quite often the fields are smaller away from home and we have been unable to play our normal style, which is to push up and win possession. Yesterday, like in the second half against Recre, everyone was running a lot and putting pressure on, which is great."

Despite that, the team is only two points behind Madrid in the league and they are coming to Camp Nou in less than a month.

"Yes, in three games time. But our focus is now on Saturday in Montjuïc. Before Madrid, we have to think about that. That is the game we should be focussed on. It will be a complicated match. I know that if we are focussed and ready, then we can take the three points."

What do you think about Espanyol?

"Espanyol are doing very well and playing well. They are up there on merit. Albert Riera has reached the level that we all thought he could, because I remember seeing him playing for the Mallorca youth teams. He is a good player and can achieve great things. He is up there and cannot drop back. But in football, in each game, it depends on the form of the opposition and there will be a lot of pressure. If we are prepared though, I think we can win."

In the Champions League the team qualified for the first knockout phase of the competition yesterday.

"What is important is that we are though and we have finished top of the group. I want to congratulate my teammates and the coach. But we also have to finish strongly by winning the last game. We are playing at home and we have to win."

People are already talking about possible opponents in the next round. Do you prefer a strong or a weak team?

"There are no teams that are harder or weaker. Sometimes the team with not such a famous name is the one that causes you the most problems. The advantage we have is that the second leg will be at home. It is an important advantage, but we cannot lose focus as if we lose the first leg 4-0 then it would be very difficult to score five at home because the other team will just defend. But we know we have already taken a big step forward."

 
Xavi Hernández was well pleased with Barca’s progress into the UCL knock out when he spoke to reporters at the Nou Camp this morning and he insisted that the positive mentality of the squad had been key in the recent run of fine form.
The Catalan midfielder commented: “since the Getafe game our attitude has really improved, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and got down to work and are going out to win right from the start. We’re much more positive now”.

Saturday’s derby

Looking forward to this weekend’s derby game, Xavi admitted: “Espanyol have a great group of players and a manager who, like us, enjoys flowing football”. There’s also the matter of revenge for last year’s defeat and Xavi reckons: “we’re really up for beating them this time around”.

Marc Ingla, Edmilson and Ronaldinho

Xavi also dealt with a number of issues which have been surrounding the team, firstly commenting on the presence of new Sporting Director Marc Ingla: “he told us here was here to help and just like us, he was after the best for the team and for the club”. Edmilson’s recent declarations were also brought up, but Xavi insisted: “that’s something which is done and dusted and sorted out amongst the squad”.

Finally, Xavi assured the media that Ronaldinho had reacted well to his sitting on the bench on Tuesday: “he took it well – it’s just part of football and I think the best thing would be to give him some space. He really reacted well and if the boss takes that decision then that’s all there is to it”.

 
Leo Messi has said that the most important thing was “to qualify” and that they now have to “continue like this”, because the next challenge is the local derby with Espanyol.
The Barça players were unanimous in declaring that it was hugely important to qualify for the second phase of the Champions League with one game in hand. Leo Messi was pleased with the team performance and hopes Tuesday’s form will be repeated: “We hope we can continue like this because the derby on Saturday is very important”.

The following is a selection of comments made by FC Barcelona players after the match:

Messi

”Our objective was to qualify, and top of the group, and so I am happy”.

“Not only did I face strong challenges, but my team-mates did too. They played very tough”.

“I feel fine and the most important thing is the team is doing well”.

“It was odd to see Ronaldinho on the bench because he is such an important player for us, but I am sure we will need him on Saturday”.

Bojan

“I am very happy with the way things are going. It was important to win, but at least we have qualified”.

“I am very happy with the confidence I am receiving and want to make the most of the chances I am given”.

“I knew I had a chance of starting but until I knew it was official I was not expecting it”.

“Ronaldinho was on the bench today, but he is a great player and I am sure he will continue to demonstrate that”.

“I have a better chance of scoring if I play in the middle”.

“It would be nice (to score in the Champions League) and I still have a game left”.

“I have Oforiquaye’s record on my mind (the youngest player to score a goal in the Champions League) but it is no obsession. If I score against Stuttgart, well great, but if I don’t, it doesn’t matter”.

Valdés

“I slipped and so I wasn’t able to react in time. I don’t know if it was offside”.

“It was a moment when the referee should have calmed things down and shown the opposition a card”.

“When you see they hurt a young team mate and they kick him a thousand times and the referee does nothing, that kind of reaction is normal”.

“Recently, away from home, we have played all kinds of teams, but we have played to our style”.

“I don’t think the fact that Ronaldinho didn’t play is big news”.

“It was very important to qualify top of the group”.

 
Frank Rijkaard has said after the draw with Olympique Lyon that Barça have managed to do what they set out to do, qualify for the next round of the Champions League, and as group winners.
The Barça manager was satisfied that the team had done what they set out to achieve on Tuesday evening in the penultimate round of games in the group phase of Europe’s premier club competition. A draw was enough for FC Barcelona to guarantee passage to the quarter finals of the Champions League, which means they will get to play the return leg at home. “Our aim was to come top of the group, and we did that. That was important and we are very pleased” said Frank Rijkaard.

“We played better than our opponents”

Asked how he felt the game had gone, he said Barça “had played better than Olympique Lyon. In general we played fairly well, better than our opponents, but in the end the result was a draw. With a bit more luck we could have won, because we played a good game” added Frank Rijkaard.

Ronaldinho, motivated

Asked why he left Ronaldinho out of the starting eleven, Frank Rijkaard said that FC Barcelona have a big squad and “we can only choose eleven players. We have a big squad, without players with a regular first team place. It means nothing, everybody takes it well and wants to do what they can for the team. In Ronaldinho’s case, he is highly motivated and keen to play”.

 
Carles Busquets is to sub for Juan Carlos Unzué as first team goalkeeping coach while the latter studies for his coaching badge in Madrid.
For the next three weeks, the former keeper and current youth teams coach Carles Busquets will combine his usual job with that of first team goalkeeping coach.

Juan Carlos Unzué told Barça TV and that he could not turn down the chance of securing his second level coaching badge: “It’s a unique opportunity. I obtained the first level in my playing days in Pamplona and now there’s a new promotion for former players it’s a good opportunity to acquire new knowledge for my day-to-day work”.

A helping hand

For his part, Carles Busquets is delighted to be able to help out his colleague: “If he needs a helping hand, he’s got it, and that way he’ll be able to take advantage of the opportunity”. Busquets intends to follow the working guidelines drawn up by Unzué, which he described as “very good”.

A future in coaching

Unzué revealed that he has always liked the idea of becoming coach: “I’ve always had that possibility in mind and it’s a chance, in a short but intense space of time, to obtain this second level badge, which will allow me to do the third level national coaching badge in June”.

However, Unzué stressed that he is motivated by and happy with his current job as first team goalkeeping coach: “I’m highly motivated. I like the job and I think there is much to be done, but I’ve always thought that one day I’d like to take my own decisions, make mistakes or get it right with what I think and materialise on my experience as a player and as a member of the FC Barcelona coaching staff”.

Happy with the youngsters

Carles Busquets, on the other hand, is very happy to work with the youngsters and sees himself remaining there in the near future: “I’m happy here. I’m training well. I like working with the youngsters and it’s what motivates me. The first team is there but it’s not something that obsesses me. I’m very happy here”.

Busquets also believes the youth squads need to be strengthened: “It’s our objective to strengthen the youth teams, especially in the position of goalkeeper, which is a delicate position in Barça”. As for the two senior squad keepers, Busquets told us: “Victor Valdés has consolidated his position in goal and now is one of the best in the world. As for Jorquera, he’s also a good goalkeeper who, when he has to play, does so very well”.

 
Even though a draw in Lyon would see them through to the next round, Puyol reckons the team are determined to take maximum points and claim top spot in the group: “we’ll be going out for a win, we never play for just a draw”, he told reporters.
Top spot key

The win would ensure Barca finish top of the group and Puyol explained why this was so important: “it gives you home advantage in the knock out stage – we get to play the return leg at the Nou Camp. That’s an important advantage, though coming top doesn’t guarantee an easy tie in the next round by any means”.
Lyon improving

Puyol believes that Lyon have got over their “inconsistent” start to the season to hit good form again and Barca will face: “ a fine, compact team who play good football” on Tuesday night.

