FUTBOL CLUB

BARCELONA

Més que un club



Logo
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ca/a/ab/FC_Barcelona_logo.gif





Camp Nou
http://barca.sportenter.co.il/Camp/Gallery/noucamp0001.jpg





Home Kit 2006/07

http://shop.fcbarcelona.com/product_images/maxzoom/PRD_MAXZOOM_146980-425.jpg




Away Kit 2006/07

http://shop.fcbarcelona.com/product_images/maxzoom/prd_maxzoom_146982-818.jpg




Founded: 1899

Ground: Camp Nou (98,787)

Currently led by: Xavier Sala i Martin

Manager: Frank Rijkaard

Assistant Manager: Johan Neeskens




Titles:

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 1991-92, 05-06

EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS CUP: 1978-79, 81-82, 88-89, 96-97

FAIR CUP: 1957-58, 59-60, 65-66

EUROPEAN SUPER CUP: 1992-93, 97-98

SPANISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1928-29, 44-45, 47-48, 48-49, 51-52, 52-53, 58-59, 59-60, 73-74, 84-85, 90-91, 91-92, 92-93, 93-94, 97-98, 98-99, 04-05, 05-06

SPANISH CUP: 1909-10, 11-12, 12-13, 19-20, 21-22, 24-25, 25-26, 27-28, 41-42, 50-51, 51-52, 52-53. 56-57, 58-59, 62-63, 67-68, 70-71, 77-78, 80-81, 82-83, 87-88, 89-90, 96-97, 97-98

SPANISH SUPERCUP: 1983-84, 91-92, 92-93, 94-95, 96-97, 05-06, 06-07

SPANISH LEAGUE CUP: 1982-83, 85-86

LATIN CUP: 1948-49, 51-52

CATALAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1901-1902, 04-05, 08-09, 09-10, 10-11, 12-13, 15-16, 18-19, 19-20, 20-21, 21-22, 23-24, 24-25, 25-26, 26-27, 27-28, 29-30, 30-31, 31-32, 34-35, 35-36, 37-38

CATALAN CUP: 1990-91, 92-93, 99-00, 03-04 i 04-05


Total 91



Current Squad:
GK - Valdes 1, Jorquera 25, Ruben 28
DF - Puyol 5, Marquez 4, Belletti 2, Gio 12, Sylvinho 16, Oleguer 23, Thuram 21, Zambrotta 11
MF - Motta 3, Xavi 6, Giuly 8, Ronaldinho 10, Edmilson 15, van Bommel 17, Messi 19, Deco 20, Iniesta 24
FW - Eto'o 9, Gudjohnsen 7, Ezquerro 18, Saviola 22*



Legends:
Krankl, Maradona, Sonny Anderson, Evaristo, Rivaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho, Hristo, Eto'o, Prosinečki, Laudrup, Lineker, Schuster, Czibor, Kocsis, Kubala, Cocu, Cruijff, Ronald de Boer, Frank de Boer, Koeman, Neeskens, Deco, Baia, Abelardo, Alexanko, Rexach, Txiki, Goikoetxea, Guardiola, Lucho, Nadal, Puyol, Ramallets, Salinas, Samitier, Sergi, Suarez, Zamora, Zubizarreta, Larsson, Messi, Xavi, Eto'o, Belletti.



Belletti for the Champions League
http://www.mittelbayerische.de/SID_ed88434c1e56b75127fb269563f44662/newsbilder/afpbilder/2006/05/17/SGE.SWC19.170506204729.photo00.photo.default-479x512.jpg



Team Celebrates
http://www.cronica.com.mx/nimagenes/5/051806a5.jpg http://www.gelderlander.nl/multimedia/archive/00247/barca_247794h.jpg




The best
http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/78/0000039378/82/imgb883aa843kt6og.jpeg




Team Photo 2006/07
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1623/plantillauefa0607bz3.jpg




Força Barça!!!

Liga and CL again :rockman:

I can't wait for this season to start....I finally got satellite TV so I can watch the games!

I agree with the first post. Eto'o is twice a legend.

Though, you forgot Belletti.

Legend!!!!


It'll be a busy pre-season.The USA tour, Supercopa de España vs Espanyol, European Supercup vs Sevilla and Bayern Munich for the Joan Gamper.

My main hope is that the way Ronaldinho is playing now is just the result of the big number of played games.I really expect from him to rest this summer and be unstopable next season like he was in the last one.
What about transfers? Eidur and who else came in? :ewan:

I'm sure Ronaldinho will shine.

Eidur came in, and Larsson departed, as well as Gabri and Maxi (on loan).

You could say that Saviola came in as well, but actually he didn't. He's just waiting for us to give him away for peanuts. I am 99.99% sure he's going to wear some other team's jersey. I left that one per cent because you never know with us and the way we sell players.

Ronaldinho will be fine. The Brazil coach didn't use him properly, and in Barcelona he's the main piece of our team....
Also, you could see in the WC that there was WAY too much pressure on the Brazilian players....Ronnie hardly played with the joy he usually plays. It seemed like it wasn't fun for him with all of the negative pressure from the fans and the press to be perfect.

please tell me he isnt going to have "Eidur" on the back of his jersey??

Part of the fun of Eidur on your squad is being able to get 10 letters from shoulder to shoulder :D

please tell me he isnt going to have "Eidur" on the back of his jersey??

Part of the fun of Eidur on your squad is being able to get 10 letters from shoulder to shoulder :D


van Bronckhorst. lol

eh, good point. Still, wasnt Gio his nickname before Barca? Still, Eidur doesnt roll off the tounge like Jeeeo or Jaaavi. Maybe you can take to calling him Juuudjohnsen

great opening post for the thread zka (Y)

man, i've been all over the world travelling around, so i haven't been able to post much on these threads. i'll be back in business once the season starts though and i have my routine back. however, i did want to make a couple of points.

first of all, do you guys think barca should pick up any of players that might potentially be looking for new clubs once the decisions to the italian scandal trial are announced? i don't want to screw valdes over, he's been amazing for us, but let's be honest, valdes is no buffon. also, can you imagine a central defensive partnership of cannavaro and puyol?

for me, those are really the only two players that we could get that wouldn't tamper with our style. we don't need any midfielders or attackers, we're totally set. (can't wait to see messi shine this season btw! peckerman totally f-ed up vs germany) maybe someone to cover for oleguer at RB. but other than that, i think we're in good shape. there are reports linking us to christiano rolando, i really hope those aren't true. he'd be quite useless to us, out midfield is top notch, and i can't see him starting over any current squad member. send him to madrid if he wants to leave old trafford!

can't wait for the new season!!!!

oh yes, one more question. since arsenal only got 4th in the premiership, is there a theoretical chance that barca and arsenal could be in the same group for the champions league? could someone just clarify the rules on that one for me? i know that no two teams of the same country can be in one group, but what were the stipulations beyond that?

Sol Campbell is available...I think he could still play well....and he's on a free.
I mean, there's talk of buying Thuram from Juve....why not try for Sol...I haven't seen much of him, but he could be a solid middle defense backup for Rafa and Puyol.....and if we get a RB then Oleguer is in the central mix as well....what do you guys think.

Why not buy Ustari from Independiente (Argentina) He is going to be the next Filliol. This kid is the Messi of goalkeepers...

No. don't buy him please. :(

What do you think will be Barça's defense will be next year.

ronaldinho was tired after a very long season with barca, so he couldnt shine at wc.
big ron will shina like a burning star this season for sure and win the world player of the year for third year in a row!!!

No doubt about Ronaldinho. Unlike Brazil, Barça is a team. Here he has what he needs to shine.


I think Thuram would be a good signing. Maybe he is too old for a long season, but if he accepts a rotation role, he can do a great job as we've seen at the WC.

Zambrotta said that he has an offer from Barça. It would be amazing, but I'm not optimistic. If Juve get relegated, there'll be a lot of teams interested. Teams more desperate that will offer much more money.

However, I'm glad there's an offer. That means that the board are still working and there might be a new signing.

Why not buy Ustari from Independiente (Argentina) He is going to be the next Filliol. This kid is the Messi of goalkeepers...

I've read that Barça already made an offer for him. Tehre was something about signing him but still staying loaned in Independiente for a year.

There are talks about this. That's sure.

u people suck i really hate barca thay are such a **** club.
u have one the europian cup for the second time we have won it 9 times ahhhhhhhhhh wankers shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Wow, that was unnecessary.

u people suck i really hate barca thay are such a **** club.
u have one the europian cup for the second time we have won it 9 times ahhhhhhhhhh wankers shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
not really the start you wanna make in this forum

Madridista's everywhere are hanging their heads in shame

What a great way to introduce yourself.


is it just me or is jurado better then messi:fluffy:

Jaouadinho=World's biggest wanker

haha.

