Spanish press has reported a story that Barcelona board has decided to replace Frank Rijkaard with Pep Guardiola. Josep Guardiola Sala, who is very fondly known as Pep Guardiola has captained F C Barcelona and Spain. He has played for Barcelona B team and the first team as a defensive midfielder. He was a prominent member of Johan Cryuff's "Dream Team". He is currently managing the Barcelona B team. It was initially rumoured that he will only be the second choice as he is not experienced enough. Another set of rumours which are floating again links to Giovani Dos Santos. It is strongly rumoured that he may exit Barcelona as the board is looking to replace the existing attacking pair of Ronaldinho, Henry and Giovani. It is very disturbing to a Barcelona fan and one who believes in the system of developing players. It's a much more dangerous trend to compare a fresher like Giovani to the likes of seasoned players like Ronaldinho and Henry. This also might send a wrong signal to the kids coming out of youth system. I would not blame an youngster if he chose to sign for a foreign club rather than weight for Barcelona offer. After all if Giovani is sold; he alone has to be blamed for that - not because for his performance, but for his decision to stay with Barcelona.
Huge rumours are floating in the internet about the interest of Abramovich on Barcelona super kid Lionel Messi. The rumours say that Abramovich was so impressed by the way he played at Old Trafford and is convinced that he is the right player for the club. Most of these rumours are found in sites like goal etc so can't comment on the credibility of the news. I saw somewhere a rumour that Chelsea are ready to offer Barcelona a whooping ₤76 million for the Argentinean wizard. But the chances of Barcelona letting go Messi appears very bleak. Messi is projected as the rock on which the next superstar team would be build. But these interests should be good news for Messi - Not for the money, but for the fact that even with a mostly injury ridden season, he is still the most sought out players in the world.