Chance to build team spirit

Finally the captain laid down the law on Edmilson’s recent declarations about “black sheep” in the squad, insisting that “ these things have to be sorted out in the changing room and between ourselves”, whilst claiming that the incident must be turned to the team’s advantage: “the dialogue we’ve had in the squad since the statements were made will now bring us all even closer together”.

 
Barça are not expecting an easy ride against Tuesday’s Champions League opposition Olympique Lyon despite the 3-0 win at the Camp Nou. Rijkaard feels a Barça win would be an important gesture to the fans.
Frank Rijkaard spoke to the press on Monday in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League clash with Lyon. He kept his speeches short, with such comments as “I expect a very different rival to the one we met at the Camp Nou because they are playing at home and have got their form back. I think we will have to prepare very well for this one”. He preferred not to discuss his team selection and said Bojan “had a chance” of playing and Ronaldinho “is fine”, despite his lack of training with the squad.

Away wins

Barça have not been overly impressive on the road this season, and for Rijkaard “the solution is to win, that’s what we’re after. It will be hard against such a good team but we are very keen…winning here would be a great contribution from the team”.

Watching the restructuring

He was also asked to comment on the restructuring going on among the Board of Directors, to which he said that president Joan Laporta has filled him on the details and explained how these moves should improve affairs at the club. “It is a good thing, the Board has been strengthened” said the Barça manager. He was also asked how things have developed following Edmilson’s controversial declarations, and limited his response to stating that things are much better now than they were before.

 
In the game against Recreativo, Víctor Valdés equalled Velasco as the fifth Barça goalkeeper with most league appearances, a total of 168.
He’s only 25, but he’s already one of the Barça goalkeepers with most league appearances. Víctor Valdés has made his 168th appearance in the Barça goal, equalling Velasco, who played for the club from 1942 to 1954.

His career at Barça

Víctor Valdés made his league debut for Barça on September 1st 2002, when Louis Van Gaal was still in charge, at Nou Camp against Atlético de Madrid and ended in a 2-2 draw. He went on to play in 14 games that season, but it wasn’t until the following 2003-04 season, with Rijkaard in charge, that Valdés became a regular in the team, with 33 league caps.

In the following two seasons he played 35 games in each, and reached 38 last season. So far this season, he’s played in 13 league games.

Four legends to beat

Only four Barça legends have played more games: Artola, Sadurní, Ramallets and Zubizarreta. Artola played in 186 between 75-76 and 83-84. Sadurní played in 247 between 61-62 and 75-76.

In second place is Antoni Ramallets with 288 between 47-48 and 60-61. And finally, the record holder is Andoni Zubizarreta with 301 between 86-87 and 93-94.

 
The big news this Sunday is Samuel Eto'o, who is back in training alter a three-month lay-off.
The Cameroon player did some warm-ups with the physios, and then joined the rest of the group. Frank Rijkaard joined the rest of the squad in welcoming back the Blaugrana number 9. Eto’o has been out since getting injured in the Joan Gamper Trophy last August 29th.

Puyol, on the sidelines

The Blaugrana captain, who suffered a heavy blow to the ribs on Saturday, was also in the training session, but working away from the group training. It was the same for Zambrotta, Abidal, Touré Yaya and Milito, who went off before the end.

Giovani and Deco, on the other hand, worked with another physio. They are both in the final stages of recovery, but are still not match fit. Henry was also receiving treatment whilst Oleguer stayed in the gym.

Final kick around

After yesterday’s capped players left the session, Frank Rijkaard selected two teams for a final kick around. One team consisted of Jorquera, Márquez, Ronaldinho and trainer Albert Roca. The second by Valdés, Thuram, Ezquerro, Eto'o and goalkeeper trainer Unzué. Eto’o got three goals.

 
Ronaldinho is back in the squad alter missing the last league game against Recreativo. Thuram is the other new addition to the list. These two will take the places of Henry and Oleguer, who won’t be travelling.
Frank Rijkaard regains Ronaldinho and Thuram for the Champions League tie against Olimpique Lyon on Tuesday. Marc Crosas stays in the squad, after being called up to cover Ronaldinho’s absence for the Recreativo game. .

Henry and Oleguer don’t go

Thierry Henry and Oleguer Presas, neither of whom trained this Sunday, won’t be travelling to Lyon. The French striker has back and pubis problems, and wouldn’t be at 100%. His availability for upcoming games will depend on his recovery.

In the case of Oleguer, medical staff have said that he is suffering from a hamstring injury in his right leg, and will be undergoing close monitoring over the next few days.

Carles Puyol will be travelling to Lyon, though; having recovered from the blow to his ribs he received in the Recre game.

 
Gaby Milito, who scored his first goal for Barça on Saturday, told reporters on Sunday: “We have to find answers to the problems”. However, he insisted that the players are “optimistic and enthusiastic”.
Milito spoke to reporters after Sunday morning’s training session and shared his feelings on scoring his first goal for Barça: “Scoring a goal is always important although it’s not exactly my job and I don’t usually score many. The truth is I’m very happy to have scored my first goal and especially as it helped us to win”.

First goal opens up the match

Asked about the change in Barça’s game after the opening goal, Milito told us: “Every game has its problems, though recently it’s been the same every time – a team that closes down at the back. The most difficult thing is to find the first goal. When we score the first goal, the match changes, it opens up, and that’s what happened and that’s what I believe will happen in the upcoming matches. The team is always organised, insistent and trying”.

“Class and goals”

Barça’s second goal was scored by rising star Bojan Krkic. According to Gaby Milito: “He’s a young man with great talent and a spectacular future. He’s got class and goals. Right now he has to be allowed to enjoy himself. Bojan has very good natural ability and also the team is trying to him help so we’re not surprised by him”.

Bojan scored almost immediately after coming on. Milito told us: “The truth he found himself in an open match as we had just scored. After the first goal the team grew in confidence and that helped him and the team”.

Winning mentality

Milito also referred to some of the more conflictive issues that have bothered the Club in recent weeks: “We talked about what we had to talk about and now it’s in the past. We’re optimistic. The players are committed and with a big desire to win titles”. Although he admitted that a number of improvements are necessary – especially winning away matches – he insisted that the players are happy with what they have done so far.

He insisted that there was no crisis within the team: “Everything that happens in football is of use, the good and the bad, and now we have two matches away from home in which we have to try and change things”.

The next European opponent

Barça travel to Lyon on Monday to face Olympique in the Champions League: “It’s a difficult team that can qualify and is in good form, unlike the team from the first matchday. We know it’s a dangerous team but we want to win to guarantee first place. It’ll be a hard-fought and attractive match as both teams have great players”.

 
This Sunday, Leo Messi received the Bravo award, given by the Italian sports magazine Guerin Sportivo, as the best under-21 player in Europe in 2007.
After Sunday’s training session, Leo Messi was presented with the award inside Nou Camp in recognition of his great talent. The award is given annually by the Italian sports magazine Guerin Sportivo to the best under-21 player in Europe, and in 2007 it has gone to Messi.

Alter receiving the award, Leo Messi gave an interview to Guerin Sportivo, which will be published in the magazine on December 3rd.

The third Blaugrana to win

Leo Messi becomes the third Blaugrana to pick up the award after Guardiola and Ronaldo. The current Barça B coach won it in 1992, and Ronaldo received it five years later. Messi has become the first Argentinean to receive this prize since its inception in 1978.

 
Playing for the first time in their history their second consecutive year in the top flight, Recreativo have been renewed from head to foot. The players, coach and even the results are not what they were a few months ago.
Spectators who went to the Barça-Recre game last season will have a surprise Recre’s line-up is announced at Nou Camp on Saturday evening, Recreativo have been renewed from head to foot. The players, coach and even the results are not what they were a few months ago.

Total renewal

The squad was totally changed over the summer in Huelva, with 12 new signings and 10 players sold off. Finishing eighth in the league last year drew the attention of other teams, and most of their key players left the club (Cazorla, Viqueira, Uche, Mario and López Vallejo, among others).

