Ok now some news from the transfer market. All the stupid speculation of Messi moving out of Barcelona has been sidelined after Messi made it clear that "Unless he is kicked out from here, he ain't going anywhere". Gudjohnsen and Toure also have put rest to rumours relating to them. So with Guardiola not interested in going for a winter signing all the focus now shifts to whom we are going to sign in the summer. Frank Ribery and Lahm does feature at the top of the list. Ribery could be a healthy addition as he is a natural winger. Lahm is seen as a cover for aging Sylvinho but is yet to be seen whether Guardiola will go for him with Abidal playing to his potential now.
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Jan 30, 2009
Puyol Out FoR Ten Days
Ok now some news from the transfer market. All the stupid speculation of Messi moving out of Barcelona has been sidelined after Messi made it clear that "Unless he is kicked out from here, he ain't going anywhere". Gudjohnsen and Toure also have put rest to rumours relating to them. So with Guardiola not interested in going for a winter signing all the focus now shifts to whom we are going to sign in the summer. Frank Ribery and Lahm does feature at the top of the list. Ribery could be a healthy addition as he is a natural winger. Lahm is seen as a cover for aging Sylvinho but is yet to be seen whether Guardiola will go for him with Abidal playing to his potential now.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Friday, January 30, 2009
Tags: FC barcelona, Puyol
FC Barcelona vs Espanyol Pictures from Copa Del Rey QF 2nd Leg
Written by AllAboutFCB at Friday, January 30, 2009
Tags: Barcelona Photo Album
FC Barcelona Survives Scare to AdVance to Copa Semi Final; FC Barcelona-3, Espanyol-2
FC Barcelona started the game well but a determined Espanyol defense held them back. The first real chance came in the 18th minute when Gudjohnsen headed the ball into the net from a Xavi delivery; but he was ruled offside. Xavi had the next best oppurtunity in the 27th minute withn another header from an Alves cross, but Espanyol keeper pulled out a good save. But in the 35th minute the Espanyol goal keeper was at the receiving end when Bojan tapped the ball in to goal after Cristian fumbled a seemingly harmless shot from Sylvinho. Just before the break Barca should have gone two nil ahead with another Gudjohnsen header from a Xavi delivery; but this time again Cristian pulled out a much better save. After the restart Bojan put FC barcelona 2-0 up with an excellent finish. Xavi played a lovely ball to Bojan on the left side of the box, Bojan chipped the ball past an advancing goal keeper to show his talent. Then in the 56th minute Pique added one more with a header from an Alves cross to take FC Barcelona 3-0 up. After that we relaxed a bit and that resulted in Espanyol scoring twice. The first goal had a bit of luck associated with it, Coro's shot took an unfortunate deflection of Busquets and landed in the goal. But the second from Callejon was due to the mistakle from Pinto, he looked like covered Callejon's powerful shot but somehow let it go through his hand. Iniesta and Eto was brought in, Iniesta made sure that Barca finished off the game without much of a scare.
Pinto's performance in the match was a bit off colour. The biggest dissappointment would be Hleb who wasted another chance to cement his place. Bojan looked getting back to normal, the second goal would have done him a world of good. Busquets was majestic throughout the match and I feel the Defensive midfielder role is the best covered position in Barca at this moment with Toure and Busquets matching each other.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Friday, January 30, 2009
Jan 29, 2009
FC Barcelona vs Espanyol, Copa Del Rey QF Second Leg Preview
As usual Guardiola has not yet announced the squad. Keita and Marquez are carrying knocks but are declared fit to play tonight. Pinto should take over from Valdes at the goal. Alves, Puyol, Pique and Sylvinho would ideally make up the back four. The midfiedl should be made up of Xavi, Busquets and Gudjohnsen. Iniesta and Bojan should join Messi to form the front trio. FC Barcelona would be favourite to win this leg; but this would be that kind of match where both the team have equal chances. FC Barcelona needs to take control of the game early and finish off the game early, that's why I would go with a strong starting eleven. FC Barcelona needs to win this match to go through, whereas Espanyol needs only a goal scoring draw. I predict a Barca victory by a margin of 3-0.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tags: Barcelona Match Preview
Jan 28, 2009
Thierry Henry Part 2
But then this season has been a complete revelation. He along with the other two of the fantastic trio has scored seventy percent of goals of this season. Thierry Henry has already have 14 goals from 24 appearances so far this season. What made this turn around possible? Many argue that he took one year to come to terms with the style of play in La Liga and especially FC Barcelona. He had a turbulent last one year in terms of personal affairs and since it is settled for good, many argue we are able to see a changed Henry. But is it all? I think there is more to this change and it should be more of a mental change. The start of the season it was clear that Guardiola would prefer Henry over Eto anytime, but still Henry lost his place to another budding superstar Andres Iniesta. It is not a shame to have lost the position to Iniesta, who according to me is the second most talented player we have got. Henry did voice his displeasure in the begining but slowly came to terms with reality of the situation. For me he has convinced himself that he may not reach back to his glory days, and that resulted in a sea change in his attitude. He started contributing so much for his team mates. He no longer complaints that he is played out of position in FC Barcelona, instead he made the left flank his own. And it is no surprise that many of our moves now comes from the left flank where a 31 year old Henry is running like hell. And it is no surprise that he has contributed more to his team mates performances than during his times in Arsenal. At 31 Thierry Henry will never reach back his peak, and that realisation by the French Man could prolong his career for long. He could do a Ryan Giggs for sure if he keep on adjusting to the realities of his age and time. At this moment he lies joint fourth in the Pichichi list along with Higuain and Forlan. He is the most oldest player in the top five of that list at this moment.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tags: Thiery Henry