Can someone answer my question about what Barça's defending half will be in the upcoming season?

Wow, that was unnecessary.

Seconded.

RUSI - I heard that Barca might get Zambro ( or we might get him ).

How long is Edmilson out for btw?

u people suck i really hate barca thay are such a **** club.
u have one the europian cup for the second time we have won it 9 times ahhhhhhhhhh wankers shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
:sleep: :sleep:
ok,back to the topic.............. (C)

haha.

Can someone answer my question about what Barça's defending half will be in
the upcoming season?

The basis will be the same, but it seems the club is looking for someone else.

Barça has reached and agreement with Juve for Zambrotta and has done a offer to him. But you know every big club has offered a contract to Zambrotta...

It seems Rijkaard is very interested in Thuram. He is already 34 but could bring to team that exprerience that may be sometimes necessary. He has also had a great WC proving that he's still fit. Of course he's not a future option, just for one season or two.

Some player from the B team could also be promoted or at least be ready to play with the first team.


How long is Edmilson out for btw?

He will start trainig with the rest of the team next week and fully operational to start the season..

nobody's posted any potential lineups yet, so here is what i'd like to see for next season:

----------------buffon-----------------

zambrotta----puyol----marquez----gio---

------deco------edmilson-------xavi-------

------messi-------------------ronaldinho

-------------------eto'o-----------------

buffon is highly unlikely+victor v. has done really well, and nobody really knows where on earth zambrotta will eventually land up. but hey, no harm in trying!

thuram would be a good signing too, but i would go with puyol and marquez in the middle and put thuram in to give one of them a break once in a while. poor puyol played virtually the even single minute last season cuz we didn't have decent backup.

what'd u guys think?

-----------------------Valdes

Oleguer ----- Puyi ------------- Marquez ------ Syl


-------------------- Deco

-------------- Xavi --------- Iniesta


Messi ------------------------------ Ronaldinho

--------------------Pichichi


I wouldn't bring Buffon. Sure, he is better than Valdes, but he's older and we are not likely to get him unless it's a loan, and I don't want that. Besides, we're not even trying to get him, at least I didn't hear/see anything. Valdes must continue as first choice.

If we were to get Zambrotta, which would be more than amazing, I'd probably like to put him in the LB spot, instead of Sylvinho. Gio is not even an option, I hope he never starts a match for us again. I watched him in the Netherlands squad, that man is a menace. As Zambrotta could play on both sides, I'd want to keep Oleguer as RB. He isn't really the player for the position but he does the job and I like the way he does it. Definitely should be allowed to advance by starting games.

I think a midfield of Deco and Xavi can make a fine combination, with Iniesta being the one in charge of attacks. Deco would mostly be the DM, as I think he can do the job, being the runner and hard worker that he is. Xavi would be support to Iniesta who would be linking up with Ronaldinho and Eto'o.
I don't think we should be counting on Edmilson. He doesn't perform that great and is very injury prone, so we would have to adjust our system eventually.

Don't need to explain the attack. Best in the world.

You make good points....but I think Deco as DM is a little bit weak...and we are forgetting his offensive genius.....
We need a solid destroyer in there to give Deco and Xavi and Iniesta room to do their thing, knowing they have backup....Marquez does that, and so does Edmilson, despite being a little bit slow and injury prone....
I think if we were to buy a CB....then Rafa could be used in that midfield role, and rotated in the defense....as he is a very good passer.

Why nobodys wrote "European Champions" on this new Threads title? :jambo:

ah and BTW, im going to Barca Usa tour!! :lui:

i'm surprised mr. frank didn't try to get any LBs.. And I must say I like the purchase of Eidur (Y).

anywho, I predict a much tougher season this year with RM having a really good coach, and they'll probably buy every player they can get their dirty hands on, but I still believe barca will finish #1 once again.


and yeah, there is a good chance I will go down to see the Barca - Real game this year :rockman: :lui: :fluffy: (Y) :D

Why nobodys wrote "European Champions" on this new Threads title? :jambo:

Because I decided not to. I don't want anything in the title except the Club name.

It's gonna look stupid if we get eliminated from the CL, like it looked last season in Liverpool's thread name. I have it in my sig and I think it's enough. If we're eliminated, I can remove it at will and that's it.

Confirmed.

UNICEF and FC Barcelona have reached a global agreement to work together over the next five years to help orphaned children in vulnerable situations and, in particular, those that have the HIV/AIDS virus.

The whole thing will be presented on August 11th in New York.

http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/eng/noticias/noticias/n06071401.shtml

The agreement has not been fully explained but it means Barça will wear Unicef logo in the shirt ( don't know yet if in every match or only in some of them) and over thenext 5 years there will some actions to promote UNICEF's children aid programs.

So finally the shirt will have some advertising, but it won't be a comercial one.

I would think that bolstering the defensive line would be Barca's primary concern at this point. After having to play Rodri in a Champion's League game due to suspension, I hope Rijkaard has learned his lesson.

Also there's more news of Arsenal raiding your youth ranks. Barca has one of the best academies in Europe, how come none of the promising players are willing to stay? Is the English game that more attractive, or is just a matter of money? It's sad seeing all this young talent leave the team, and country, where they've developed.

Hello again folks...

Non-commercial sponsoring (Y). About the kit design BTW, good to see it is not striped as we reverted to a lighter tone of red. Light red + blue + thin stirpes is quite ugly.


We need a solid destroyer in there to give Deco and Xavi and Iniesta room to do their thing, knowing they have backup....Marquez does that, and so does Edmilson, despite being a little bit slow and injury prone....
I think if we were to buy a CB....then Rafa could be used in that midfield role, and rotated in the defense....as he is a very good passer.

True, we had quite a few defensive shortcomings at times, so there is need of a destroyer. Then the choice is between Deco or Iniesta, as retreat from 3 foorwards is out of question :p .

I would think that bolstering the defensive line would be Barca's primary concern at this point. After having to play Rodri in a Champion's League game due to suspension, I hope Rijkaard has learned his lesson.

Also there's more news of Arsenal raiding your youth ranks. Barca has one of the best academies in Europe, how come none of the promising players are willing to stay? Is the English game that more attractive, or is just a matter of money? It's sad seeing all this young talent leave the team, and country, where they've developed.I think it's good that the youngsters have some chances with the first team. Though, I agree we should improve our back line.

The situation with the youths is not easy. There are some English clubs that offer them a paycheck that we can't pay to all of them. It's normal that some of them decide to leave. Cesc Fabregas left when we didn't have a president and there were elections, there's nothing this board could do. Now Fran Merida. He was missing from september. I guess Arsenal told him not to play for Barça anymore, and apparently now he'll be 16 years old, he'll sign a contract with them. It's money. They come, offer a good amount of money and some of them decide to leave. We can't kidnap them (although it seems that Arsenal can).

They are 15 years old so they can't have a job. Their parents decide. If it happens that they want to be rich by selling his kid as soon as possible, Arsenal or any team can offer them money so their son won't play with Barça anymore, like it happened with Fran Merida.

Barça should do something, I don't know what. I think FIFA should do something too.

At least they're not all traitors. We still have a great youth system and they're not all traitors like Francisco Fabregas. I hope they(Cesc, Piqué, F. Merida,..) don't wear the blaugrana shirt ever again.

Francisco Fabregas. .

he he.
Do you mean "sex" fabregas?

True, we had quite a few defensive shortcomings at times, so there is need of a destroyer. Then the choice is between Deco or Iniesta, as retreat from 3 foorwards is out of question :p .

Yes...but playing those 3 together I don't think is strong enough defensively...I think you rotate them, and have someone more defensive behind them...that is what Rijkaard does....and he knows the importance of that midfield hard player, the wall back there...as that is what he did during his playing career....

he he.
Do you mean "sex" fabregas?:D




The pre-season training began today.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/imagenes/jugadores/futbol/Gudjohnsen/170706_gud_dif.jpg

4 youth players will work with the first team this summer: Jesús Olmo(CB), Marc Valiente(CB), Jordi Gómez(DM) and Lluis Sastre(DM)

Yes...but playing those 3 together I don't think is strong enough defensively...I think you rotate them, and have someone more defensive behind them...that is what Rijkaard does....and he knows the importance of that midfield hard player, the wall back there...as that is what he did during his playing career....

I was agreeing with you mate ;). I was refering to which midfielder would lose its place on that zka lineup.

BTW, you guys mentioned Thuram. Is there any considered other names for the fullback spots. Thuram is great, however he is 30-something just like most of our sidebacks.

Ah....sorry, my mistake...
But yes I agree, as obviously Xavi doesn't sit....
But the season is long, and the rotation system works well...with all the competitions this season, plus the shortened rest for many players....we will need the depth at all position...I just hope we avoid any 3 or more month injuries which seem to have plagued us the past few seasons...

