Jeffren Promoted to First team
Barca wins Europeon Supercup
FC Barcelona won their 3rd European Super Cup after a goalless draw match won only in the extra time with a sole goal by Barca youth player Pedro Rodriguez.
Shakhtar players defended well an entire match and earned their team an extra time. With 5 minutes left to go Man of the Match Lionel Messi played a nice action with Pedro on the left side and the youngster scored a winning goal which proved to be decisive for taking the cup.
After winning the Spanish Super Cup last weekend, European Super Cup is the second title for FC Barcelona this season and 5th trophy this year.
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Mata still waiting for Barca offer
Although Barcelona will almost certainly not sign any more players if the transfer of Shakhtar centre-back Chygrynskiy would be finalized this weekend, strengthening the left wing has been a priority for the club over the past months and a transfer is still not totally excluded.
After the failed attempts to sign Bayern Munich attacker Ribéry, Mata would have become the first option for the left wing. Barcelona reportedly still has to decide if they will try to close another transfer operation this summer, but if they do, they will probably go for Mata, although nothing indicates that Valencia would this time be willing to sell the player.
Monaco intersted in Gudjohnsen
Monaco officials would have sounded out Barcelona about the chances of signing Gudjohnsen on loan and although the talks between the two clubs are reportedly still ongoing, the operation wouldn't be easy because of financial reasons.
French sports paper L'Equipe confirms, based upon a Catalan source, that Monaco is interested in Gudjohnsen and that the Monegasque club would plan to make progress in the margin of the European Super Cup that will be played this evening. Gudjohnsen would be willing to move to Monaco.
Chygrynskiy will be official on Saturday
The reason for the delay is that Shakhtar Donetsk president Rinat Akhmetov does not want to make anything official before the European Super Cup against Barca Friday in Monaco.
Akhmetov would also like Chygrynskiy, a member of the Ukrainian national team, to appear at the opening of the Donbass Arena, Shakhtar's new stadium, on Saturday.
After these events, Chygrynskiy will be allowed to join Barca on a 25 million euro transfer. Sport reports that this number was reached after Barca had offered to pay 3 million euros for a 1-year loan with a 22 million euro purchase option. Akhmetov countered with the 25 million offer all-inclusive, and Barca accepted.
Winning six trophies is easy
Customer 1You think Barça is capable of winning the "sextet"?
Customer 2
I think it's easier to win the six titles than to sign that Chygrynskiy guy.
Barca close to Chygrynskiy
Catalan newspaper “Sport” claims that FC Barcelona are close to signing Shakhtar`s defender and Ukraine international Dmytro Chygrynskiy. According to the the source the deal could be closed in next few days, for a fee close to 25 million euros.
Reportedly, FC Barcelona coach, brushed off critics who pointed out that Chygrynskiy won`t be able to play in this season`s Champions League, reasoning that the team has a busy schedule with close to 50 games, not counting the Champions League.
“Sport” also added that should Shaktar and Barcelona reach an agreement, Chygrynskiy would have to agree to a lower salary to compensate the Shaktars`s high asking price.
Sylvinho sign for ManC
Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo meanwhile claims that Sylvinho and Manchester City have already reached an agreement. The Brazilian left back would have signed yesterday a one-year contract with the English Premier League club.
Manchester City officials reportedly contacted Ramon Sostres, the player's agent, last Wednesday when the club was in Barcelona to play the Joan Gamper Trophy game. On Thursday, the main conditions of the contract would have been agreed upon and both Sylvinho and his agent would have travelled yesterday to Manchester to close the operation.
Alves will play first league game
"I don't see any problem there. Leo will leave before the game and I will leave after the game. For Argentina, Messi is a key player. When he's not there, that has a great influence. My case isn't the same at the Brazilian national team. I'm not a fixed starter, I'm just one of the guys. I wouldn't make a big deal of this."
Iniesta contract renewal close
Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would therefore yesterday afternoon have met with the player's agent Ramon Sostres.
