Barca lands three IFFHS awards
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics has singled out Guardiola, Xavi and Barca as best club manager, best playmaker and best club in the world 2009.
Due to the proximity of the vital final league match against Valladolid, the winners were unable to attend the gala on Tuesday evening in London and so received their awards here in Barcelona. The IFFHS honoured Josep Guardiola as best club manager, Xavi as best playmaker and FC Barcelona as best club.
Awards given in Barcelona
Under the circumstances the IFFHS decided to bring the awards here to Barcelona where they were received by the winners (with Carles Puyol receiving the trophy for best club). The ceremony was filmed by Barca TV.
Albert Perrín represents Barca
Club vice-president Albert Perrín attended the Gala on behalf of the Club. Each year the IFFHS give awards in categories such as best team, best manager, best goalkeeper etc.
Ceremony postponed
The names of the winners were announced earlier in the year but the original date of the Gala was then postponed from 1st February until 11th May. The event was held in the Hurlingham Club in London.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Happy return for Iniesta on 26th birthday
Happy return for Iniesta on 26th birthday
Andrés Iniesta, who is 26 today, was congratulated by his team-mates on his 26th birthday today, and was able to celebrate in style, by returning to active duty.
After a two-day break, Guardiola returned to training to prepare for the most decisive game of the league season on Sunday. They will be playing for the title against Valladolid at the Camp Nou (19.00). At 11.00, the players took to the training pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva, and Iniesta was among them.
Happy birthday!
The Barça midfielder was warmly congratulated before the players started work, and also on what was an important moment in his recovery programme, his first participation in a training session since injuring his femoral biceps almost a month ago, on April 13.
No Maxwell or Keita
The only major absence was Maxwell, who was confirmed on Monday as being out for three weeks. Keita did appear, but stopped early to work out in isolation. He injured his Achilles tendon against Sevilla, and felt some discomfort during training and decided not to take any risks.
Thiago provides reinforcement
The 19 first team players at the orders of Josep Guardiola were also joined by reserve team member, Thiago Alcántara. The young midfielder has been working with the first team for several days and has even been named in the squad for a couple of games.
Andrés Iniesta, who is 26 today, was congratulated by his team-mates on his 26th birthday today, and was able to celebrate in style, by returning to active duty.
After a two-day break, Guardiola returned to training to prepare for the most decisive game of the league season on Sunday. They will be playing for the title against Valladolid at the Camp Nou (19.00). At 11.00, the players took to the training pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva, and Iniesta was among them.
Happy birthday!
The Barça midfielder was warmly congratulated before the players started work, and also on what was an important moment in his recovery programme, his first participation in a training session since injuring his femoral biceps almost a month ago, on April 13.
No Maxwell or Keita
The only major absence was Maxwell, who was confirmed on Monday as being out for three weeks. Keita did appear, but stopped early to work out in isolation. He injured his Achilles tendon against Sevilla, and felt some discomfort during training and decided not to take any risks.
Thiago provides reinforcement
The 19 first team players at the orders of Josep Guardiola were also joined by reserve team member, Thiago Alcántara. The young midfielder has been working with the first team for several days and has even been named in the squad for a couple of games.
Fifteen years of European success
FC Barcelona has the unique distinction of winning the European Cup in one of the Club’s sports sections every season for the last 15 years.
This amazing record started with the handball European Cup in 1996 and continued this season with the Euroleague basketball championship won by Navarro and co last Sunday in Paris.
18 European Cups
In fact, FC Barcelona has won 18 European Cups in the past 15 years. Top of the Club’s sports sections comes the roller hockey section, who have won Europe’s top club honour on no fewer than 8 occasions. The section also holds the Club record for the most European Cups – 18 altogether.
Next comes the handball section, which has lifted the European Cup six times in the 15-year period, the last time being against BM Ciudad Real in 2004-05.