Why nobodys wrote "European Champions" on this new Threads title? :jambo:
liverpool fans need all the encouragement they can get. You guys actually have a bit of class (6)

ah and BTW, im going to Barca Usa tour!! :lui:


damn lucky you, i was hoping they would come to Canada ... hehe

not gonna happen :nape:

It seems we'll have elections pretty soon.

There was some controversy whether elections had to be this year or next .

Today a judge has said that it has to be before the end of 2006.

I don’t expect many surprises. I guess Laporta and his board will win.

What's the point? Laporta would win for sure.

Let's wait the appeal.

On the bright side, this could be an extra motivation for Laporta and he may make a bigger effort to bring in Zambrotta :brow:

Yesterday Txiki Beguiristain and Ferran Soriano were in Turin.

According to Cadena Ser(radio) and Onda Cero(radio), there's an agreement, 19m € for Zambrotta and Thuram.

That would be amazing.

beat me to it.

I will cry if you guys get Zambrotta.

Hopefuly it isn't true.

How would you guys play at the back, if you got both of them ?

The agreement is with the club.
Now we have to agree with the players.

I guess Juve will have a buy back option for Zambrotta once they are back to serie A.

Interesting... I'd rather have him at Barcelona then at Crapello's team (only meant personal to Capello, not to the club Real Madrid :amika: )

beat me to it.

I will cry if you guys get Zambrotta.

Hopefuly it isn't true.

How would you guys play at the back, if you got both of them ?


Thuram won't play every game, but with him I guess it would be something like:

Gio-Thuram-Puyol- Zambrotta

with Marquez playing in front of them

I like the idea.

I like the idea.

I don't.

Creo que voy a vomitar. :-puke:

beat me to it.

I will cry if you guys get Zambrotta.

Hopefuly it isn't true.

How would you guys play at the back, if you got both of them ?

Yea I just read about this too...:( If they get another sideback than both the left and right will be covered, now that will really suck ( Is Zambro really going to play on the right for you guys? )

Zamb should play on the left at Barcelona... Rambo working together with Ronaldinho on the left flank :eek:

Yea Is Zambro really going to play on the right for you guys?

If he comes.... we have to agree with him yet.

I think he would play on the right because Gio and Sylvinho are doing ok on the left.
Right side is not so well covered with Belletti, who is a bit irregular, and Oleguer who is more a DC.

In fact, Barça was looking for someone for the right side. Rumours say that if Belletti hadn't scored the winning goal at the CL final, he would have been transfered.

Both flanks are weak, I don't know where I would play Zambrotta. I'd like any line-up with Zambrotta. I won't get my hope very high though. It's not done yet.

Both flanks are weak, I don't know where I would play Zambrotta. I'd like any line-up with Zambrotta. I won't get my hope very high though. It's not done yet.

Agree in everything

You guys should try to get Buffon.

If he comes.... we have to agree with him yet.

I think he would play on the right because Gio and Sylvinho are doing ok on the left.
Right side is not so well covered with Belletti, who is a bit irregular, and Oleguer who is more a DC.

In fact, Barça was looking for someone for the right side. Rumours say that if Belletti hadn't scored the winning goal at the CL final, he would have been transfered.

Well like DT said, both your sidbacks are weak and I think Zambrotta is better on the left although he is still good on the right. Hopefully this all breaks down and you guys dont get him.

You guys should try to get Buffon.

Javier Uzué, the GK coach, said yesterday on the radio that he wouldn't fit in Barça defensive system. (:/)

I don't know if that's true, but that means that Barça is not after him.

liverpool fans need all the encouragement they can get. You guys actually have a bit of class (6)

Hey, hey! =p...

Javier Uzué, the GK coach, said yesterday on the radio that he wouldn't fit in Barça defensive system. (:/)

I don't know if that's true, but that means that Barça is not after him.

Buffon has stated that he wants to stay at Juve(see the Juventes thread).

How do you guys feel about Valdes? I mean he seems like a good keeper, but I've seen him make some real blunders.

Javier Uzué, the GK coach, said yesterday on the radio that he wouldn't fit in Barça defensive system. (:/)

I don't know if that's true, but that means that Barça is not after him.

what a lame excuse :funny:

Buffon has stated that he wants to stay at Juve(see the Juventes thread).

How do you guys feel about Valdes? I mean he seems like a good keeper, but I've seen him make some real blunders.


mmmmh, difficult question.... He combines great performances with silly mistakes when playing with the feets.

I have some friends who always critizise him, others who love him. Supporters are very divided.

Just listening on the radio, it seems that both Zambrotta and Thuram will play in Barcelona next season.

Waiting for the oficial confirmation.

what did it say ? :(

I'll start celebrating when I see it on fcbarcelona.com.

As for Buffon, I wouldn't waste money on him because we have a young keeper and we have other positions to cover. But I don't see how a keeper can not-fit in a system. He's the bloody keeper. He's supposed to stop balls from reaching the net, I don't see a system there.

Whatever. Just bring Zambrotta and we're fine.

I hope you're right Panxo. I really hope you're right. :rockman:


I think we don't need to spend money on the GK position. I guess Unzue meant that our GK has to play with his feet pretty often. But anyway, Valdés has made silly mistakes with his feet so it's not a good reason. He should have said "we trust Valdés".

I'm satisfied with Valdés. He's a great GK. He's not the best in the world but he's still young and a player of our own. He's went through difficult moments that some other GK's couldn't overcome. You know sometimes the Camp Nou isn't an easy task. After the CL final, I think everything will be better. He won some credit there.



----

I just heard on the radio too and it seems it's almost done. 19-20m, Zambrotta 4 years, Thuram 2 years.

great news about signings and terrible and confusing news about elections.

We're in "civil war" again because of a few idiots. I'll try to explain it tomorrow, or DT you can do it if you want to... I'm too pissed off right now.

It was bound to happen.. everything was going too well.

Accordint to Barcelona's statutes, the constitutional year of the club runs from July 1 to June 30. Laporta started on June 22, so those 8 days count as a year and there should have been elections this year as Laporta completed 4 years. Some people, assholes, denounced Laporta and now a judge has said that we have to hold presidential elections immediately.

I think Laporta won't appeal and we'll have elections in september, probably when we play the first la Liga game at home. Tomorrow we'll know what the board will do.

There's a problem. If the TCE find Laporta and his board guilty of serious fault, they could not be re-elected. But that would happen after the elections. Laporta will win the elections with a big margin, maybe 70-80%, and I don't think then the TCE will do anything.


I wonder what the other candidates can offer against 2 Ligas, 1 CL, the best players, 20m € of profits and still without commercial sponsor. Bunch of retards..

Argh, disgusting.

:nape: Unbelievable. Obviously they don't have the club's best interests at heart.


I am going to become a socio once I move back to Canada in October (since the mail actually works better there, and I can get my correspondence and stuff faster) Plus, here in Venezuela, most of the houses where I live don't even have formal addresses.......
I would definitely vote for Laporta......

Capello, who said that it doesn't matter if Barça had an agreement with Juve because "the player decides his future", now he said that it seems that Zambrotta has an agreement with Barça but it's not a problem because they have R.Carlos.


:rockman:



BTW, we'll start la Liga in Vigo, Celta-Barça, and will end in Tarragona, Nàstic-Barça.

Madrid-Barça, Octover 22

I don't think this will damage us severely.

So we'll have elections... it's not a problem. Laporta and his board don't have to do dick, they just have to show up and get 90% of the votes. They have much more to show than anyone else could even promise, and they don't even have to do anything to win the elections.
This is my view: some idiots triggered this and obviously elections have to go forward because that would be acting according to the law. No matter how ridiculous it is, it has to be done and that's that. Laporta will win convincingly, and the people that have been running the club will continue to do so. I have no worries.
Anyone with common sense will understand that Laporta deserves to continue.

Exactly....plus there hasn't been time to mount campaigns or negotiate with players or anything.....
so yes...zka is right

I don't even know why they're making a big fuss about it. There is no way in hell any candidate is going to beat LaPorta. Noone can top the two Liga titles and Champions League title.

I don't even know why they're making a big fuss about it. There is no way in hell any candidate is going to beat LaPorta. Noone can top the two Liga titles and Champions League title.


This is exactly the reason behind this.

They know no one would beat him in elections, so they made a big deal out of this because there is a small possibility, and I doubt it, that Laporta gets banned from the elections. This would mean that a new president would come, and to certain assholes who only look out for their own interest, this is the best chance they will get at beating him.

Wow. That's dirty.

IT'S OFFICIAL :rockman:

Thuram 2 years
Zambrotta 4 years

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=323989&idseccio_PK=803&h=


I guess it'll be soon on the official website.


I'm thrilled.






------------


Indeed, it's on the official website

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06072018.shtml

:jacko:

:rockman: :rockman: :rockman: :rockman: :rockman:

Vamos por el TRIPLE!!!!!!