This success also affected the bench, with Marcelino leaving the club for Santander, resulting in the ex-blaugrana Víctor Muñoz becoming the new coach. Muñoz, with little luck so far, has tried to maintain the level of good play and results of a year ago. Recre are currently 18th in the league, with 12 points from 12 games.

Poor away record

Their lowly league position means that the Andalusian team will have to play ambitiously at Nou Camp. Their formula will be playing for the counter-attack, a method which most visiting teams try at Nou Camp.

Playing only one forward (Sinama-Pongolle), Víctor Muñoz will form two consistent lines in defence and midfield in order to minimise the number of goals. It won’t be an easy task: Recre have let in double the goals away than at home.

Their current form is weak away from home, with only 4 points from a possible 18. Moreover, the breaks in the league don’t seem to benefit Recre, as they’ve been on worst form each time the league re-starts, and the same could happen at Nou Camp.

 
With Saturday night’s three goals against Recreativo (3-0), Barça have now gone 50 games scoring at least one goal at Nou Camp, a ground synonymous with good entertaining football.
On March 1st 2005, Nou Camp hosted the game between Rijkaard’s Barça and Lotina’s Espanyol, which ended in a nil-nil draw. Since that day, Barça have scored at least one goal in every league game in Nou Camp.

The Blaugrana fortress

Since that Barça-Espanyol derby, two years eight months and 23 days ago, Barça have played 50 league games in Nou Camp, with 41 victories, 8 draws and only one defeat. Another interesting statistic is that FC Barcelona have won 127 points from a possible 150 in these games: 84% of maximum points possible.

Synonymous with good entertaining football and goals

Barça have also made games in Nou Camp synonymous with good entertaining football and goals. Over these fifty games, Rijkaard’s men have scored an average of over two goals a game.

Good averages in Nou Camp

Since the draw with Espanyol, FC Barcelona finished the 2004/05 season with an average of 2.4 goals per game at Nou Camp. The following season, they obtained an average of 2.37 goals per home game. Last season this figure dropped slightly to 2.16 goals per game.

50 consecutive games with goals

Barça have started this season better, with an average of 2.86 goals per home league game (20 goals in seven games). The Blaugranas now total 50 consecutive home league games scoring, with a total of 118 goals, or 2.36 per game.

 
Carles Puyol has suffered a heavy blow to his bottom left-hand rib, and is doubtful for Tuesday’s clash against Olympique Lyon. However, medical tests have revealed nothing broken or fractured.
The Barça captain was substituted in the 54th minute after receiving a heavy blow to his bottom left-hand rib in a clash with Recre striker Sinama-Pongolle.

X-rays have revealed nothing broken or fractured. Nevertheless, it’s still a painful injury, and the Club’s medical staff are doubtful about Carles Puyol being match fit for Tuesday’s trip to Lyon, where Barça face Olympique.

 
Frank Rijkaard has recognised that it has been a difficult victory, but he praised the team’s patience, saying they worked hard till the first goal.
Despite the 3-0 score-line, Barçá had to work hard to get the first goal, which arrived in the 64th minute. Frank Rijkaard saw it that way. “In the first half, the team worked really hard, and they kept on fighting with the patience needed.”

Changes in positions

When asked about Iniesta’s position, Frank Rijkaard explained that he started out as a striker, but as the first goal wouldn’t come, he moved back to be more involved in the play: “Iniesta moved back to pick up more balls, to create more danger. Gudjohnsen had started out in midfield, but I had to make changes when the first goal didn’t come”.

Praise for Bojan

On Bojan’s first goal before his home fans, the Dutch coach said: “Bojan was perfect in his ball control”. The goal was “a great moment for him, for the team and for the fans”. “He’s a great resource for us. It’s good that he’s settling into the team bit by bit”.

Recre, yes; Lyon, not yet

When asked about the line-up for Lyon, Frank Rijkaard explained that he had to “talk about what he had seen on the pitch tonight”.

 
One of the star players in the victory against Recreativo was Bojan Krkic. On Saturday night the young Catalan forward scored his first goal in Nou Camp.
The Blaugranas are satisfied with their new triumph and their continued strength in Nou Camp. After the game, one of the happiest players was Bojan Krkic, from Linyola in the province of Lleida, who fulfilled one of his dreams of scoring in Nou Camp by getting the second goal of the game.

Bojan Krkic:

“It’s the result of the work I’ve done up till now. It’s been my ultimate dream”.

“Henry has been helping me a lot and I really appreciate it. It’s important that there is understanding between us”.

“Things have been going well for me lately, and this motivates me to keep working”.

“Our opponents close down at the back and it has been difficult to find the gaps. Scoring helps us play with more confidence”.

Xavi Hernàndez:

“Winning, playing well, we managed it for some of the game. We had problems in the first half, but we have also had chances”.

“Lately, we’ve been creating danger from corners but we’re not getting the goals. Milito scored a great goal which made us feel more at ease”.

Eidur Gudjohnsen:

“Recreativo closed down any gaps really well, with a lot of players behind the ball. After the first goal, more space opened for us”.

“I’m all right, but a bit disappointed with myself. I’m happy for the team, though”.

“All eyes are on us. We know the most important thing is to win three points, to concentrate on the games”.

“We have to find our best form before Christmas. In December we have some really important games”.

“We know Bojan has a great future. He has to learn a lot this year. He’s playing in the first team alongside top quality players. I’m happy for him”.

“Gudjohnsen on top form and with more match minutes can score a lot of goals”.

Andrés Iniesta:

“It was hard, but we got three points. Sometimes it’s hard until our rival weakens at some point and we find some space. We’ve won an important victory”.

“In the first half we had some chances. Sometimes the goals don’t come, but we have to be patient and look for goal”.

“The game against Espanyol will be vital to show that we want to change the situation away from home”.

 
Ronaldinho, Touré Yaya and Éric Abidal all returned to training on Friday after returning from representing their national teams, while Giovani Dos Santos worked alone after being told he will miss the next two matches.
As is now the norm, the final training session before a game was held behind closed doors at Camp Nou as the Blaugrana continued their preparations for the visit of Recreativo on Saturday evening. While Touré and Abidal rejoined the rest of the squad in their first session back, Ronaldinho trained to the side as he had only just returned from Brazil.

Deco and Edmílson continued with the specific recovery schedules, which have now merged and allowed the Brazilian-born duo to work together as they bid to regain full fitness.

On the pitch in front of La Masia, Dos Santos worked alone as he looks to recover from a ligament strain in his left ankle. While the medics are pleased with the progress, the Mexican is still feeling some pain. He will now miss the game against Recre and the Champions League outing in midweek.

 
Frank Rijkaard has named a 19-man squad for the visit of Recreativo on Saturday evening as all the international players return. Lilian Thuram is the only player to be rested.
Giovani Dos Santos is out for the next two matches and Deco, Samuel Eto'o and Edmílson are all still injured for the encounter, but every other available player has been inlucded.

Thuram has been omitted for technical reasons as the French defender has played the full 90 minutes in both of France's two international games in the past week. All the other players that have been away are included in the squad.

Márquez and Ezquerro return Rafa Márquez and Santi Ezquerro are both included again, after missing the trip to Getafe, as they replace Thuram and Dos Santos.

 
Recreativo, Olympique, Espanyol, Deportivo, Stuttgart, Valencia and Real Madrid. These are Barça’s opponents over the next 29 days. It’ll be a stern test before the Christmas break.
Barça face a month full of important matches. They’ll have to play the current La Liga leaders, Real Madrid, as well as Valencia (fourth) and RCD Espanyol (fifth). In addition they have Champions League matches against Lyon and Stuttgart. These five matches (plus two more in the league against Recreativo and Deportivo) will be the perfect test for Rijkaard’s players, a test that starts this Saturday with the visit of Recreativo de Huelva. Four matches in the Camp Nou Four of the seven matches will be played in the Camp Nou, where Barça haven’t lost since 5th February 2006. Recreativo and Deportivo de La Coruña have the same number of points (12), and have won the same number of matches (3). However, Deportivo have actually picked up more points away from home than in the Riazor. Meanwhile, Stuttgart, reigning Bundesliga champions, are currently ninth in the German league, nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich and cannot now go on to the knockout stages of the Champions League. However, the biggest challenge of all will be the visit of Real Madrid – managed by former Barça star Bernd Schuster. They currently top the league table with a four-point lead over Barça. Before coming to the Camp Nou they’ll have to play Murcia, Racing, Athletic Club Bilbao and Osasuna. Barça have to improve their results away from home and ensure first place in Group E of the Champions League. After the Recreativo match, Barça face difficult trips to Lyon (who can still qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League) and Espanyol, who are enjoying an unbeaten eight-match run. The final away match of this series will be against Ronald Koeman’s Valencia, who equal Barça’s 24 points.

