FC Barcelona Topic #33

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Andres Iniesta: I Would Never Ask For A Single Euro From Barcelona

‘Don Andres’ has declared that he will be happy with whatever his employers offer him...

Following the ¤66 million arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the focus at Barcelona has shifted very much to mega-money contract renewals.

Ibra’s presence at the Camp Nou has raised questions as to whether or not some of the other superstars in the squad are now demanding more lucrative contracts to match the Swede's.

One player who is certain to get a handsome pay rise is Lionel Messi, but one of the side’s other key figures, Andres Iniesta, also reportedly set to receive a new contract, doesn’t care much about money.

“I only renewed my contract a year and a half ago, but if the club decide the time is appropriate to offer me a new deal based on my merits, then I appreciate their gesture,” he told Sport.

“I have not asked [for a contract renewal]… I would never ask the club for even a Euro. They have always been the one who have made me the offer and I just accept it. In this regard, I must admit it that I am grateful to FC Barcelona.

“I have matured a lot on a personal level and on a sporting perspective. I feel complete and full of energy and optimism. My desire is to continue at Barca for many more years to come. Hopefully until I retire.”

The 25-year-old is currently in the United States for Barca's pre-season tour, even though he will not be taking part in any matches as he continues to recover from a muscle tear.

But he did drop a hint as to when he might make his return.

“We already knew that it would virtually be impossible to play on this tour,” he began.

“I’ll only be back when the necessary muscles are fully strengthened and there’s not even the slightest risk of a relapse, because that’s the worst thing that could happen.

“We’ll see if I can make the Gamper Trophy [against Manchester City].”

Finally, Iniesta spoke about his famous injury-time goal at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of last season's Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

“The joy was just overwhelming," he said. "That goal changed my life. I will remember it as long as I live.”

Goal

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Guardiola: "A very positive balance"

The US tour over, Guardiola has spoken about how pleased he is with the way the 12-day stay in America has gone. Despite only drawing with Chivas, Pep said "I will remember the good taste that reminds me of certain things that happened last year."

FC Barcelona have ended their US tour and Guardiola is more than happy with the two wins and a draw, and following the game with Chivas, the manager only has good words about the way everything has gone. "I have no complaints. The training sessions have been of a very high standard". His only concern has been the injury to Márquez.

Ideal shape

The game with Chivas of Guadalajara was the last before Barça embark on their official 2009/10 fixtures next weekend with the Spanish Super Cup. Guardiola said the team “is in very good shape” and that it would be impossible to feel better about the way their last game panned out.

High level

Guardiola knows all about Mexican football after playing for Dorados himself, and knows the players deserve all the credit for the way they played. It is also worth remembering that Chivas are much more into the rhythm of things, but "were unable to string three passes together … more than the result, I will remember the good taste that reminds me of certain things that happened last year.”

Group football

Josep Guardiola wished to highlight the way the players work for each other. “They don’t play individually, but do everything with a certain intention.” He is also delighted with the performances of the youth players. "I feel confident about them all. They have adopted the defensive ideas very well, and also the constructive element."

Next training on Wednesday

Once back in Barcelona, the players will be free until Wednesday. Guardiola wants them to report for training on Wednesday at 9.30. Neither Márquez nor Gudjohnsen will be joining them. Despite his injury, the Mexican will be staying in America, as he is shortly going to be joining his national squad. Meanwhile, Gudjohnsen will travel to Reykjavik, where he is required by the Iceland national team.

www.fcbarcelona.cat

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Op maandag 10 augustus 2009 00:15 schreef Cyberia18 het volgende:
Wel mooi om te zien dat Pep behoorlijk wat jeugdspelers heeft meegenomen en ze allen aan hun speelminuten komen.

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Barça verdient miljoenen in VS

BARCELONA - De 12-daagse oefentrip van Barcelona door de Verenigde Staten heeft de Spaanse kampioen geen windeieren gelegd. Barcelona houdt zo'n vijf tot zes miljoen euro over aan de oefenwedstrijdjes tegen onder andere L.A. Galaxy en Seattle Sounders.

Barcelona won de ontmoetingen met de Amerikaanse clubs en speelde gelijk tegen het Mexicaanse Guadalajara. Zo'n 221.000 supporters woonden de wedstrijden bij aan de Amerikaanse westkust.

"We hebben een belangrijke markt aangeboord", zegt club-voorzitter Joan Boix op de website van de club. "We hebben een sponsorcontract van drie jaar getekend. Daarmee kunnen we dus bevestigen dat Barcelona terugkeert in de Verenigde Staten. We hebben zo'n vijf tot zes miljoen euro verdiend; het heeft onze verwachtingen overtroffen."