(well, maybe not, but Champions and Liga again for sure!!!)

Zambrotta :rockman:

Hi :ewan:

I would hate to see you guys win a third trophy, i just hope we really make a challenge this year. Either way congrats on signing zambrotta.

I would hate to see you guys win a third trophy, i just hope we really make a challenge this year. Either way congrats on signing zambrotta.


I concur...a strong rivalry will only make us better and los clásicos even more intense....just as long as you guys finish second, have as good a year as you want :ewan: (6)

You guys beat us to Zambrotta....Congrats! But this year we r going for the treble ;)

Real - Barca ---> Oct. 22nd ;)

BTW, its sooo damn stupid of those 3 fools. They really think someone can beat Laporta?! LMAO! He is one of the best presidents they ll ever get. He got you Ronaldinho, 2 Liga's and 1 CL! O well....you are lucky that you arent gonna make any more transfers!

Laporta is going to stand down, allow the Club to hold elections, in which he will feature, and then if things go as planned, will reclaim his presidency after he swoops the competition. All this provided that the Catalan Sports Tribunal doesn't ban him from participating in the elections as a candidate.
I'm sure Laporta will be allowed to run, and will win his FULL four years.

As for signings, we will have at least one new player. Rijkaard refused to dismiss new transfers, which means he already has a target and they are working on it. I bet it's a lower-profile man because we don't need a star, we need someone humble and ready to work hard to earn his minutes as a sub for Eto'o. I think this is why we haven't been hearing any rumours. It's all probably just at the beginning or we haven't made a move yet, but I'm confident of a striker.

I think that signing will happen after Laporta reclaims his position. I guess they'll do all the negotiating and then formally go through with the deal as soon as our president is back.

I don't think we'll sign another player. We've spent 31m € wich is more than we expected. There won't be other "Zambrotta" in the market.

We got Gudjohnsen to replace Larsson and Maxi doesn't need a replacement.


http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/mundo-img/20060721a/60_archivo55_graphic_10_1_2_20060721_YBA03M1.EPS.j pg

Probably the best squad we've ever had. Rijkaard will have to choose 18 players every week. If there are not injuries, it won't be easy.

Ezquerro, Belletti, Sylvinho and Motta/vBommel/Iniesta :ewan:

Am I reading that formation wrong or are they putting Giuly ahead of Messi?

I noticed that too but I'm sure Messi will be the first choice. Anyway Giuly will start a lot of games and also Gudjohnsen. The pic is to show that we have 2 players per position.



This is also interesting. The games/minutes that our players(except Zambrotta and Thuram) played last season.

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/mundo-img/20060712a/60_archivo55_graphic_10_1_2_20060712_YBA01M1.EPS.j pg

Puyol :rockman:

With the passport issue and the injuries, Messi couldn't play too much. Though it was enough to show his quality.

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/mundo-img/20060721a/60_archivo55_graphic_10_1_2_20060721_YBA03M1.EPS.j pg





what a squad, i can't wait for the new season!!!!!!!! i'm so damn excited, we've sorted out all our problems now, and hopefully we're going to be even better than last year! let's bring all the trophies back to the camp nou!

the fixtures look good, madrid vs barca should be a great game as always. are we home first or are they?

Are the number of Zambotta and Thuram known?

Are the number of Zambotta and Thuram known?

not yet.



With the passport issue and the injuries, Messi couldn't play too much. Though it was enough to show his quality.

Messi is the best signing for this season. lets hope he can prove how good he is playing regulary

Messi is the best signing for this season. lets hope he can prove how good he is playing regulary


(Y)

as most of you know, Barça had reached an agreement with Unicef to promote its values around the world and to wear its logo on the shirt. The whole agreement was going to be presented on Agust 11th in NY.

Now, due to the elections, the whole project wll have to wait until the new board is elected. If Laporta continues as president, the project will just be delayed a bit. If there were a new president, he would have to accept agreement with Unicef.

By the way, next week Laporta and its board will resing to start the elections process. The date is not official yet, but it supposed to be on september 9th or 10th on the first home match.

what happened to a certain Geovanni you guys had a few years back? where is he now? he was a speedy winger if I remember correctly.

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/mundo-img/20060721a/60_archivo55_graphic_10_1_2_20060721_YBA03M1.EPS.j pg

:eek: :|

you guys are spoiled: even we dont have that kind of depth.

:eek: :|

you guys are spoiled: even we dont have that kind of depth.

And rumors of them getting Vieira :nape:

BullSh*t. :(

I hope Messi plays over Giuly, unlike that picture says

']what happened to a certain Geovanni you guys had a few years back? where is he now? he was a speedy winger if I remember correctly.

Havent u been watching CL last year. He scored a beauty against Man U. for benfica. he was sold to a Brasilian team from benfica

Messi will play instead of Ludo for sure. Zambrotta, Eto'o and Puyol playing instead of Belletti, Eidur and Thuram is normal and expected. There's no competition there. But Messi is still young and Ludo has enjoyed a spell in the second part of last season due to Messi's problems, so Messi hasn't really had a good chance of cementing a first team spot. But his performances have shown who'll be the best in the world and I'm sure he'll be the starter in ahead of Ludo. I think placing Ludo over him in that line-up is either a mistake or a sign of solidarity towards Ludo because, as I already said, he did carry the right wing in the most important matches at the end of last season. If Messi doesn't start right away, he will in a few games. Ludo deserves a few more games in the starting eleven. After that, it's Messi's time, and he's in no hurry because he has about fifteen years left in professional football.
-------------------------
Geovanni was crap for us.

By the way, the line-up doesn't include Saviola, who will most probably stay with us. :rolleyes:

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=405111&CPID=23&clid=178&lid=10&title=Barca+to+hijack+Vieira+move?

I don't know if it's possible now. We're certainly more attractive than Inter, and Vieira would surely welcome the prospect of rejoining with Thuram and Zambrotta. I don't know if I want Vieira with us. Motta is injury prone and Vieira is definitely a better player, but also older. Plus, why would Motta want to move to Serie B/C1?

Yeah...seems a bit far fetched to me....I can't see it being a trade...Rijkaard has always been a big fan of Motta...

Yeah, but an injury prone player is still injury prone, no matter how much you like him.

Plus, Rijkaard refused to close the door on other transfers.. I hope Vieira doesn't come.

I agree...and Motta seems to have one majour injury per season...but I just mean, I don't think he'll go in a trade...
If he did...well, I'd rather it wasn't for Vieira.....although I'm not 100% opposed to Vieira coming here...he's only 30 after all...

Vieira will go to Inter, just watch. :p

I agree. Vieira would improve our squad but it would be good only to a short term. Edmilson is 29 or 30 years old. We would have problems in a couple of years. Better stick with Edmilson and find a young replacement. If it can't be Motta because he lives in the infirmary, then other young player.


Thuram passed the medical and signed the contract. (http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06072408.shtml)

Oleguer 2010 (H) (http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06072406.shtml)

Havent u been watching CL last year. He scored a beauty against Man U. for benfica. he was sold to a Brasilian team from benfica

Has he been sold??? He did pretty well in portugal, didn't he?



By the way, the line-up doesn't include Saviola, who will most probably stay with us. :rolleyes:

I doubt it


About Vieria, i wouldn't mind to have him in the squad. He's a rock!. Anyway, I think it's just a rumor and i don't believe it. We have already spend 31M € this season...that's enough. Besides the board is about to resing in a couple of days, so it would make any transfer a bit more difficult.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06072407.shtml

Just read this interview..

I find this kind of thing insulting. He says absolutely nothing and clearly ignores the significant and interesting parts of the questions asked. I cannot understand why he can't reveal a shred of important information, and I also don't see the point of this interview if he's not gonna tell us his take on the current situation and things like that. Really, we have a decent website, but these interviews are piss poor and they ruin the overall image of it.
I have never read such a long interview without finding out anything new. Hats off to Rijkaard. It's disappointing.

Panxoman, its not that he was playing bad, but its not like Geovanni was playing good to lol. In the end it came down to him feeling homesick and wanting to go back to Brazil.

i believe with benfica current situation on the wings, they could have used him

Hello guys, noticed this bit of info:

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=325257&idseccio_PK=805&h=060726

Anybody know much about him? I know he got to play for the first team in your Copa del Rey run, but that's pretty much it.

Man, the Barca 'B' stadium is around the same size as Tynecastle. :(

Sorry, couldn't follow the cup.

Yeah, Miniestadi is a nice stadium. I'm proud of it, as well as Camp Nou.

Xavier Sala i Martin's home page, I recommend it:
http://www.columbia.edu/~xs23/home.html

----------------

Updated the first post.

Xavier Sala i Martin's home page, I recommend it:
http://www.columbia.edu/~xs23/home.htmlHOLY............

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:




He's.... different....