Barcelona, Paris and Rome
The basketball section won the Euroleague for the first time in 2003 in a Final Four held in the Palau Sant Jordi here in Barcelona. Last Sunday, Paris witnessed the section’s second triumph in Europe’s top basketball competition, proving that the French capital brings the Club good fortune!
In 2006, the football team won the Champions League final against Arsenal in Paris while last year, Barca picked up their third trophy against another Premier League team, Manchester United, in Rome.
22 consecutive seasons of European triumph
If we include all European competitions then FC Barcelona has been represented by at least one of its sports sections on the roll call of winners every season since 1988-89.
This incredible run of success began with the football Cup Winners Cup won against Sampdoria en Berne in 1989. This has been followed by a flood of European honours in sports as diverse as football, basketball, handball and roller hockey, giving FC Barcelona an unparalleled record in European club sport.
On the verge of making history
But this year could be even more spectacular if the handball team win the Final Four in Cologne and the roller hockey team do the same in Valdagno. Added to the Euroleague already won by the basketball team, it would be the first time the Club has won the European Cup in three different sports in the same season.
So far the Club has won the European Cup in handball and roller hockey in the same season on three occasions: 1996-97, 1999-00 and 2004-05.
FC Barcelona has the unique distinction of winning the European Cup in one of the Club’s sports sections every season for the last 15 years.
This amazing record started with the handball European Cup in 1996 and continued this season with the Euroleague basketball championship won by Navarro and co last Sunday in Paris.
18 European Cups
In fact, FC Barcelona has won 18 European Cups in the past 15 years. Top of the Club’s sports sections comes the roller hockey section, who have won Europe’s top club honour on no fewer than 8 occasions. The section also holds the Club record for the most European Cups – 18 altogether.
Next comes the handball section, which has lifted the European Cup six times in the 15-year period, the last time being against BM Ciudad Real in 2004-05.
Barcelona, Paris and Rome
The basketball section won the Euroleague for the first time in 2003 in a Final Four held in the Palau Sant Jordi here in Barcelona. Last Sunday, Paris witnessed the section’s second triumph in Europe’s top basketball competition, proving that the French capital brings the Club good fortune!
In 2006, the football team won the Champions League final against Arsenal in Paris while last year, Barca picked up their third trophy against another Premier League team, Manchester United, in Rome.
22 consecutive seasons of European triumph
If we include all European competitions then FC Barcelona has been represented by at least one of its sports sections on the roll call of winners every season since 1988-89.
This incredible run of success began with the football Cup Winners Cup won against Sampdoria en Berne in 1989. This has been followed by a flood of European honours in sports as diverse as football, basketball, handball and roller hockey, giving FC Barcelona an unparalleled record in European club sport.
On the verge of making history
But this year could be even more spectacular if the handball team win the Final Four in Cologne and the roller hockey team do the same in Valdagno. Added to the Euroleague already won by the basketball team, it would be the first time the Club has won the European Cup in three different sports in the same season.
So far the Club has won the European Cup in handball and roller hockey in the same season on three occasions: 1996-97, 1999-00 and 2004-05.
Puyol: “It won’t be easy against Valladolid
Puyol: “It won’t be easy against Valladolid”
Carles Puyol is keen to win the league in front of the fans, but although their opponents are in relegation danger, the Barça captain predicts a tough encounter.
There is just one hurdle more to cross before Carles Puyol can lift the league trophy again for Barça. It would be a special moment, because it would be the first time since the 1997/98 season that FC Barcelona have secured the crown at home, something Puyol has never experienced. “Winning is what’s important, but doing it front of our fans is a bonus”.
Prudent approach
Despite playing at the Camp Nou, where FCB have not lost a Liga match this term, they will be facing a team that is fighting for first division survival, so Carles Puyol is wary. “It will be difficult playing against a team facing relegation … There are no easy games, This will be no stroll”.
Control euphoria and anxiety
Carles Puyol knows the fans will be out in force at the Camp Nou. He says the team “is excited and hopeful” but that one of the keys to victory will involve controlling their “euphoria and anxiety”.