 
Many of the players called away on international duty were back in training on Thursday evening. The remainder should be available on Friday.
After a week of sparsely attended training sessions, the Barça squad was back to near full strength on Thursday evening. The session, which started at 6.30 pm, focussed on light recovery exercises, with many of the players having played less than 24 hours earlier.

Abidal, Touré and Ronnie still away

However, a number of players were missing this evening, including Eric Abidal, who has the permission of the Club to return tomorrow (Friday), Touré Yaya and Ronaldinho, who are still travelling back from Qatar and Brazil respectively. All three are expected back for Friday’s training session ahead of the match against Recreativo. Meanwhile, Deco, Edmílson and Giovani remained in the gym for individual treatment on their injury problems.

The session started with the usual ball control exercises followed by jogging. At this point the internationals returned to the dressing rooms. The remaining players practised combination play and shooting, finishing up with a practice match.

 
Andrés Iniesta told reporters on Thursday evening that Edmílson had clarified his controversial remarks made in a TV interview: "Edmilson has apologised and admitted his mistake”.
Edmílson recently gave an interview on Catalan TV in which he suggested that some members of the squad were not pulling their weight. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday evening, Iniesta revealed that the Brazilian had spoken to the squad and apologised:

“Edmílson asked to speak to us and apologised. He faced up to us and admitted that he made a mistake. He told us that he hadn’t been right in what he said but that he hadn’t intended to rubbish the squad but simply give a general opinion. It was a very positive meeting”.

Away form

Turning to purely sporting matters, Iniesta admitted that the team had to do better away from home and that there was no time like the present to break a negative run: “We’re not doing things right away from home. I don’t believe it’s down to any specific reason - attitude, tactics, etc. I think it’s a general problem that we have to resolve quickly because otherwise it’ll be difficult to win titles. Right now we’ve got two difficult away games but...they’re a good touchstone to break the bad run”.

 
The available FC Barcelona first-team players have trained at the club's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Wednesday morning along with members of the B team squad.
After two days on the pitch in front of La Masia, there was a change of plan in midweek as the players took to pitch number three at the new training ground just outside of the city. The focus of the session was on the 50-minute practice match, which was played at an intense level and saw Eidur Gudjohnsen become the star.

Young stars

Like on Tuesday, the first-team players have not trained alone as they were joined by several youngsters to help them in their preparations for this weekend's encounter with Recreativo. After the warm-up exercises, that lasted around half-an-hour, the players split into two groups for a game of 25 minutes per half.

The teams

On one side were Jorquera, Sylvinho, Oleguer, Márquez, Fali, Toribio, Marc Crosas, Gudjohnsen, Jeffren, Bojan and Eneko, while the other team consisted of Pau, Córcoles, Botía, Valiente, Espasandín, Xavi Torres, Víctor Sánchez, Abraham, Iago Falqué, Guerra and Urbano. On the bench were Gai Assulin, Busquets, Pedrito and Víctor Vázquez, who were all given a run out in the second half.

Gudjohnsen makes the difference

The game was played at high speed and pressure mounted, but there were few clear chances on goal being created. At half-time the score-line remained goalless, but after the interval the deadlock was broken when Gudjohnsen found the net.

Marc Crosas won possession in midfield and picked out Bojan Krkic, who in turn found Gudjohnsen and the Icelandic international shot first-time at the near post and celebrated as the ball nestled into the corner of the net.

 
Bojan Krkic is determined to keep his feet firmly on the ground despite the aduation and awards that he has won since making an impact with FC Barcelona. The young forward only wants to continue improving as a player and to ignore all the pressure.
The 17-year-old attended a press conference on Wednesday and explained how he is determined not to become carried away by all the success. "I like to play football and savour every minute of it," he explained. "I do not feel any pressure and I never stop to think about whether I am going to a lot or a few minutes. I am only just starting out and I want to continue learning from the stars that are in this squad."

Minor details

Reflecting on the Barça's away performances this season, Krkic does not think that there needs to be a revolution: "There are some small details that need to be corrected to play like we do in home games," he said. "Rijkaard will be the one that decides what they are and what we have to do. Changing the system? We have not done badly when playing with four midfielders, but as I have said, the coach will choose."

Step-by-step

Luis Aragonés has declared that Krkic could be given a chance to impress at the highest level for Spain before long if he continues to impress as he has been up until now. "I am still consolidating my place in the Under-21 side and do not think about the full squad," the youngster said. "I want to thank Luis Aragonés for his words, but I want to go step-by-step. Playing in the European Championships? I would love to. If they called me up I would not think twice."

 
Frank Rijkaard and Víctor Muñoz have crossed paths on nine occasions since 2003-04 and the Dutchman is in the lead by just one victory over the current Recreativo boss.
The two trainers have met in five league encounters and four matches in the Copa del Rey, with the Barça boss having led his to victory four times and Muñoz taking the honours in three games, all when he was in charge of Real Zaragoza. This Saturday's game between the Blaugrana and Recre will be their tenth meeting.

Cup tied

The first clash between the pair came on January 21, 2004. Zaragoza had just sacked Paco Flores and appointed Muñoz. It was the away leg for Barça in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey and the Aragónese side lost the tie thanks to David Villa's goal in Camp Nou. In 2005-06 the two clubs met in the cup again and there was the same outcome as Barça went out after seeing Ronaldinho sent off.

League leader

In the league, Rijkaard has the upper hand as he leads by three wins to one. Muñoz was victorious in their first meeting, but Rijkaard has led his ide to victory in the next three. The last time the two coaches met was on March 18, 2006 when Barça won 2-0 and Samuel Eto'o was outraged after was racially abused in La Romareda.

 
Víctor Muñoz will be on the Recreativo bench at the Camp Nou on Saturday. The former Barça player feels Frank Rijkaard’s side’s away form can only improve.
Recreativo Huelva is the third team to visit the Camp Nou with Víctor Muñoz as manager. He also returned to his former club as boss of Villarreal and Zaragoza.

The current manager of Spain’s oldest surviving football club, Víctor Muñoz, spoke to www.fcbarcelona.cat about Saturday’s match, the way the league has gone so far for his side, his life in Huelva and his opinions regarding FC Barcelona.

How is this season going, after your time in Greece, in charge of a team that did so well last season?

“Coaching Recre has been a huge challenge for me. Last season they did very well, they got some great results. The players that left, like Uche, Mario and Cazorla, are doing well at their new clubs. Recre clearly need more points to stay up, which I’d like to make clear is the main and only target.”

Is the game with Barcelona the hardest away trip for getting any of those points?

“Barcelona will be a very difficult game. It is a game where we have very little to lose. We have a lot of respect for the opposition but we will try to play well, and why not go in the hope of creating an upset and becoming the first team to take any points away from the Camp Nou?”

From afar, what do you think is the difference between Barça at home and away?

“These are things that happen, but I think Barça can start winning away at any time, but never as comfortably as they do at home. Barça have very good football parameters. The thing is the results aren’t coming away from home. Over the whole season, it won’t always be like that.”

Have the opposition worked Barça out?

I don’t think so. It is always hard to counter Barça. Teams have to be more aggressive and play at a different pace, but that will change. Barça,
like I say, will end up winning away from home too.

What about Ronaldinho?

“It is easy to speak from afar. I won’t do that. If anything is happening, I don’t know what it is. All I know is that since he arrived he has always maintained a very high level, and that’s not easy. I don’t know the details of his life, or what he does in training. He sets standards and it is only logical that his level sometimes drops. But he still makes a big difference and will continue to make one.”

On Saturday at the Camp Nou, will Recre play it tight or will they match Barça man to man?