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/mundo-img/20060727a/60_archivo55_graphic_10_1_2_20060727_YBA03M111.EPS .jpg

Sixteenth economist in the world. It's impressive. He seems to be a genious.

-------------

We have a new sponsor, Audi.
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06072705.shtml

I'm pleased with this. We're getting more and more sponsors, and this can only help us.

Yeah, his CV (http://www.columbia.edu/~xs23/vita.htm) is truly amazing.



The elections will be on September 3. Though, it's very probable that there's only one candidate(Laporta), so he might be president on August 22 without elections.



Thuram will wear the number 21. Zambrotta didn't choose yet, or we don't know it yet. Ezquerro changed his number, he was #14 and he'll wear Gabri's 18. 11, 13, 14 and 22 are free.

I guess Saviola will take the number 11, although he'll probably leave.

Hello guys, noticed this bit of info:

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=325257&idseccio_PK=805&h=060726

Anybody know much about him? I know he got to play for the first team in your Copa del Rey run, but that's pretty much it.

Man, the Barca 'B' stadium is around the same size as Tynecastle. :(

He's a defensive midfielder with good ball recovering skills and tacticaly very disciplined. Rijkaard says he always knows what to do on the pitch.

I don't know much more about him but for what I've heard, he's a good and promising DM.

NOt sure if he will ever make it to the first team tho. I don't think so. He's already 23.

HOLY............

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

He's.... different....




Very good economist but.... (:/)

His ideas are very american influenced, with the good and bad things that this means.

He participates in a radio program I listen to. The good thing is that on the radio you can't see how he's dressed.

Will Leo keep 19 ?

I'm really excited over the team. Can't wait till the season starts to see them in action. It'll be so beautiful football to watch :) . These new signings should help the team a lot. I can see Barca winning anything and scoring a lot of goals with this team. I'll say one thing you don't hear that often: I kinda feel sorry for Rijkaard :D. He's got SO difficult discisions to make about the squad. I hope Messi and every1 else gets a good start and a good season overall. I really think this team has the chances to do what they want. :lui:

Welcome.

Will Leo keep 19 ?Yes he will. I guess that's why Zambrotta doesn't have a number yet, he wore #19 at Juve.



Welcome to the forums Jaboldinho :ewan:

Well Barca is playing a friendly match against a team from the Denmark but the most important thing is that Giovanni Dos Santos scored his first goal with Barcelona....

Excellent...another great talent to come up through the ranks...

I hope he plays himself into contention for first team.....not for this season, but for next....

If you would like to see Giovanni's first goal click on the link below:

http://www.fcbarcelona.dk/maal0607/AGFBarca01.wmv

Barca 3

AGF 0

Final Score

Great goal.

http://www.fcbarcelona.dk/maal0607/AGFBarca02.wmv - 0:2, Santi Ezquerro

http://www.fcbarcelona.dk/maal0607/AGFBarca03.wmv - 0:3, OG

http://tracker.denness.net:6969/stats.html?info_hash=fa5d8ef5e0e908fdb5c04d56f4f07 77114ae570c - 1st half torrent

http://tracker.denness.net:6969/stats.html?info_hash=72f975831998188df8055b686352c 1bc1c4e9e29 - 2nd half torrent

http://www.gio2santos.com/giovideos9.htm - dos Santos in action

Welcome to the forums Jaboldinho :ewan:
Welcome.

Thank you, found the forum by accident when looking for rosters to FIFA 06 :). I'm pleased with my accident :rolleyes:

If you would like to see Giovanni's first goal click on the link below:

http://www.fcbarcelona.dk/maal0607/AGFBarca01.wmv

Barca 3

AGF 0

Final Score

Finish :o(Y)

Wow...he's impressing...
I remember watching the Mexico-Holland game from the U-17 WC in September (or beginning of October)

He was great in that game and set up some nice goals...
I think he will come through soon...the same way as Messi...
If there's one thing that Rijkaard should know about, it's youth systems...coming from Ajax...

I pray that he continues to develop into the player everyone thinks he can become. We sure as hell could use him in the NT when he's ready, we've got very little going forward.

he's very young yet. Wait a bit.... 1 year or two

He's the next big thing. I hope he plays, if it's possible, a few games this season. There's no reason to rush it.


Marc Valiente(CB), Toni Calvo(RW) and Jeffren(LW, RW) won the european U-19 championship with the Spanish NT. (Y)

Nice goal. How old is he again? Looks very young.

yes great goals i like them great goal for a great team visca barca!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=406720&CPID=22&clid=161&lid=10&title=Hamburg+ask+for+Saviola


Good, the more competition for him, the more money for us.


Just go away

Haha.

I'm tired too. Every summer the same. Probably he'll leave for free because nobody wants to pay his high wages. We don't know how to sell players, I'm used to it.

I wonder if we could have made it more obvious that we wanted Saviola out.

Probably not, we did our best

new season, new sig! :rockman:

Nice (Y)

I'm thinking of a new sig, but it would have to have Messi

THE BREAKDOWN OF MOST BARCA FANS = Fans who love the idea of romanticizing the past, prioritizing political opinions above the sport, thinking they are freedom fighters, in it for other reasons other than beautiful futbol, and above all else, INFERIORITY COMPLEX. Jealousy and loathing is your downfall. And one more thing, Catalunya is Spain, if you don't believe me, look at an updated globe, atlas, map, speak to a scholar, search the internet, go on googlemap.com, or go ask your travel agent that you want to travel to the country of Catalunya and see what look you get. Face the fact that Catalunya is Spain and no type of dreaming will change that. Enjoy your club now especially since you have a great squad. Enjoy the CL title, La Liga title. Be happy and move on with life...life's too short to loath.

Errm, umkay.

THE BREAKDOWN OF MOST BARCA FANS = Fans who love the idea of romanticizing the past, prioritizing political opinions above the sport, thinking they are freedom fighters, in it for other reasons other than beautiful futbol, and above all else, INFERIORITY COMPLEX. Jealousy and loathing is your downfall. And one more thing, Catalunya is Spain, if you don't believe me, look at an updated globe, atlas, map, speak to a scholar, search the internet, go on googlemap.com, or go ask your travel agent that you want to travel to the country of Catalunya and see what look you get. Face the fact that Catalunya is Spain and no type of dreaming will change that. Enjoy your club now especially since you have a great squad. Enjoy the CL title, La Liga title. Be happy and move on with life...life's too short to loath.

What the fu*k? Where the hell did this come from...I mean I know by yourscreen name I was expecting some weird stuff to come but damn this was not needed, suprising, and well how the hell did you come to a conclusion to post this out of nowhere?

hehehe..just having fun! relax! Looking forward to challenging Barca this year.

hehehe..just having fun! relax! Looking forward to challenging Barca this year.

Aye will do sir, next time some simlies will help :)

Puyol is having some problems with his legs, so he did some extra work with Juanjo Brau. I hope he's ok for the States. I would play him against NY, maybe Club America. It would be stupid to have him seriously injured over a USA tour game.

--------------

Belletti's boots are now a part of the Club museum. (H) He signed the right one, and wrote the result and "Barca!!" on the left one.

--------------

Some WC participants joined the team, with El Conejo among them. (N)

We need to sell this man, soon. I hope something can be done before August 22nd, or at least a deal can be reached so that formalities are taken care of the moment Laporta restarts as president.

--------------

The team have set off for Mexico. Fourteen hour flight.

122 in party


A total of 122 people are on the trip to Mexico and USA, made up of :

- 30 players

- 17 coaching staff, including coaches, physical trainers and masseurs

- 26 reporters

- 31 fans

- 18 club employees from various departments

---------------

We have the second candidate.

http://www.marca.com/ficheros/marca/imagenes/linan_ES.jpg

This is a mockery.

THE BREAKDOWN OF MOST BARCA FANS = Fans who love the idea of romanticizing the past, prioritizing political opinions above the sport, thinking they are freedom fighters, in it for other reasons other than beautiful futbol, and above all else, INFERIORITY COMPLEX. Jealousy and loathing is your downfall. And one more thing, Catalunya is Spain, if you don't believe me, look at an updated globe, atlas, map, speak to a scholar, search the internet, go on googlemap.com, or go ask your travel agent that you want to travel to the country of Catalunya and see what look you get. Face the fact that Catalunya is Spain and no type of dreaming will change that. Enjoy your club now especially since you have a great squad. Enjoy the CL title, La Liga title. Be happy and move on with life...life's too short to loath.

Having a boring time in NY, uh?
To amuse yourself you can join some KKK group or something like that.
I'm sure you'll fit there.

[QUOTE=zka]
We have the second candidate.

http://www.marca.com/ficheros/marca/imagenes/linan_ES.jpg

[QUOTE]

He's not a candidate yet. To become candidate he has to get the support of 1800 members.