Jan 24, 2009
FC Barcelona vs Numancia Preview
Guardiola has not yet announced the side. Valdes would return back to the goal. Marquez is injured hence Pique would partner Puyol in the centre of defense; Abidal and Alves is expected to retain their position of full backs. This could be the match where we would yet again get a glimpse of the tremendous midfield we have compared to all over Europe. I expect Iniesta and Xavi to partner Toure. Messi, Henry and Eto should form the front troika. Thsi one could be another tough match, but we can expect the team to be up for it. After a dissappointing showing in Espanyol, the team would be looking to set the records straight. I expect Fc Barcelona to win the game comfortably with a score line of 5-0.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tags: Barcelona Match Preview
Jan 22, 2009
A Boring Copa Del Rey Draw; Espanyol-0, Barca-0
Espanyol inspired their new coach Mauricio Pochettino and the home fans did have the better of the first half. Actually FC Barcelona effectively had no attack against Espanyol in the first half. On the contrary Pinto was called in more than one occasion to avert the danger. Andres Iniesta was the only player who had a goal on target when he shot staright at Kameni. BUt the best chance of the first half fell to Luis Garcia but Pinto did get enough touch on the ball to take it wide off the goal. The second half also saw the game being played in the same tempo. FC Barcelona looked a bit more settled in defense and that resulted in Pinto not getting troubled much. The addition of Xavi and Messi towards the end also did nothing interms of the match. FC Barcelona was giving away possession too cheaply throughout the match.
A draw away from home is a good result. But now this result makes the return leg somewhat like a real knock-out match. Espanyol only needs a goal scoring draw to proceed to the next stage. Now Guardiola has to field his best side in the second leg. Bojan tried too hard to impress but was effectively shut down by the defense. Iniesta was not getting any service and should have switched his position with Gudjohnsen. Hleb was too wasteful and it is sad to see these guys not trying their best to compete for the position in starting eleven. Then it is difficult for the team to gel together when there are changes in whole position. That is the only reason why I feel Gudjohnsen and Hleb struggle when they are slotted in team like yesterdays' and seem to do well when slotten in the regular line-up.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Thursday, January 22, 2009
Jan 21, 2009
Espanyol vs Barca, Copa Del Rey QF 1st Leg Preview
All is not supposed to be well at Barca. Eto and Guardiola reportedly had a verbal confrontation during training. MundoDeportivo reports that Guardiola was not too happy with Eto's efforts on the training ground and asked Eto to hit the showers early; Eto didn't take that lightly and entered into an argument with his boss. It is not clear whether the two has made up since, but one thing is clear that Guardiola would not allow any of his players to be complacent and that is so good. Guardiola has not yet announced his squad, but he has indicated that he would be unleashing a very strong side. Pinto would be at the Goal in place of Valdes. Sylvinho, Puyol, Marquez and Alves would be forming the defense. Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets would be expected to form the midfield. But their may be a chance of Xavi being rested and then Keita would take his place. Hleb, Bojan and Messi is expected to form the front trio. There are reports suggesting that Pochettino would be using a 4-3-3 style, this could be dangerous for Espanyol as FC Barcelona players would have so much space to work with. I predict a Barca victory with a scoreline of 2-5.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tags: Barcelona Match Preview
Jan 20, 2009
For Some, Money is not All
Luka Podolski made his Budesliga with FC Koln in 2003-04 season. But FC Koln was relegated to second division. Eventhough Podolski's talent was noticed, he decided to stay with FC Koln and got them promoted in the 2004-05 season. With a magnificient performance of scoring 24 goals he took his club back to the top-tier. Podolski remained an integral part of German national side all through this. But when FC Koln was relegated again Lukas Podolski moved to Bayern Munich for a sum of 10 million Euros. It is now reported that he is making a move back to FC Koln for the same amount. Critics may argue that Podolski never got a regular team place in Bayern Munich and anyway was looking to move to another club. But Bayern and Podolski should be appreciated to see the passion in the move rather than the economic viability. Bayern could have sold him to any of the top clubs in Europe. But still it is commendable from Bayern's part to have allowed the player to follow his heart. One thing is for sure, the people of Cologne loves their Prince like hell. Podolski inspired Bayern to a 3-0 victory at FC Koln; the Cologne fans cheered Podolski's goal against their team (may be the first time in history) to the complete astonishment of Cologne players and Bayern coach.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tags: Soccer Discussions
Jan 18, 2009
FC Barcelona vs Deportivo Pictures on 17/01/09
Written by AllAboutFCB at Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tags: Barcelona Photo Album
FC Barcelona Player Rating against Deportivo on 17/1/09
Alves - 9 - The best Barca player on the pitch. Totally dominated the right wing. Set up two goals and created two excellent cross which Messi headed wide. You cannot ask more from him.