“Due to our obligations and our place in the table, we need points. We can’t forget our style but in much of the game we will need to adapt things to Barça. We have certain variables in our favour, but there is no way we can lose our style.”

The first third of the league is almost over. What do you think of what’s going on at the top of the table?

“I’d say Real Madrid is the team that has surprised me most. For one specific reason. They are not very balanced in defence, they are missing a lot at the back, but they still win games and don’t let in many goals. They are having difficulties, their football isn’t that nice, but they are top. Barça, once they can get their away form sorted, are a serious candidate for the title, no doubt, while Villarreal are currently the surprise package of the season. They have matured interestingly. They’re doing well. And I’ll end with Atlético Madrid, who I think have matured a lot and this year could finally be among the leaders and get their chance.”

And Recreativo?

“We have to fight very hard with eight, I reckon, maybe nine, teams to achieve our target, which is staying up. It would be the first time Recreativo has stayed up for two consecutive seasons, and we are really keen to make that happen.”

How do you like it in Huelva?

“I have been pleasantly surprised. Huelva was not on my football map until last year. I never imagined I’d be managing Recreativo. I have met some lovely football minded people, and Recre means a lot to the city. Life in Huelva is very different; the people have a different lifestyle. It is not like the Andalusia you find in Seville, for example.”

Finally, who have you noticed between the start of the season and now?

“Well, at Barça, no doubt, Bojan Krkic. He is different, exciting, so much mobility, speed and skill in one player is extraordinary. Iniesta’s maturity is also very good. Outside of Barça, I’d pick Valencia’s Silva”.

 
Eight first team players and five from the reserves trained today at La Masia.
Valdés, Jorquera, Gudjohnsen, Márquez, Oleguer, Bojan, Sylvinho and Ezquerro were the first team players that started training at 5.30.

But they were joined in their efforts by five regular members of the B team in Marc Crosas, Jeffren, Espasandín, Fali and Toribio.

Ezquerro starts alone

Santi Ezquerro started the first part of the session on his own, but joined the others for the remainder. This was the same situation as for the Monday session.

Goalkeepers with Unzúe

While the outfield players tackled circuits and skills work, keepers Jorquera and Valdés worked under the orders of Juan Carlos Unzué, who had earlier been saving shots fired by Eto'o.

It was also nice to see Víctor Valdés back after he missed the Monday session because he was in Malaga appearing in a charity match.

Giovani, in the Camp Nou

Mexican Giovani dos Santos, after training alone in the morning at La Masia, continued his work after lunch in the Camp Nou. Gio worked with a fitness trainer on short shots on goal, ball control and support, working at a similar rate to in the morning.

Before going onto the Camp Nou turf, the Mexican had also worked out in the gym along with Portuguese international Deco.

 
Samuel Eto'o trained on Tuesday evening at La Masia as his recovery from injury continues to develop positively. The Cameroonian worked out alone at the same time as the training session involving the rest of the squad.
At 17.00, Samuel Eto'o emerged at La Masía, where he worked in isolation from the rest of the group. He arrived half an hour before everybody else as he continues concentrating on recovery from the injury he picked up in the Gamper Trophy match against Inter Milan, a partial breakage of a tendon in his right leg.

Intense programme

Eto’o has been working at a far more intense rate for the last two weeks, and it was nice to see him getting to touch the ball this evening. He tackled a very complete series of exercises that included a circuit involving ball control and shots on goal.

Shots on goal

He then continued working on his shooting skills, latching onto the end of crosses supplied by one of the fitness coaches. Juan Carlos Unzué took the goalkeeper’s role. Eto'o visibly seemed to be enjoying himself and made several jokes as the session progressed, which ended with a series of sprints and jogging.

 
Giovani Dos Santos is pleased with the progress that he is making as he battles to shake off an injury that he suffered in the Copa del Rey encounter with Alcoyano last week.
The Mexican youngster stated: "I am working to be 100 per cent fit after the injury. I have never had an ankle injury before. It still hurts, but as I have said, I intend to be fine by Thursday when everyone will be back so that the whole squad can train together. Then I will see if I can be available for the game on Saturday."

Added motivation

Reflecting on the current topic of debate, Barça's away form, Dos Santos said: "I think the opposition plays at the best that they can against us and give 200 per cent. We have to change our rhythm and the dynamics of the when we are not at home in order to move up the table and to stop everyone talking about this."

When asked about whether he could be set to join the Mexican squad for a pre-Olympic games tournament in February, Dos Santos explained: "This will be resolved by the country's federation and my club. I cannot say anything."

Eto’o coming back

Dos Santos believes that Samuel Eto'o is close to a return to action as he explained. "I think he is improving every day and I am pleased for him. I think that he will be back playing for us very soon."

On the matter of the responsibility placed on his and Bojan Krkic's shoulders, Dos Santos declared "that we are in the squad and just normal players like everyone else. If we are called on to play, we shall."

 
Deco, who is nearing the end of his recovery from injury, has joined the call to improve the team’s results away from home. He told us: “We have to be aware that if we want to win the league we have to pick up points away from home”.
Deco has missed the last seven matches due to a muscle problem in his left leg that he picked up on 20th October, just when he was playing some of his best football of the season. Since then he’s been training hard to get back to full fitness. In an interview with Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.com he reveals his progress and discusses the current situation of the team.

How’s the injury?

"I’m in the training phase with the fitness coach. I’m doing some gym work and some field work. I’m at the end of the recovery process".

It’s almost a month since you got injured in Villarreal. Were you in your best form since you joined Barça?

"The truth is I’d had a good preseason. I was playing well and I was feeling fit. Now I need to recover and try and reach a good level".

Do you think it’s going to be difficult to regain that level or is it the kind of injury that is easily overcome?

"It’s not a simple injury but we’re working well to recover and not have any more problems. Then it’ll be necessary to train hard to get fit again".

At times like these does your character change or does your experience tell you how to behave in these cases?

"No matter how much experience I’ve got and although I know how things are, one’s hopes are always complicated. When you’re competing, when there are matches, when there are other players in the team that are injured, it’s always complicated. All that experience gives you is a little more patience. But footballers always want to play".

I suppose you miss the training sessions but do you feel even more frustrated when it’s a matchday and you want to be out there on the pitch?

"Matchdays are when you suffer most because you feel you can’t do anything".

What are you like when you watch a match on the TV?

"Like most people I say my opinions. When I see the match in Brazil, I can express myself a little more because I’m at home but when I’m in the stadium it’s more complicated. I’m relaxed when we win but I get nervous when we lose".

How has the team looked to you over the last month?

"Our big problem is away matches. We have to realise that teams play another way. They’re more aggressive and don’t respect you so much. On the other hand, when they come to the Camp Nou they’re not like that. When they play at home they’re not afraid to attack, they’re more comfortable and so we have to be much more prepared for these matches".

What has to be done to impose this respect away from home?

"You need to work harder than them. We have to be mentally prepared in order to know what we will find".

Normally, when things don’t work, the players that aren’t available are the best. There are even some people that are saying that the team lacks aggression without Deco and Eto'o. Is that the way you see it?

"When the team loses, you always look for answers. People talk about the important players and about those who are missing. It’s normal but I don’t think it should be that way. We have a great squad and great players. I’ve always said that I miss the injured players because it leaves the coach with fewer options. But I don’t think the problem lies here. We have very good people".

Are you surprised that Rijkaard has been criticised and that the media are focussing on him?

"I believe it’s a problem but it’s normal in today’s football, because of the size of the Club and the intensity surrounding it. When we have two or three good performances, people speak well of us – sometimes too much – and when we lose it’s a crisis and the coach and some of the players are criticised. We don’t experience it that way because it would be very complicated. We know what we’re looking for and we’re trying to work on it. But criticism is normal and above all, when the coach has been here for so long".

One of the victims of this exaggeration, both positive and negative, is Ronaldinho. He scores two goals at home and it seems that he’s as good as new but the following day they lose away to Getafe and he has to sit on the subs’ bench. Can a player isolate himself from this atmosphere?

"It’s difficult. But on a personal level I can tell you that I don’t experience it this way. We know that the press does this. One day you’re number one and the next you’re in poor form. That’s the way it is but we have to get used to it".