De club-voorzitter ziet grote voordelen aan de overeenkomst. "We merken nu al een enorme impact van onze tour in de VS. We hebben veel goodwill gekweekt en Amerika is een belangrijke afnemer van onze producten."

Barcelona is afgelopen zondag teruggekeerd en heeft nog een week om zich volledig voor te bereiden op de Primera Division. De eerste wedstrijd is uit tegen Athletic Bilbao aankomende zondag.

Telegraaf

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Op dinsdag 11 augustus 2009 10:29 schreef BliksemSchigt het volgende:
Heeft Zlatan eigenlijk intussen al gespeeld?

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Op dinsdag 11 augustus 2009 12:10 schreef Cyberia18 het volgende:

[..]

Ja wanneer is dat ook alweer?

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Messi loopt blessure op bij training Argentinië

12/08/2009 10:41

Lionel Messi heeft dinsdag de training van de Argentijnse ploeg moeten verlaten. De Argentijnen spelen woensdag een oefenduel met het Rusland van Guus Hiddink.

De 22-jarige aanvaller van Barcelona kampt met een spierverrekking in zijn been. De ernst van de blessure is nog niet bekend. 'We gaan geen enkel risico nemen met Messi', vertelde bondscoach Diego Maradona aan de pers. 'Ik ben een tovenaar... Ik wist al langer dat deze interland niet georganiseerd moest worden.'

De keuzeheer van de Argentijnen was niet blij met de oefenwedstrijd tegen Rusland omdat hij van mening is dat het niet goed is om zo vroeg in het seizoen vriendschappelijke duels te houden. Maradona is bovendien angstig dat spelers geblesseerd zouden kunnen raken en niet mee kunnen doen in het cruciale WK-kwalificatieduel met Brazilië op 5 september.

Messi was in Moskou gearriveerd met een fysiotherapeut van zijn club Barcelona. De dribbelaar heeft er met zijn club al oefentrips door Engeland en Noord-Amerika op zitten.

VI

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Cesc Fabregas' Father Doubts Arsenal Exit

The young Spaniard appears to be a long way from any move to Camp Nou...

There have been reports linking Cesc Fabregas with a transfer to Barcelona after the Catalan club publicly admitted their desire to have the 22-year-old back in their ranks.

But the player's father, Francesc Fabregas, has now guaranteed the Spain international is fully committed to the Gunners.

"Honestly, I think this signing by Barca will not be produced," he told COM Radio.

"Evidently, the football world is crazy and you never know, but today I think Cesc will stay at Arsenal. He is super committed to Arsenal and he is really eager to do things there.

"If the day comes [when Cesc moves to Barcelona] then it will come, but as a professional and out of respect for Arsenal, where he has always been very well treated, he cannot say anything about these rumours."

Nevertheless, Francesc admitted that his son has strong feelings for Barcelona, the club he left in 2003 for the North London outfit.

"Cesc is Catalan and a cule, and obviously he takes that with him all the time, but he gives it all for Arsenal, regardless of that feeling," he noted.

Luís Mira, Goal.com

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Wenger - No chance of Fabregas leaving

Cesc Fabregas is not leaving Arsenal.

Reports this week suggested that Barcelona were trying to bring the midfielder back to Spain. However the very idea was swiftly dismissed by Arsène Wenger at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“No chance,” he replied bluntly when the question was put to him. “Do you really think we'll sell our players one day before the Premier League starts? Players who are basic players of the team? There is no chance.

“Again you cannot stop people from having a lot of creative imagination during their sleepness nights but that doesn’t mean we will do it.”

It was then suggested that the lure of Barca will always be enticing to Fabregas. He has Catalan blood flowing through his veins and learnt his football in the youth section at the Nou Camp. Wenger was equally ebullient on this issue.

“I believe that in life you are committed to clubs with contracts,” he said. “And in no contract is the colour of your blood described.

“A man is always defined by the way he is committed to his contracts and that has nothing to do with the blood you have.”

Arsenal.com

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Op zaterdag 15 augustus 2009 12:10 schreef Gordon_Shumway het volgende:
Waar zou je Cesc dan willen zien spelen (welke positie dan he, niet welke club), venom?
Ervan uitgaande dat je 433 wilt blijven spelen, met Zlatan als diepe spits en Henry en Messi daar links en rechts omheen zwervend, zou je dus een middenvelder op moeten offeren. Want Cesc haal je toch niet als bankzitter?
Tuurlijk, dat ging op het EK ook goed, maar dat is toch weer even iets anders.
Xavi en Iniesta haal je niet uit elkaar, en als je ´m in de rol van Busquets, Toure of Keita wilt laten spelen speel je veel te aanvallend.
Dus hoe zie jij dat dan?