Pique - 7 - Lack of action was his only problem. But cleared the line whenver called upon even it was too few.
Puyol - 8 - Another Captain's performance. Solid in the back and created the last goal with excellent vision in the box.
Abidal - 7.5 - Have completely silenced his critics with a no non-sense performance from December. A usual composed and contained performance. Send in some delightful through ball.
Xavi - 8.5 - Another great performance by the midfield general. No doubt why Ferguson is interested in him. Great vision, passing and unselfish play by xavi Hernandez.
Toure - 7.5 - Was overshadowed by his team mates but his performance was solid. he formed the rock on which Barca could builf their attack.
Keita - 8 - He looked like a total misfit as an attacking midfield in earlier matches, but not in this one. he was involved in 80% of Barca move. one thing I like about him is his eagerness to get into the box. Great performance.
Messi - 7.5 - As usual great performance. Could have elevated a bit but then when his team mates are playing like this he even can take some well deserved rest. His partnership with Alves was great but wasted two excellent cross form the latter.
Eto - 7.5 - Another solid performance. Leading the league scorers sheet at the moment.
Henry - 8 - The best of the front three. He was involved in all attack.
Substitutes:
Iniesta - 8.5 - Got only few minutes to impress. Did his job to perfection. What else you can say about a player who had a shot at goal and created two goals in allowed twenty minutes.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tags: Match Player Ratings
Deportivo Demolished; FC Barcelona-5, Deportivo-0
FC Barcelona started dominating from the word go. In the first minute Henry's shot was saved by Deportivo goal keeper Aranzubia with his legs. In the next minute Aranzubia denied Henry again by parrying away a powerful Henry shot. In the 21st minute Xavi passed the ball to Messi on the right after Deportivo player Rodriguez gifted the ball to Xavi; Messi sets on with his diagonal run and shot back at the Goal from the edge of the box; the ball beat Aranzubia and squeezed in off the far post. In the 27th minute Henry doubled Barca's lead with a great header from an excellent Alves cross. In the 34th minute Messi wasted an open chance to go three goals ahead, when he headed wide another excellent Alves cross with only the Goal Keeper to beat. In the 36th minute Abidal played Keita on with a superb long through ball, but Keita's shot was deflected for a corner. In the 41st minute Eto got into the score sheet with an easy tap in after the initial Keita header from an Alves cross was saved by Aranzubia.
Second half started with FC Barcelona shifting a couple of gear down. There was no urgency shown, but that was understandable. In the 52nd minute Messi great shot was saved by Goal Keeper; Messi skipped past two defenders after receiving the ball from Henry. In the 71st minute Guardiola brought in Iniesta for Toure. There was chanting of Iniesta's name all around the stadium before he was brought in. In the next minute after his introduction Iniesta showed why he was loved by the Camp Nou faithfuls. Iniesta's excellent side-footed volley was saved by Aranzubia from a Henry cross. In the 75th minute Alves saw his free kick dipping just high of the post. In the 77th minute Messi wastes another excellent cross from Alves with a wide header similar to the first half. In the 82nd minute Hnery made it 4-0 with an easy tap in. Iniesta great vision and pass found an excellent Xavi run on the left; Xavi unselfishly cuts the ball back to Henry to score. In the 84th minute Aranzubia was sent off for bringing down Puyol after Iniesta has played him through. The move was started by Puyol in his own half, he continued his run and was picked up by Iniesta with an excellent pass. Eto scored from the resulting penalty to go 5-0 up.
This one was another great win for Barca, probably the best after the winter break. There were some exceptional performance mostly Henry, Keita, Xavi and Messi. But one guy whose performance gave me so much joy was Iniesta. There was two reason for it - number one is that he was back to his best; he wasn't up to his best in previous matches and his coming back to form is the best thing for Barca as I believe he is the most talented and important player in the squad after Messi. Second this performance came in the midfield, that means Henry need not worry much about his position and soon Barca will have a midfield featuring Toure, Iniesta and Xavi regularly.
Written by AllAboutFCB at Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tags: Barcelona Match Report, La Liga