The club wants to close a deal as soon as possible and after this first meeting things would look good and an agreement could be found quickly. Barcelona has offered the player a pay rise, which will make Iniesta earn a similar salary as Barcelona player Xavi, and an extension of his contract with one more year, until 2015.
Guardiola says Barca still lack few players
FC Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, repeated today that his team still lacks few players but also accepted that he will promote few youngsters from Barca Athletic if the club fails to bring new players.
The coach also added that he won`t use any excuses for the the next season even if there`ll be no more signings. “While I still think that we miss one or two players, whatever happens, like last season, there`ll be no excuses. We could use a bigger squad. I know it, Txiki knows it, Tito (assistant coach), the president and all the whole world know it. If it`s possible we`ll welcome new players, and if not, we`ll continue with what we have”.
Decisive day for Eboue transfer
If the Ivorian player takes part in tonight's Champions League qualifying game against Celtic Glasgow, Eboué won't be able to take part in this season's Champions League with Barcelona.
Since Eboué will also be away for the Africa Cup in the months of January and February at the beginning of next year, his transfer would in that case be totally excluded.
Barca intrested in Riera
Riera would be the last name that has been added to the list of targets for the last weeks of the summer transfer window.
Bilbao – Barcelona: 1-2
FC Barcelona took a significant step towards lifting their first title of the season by beating Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
From the very start Blaugrana displayed an attacking football and playing thier usual possession game and retrieving the ball quickly. Bojan marked the first big chance for the Catalans with hitting the post from a long range shot and few minutes later Xavi had a clear shot but sent the ball over the goal.
Despite having more chances than the hosts, FC Barcelona fell behind after a mistake in midfield which led to an opening goal of the match scored by Marcos.
In the second half Barca continued to play patiently by slowly building up the pressure. In 58 minute Pedro cut the Bilbao defense on the right flank and made a perfect assist for Xavi who made an accurate shot this time and leveled the score. Ten minutes later Pedro won Barca the match with a powerful shot from outside of area which curled away from Gorka’s despairing dive.
ATHLETIC BILBAO : Gorka; Iraola, Ustaritz, Ocio, Koikili; Susaeta, Orbaiz, Gurpegui, Gabilondo (Castillo, min.67); De Marcos (Toquero, min.60), Llorente (Etxeberria, min.74).
BARCELONA: Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal; Touré, Xavi (Busquets, min,81), Keita; Pedro, Bojan, Henry (Jeffren, min.74).
GOALS: 1-0, min.44: De Marcos. 1-1, min.59: Xavi. 1-2, min.68: Pedro
Barcelona could sign Filipe for free
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona is again looking at the option of signing Deportivo La Coruña left back defender Filipe Luis (23) . FIFA would yesterday have made a judgment in an old case between Filipe and Deportivo and FIFA rules would say that the Spanish club has to let the Brazilian defender leave for free to the club that asks for him.
Zaragoza interested in Henrique loan
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona central defender Henrique Adriano Buss (22) could again leave on loan this season .
Muniesa and Fontas could be promoted
Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona Atlètic centreal defenders and Spanish youth internationals Marc Muniesa (17 - picture) and Andreu Fontàs (19) could be promoted to the first team this summer.
Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola would have made clear to the club that in case it wouldn't be possible to sign Shakhtar Donetsk central defender Chygrynskiy (read more here), they shouldn't look for alternatives. Guardiola would then prefer to count next season on B-team players Muniesa and Fontàs.
Milito Finally Painfree
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that there's good news about the recovery of Barcelona central defender Gabriel Milito (28). Barcelona would have been informed that Milito hasn't felt any pain in his right knee over the last two weeks. At this moment, no one nevertheless wants to predict when Milito could return to action. Milito suffered a right knee injury on 29 April 2008 during the second game of the Champions League semi-finals against Manchester United last season. The predicted recovery time was then being estimated between six and nine months.
Messi, The Yao Ming of Barca
It's true that Ibra is a huge beast of almost two metres...