You use far fewer clichés than most players and you like to talk about football. Don’t you find that people increasingly talk about what surrounds football and that there’s less analysis of the game itself?

"I’m a professional footballer not a journalist. The truth is that nowadays a lot of programmes are made where they discuss football, but they don’t really talk about football – the goals, the moves, the players. There are topics I don’t know why they are discussed or what’s interesting about them".

Do the think the team can repeat the successes of two years ago?

"We’re fine at home but we have to change a few things away from home. We have to be aware that if we want to win the league we have to pick up points away from home".

 
This Monday, Bojan Krkic received the Gillette Future Champion 2007 prize, awarded to the best young Spanish sports personality of the year.
Bojan fought off stiff competition from DKV Joventut Badalona basketball star, Ricky Rubio, under-23 1,500 metres champion Álvaro Rodríguez and gymnast Sergio Muñoz.

Internet vote

Bojan – who was put forward by the Spanish FA - received the award this Monday in Madrid. The young Barça striker was chosen by an internet vote organised by the Gillette Fusion website.

Constant evolution

This is Bojan’s first official recognition since he joined the senior squad. He made his first team debut on 24th April 2007 in a friendly in Egypt against el Al-Ahly, scoring the second goal. On 20th October he became the youngest Barça player to score in a league match when he netted against Villarreal in the Camp Nou.

 
Bojan and Márquez returned to training on Monday afternoon but the squad is still without the majority of the international players.
Bojan Krkic, who on Friday scored the third goal in the Spain under-21 win against Poland under-21, rejoined his club team-mates for training on Monday. Those Barça players that have not been called away on international duty were back at work on Monday after enjoying a free weekend.

Rafa Márquez, who had been absent from training since Wednesday with the permission of the Club, also resumed training on Monday.

Giovani 100%

More good news for Barça fans was the return to full training of young Mexican striker Giovani dos Santos after recovering from a twisted ankle.

Meanwhile, José Edmílson (groin) exercised apart from the main group as part of his individual recovery plan. He did a number of circuits with and without the ball, focussing on speed and reactions. Another player nearing the end of his injury layoff, Deco, worked out in the gym and then did some jogging on the training grounds.

Circuits for the others

The remaining members of the squad present at today’s session - Sylvinho, Oleguer, Jorquera, Gudjohnsen and Ezquerro – did a number of fitness circuits followed by ball control exercises.

 
Oleguer Presas accepts that certain things are still missing before the team can reach a certain level, but does not believe it is fair to compare the current Barça to that of seasons gone by.
Oleguer Presas has spoken clearly and concisely to the media without wishing to create controversy.

The present is what counts

It is two years since the day when Barça won at the Bernabeu and the Madrid supporters applauded their football, and Oleguer described that moment as “a nice memory” but added that “we can’t live on memories, we have to live for the present and the future. Things have changed since that day, some for better others for worse.”

Not disappointed

Oleguer does not feel that he was made the scapegoat of the shock loss in Villarreal. The former Gramenet star said “we have to be aware that we have a great squad, I have to keep working to get a first team place, I am not disappointed”.

Details to improve

“It is not a matter of a lack of mentality, we are missing a bit of everything in away games, a bit more aggression, mentality, football” said Oleguer when asked about the team’s poor form on the road.

Away supporters

Although due to his strongly pro-Catalan political views he tends to bear the brunt of the away fans’ ire, Oleguer does not allow this to bother him. “I only care about Rijkaard’s opinion and that of the coaching staff and I don’t think non-sporting issues should influence things” he explained.

 
Next Saturday November 24, Barça entertain Víctor Muñoz’s Recreativo Huelva in round thirteen of La Liga. It will be the first action at the Camp Nou for over two weeks.
The team won’t have too much time to get ready for it though. Thirteen players are away on international duty competing for places at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, while others, like Touré, have friendly internationals.

Frank Rijkaard gave all the players that have stayed behind in Barcelona the weekend off, and work resumes tomorrow Monday at La Masia.

There will be a further session, also in the early evening at the same venue on Tuesday.

On Wednesday November 21, training will be held in the Ciudad Deportiva at Sant Joan Despí.

On Thursday most of the internationals should be back in town, and there will be another late session at La Masia, starting at 18.00.

On Friday, as usual before official matches, the full squad will train behind closed doors at 10.30 in the morning in the Camp Nou itself.

 
FC Barcelona technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, analyses the first team’s situation. He wants to see the defence get its intensity back, is in favour of solidarity between players and wants to see the ball moving around as easily as it used to.
Begiristain believes the coaching staff know exactly where things need to be improved in the team but that a lot depends on getting Eto'o, Deco and Edmílson fit again, as competition for places in the starting line up is an important factor.

We have a weekend without league football. Is it nice to get a break to analyse how things are standing?

"Yes, to see where we are coming from, where we are, and where we want to go. In that sense, we’re relaxed because we think we know what’s happening and also how to solve things."

Where have we come from?

"We have come from many good years, of good football and creating a style. We have come from good football, which has also been team football, and not just a question of one or two players but basically, a collective affair."

The team is progressing without too many problems in Europe. And the next round of the Cup is sorted. Is the only problem in the league?

"More than speaking about one competition we have to look at the way the team is playing. You can’t separate one competition from another. The feelings we get are the same, although the results have been better away from the league. We have suffered more away from home, in part because the level of the Spanish league is stronger that which we got in the Cup and what we have had in the Champions League, with Stuttgart coming with problems, and also Olympique Lyon came with problems. What changes are the opponents. With the teams we have met in the first division we have found that there are things missing that create imbalance in the team. That is what we have to solve."

Txiki Begiristain still finds it strange that a week after the praise received for beating Betis and Glasgow at home, we suddenly lose at Getafe and the defeat seems so much bigger and important. Are these sudden changes part of Barça? Shouldn’t they be avoided?

"The thing is these changes don’t come from within. The analysis we make ourselves is not the same as the one they make outside. Ours is colder. We are aware that, although at home the team has got good results, there are defects in the team. We have noticed these defects, even when the team plays well. That is why after a game the sensations are strange and bad, like in the game with Getafe, which is precisely about getting serious, because we have to immediately get back to playing the kind of football we have been able to play in recent years."

From within you are never as euphoric or pessimistic as they are outside.

"If we look at the specific case of two weeks ago, Barça was on the covers under headlines like “trio of aces”, “what a trio”, “how amazing”, “this is solved…” but we were aware that they weren’t, that Barça’s football was not as fluid as we wanted, that the ball wasn’t moving as fast as it did before. So our end analysis is based on work and improving what Rijkaard has already noted. It’s clear that there is a lack of mobility and another thing to improve is our work rate. And, to be more specific, defensive intensity."

Should we talk of a crisis?

"I think that would be absolutely over the top. We have time to correct everything. The thing is that to be able to correct things, we really need the full squad. In other words, the best way to solve this problem is through competition, because competition has to be generated from within. And it can only be generated from within if the full squad is at the manager’s disposition."

Are the returns of Deco, Edmílson and Eto'o basic for setting things straight?

"It is very important for them to come back. I am not speaking about them as individuals, but the fact that the coach will be able to field the strongest team possible, the players that are most on form and that meet the minimum demands required of a Barça player, who feels the thrill of playing football our way. That means movements, profundity, mobility, work, the fact that if you lose the ball you have to get back into position. There is a series of things they have to give. The manager will decide who plays based on who can meet these demands and who can do it with the most quality."

In the league, Barça have not lost at home since February 5, 2006. Does that superiority mean visiting teams assume that they are weaker?

"Not weaker, but more defensive, taking fewer risks and with defenders that don’t move up like they otherwise would. That makes it easier for us. And there is also the advantage that in the Camp Nou there is more space and our fans also help."

Is the Camp Nou crowd demanding enough of the team? Should Barça fans only applaud when they are enjoying things?

"All we can ask of the fans is that they come to the stadium, and they do. Whether they enjoy themselves or not is up to us. We have to make sure the games are enjoyable, that there is a show, but without losing the balance of our game, because neither do we want to make them suffer. All of that is what we have to do. We want the crowd to cheer because they want to, and enjoy watching us play and then go home happy because they have seen Barça play a great game."

