Adriano and the squad

"We’re in debt to the fans and to ourselves"

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Brazilian defender Maxwell told a press conference on Monday that the players feel they are in debt to the fans after last season’s European semi-final exit against Inter Milan.

He also discussed the objectives for the coming season and assured reporters that Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is looking forward to better things this season. He stressed that Adriano is a great signing.

In debt to the fans

Maxwell emphasized that the players are aspiring to win every title on offer and are determined to make up for the Champions League exit against Inter Milan. Echoing the words of manager Pep Guardiola at the celebrations for the league title, he told reporters: “We fell at the final step and we had the feeling that we were in debt to the fans and to ourselves”. In 2011, the Champions League final will be held at Wembley, a place which holds very special memories for Barça fans.

He also spoke about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with whom he shared the changing rooms of Ajax and Inter Milan before they both came to Barça: “He’s very motivated although it’s been a difficult year for him. He’s done some good things which people haven’t noticed but in the squad we know, and he’s training really well”.

Happy at Barça

2009/10 was Maxwell’s first season at the Camp Nou. He played 36 matches and improved on his first seasons with Ajax and Inter. He revealed today: “It was very positive because I accumulated a lot of matches, especially after Abidal’s injury. The league title, and the other three, made me very happy and motivated me to carry on the same way. I’m here to do my bit like everyone. I have to try and do more, the best I can, and stay fit and focussed”.

Adriano and the squad

Far from seeing him as a threat for a place in the starting line-up, Maxwell is helping his fellow countryman Adriano settled down at the Club and in the city: “It’s great we’ve signed him. He makes the team more complete and in training I try and be with him to help him integrate. I want to help him and his family settle in here”.

With the incorporation of Adriano and Villa, Maxwell believes the squad is very competitive. However, he stressed: “That’s a matter for the manager and the directors. The players have to concentrate on giving 100% but for the moment the squad is very good and very competitive”.

Henrique, another year with Racing

Henrique, another year with Racing

FC Barcelona and Racing Santander have reached an agreement for Henrique to remain on loan to Racing for another season.

Henrique Adriano Buss, 23, joined Barça from Palmeiras in the summer of 2008. He spent a season on loan to Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen before moving on to Spanish club Racing Santander, also on loan. He played 22 matches (21 of them the full 90 minutes) and scored one goal. He ended the season with an injury in his left knee.

He will now spend a further season at Racing, where coincidentally Barça will open their 2010 league campaign.

According to Board spokesperson Toni Freixa, Barça and Racing have not agreed an option to sign the player on a permanent basis.

Last day with double training sessions

Last day with double training sessions

With the trips to Norway and Korea coming up at the end of the week, the squad will have their last day of double training sessions today. This morning’s training followed the script of the rest of the pre-season so far with the emphasis on fitness.

The squad began training behind closed doors at the Ciutat Esportiva at 09.00 this morning and with Eric Abidal back from South Africa, there were 28 players under Guardiola and Tito Vilanova’s orders – 11 from the first team and 17 from Barca B. Once again, Andreu Fontàs and Víctor Vázquez stayed in the gym.

Two trips this week

The squad will train again this evening. On Wednesday there will be just a morning session and on Thursday the players fly out for the game in Oslo. There will be training on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, before the flight out to Korea on Sunday to begin the Asia Tour.