He has already tried it in the previous 4 elections, and he never could.

He's just trying to get some media attention.

He's not a candidate yet. To become candidate he has to get the support of 1800 members.

He has already tried it in the previous 4 elections, and he never could.

He's just trying to get some media attention.

I know, but honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he got those signatures.

Chess man

Heil :kader: OrgulloRacista
Anda a meterte tu "breakdown" por el culo racista de mierda!

:-puke: OrgulloVikingo

Get out of here if you don't have anything constructive to say, nice way to introduce yourself on a forum. You and jouadinho should go straight to hell.....

There are several Madridistas whom I respect on here because they are intelligent and have a healthy rivalry and discussion like SlowSilver, RUSI, Socrates and others, but you are a disgrace to your club and to football

Anda a la mierda!

Heil :kader: OrgulloRacista
Anda a meterte tu "breakdown" por el culo racista de mierda!

:-puke: OrgulloVikingo

Get out of here if you don't have anything constructive to say, nice way to introduce yourself on a forum. You and jouadinho should go straight to hell.....

There are several Madridistas whom I respect on here because they are intelligent and have a healthy rivalry and discussion like SlowSilver, RUSI, Socrates and others, but you are a disgrace to your club and to football

Anda a la mierda!


He didn't deserve a reply, but (H)

-----------

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080301.shtml

Ronaldinho speaks out. :ewan: ACM

30.000+ people in the last training session :|

Viva Mexico :mexican:

He didn't deserve a reply, but (H)

-----------

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080301.shtml

Ronaldinho speaks out. :ewan: ACM

if AS was behind Milan, that actually means he wants to join Milan but doesnt want to let down the fans.

he wants the board to agree to sell him so it doesnt appear that he is risking his relationship with the fans.

Ronaldinho recently told Cafu via MSN Messenger that he thinks AC Milan is a great club so that means he is definately desperate for a move to Milan.

Though Laporta has rejected any approach from Milan, Berlusconi is convinced he can still sign Ronaldinho.



:D

Keep dreaming :rolleyes: (6)

']
Ronaldinho recently told Cafu via MSN Messenger that he thinks AC Milan is a great club so that means he is definately desperate for a move to Milan.

Though Laporta has rejected any approach from Milan, Berlusconi is convinced he can still sign Ronaldinho.
:D


you're about as likely to sign ronaldinho as you are puyol, so in other words, not going to happen. but yeah, keep dreaming if you want... :ewan:

i'm excited for the game vs. tigres, first real runout for the guys returning from the world cup. have thuram and zambrotta joined up with the squad yet?

by the way, have any of you guys purchased this season's jersey? i'm considering buying it but i'd like to know how it is from someone who's already got one before i go for it

Heil :kader: OrgulloRacista
Anda a meterte tu "breakdown" por el culo racista de mierda!

:-puke: OrgulloVikingo

Get out of here if you don't have anything constructive to say, nice way to introduce yourself on a forum. You and jouadinho should go straight to hell.....

There are several Madridistas whom I respect on here because they are intelligent and have a healthy rivalry and discussion like SlowSilver, RUSI, Socrates and others, but you are a disgrace to your club and to football

Anda a la mierda!
shut up u di*ck head son of a bit*h.

oh buy the way did u know that raul has won more CL in 10 years then barcelona have won in there whole history. :hump: :lui:

Good for him!!!! :rolleyes:

Wow. :kader:

C'mon man, stop harrasing the Barca fans.

Thanks Nuno...forgot to put you on the list above...but you go there.... :ewan:

']if AS was behind Milan, that actually means he wants to join Milan but doesnt want to let down the fans.

he wants the board to agree to sell him so it doesnt appear that he is risking his relationship with the fans.

Ronaldinho recently told Cafu via MSN Messenger that he thinks AC Milan is a great club so that means he is definately desperate for a move to Milan.

Though Laporta has rejected any approach from Milan, Berlusconi is convinced he can still sign Ronaldinho.



:D


I seriously hope you're having a laugh with that post


i'm excited for the game vs. tigres, first real runout for the guys returning from the world cup. have thuram and zambrotta joined up with the squad yet?

by the way, have any of you guys purchased this season's jersey? i'm considering buying it but i'd like to know how it is from someone who's already got one before i go for it

Zambrotta will join them in the US. To be precise, I think it's LA. Thuram should also join the squad in the US.
I read on another forum that it has some stitching through it, a pattern of some sort, that you can't see. I think it's designed to be more comfortable. I'm getting it for sure.


Nuno (Y)

Barca 1
Tigres 0

Half Time

Pictures of 1st half of friendly: Barcelona vs Tigres

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/8742/maglia20parma200607fj0.jpg

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/1821/5872mp9.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6564/5874lv3.jpg

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/9712/5875le2.jpg

http://img486.imageshack.us/img486/6300/5879la2.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7504/5878pl0.jpg[/quote]

mehh.. you guys missed the part when I said "if AS was behind Milan" :/

Well, only Spanish clubs are big enough to practically have their own newspaper ;) haha

-------------

Seriously now

Club Tigres - FC Barcelona 0:3
Balderas o.g., Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen

Ronaldinho scored a perfectly placed free kick, he was so happy after the goal. The new kit looks great on him. I think he'll have a great season
Eidur scored a great goal as well. It was a powerful and accurate shot.
:rockman:

Nice result, next match against Chivas Guadalajara

btw Puyol played, which means his legs are fine.

]

Ronaldinho recently told Cafu via MSN Messenger that he thinks AC Milan is a great club so that means he is definately desperate for a move to Milan.
this is a joke right?

Having a boring time in NY, uh?
To amuse yourself you can join some KKK group or something like that.
I'm sure you'll fit there.
While I don't agree with vikings comments, your reference of the KKK is down right retarded

Jim...the Ultras group Orgullo Vikingo is associated with racism....

Lets ignore the Orgullo Vikingo. We don't need to discuss the KKK in here

Thx

Fran Merida made his debut tonight and I'm just wondering if any of you can tell me if he's as talented as he's hype up to be. And please keep the bitching to a minimum as I know he was "stolen" from you guys.

Fran Merida made his debut tonight and I'm just wondering if any of you can tell me if he's as talented as he's hype up to be. And please keep the bitching to a minimum as I know he was "stolen" from you guys.


Man, you were doing fine, but that last part made me decide not to answer you.

Man, you were doing fine, but that last part made me decide not to answer you.

The thing is if I didn't add the last part you guys would probably say he's a judas, a traitor, etc. I just wanted to know how talented he is.

Fran Merida made his debut tonight and I'm just wondering if any of you can tell me if he's as talented as he's hype up to be. And please keep the bitching to a minimum as I know he was "stolen" from you guys.He's the next fabregas, the next vieira and the next zidane. In a couple of years he'll be better than Xavi. Wait, if he already made his debut with arse, he probably is better than Xavi already. Overhyped? an Arsenal player overhyped? nah..

I hope that satisfied your curiosity.

how did dos santos do

Ignorance is bliss, maybe not in this case. OV is not about racism, it's about values and honor to the club. Vikingos = nickname same as colchoneros, cules, indios, etc. Don't make assumptions. If I were racist I would have no problem saying so, believe me. And besides, if I were to say orgullochicano or whatever would that make me racist? Think about it. Take care.

how did dos santos doHe played 45 minutes. I thought he was the best player in the first half.

Panxoman,

Relax! Don't let it get to you. I'm a good sport....I did admit you guys have a great squad afterall. How many anticules would say that? By the way, I'm thinking of going to Giants stadium for the barca match vs. redbulls (with my Real flag) ;) Adios!

all of your post in this thread

*sigh*, you know its just easier not to post here. I got no problem with ansrewing/debating with you in the Madrid thread about Madrid related stuff but just keep it at that ok? Seriously no need for this.

Panxoman,

Relax! Don't let it get to you. I'm a good sport....I did admit you guys have a great squad afterall. How many anticules would say that? By the way, I'm thinking of going to Giants stadium for the barca match vs. redbulls (with my Real flag) ;) Adios!


I wasn't talking about the sport part of your post.

I did admit you guys have a great squad afterall. How many anticules would say that?

We do have a great squad, and it's a pretty obvious thing. You're stating the obvious, and want an acknowledgement for it.

i get the feeling that dos Santos is a bit of a ball-hog. anyone else notice this, or is it my untrained eye?

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080511.shtml

We signed an agreement with Warner Bros, which gives them exclusive right to produce and sell our official merchandise. This is good. They will take care of the market in North, Central and South America. Good move

-----------------

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080507.shtml

Deco article. He, just like all the others who have given interviews so far, has said that Laporta should continue being president. He's not concerned about a lot of competitions because we can handle it, and we have new faces that will help.