The praise in summer, in the pre-season, did all that damage a team that, after last season, had said they would work well on the basis of self-demands and self-criticism?

"No. In the pre-season we played no big teams, which is how we wanted it. The results were good and the football was what we had hoped for. But then in September, the competitive games were another thing and with that came problems. Problems, but not to pick the team, because we have always had enough players, but problems getting the team as a whole to play well. We didn’t have problems with injuries in the summer, and now we do."

There has been talk these days of new managers, changes in all areas, signings and reinforcements. Do these lists suggest trouble at a club that needs quiet or is there some truth in them?

"You earn your own peace, you earn it by performing well. I won’t give any names. It is clear that, as a club, we constantly work with players, but given the circumstances we shouldn’t need to think about the winter transfer window. We do know that we could be missing Eto'o and Touré for a month and ten days, but we’re happy with the squad. We don’t think there is any need to do anything with the squad, and we have a series of injured players that are recovering. We are even more relaxed when it comes to coaches, because they have won our confidence and every day I am lucky enough to get to talk to them. I know what they think and I agree with them totally. But of course, to do what they want, we do need to have our full squad available."

The word ‘solidarity’ is very much in vogue since the captain Carles Puyol spoke the other day. The technical secretary also spoke on the subject. Is part of the solution to the current problem being strong in defence of what that word represents?

"Absolutely. It’s basic. We also have to speak about our collective spirit. We can’t forget that this is a team game. It’s a cliché but football is a group game and you need companionship. That collective spirit is what we need to get back, especially when looking at our balance when we lose the ball."

When you were a Barça player there was that famous phrase ‘sacred cows’. Are they a good thing? Should everybody work as hard as each other? Is football different today?

"‘Sacred cows’ is still a term you can apply. Not only during the week, but on match days too. Obviously, when in a tight patch, there are players that make the difference. The other players seek them out. What their faces are saying is: “Please, get me out of here, you have the capacity, the experience, the leadership. With all the qualities you have, you have to try to find a solution to this problem”. These things happen in a game and when the results aren’t what you expected, the team needs something to cling to and star players are the ones who have to assume that responsibility."

The next away games are in Lyon, in Europe, and Valencia and Espanyol in the league. Last season you lost at Mestalla and Montjuïc. Will this year’s games be a good chance to see what this team can really do or don’t you believe in exams and all or nothing situations?

"I am more in favour of getting back the feelings we have lost a bit, and we have to feel them again, more than then results of matches. In the Cup, in Alcoi, we got back our balance, getting the lines straight, working in defence, being intense in defence. That is what I want to see, whatever the game."

But although it was a division 2B side, FC Barcelona have often struggled in games like that. Do you think the game produced a positive response?

"Yes, yes. I mean the little things that happened in the game. If this is consolidated, I’m not scared of going to Montjuïc, I’m not scared of going to Valencia, I’m not scared of Madrid coming. If there is mobility and intensity, and the ball moves faster, if I see that, I will feel relaxed, because then we can go to any ground and win, and win at home to. But there will always be games where things don’t come off so well, but we need the tranquilly of knowing that we have the quality to bounce back and win the game after."

One last thing: will Barça’s Christmas be a happy one? Three days before we have the game with Madrid...

"I have every hope and confidence that it’ll go very well, because the team is very complete, the managers are focused on their jobs and as we are getting our competitiveness back I think we will also start getting the right results, good football and the people will be happy and proud of a spectacular Barça, but also one that works hard, that suffers, and that can suffer against a strong opponent."

 
Edmílson is in the final stages of his recovery programme and joined Joan Laporta at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Manresa supporters club. He is convinced that the team will have to solve the problems it is going through "from within".
Midfielder José Edmílson has said that he is keen to get back to helping the first team and doing so without injury concerns, as he has been playing with pain since the end of last season.

“I am very happy because I thought my recovery was going to be longer and more difficult. I am glad that I can train without problems. No date has been set but I think I will be able to rejoin the group in thee or four weeks time. But we will have to wait and see because this is a long process” said Edmílson in Manresa.

Everybody is worried

“I think everybody is worried, that’s normal. A team as good as ours should not be playing so badly away from home”, said a very sincere Edmílson. He is convinced the team will get over its woes because “we are a winning group and we all want to make history”.

As Sylvinho has already said this week, Edmílson believes the group needs to find the solution ‘from within’ because “people outside don’t know what’s happening. We have to find the key, a tactical system, a way of playing … there are competent trainers and people among the squad who are able to work out what has happened to us. After this break, we have to be strong and the first away game will be in Lyon” reasoned Edmílson.

 
Portuguese star Deco trained on the Camp Nou turf this afternoon as he continues his recovery from an abductor injury in his left leg.
Deco braved the Barcelona cold to work out in the company of one of the club’s fitness trainers. The player was injured against Villarreal on October 20 and is coping perfectly with his recovery programme.

He began his rehabilitation in Brazil and has spent the last few days continuing that treatment back in Barcelona. There are still a few weeks left before coach Frank Rijkaard will be able to pick the player for his side. Although most of the players have been given the weekend off, for Deco this weekend involves work as usual.

 
With the bulk of the squad now away on international duty, only seven players were present for today’s training session, in which most of the work was of a specific nature.
Sylvinho, Gudjohnsen, Valdés, Jorquera, Oleguer, Ezquerro and Edmílson were the only players present for training at la Masia, the Camp Nou or in the gym. It was the last session of the week, because Frank Rijkaard has opted to give his squad the weekend off. Both Deco and Giovani Dos Santos reported to the club for treatment of their respective injuries.

Personal exercises

Sylvinho, Gudjohnsen, Jorquera and Valdés trained with the coaches at La Masia, although most of what they did was individually programmed on the basis of their different positions.

Like on Thursday, Víctor Valdés and Albert Jorquera worked hard with goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué. Sylvinho and Gudjohnsen, who had stayed in the gym on Thursday, warmed up before tackling a circuit designed by the fitness specialists.

They then moved onto more specific circuits, with Sylvinho working on the left and Gudjohnsen going down the middle, with each circuit ending with a shot on goal.

Shooting practice

The coaching staff joined the players for the next exercise, which was basically shooting practice, with Víctor Valdés and Albert Jorquera doing nets.

Oleguer and Ezquerro in the gym

Oleguer Presas and Santi Ezquerro, who worked out at la Masia on Thursday, decided that today they would prefer to tone their muscles in the gym.

 
There are two international match days this week and 13 Barcelona players are involved in some crucial encounters. 7 of the players have places at Euro 2008 to fight for.
For Henry, Abidal, Thuram, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol and Zambrotta the hour of reckoning has arrived. France, Spain and Italy have to fight for their places at Euro 1008 on November 17 and 21. The tournament proper starts in Switzerland and Austria on June 7.

‘Les bleus’ in pole position

The French side may even qualify before they have to play. Henry, Thuram and Abidal will be through if Italy can win away to Scotland on Saturday. France have a friendly at Saint Denis against Morocco on Friday and then travel to the Ukraine on Wednesday, although there is a chance that the game will be a mere formality.

Spain almost there

Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta have their decisive match at 22.00 on Saturday night at the Santiago Bernabéu against Sweden. The side coached by Luis Aragonés has three Barça players in it, and only needs one point from the game with the Scandinavian outfit. Even if they slip up, they have a game against Northern Ireland on the 21st where they will have a second chance to assure qualification.

Bojan is also in action with the Under 21 side that faces Poland on Friday at 20.00. This is also a European qualifier and is being played in Ponferrada.

Zambrotta gunning for glory

As well as the crunch game with Scotland in Glasgow, Zambrotta’s Italy also has a Wednesday fixture with the Faeroe Islands. The world champions need to win both games to be sure of making the finals.

Nothing to play for

The other Barça players are involved in games where there is little at stake. Touré will be playing for the Ivory Coast on Saturday in a friendly with Angola, in the town of Melun, 60 kilometres outside of Paris. They will then fly out to face the Qatari national side. Gudjohnsen’s Iceland play Denmark on Wednesday, but they have no hope of qualifying.