Possible Iniesta comeback
Andrés Iniesta may be ready to return on Sunday, and Puyol said that “we need to see how he feels and then the doctors will decide, but if he’s Ok, he’ll play. He is training and things are going well. He deserves to play in this last game”.
Missing Xavi?
Xavi may not be available against Valladolid, depending on the club’s appeal, and Carles Puyol knows he would be a major loss. “He is a basic player, we all want him to play, but I am sure he’ll be replaced by a player who’ll do very well”.
Pedro and Valdés for Spain
Puyol was also pleased that Pedro and Valdés have been shortlisted for the World Cup in Spain, and hopes they make the final 23. “They deserve it. I’d take them with their eyes closed. I hope they are in the final list”.
Carles Puyol is keen to win the league in front of the fans, but although their opponents are in relegation danger, the Barça captain predicts a tough encounter.
There is just one hurdle more to cross before Carles Puyol can lift the league trophy again for Barça. It would be a special moment, because it would be the first time since the 1997/98 season that FC Barcelona have secured the crown at home, something Puyol has never experienced. “Winning is what’s important, but doing it front of our fans is a bonus”.
Prudent approach
Despite playing at the Camp Nou, where FCB have not lost a Liga match this term, they will be facing a team that is fighting for first division survival, so Carles Puyol is wary. “It will be difficult playing against a team facing relegation … There are no easy games, This will be no stroll”.
Control euphoria and anxiety
Carles Puyol knows the fans will be out in force at the Camp Nou. He says the team “is excited and hopeful” but that one of the keys to victory will involve controlling their “euphoria and anxiety”.
Possible Iniesta comeback
Andrés Iniesta may be ready to return on Sunday, and Puyol said that “we need to see how he feels and then the doctors will decide, but if he’s Ok, he’ll play. He is training and things are going well. He deserves to play in this last game”.
Missing Xavi?
Xavi may not be available against Valladolid, depending on the club’s appeal, and Carles Puyol knows he would be a major loss. “He is a basic player, we all want him to play, but I am sure he’ll be replaced by a player who’ll do very well”.
Pedro and Valdés for Spain
Puyol was also pleased that Pedro and Valdés have been shortlisted for the World Cup in Spain, and hopes they make the final 23. “They deserve it. I’d take them with their eyes closed. I hope they are in the final list”.
Barca on verge of double century
Barca on verge of double century
In the two seasons that Josep Guardiola has been at the helm, FC Barcelona have scored the dizzying total of 199 league goals.
Last season’s tally of 105 goals in 38 league matches was a Club record as Barca powered their way to the league title with 87 points. The season was liberally sprinkled with high-scoring victories, especially in the Camp Nou, such as against Atletico Madrid (6-1), Malaga (6-0), Deportivo (5-0), Almeria (5-0), Valencia (4-0) and Sevilla (4-0). The team was also deadly on the road with outstanding results against Sporting (1-6), Malaga (1-4) and Real Madrid (2-6) leading many pundits to describe the team as the best in the Club’s long history.
Fewer goals, more points
Curiously enough, this season Barca have scored fewer goals (94, 41 in the Camp Nou and 44 away) but have accumulated no fewer than ten points more than at the same stage last year.
All competitions
Last season, Barca scored a total of 153 goals in 62 matches in the league, Cup and Champions League and topped the scoring ranking in all three competitions. This season, with just one match remaining, the team has played 58 matches and scored 134 goals.
In the two seasons that Josep Guardiola has been at the helm, FC Barcelona have scored the dizzying total of 199 league goals.
Last season’s tally of 105 goals in 38 league matches was a Club record as Barca powered their way to the league title with 87 points. The season was liberally sprinkled with high-scoring victories, especially in the Camp Nou, such as against Atletico Madrid (6-1), Malaga (6-0), Deportivo (5-0), Almeria (5-0), Valencia (4-0) and Sevilla (4-0). The team was also deadly on the road with outstanding results against Sporting (1-6), Malaga (1-4) and Real Madrid (2-6) leading many pundits to describe the team as the best in the Club’s long history.