-----------------

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080508.shtml

An article on Zambrotta. He joined the team yesterday, Aug 4, in LA, and went through his first training session today. He thinks we have the best team in the world right now, which is the reason he chose us over Capello. He also said he wouldn't cause any problems about his position. It's the same to play left and right. I think his position will depend on the opponent. If they have a great right winger, we'll play Zambrotta on the left, and so on. I think this is the right way to do it. It would give chances to Oleguer/Belletti and Gio/Sylvinho.

-----------------

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080518.shtml

Precandidate. I hope he doesn't collect the signatures.

-----------------

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080419.shtml

We're filling stadiums wherever we go. Rijkaard takes these games seriously and says that Zambro and Thuram won't play, yet.

Best team in the world :rockman:

There are at least two candidates. It's almost certain that there will be elections. This doesn't have to be any problem, though. The squad is closed. The only doubt is Saviola. Sala i Martin won't make any important move, but if there's an offer, I think he can ask the candidates and if they all agree, they could close a possible deal. I don't think any of the candidates will try to change the way Laporta and his board have managed the football team, so they'll agree if Rijkaard gives his approval.

I think it's good that there's more than 1 candidate. Laporta will get around 75% of the votes and the other candidates will share the other 25%. It'll be good if there's a clean debate, Laporta could improve some things.




I still don't know Zambrotta's number. Saviola wore the number 22 in the last friendly so it has to be 11, 13 or 14.

I don't mind the elections, as long as it's possible to sell Saviola while we don't have a president.

BTW, the team was with Kobe in LA. It says that, at the end of the day, Kobe and Ronaldinho exchanged phone numbers... sounds suspicious ;)

shut up u di*ck head son of a bit*h.

oh buy the way did u know that raul has won more CL in 10 years then barcelona have won in there whole history. :hump: :lui:

Wow, is this guy a tool or what. :kader:

I still don't know Zambrotta's number. Saviola wore the number 22 in the last friendly so it has to be 11, 13 or 14.

he used to wear #23 for juve in his first 2 seasons
around that time aswell he used to wear #11 or 7 for the NT

I enjoyed watching Barca tonight against Chivas (Y). I have a feeling there will a be a lot of "Ronaldinho to Gudjonhsen" this season. Those two seem to be on the same page.

Heh, Dinho made fools out of a couple of our defenders in the box during the second half. :D Barca looked good, we created some chances during the game and finally got a goal late but for the most part, Barca dominated and looked good going forward.

Heh, Dinho made fools out of a couple of our defenders in the box during the second half. :D Barca looked good, we created some chances during the game and finally got a goal late but for the most part, Barca dominated and looked good going forward.

even though there were 4 players offside :D

Wow....drugs are bad.... :kader:

everyone in thEsE threadS are just losers WHO CANT PLAY FOOTBALL.

Haha, oh man, that hurt so much. :)

Come play football with me and i'll put you on the ground in one minute son. And i'm not doing tackles. (H)

There will always be idiots.

But what can you do

LOL :hump:

Jaouadinho, you don't have to post in here. Really.

---------------

Moving on..

:rockman: (H)
http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_170578_CAS.jpg

I liked yesterday's game. The second half mainly.

93000 spectators (Y)

Gudjohnsen scored again and it seems that he won't need too much time to adapt. He'll do fine up there. He worked hard. Great attitude.

Iniesta had some great moments and Ronaldinho looks really happy. He's enjoying this tour.

Next game vs America. I hope to see Xavi, Messi, Deco, Zambrotta and Thuram. The youngsters are coming back to Barcelona. Only Olmo will stay with the team.

93000 spectators (Y)

For the first time in history, a football match had a full stadium in the US. Only FC Barcelona. (H)

Ronaldinho looks really happy. He's enjoying this tour.

I have a feeling this will be his season. When someone asked him about Milan, he answered that he could one day play in the States, but right now he is only thinking about Barcelona.. he really, really likes the USA. I think NBA has a big influence on that, and I believe he could really go there when he's 34 or something like that.

Next game vs America. I hope to see Xavi, Messi, Deco, Zambrotta and Thuram. The youngsters are coming back to Barcelona. Only Olmo will stay with the team.

The youngsters did good, and now the real preseason starts. :rockman:
All the players are in the team, now. This is where it truly kicks off.

even though there were 4 players offside :D Hey, the one guy who wasn't offside scored the goal. :p

I wonder if Kobe tried talking Ronaldinho into joining his favorite club by any chance. He's a big AC Milan fan from his days of living there in Italy.

Hey, the one guy who wasn't offside scored the goal. :p

I wonder if Kobe tried talking Ronaldinho into joining his favorite club by any chance. He's a big AC Milan fan from his days of living there in Italy.


Yeah, seems like the scorer was on-side.

And I thought Kobe was a fan of Inter Milan, not AC Milan?

The match last night was a blast!

The first half off the game wasn't that exciting. There was some spotty action but nothing like the second half when Ronaldinho took the pitch. It was pure electricity whenever he touched the ball. Fans for both teams stood up to watch him work his magic. I consider myself pretty luck for the chance to see him in person :)
I must say that Gudjohnsen didn't impress me all that much. True, the Chivas keeper made some great saves (the guy played really, really well) but it didn't seem that Gudjohnsen had a good finishing touch out there.

It was amazing to see the Colosseum alive with drums, horns, and screaming fans. As always in the LA Colosseum (when the Raiders played there, USC games, random soccer matches) there was tons of action IN the stands as well. Some girl was flashing the crowd - she was arrested and taken out of the stadium by police. The crowd showed their displeasure by showering the police with beer. There were a few incidents involving fans of the Mexican club America. Why they decided to wear their jerseys in crowd filled with Chivas fans I'll never know. One America fan escaped into a tunnel and emerged with a freshly bought Barca shirt. Everyone in that section promptly showered him with beer and popcorn.

There were some bizarre moments on the field as well. The most notable one being the sprinklers going off on the Barca end of the pitch...quite close to their keeper. Shortly after that some fireworks were released...it seemed like they were set off to distract the crowd.

I'm pretty sure yesterday set a single game attendance record for the MLS. Of course they got a *little* help but it's still good for so many to see some MLS action.

I'll try and upload some pix when I get home from work today.

It was amazing to see the Colosseum alive with drums, horns, and screaming fans.


Damn it! I was in LA in May and I went to see the Romania vs. Uruguay game at the Colosseum. There were hardly 1000 people there! I was so disappointed, and I would have so much rather seen this match, sounds like the atmosphere was amazing!

Do upload pics when you get the chance, I'm sure everyone on this thread will appreciate it (Y)

2006/07 squad numbers announced

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/imagenes/GiraUSA2006/070806_Dorsals_gran.jpg

1. VALDÉS
2. BELLETTI
3. MOTTA
4. MÁRQUEZ
5. PUYOL
6. XAVI
7. GUDJOHNSEN
8. GIULY
9. ETO'O
10. RONALDINHO
11. ZAMBROTTA
12. GIO VAN BRONCKHORST
15. EDMÍLSON
16. SYLVINHO
17. VAN BOMMEL
18. EZQUERRO
19. MESSI
20. DECO
21. THURAM
22. SAVIOLA
23. OLEGUER
24. INIESTA
25. JORQUERA
28. RUBEN


http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080702.shtml

Notice this: "Javier Saviola has been assigned a provisional squad number, '22'"

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n06080702.shtml

Notice this: "Javier Saviola has been assigned a provisional squad number, '22'"

I would like to see Saviola playing for Barca again...I dont know why he didn't stay these last 2 seasons.

LuckyStrike, thanks for the input. Please upload pictures, it would be greatly appreciated. (Y)

------------------

As for the numbers, I'm quite surprised that Messi kept the '19'.

Also, I don't know about giving Thuram Lucho's number.

------------------

In other news, we will make four times more money from this tour that we did last year. Quadruple! This kind of info relieves me of my worries regarding our finances. We're lucky to have people who know how to promote our name throughout the world.

Ok so here are four pics from Sunday's match. In the first pic you can see the size of the crowd watching the first (MLS) game. Next, check out our grub. Man those kebabs where good :) . Next you can see some smoke set off by the Chivas fans...I feel bad for the people sitting behind them. My friend said it turned pitch black for a minute. Finaly you can see the sprinklers going off by the Barca goalie.

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/9153/crowdoj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7801/foodej6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/9867/smokeih8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/3255/sprinklerys8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

just freaking send Saviola to Milan for free and we'll give you Amoroso. :kader:

wow The stadium was really full

']just freaking send Saviola to Milan for free and we'll give you Amoroso. :kader:

make an offer, and i'm sure it won't be refused. as long as saviola actually wants to move to milan, which is a problem all on its own :fool:


nice pics by the way!

Thanks!

Here are a couple of action shots. Photoshop messed up the lighting so it looks darker for some reason.