World Cup for the Americans

Milito, Messi and Ronaldinho have 2010 World Cup finals places to play for. Argentina play Bolivia on the 17th in Buenos Aires and Colombia on the 20th in Bogotá. Meanwhile, Brazil take on Peru in Lima on the 18th and then Uruguay on the 21st in Sao Paulo.

 
Goalkeepers Valdés and Jorquera had a special and very intensive training session on Thursday morning.
Víctor Valdés and Albert Jorquera appeared on the training grounds at 10.30 am and were put through their paces by goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué, who told us that the international break was the ideal opportunity to do some specialised training: “It gives you the chance to do some fitness work and combine it with goalkeeping skills. We corrected a number of movements in order to improve them”.

The absence of so many players due to the international break means that this week’s training sessions have been sparsely attended but Juan Carlos Unzué still sees the positive aspect: “It gives us the chance to work on certain aspects without the fear factor imposed by the match”.

Oleguer and Ezquerro

Oleguer (who worked out in the gym on Wednesday) and Ezquerro were also present at the training grounds exercising with one of the senior squad fitness coaches. Meanwhile, Sylvinho, Gudjohnsen and Touré did some muscle toning exercises in the gym. After this, Sylvinho and Gudjohnsen practised shooting on the Camp Nou pitch.

Edmílson exercises with the ball

José Edmílson was also on hand to continue his recovery from injury. He did a number of circuits with the ball finishing up with a shot on goal.

 
On Thursday, Samuel Eto’o joined up with the rest of his Cameroon international team-mates at a training camp in Germany organised by new coach Otto Pfister.
Apart from the Barça players that have international matches, Samuel Eto’o has also joined his Cameroon team-mates at a training camp organised by coach Otto Pfister in Herzogenaurach.

Eto’o will continue with his personal recovery programme while in Germany and will return to Barcelona on Sunday 19th.

Thursday morning in Camp Nou

On Thursday morning, before leaving for Germany, Eto’o reported to the Camp Nou for an individual training session with the senior squad fitness coaches.

 
Following on from the match against Getafe, managed by Michael Laudrup, FC Barcelona will come up against another four First Division sides managed by former Barça stars.
All of them played for Barça in the 80s or the 90s and have now established themselves as respected managers.

First season in Spain

Michael Laudrup and Ronald Koeman are in their first season as managers in La Liga. As players, Laudrup and Koeman were key elements in Johan Cruyff’s Dream team. They went on to start successful managerial careers back in their own countries, Laudrup with Brondby in Denmark and Koeman with Ajax in Holland.

Koeman also managed Benfica in Portugal before returning to Holland to guide PSV to the Dutch league title. He recently took over at Valencia in place of the sacked Quique Sánchez Flores. Laudrup spent five seasons with Barça (1989-1994) while Koeman remained for a further season (1989-1995).

Laudrup and Koeman are both assisted by former Barça players - Luis Milla in Getafe and José Mari Bakero in Valencia.

Experienced coaches

Unlike the others, Víctor Muñoz and Bernd Schuster did not spend their Barça playing careers under Johan Cruyff. Both of them left the Club before the arrival of the Dutch manager.

Víctor, 50, has managed eight sides including Mallorca, Lleida, Villarreal, Zaragoza and Panathinaikos (Greece) and has been in permanent employment since he retired as a player in 1995. For seven years (1981-1988) Víctor Muñoz was one of the stars of the Barça side that won a league title and was runner-up in the European Cup.

Schuster was a Barça contemporary of Víctor Muñoz (1980-1988) before playing for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. He began his managerial career in Germany in 1997, taking charge of Fortuna and Cologne. He then took over at Jerez in the Spanish Second Division before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine. He subsequently returned to Spain to manage Levante, Getafe and finally Real Madrid.

Ernesto Valverde

Ernesto Valverde has been a manager for ten years and has had a rather more stable career than the others. He spent six years working with the youth teams of Athletic Club Bilbao before taking over the senior squad in 2003. Last season he returned to Barcelona to take charge of Espanyol. As a player, Valverde spent two years at Barça (1988-1990), the first two years of Cruyff’s managerial spell.

 
Sylvinho admitted on Thursday that the players have to improve, especially in away matches. However, he assured reporters that the squad is committed to “dialogue and work”.
Sylvinho is convinced the squad has the capacity to improve and stressed that all the players are working to this end: “All of us are working to improve the results. We’re finding it harder away from home. We’re looking for solutions and it’s not always easy. It’s obvious that we have to improve and I know we can. We want to get these points away from home – they’re important for our objectives”.

“I can’t see an attitude problem”

However, Sylvinho strenuously denied that the players have an attitude problem and insisted that the unity amongst the players was essential: “I haven’t seen an attitude problem at any time. We’re playing a lot of matches, a lot of minutes, and the different competitions are merging into each other. In terms of attitude, I see that the players are doing everything they can”.

Competition for places

He was asked if results might improve if some of the regulars in the starting line-up were given a taste of the subs bench: “It’s difficult for players to get involved in that question. As a professional, I want to play. So do my team-mates. What we want is to improve and gain the confidence of the coach”.

“Ronaldinho is a key player”

Sylvinho was also asked to comment on his fellow countryman Ronaldinho: “Ronaldinho is used to playing under pressure. His life has always been like that, not only at Barça but also in Brazil. He’s a key player and carries a great weight on his shoulders and he copes with it very well”.

 
Giovani Dos Santos is expected to return to training next week with the squad after suffering a slight sprain to his left ankle on the Copa del Rey game against Alcoyano on Tuesday evening.
Tests revealed on Wednesday morning that the Mexican youngster suffered a blow to the external lateral ligament, but there was no damage to the bone itself. That is good news for the player and coach Frank Rijkaard as the forward will now be able to recover over the next few days before returning to training in preparation for the visit of Recre in ten days.

Dos Santos was stretchered off in the 69th minute of the cup encounter with Alcoyano after a particularly hefty challenge from the home team's Manuel Carrión, a tackle which sparked the wrath of Rijkaard at the final whistle.

 
Only four members of the FC Barcelona first team were available for training on Wednesday morning as the majority of the Blaugrana squad have left to join their national teams.
Following the game against Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey, Barça do not have another outing for ten days when Recreativo de Huelva are due to visit Camp Nou. The league programme has been stopped for the final time this year to accommodate the last round of qualifiers for Euro 2008. While many players have gone to play for their countries, some of Frank Rijkaard's squad have been permission to travel to be with their families during the same period. After Lionel Messi, Gaby Milito and Ronaldinho left on Saturday, eight more players have now gone.

Thierry Henry, Éric Abidal and Lilian Thuram have joined up with France, Gianluca Zambrotta is with the Italian squad, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta are with Spain and Bojan Krkic has gone to the Spain Under-21 set-up.

A light session

The exodus has meant that the Blaugrana had only four players able to report for training on Wednesday morning as Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera, Sylvinho and Eidur Gudjohnsen took to the pitch in front of La Masia. While Valdés was on the bench, the other three all appeared in the game against Alcoyano the night before and only underwent a light session that was watched by Johan Neeskens and Juan Carlos Unzué.

Ezquerro works alone

Santi Ezquerro trained alone in Camp Nou as he continues to recover from a groin injury, while Touré Yaya and Oleguer Presas were not present either as they preferred to stay and work in the gymnasium.

Another absentee was Giovani Dos Santos after the young Mexican suffered an ankle injury during the cup game. After being stretchered off in obvious pain, it has since been revealed that he will be back in training next week.

 
Albert Jorquera was pleased to play again as he appeared in the Copa del Rey encounter with Alcoyano and was impressed with Barça's performance in the victory over the third tier side.
After making his first appearance of the campaign, the goalkeeper said. "The feeling was very good, the team was focussed and had a lot of tension. We controlled the game and I felt very comfortable." After recent criticism of the Blaugrana's away form, Jorquera thought that the players raised their game and shook off the problems. "The attitude was outstanding and we played the game with a real intensity," he said.

Tough opponents

After winning by three goals, Jorquera stated that Barça had thoroughly deserved to win by such a margin. "We played very well against a team that appeared easy to beat, but were not," he continued, before reflecting on Alcoyano's two red cards. "They used their strengths and when they found it hard to maintain our forwards, they did whatever they could