Fewer goals, more points
Curiously enough, this season Barca have scored fewer goals (94, 41 in the Camp Nou and 44 away) but have accumulated no fewer than ten points more than at the same stage last year.
All competitions
Last season, Barca scored a total of 153 goals in 62 matches in the league, Cup and Champions League and topped the scoring ranking in all three competitions. This season, with just one match remaining, the team has played 58 matches and scored 134 goals.
Messi makes it 14 for South Africa
Messi makes it 14 for South Africa
Argentina manager Diego Maradona has named Leo Messi in his preliminary squad for the World Cup Finals, making him the 14th member of the Barca squad to have been pre-selected for the tournament in South Africa.
Leo Messi is one of 30 players chosen. The definitive list of 23 players will be announced on 19th May, the day before Argentina begin their preparations in earnest.
A Barca flavour to World Cup squads
Barca’s role in this year’s World Cup looks like being spectacular, with no fewer than 14 players from the 21-strong Barca squad appearing on the preliminary squad lists:
- Spain (Vicente del Bosque): Puyol, Piqué, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Valdes and Pedro.
- Brazil. Dunga has already named his definite squad of 23 players, including Alves.
- France (Raymond Domenech): Abidal and Henry.
- Ivory Coast: Touré Yaya.
- Mexico (Javier Aguirre): Rafael Marquez and Jonathan dos Santos.
- Argentina (Maradona): Messi
Argentina manager Diego Maradona has named Leo Messi in his preliminary squad for the World Cup Finals, making him the 14th member of the Barca squad to have been pre-selected for the tournament in South Africa.
Leo Messi is one of 30 players chosen. The definitive list of 23 players will be announced on 19th May, the day before Argentina begin their preparations in earnest.
A Barca flavour to World Cup squads
Barca’s role in this year’s World Cup looks like being spectacular, with no fewer than 14 players from the 21-strong Barca squad appearing on the preliminary squad lists:
- Spain (Vicente del Bosque): Puyol, Piqué, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Valdes and Pedro.
- Brazil. Dunga has already named his definite squad of 23 players, including Alves.
- France (Raymond Domenech): Abidal and Henry.
- Ivory Coast: Touré Yaya.
- Mexico (Javier Aguirre): Rafael Marquez and Jonathan dos Santos.
- Argentina (Maradona): Messi
Upbeat mood at Wednesday training session
The players were in good spirits in training on Wednesday ahead of the final league match against Valladolid. Iniesta is making good progress and was able to train with the main group.
Meanwhile, Keita worked separately from the rest pf the players but should be available for the weekend.
Iniesta on the mend
Following his return to full training on Tuesday, Iniesta went through the complete session on Wednesday without any problems. As on previous days, reserve squad midfielder Thiago Alcántara joined the senior players for the session. However, the Brazilian Maxwell and Mali international Keita (Achilles) trained apart from the main group.
A family affair
A large group of fans followed the session including Quique Costas- who coached many of the players including manager Pep Guardiola – and his sons Quique and Oscar Álvarez – who played alongside many of the squad in the youth sections of the Club.
The players were in good spirits in training on Wednesday ahead of the final league match against Valladolid. Iniesta is making good progress and was able to train with the main group.
Meanwhile, Keita worked separately from the rest pf the players but should be available for the weekend.
Iniesta on the mend
Following his return to full training on Tuesday, Iniesta went through the complete session on Wednesday without any problems. As on previous days, reserve squad midfielder Thiago Alcántara joined the senior players for the session. However, the Brazilian Maxwell and Mali international Keita (Achilles) trained apart from the main group.
A family affair
A large group of fans followed the session including Quique Costas- who coached many of the players including manager Pep Guardiola – and his sons Quique and Oscar Álvarez – who played alongside many of the squad in the youth sections of the Club.
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