But when it comes down to the salary, I am the Yao Ming of the squad.
Madrid using dirty tricks to get Ribery
Ribéry:I fake an injury, I'm not going to training, I've stolen Van Gaal's note-book and I have thrown stink bombs in the office of Bayern's president...
What else do I have to do, don Florentino?
Positive and negative medical news for Ibra
The doctors have calmed me down
and they told me that my hand fracture is evolving positively.
What is also evolving - but negatively - is my backside,
which is becoming flatter every day because of having to sit down during all training sessions.
CR9 not worried about Ibra Transfer
Barcelona want Fabs
Catalan radio station Ona FM claims that Arsenal midfielder and Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas (22) would be one of the main transfer targets of Barcelona president Joan Laporta and a part of his board, and the club would therefore be willing to offer Arsenal a transfer fee of 30 million euro°.
Although the Catalan player would like to return to Barcelona, Arsenal reportedly isn't be willing to let Cesc go. His departure would have a serious impact on the sporting objectives of the team and after the sale of Adebayor, the English Premier League club has no financial need to sell. Only a record offer could make Arsenal accept a bid.
Why is Barcelona sad due to departure of Salgado?
Casillas:I'm happy that Eto'o has left, because he was a nightmare for me.
Henry:
We at Barça on the other hand, are totally devastated with the departure of Salgado because he was an easy victim for us.
Jorquera close to Cadiz
Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola would have talked with Jorquera at the end of last season to inform him that he wanted to work with only two goalkeepers and that the Catalan had to leave (read more here).
The player's agent Arturo Canales would since that day have listened to offers and would now be working on a deal with Spanish second divison club Cádiz. Jorquera, who reportedly didn't receive any offers from first division clubs, would have decided to accept the offer of Cádiz.
The Catalan goalkeeper would nevertheless only wanting to sign for one year, hoping that he can go to a better club next year, and under the condition that Barcelona rescinds his contract, so he can leave for free. It is believed that Barcelona will put an end to the deal with Jorquera when the team returns from the United States.
Laporta says there will be more signings.
Laporta will try to realize Pep’s wishes and bring a few more additions to the squad. Some of the negotiations are already in the process and are expected to close soon.
“There will be more reinforcements. We have full confidence in the coach and if he asks to sign more players then we will do it,” said Laporta.
Source: FCBarcelona News
Marquez out for 2 weeks
Rafa Márquez missed the match vs. Seattle Sounders due to an injury sustained yesterday morning. The Mexican defender tore his calf muscle and is expected to be sidelined for 15 days.
Rafael Marquez will thus be missing the next 3 FC Barcelona games. The last US pre-season tour match vs. Chivas, Spanish Super Cup match vs. Athletic Bilbao and finally the Gamper trophy clash against Manchester City.
Iniesta:"Barca should make a statue for Eto"
When asked about the sale of Samuel Eto’o, FC Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta moved to praise the Cameroonian in an interview for the Spanish “El Mundo Deportivo”:
“Everyone has dealt with it in his own way, we all have different relationships with each other. I can only say that it was basically something between the club and him, the players weren’t involved.
We have to remember Samuel as who he was. History tells us that there have been very few strikers like him since this club exists. I don’t even know if there has been anyone like him before, but what I do know is that Barça should make a monument for him. Samuel has been a key player in all those years he has been here, and he has been fundamental in all the trophies we have won.”
Iniesta on his way to recovery
Barcelona's official website reports that Barcelona placer Andrés Iniesta (25) has entered the final stage of his recovery.
Although the Spanish midfielder wouldn't take part in the last game of the US tour against Chivas on Saturday, it's possible that Iniesta will rejoin the rest of the squad for normal training in the coming days.
Iniesta torn a quadriceps muscle on the front of his right thigh during the league game against Villarreal on Sunday 10 May and although he played the Champions League final against Manchester United on Wednesday 27 May, he has never fully recovered from that injury. On Friday 5 June, the medical staff of the Spanish football federation confirmed that the player has torn a muscle in his thigh and he was then expected to be out for the next six to eight weeks.
Transfer Options: Mascherano, Chygrynskiy and Mata
Catalan newspaper “Sport” claims that FC Barcelona will buy 2 players from Mascherano, Chygrynskiy and Mata list.
Mascherano is still firmly on the agenda and Barca have been encouraged that Xabi Alonso has moved to Real Madrid rather than discouraged because it showed the Reds would do business at the right price.
Despite that, the Blaugrana are not willing to break the bank to land the Argentinian and hope that his desire to leave Merseyside and England could help them.
Chygrynskiy is a player who has already revealed that he would jump at the chance to join Barcelona and the fact that Shakhtar Donetsk have been eliminated from the Champions League could see a deal completed.
Mata is a more complicated objective given that Valencia are not on friendly terms with the Catalans after their pursuit of David Villa, and a straight rejection could be made. That may settle Los Che, but the fact Barca are interested has already drawn the player's attention and there have been reports that he could pay the €20million asking price himself.
Barca will return to Asia
“Now we are back in the USA because after the treble and thanks to the interest in MLS, the American market offers high expectations and we have been able to charge as much for games as we did in Asia. In the future, FC Barcelona will probably alternate their tours between America and Asia, where we will certainly will return.”
Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona wanted to return to Asia this summer and the plans for a tour would already have been concrete.
But when Barcelona received a new proposal from the organizers of the tour in the United States, who raised their bid from a fixed fee of 1,1 million dollars to a fee of 1,9 million dollars for each game, Barcelona would have decided to change the plans last minute.
Report: Seatle Sounders- Barcelona
In front of a record 66,800-plus crowd at the boisterous Qwest Field, Barcelona made light work of their hosts as they galloped to a two-goal lead at half-time thanks to a Lionel Messi double.
It was the visitors Barcelona who attacked at first. Sounders had first attack after 3 minutes at a counter attack. Ljungberg almost gave
In Second half, lots of changes were made by both coaches. Jeffren and Pedro scored on 73 and 88 minute to give Barcelona 4-0 lead.
Barcelona will wrap up their
Goals:
21 Messi 0-1
41 Messi 0-2
73 Jeffren 0-3
88 Pedro 0-4
LINE-UPS
Seattle Sounders (4-4-2): Keller (Boss, 46’) – Riley (Wahl, 60’), Marshall (Graham, 46’), Hurtado (Ianni, 46’), Leonardo Gonzalez (Brown, 46’) (Fucito, 78’) – Ljunbgerg (Scott, 46’), Osvaldo Alonso (Neagle, 46’), Evans (Vagenas, 46’), Zakuani (Sturgis, 46’) – Jaqua (Levesque, 46’), Montero (Nyassi, 46’)
Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto (Jorquera, 46’) – Dani Alves (Henrique, 46’), Puyol (Muniesa, 46’), Fontas (Pique, 46’), Abidal (Maxwell, 46’) – Xavi (Jeffren, 46’), Busquets (Keita, 46’), Victor Sanchez (Yaya, 46’) – Messi (Pedro, 46’), Krkic (Dos Santos, 46’), Henry (Gudjohnsen, 46’)
YELLOW CARDS
Barcelona: Busquets (31’)
Abidal: "There is no competition between two of us(Abidal and Maxwell)"
When asked about the transfer of Brazilian left back defender Maxwell, Barcelona player Eric Abidal has said at a press conference that this means an extra motivation for him:
“There’s no competition between the two of us. We’re here to help the team. We play at the same position so we both have to work hard.
Whoever will play, we will give our very best. It sure is an extra motivation for me to become better. He’ll make things more difficult. And that’s good because I like to work and with a quality player like him around I will have to work even harder to stay ahead. He has a different way of playing, that’s true. But I’m not Brazilian, you know.”
Ibrahimovic:"If we are going to put pressure on a team, then we will do it like our lives are on the line."