Edit: I almost forgot...the third pic is pretty funny. NO SOCCER! And there were police there to make sure ;)
http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6573/actionvz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6875/freekickoc1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/7779/noxw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/9153/crowdoj3.jpg

Like I said, only Barca. :rockman:

Puyol, Ronaldinho and Xavi will join Rijkaard in his trip to NASA Space Center, where the four of them will talk to the astronauts in the International Space Station live via a satellite link

lol

Nice pics LuckyStrike.

More than a Club

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/imagenes/GiraUSA2006/070806_hospi_gran.jpg

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/imagenes/GiraUSA2006/070806_hospi_detall.jpg

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/imagenes/GiraUSA2006/070806_hospi_dif2.jpg

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/imagenes/GiraUSA2006/070806_hospi_dif.jpg

Puyi, Belletti, Zambro, Rafa and Leo visited the G.E. Foreman wing for children and spent some time with them. It's the Cancer Center in Texas.

(6) Club America are tearing Barca in half at the moment.

3-1 at HT

Nelson Cuevas hat-trick.

It has been a stellar first half.

That Olmo guy plays like Raul Bravo at CB

(6) Club America are tearing Barca in half at the moment.

3-1 at HT

Nelson Cuevas hat-trick.

It has been a stellar first half.

That Olmo guy plays like Raul Bravo at CB

Oh man (6)

3-1, kind of suprising but its just preseason and just halftime.

It's 4-1, and the America fans are going ole.

The Mexican league just started, by the way. So America aren't exactly in midseason form.

Has Rijkaard ever tried any other formation than the 4-3-3?

4-2.

Barca have like 5 forwards on.

Edit: 4-4, Club America went soft as ****.

Wow.

When America brought in their reserves, Barca exploded!

What a game though, I thought dinho was going to score that free-kick in the last minute.

And what about Saviola, I swear, if he plays minutes, he will change your guys' minds.

Oh man, what a game. I was having a soccer orgasm, and then BAM! they tie. I guess I'm happy about Pipino's hat trick but eventhough it was a friendly, it would have been damn nice to see the 4-1 score hold up, bah.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.




It's obvious our players don't like to lose even in friendlies.

If there was any doubt that this is a terrible preparation, now it's 100% certain. And they'll have to play the Spanish Supercup in 10 days..

What a terrible defending by Olmo and Márquez. Márquez can't play without a fast defender like Puyol.


Oh, and Saviola one goal and one assist.

and a great pass to set up the penalty ;)

I agree about Olmo.

Javier Saviola really showed me something tonight. I still dont know if there is a place for him on this team, but he made the most of the opportunity tonight. I wouldnt mind seeing him come off the bench when we need a spark.

Drop that waste Ezquerro. He's worthless.

I have to agree on that. Ezquerro has been really bad and he's one of the few player who should demonstrate something in this preseason.

if you keep him, dont let him have the #22 :( it just doesnt suit him.

#7?

What a game!!!! That was stupendous :rockman:. Barca's defense was terrible though :D, Thuram, Zambrotta and Puyol should change that lol. When Barca put in their stars in the second half it showed. They got beat 3-1 in the first half and they won 3-1 in the second (6). Great great game!

And what about Saviola, I swear, if he plays minutes, he will change your guys' minds.


He's too expensive to sit on the bench. Seeing him play like this, I wish he had smaller wages. He'll cost us ten million if he stays the whole season.

If there was any doubt that this is a terrible preparation, now it's 100% certain. And they'll have to play the Spanish Supercup in 10 days..

I'm not worried. This was just a preseason game. Chelsea are tying their games, as well, and I doubt Mourinho does crappy preparations. This doesn't mean anything.
Besides, we'll have a few official games before the league starts so we'll sharpen ourselves there. I don't care about the Super Cups and the Gamper anyway.
For me, it's of utmost importance to be ready when La Liga starts, and I am certain they will be.

Drop that waste Ezquerro. He's worthless.

We keep either him or Saviola. Ezquerro doesn't b*tch and has spent his Barca career on the bench. Saviola would b*tch about not playing and, thanks to Gaspart, we can't keep paying someone large sums to sit on the bench.
Why do you think we are so eager to get rid of him? We don't usually bust our balls trying to sell someone, but Saviola simply costs too much to be a substitute in a club of such financial situation as ours.

#7?

Guddy has 7.

does anyone know if the catalunya patch on the jersey is for a company? cause i saw it on an adboard during the game last night.

does anyone know if the catalunya patch on the jersey is for a company? cause i saw it on an adboard during the game last night.Turisme de Catalunya http://www.gencat.net/turistex_nou/home.htm

Just becouse Laporta and Rijkaard won 2 ligas and 1 champions doesn't mean every move they make is right...

Saviola is way better than Gudj, Giuly and Ezquerro...

thanks for the info

Just becouse Laporta and Rijkaard won 2 ligas and 1 champions doesn't mean every move they make is right...

Saviola is way better than Gudj, Giuly and Ezquerro...


I agree on the first part.

However, I wouldn't say Saviola beats Guddy. The other two, easily.
But he's too expensive for us. I think this situation would be much clearer if he would just agree to a lower wage.

-----------

Getting back to the Tour. We are amazingly popular now.
We have packed the Reliants Stadium, which is our third consecutive match in front of a full house.
So far, we have gathered 206,000 fans in three latest games. We couldn't do any better because the stadiums couldn't hold any more people. (H)

The attendance for the last game was 70,550. Our next match is at the Giants stadium, which holds a further 75,000.
We should see a 100% turnout there, as well.

true, but most of those fans seem to support chivas and america more than barca. either way, i really wonder how many of these fans will support barca now??

I applaud barca on a hell of a game, and i wouldn't take that defence that showed up too seriously. It is after-all a friendly.. :ewan:

true, but most of those fans seem to support chivas and america more than barca. either way, i really wonder how many of these fans will support barca now??


Well, I think most of those were neutral, just citizens of cities where the games were played. In any case, we attracted a maximum amount of audience and will surely profit from it a lot, and in the future, too. It can only be good.

Saviola might bring more goals to the table, but Guddy brings more to the table, in general. He can be an adequate scoring striker, is an ideal support striker, and can fill in for Deco more than adequately if need be. Saviola would probably score many more goals, but Guddy will certainly be the more valuable player

Well, I think most of those were neutral, just citizens of cities where the games were played. In any case, we attracted a maximum amount of audience and will surely profit from it a lot, and in the future, too. It can only be good.


Not at all, you played in Los Angeles and in Houston, many mexicans there. Most of the guys who were in those matches were mexicans. Now we will se how you do in New York, against a MLS team.


And Barcelona was hired to play those matches, against Tigres, the CEMEX corporation, owner of Tigres payed lot of money to Barca to be playing in Mexico.

In the second and third match against Chivas and America, were other bussinesmen the ones who payed Barca ( as well, Chivas and America were hired to play those matches) the ones who actually got the profit from the game, were the bussinesmen.

But indeed Barca now its the most popular football club in the world, the curious thing is that the club isnt earning the money they should earn. An other example could be the Nike contract, because most of the things that barca sells are produced by nike, and the american brand is the one who is getting most of the profit.

But indeed Barca now its the most popular football club in the world, the curious thing is that the club isnt earning the money they should earn. An other example could be the Nike contract, because most of the things that barca sells are produced by nike, and the american brand is the one who is getting most of the profit.


I'm happy with the promotion of our name right now. The money will keep coming once we cement our presence in America.

As for the profit, I don't know about our contract with Nike, but what I do know is that we have a deal with Mediapro for a billion euros in the next seven seasons, and that's a minimum. We could get more, but that depends on other things which I don't know about.

One billion in seven years is a lot of money. We're even gaining on Madrid in that aspect, it seems.

any1 here going 2 the barca-red bulls game on saturday...im hoping the red bulls can win but i doubt it...i can see barca winning 7-0

true, but most of those fans seem to support chivas and america more than barca. either way, i really wonder how many of these fans will support barca now??


That's really not a surprise, at least not for me. Of course they support them, but I doubt if they have full stadiums in other games they play... So Barca must have some influence on it :hump:

I suppose Zambrotta and Thuram will play tomorrow against Red Bulls, at last. Hopefully also Xavi.

We beat NY Red Bulls in our final match of the USA Tour.

The scorers were Ronaldinho (2), Messi and Saviola.
Guddy didn't score but he did great to set up Messi for Barca's second. He's linking with the team very well. :rockman:

Also, Messi :Bow: He's so calm and focused, it's incredible at such age. Best player in the world one day.

Ronaldinho didn't seem very interested in defending, that's why we conceded. But he had a good game again. Also, his first goal was from a penalty, the keeper almost caught it.

The best goal was Messi's, IMO.

The attendance was 79,002. That's the second best attendance in the history of that stadium. I guess we were in fact the team to attract most of the crowd. ;)

Zambro and Thuram had their debut, and Puyol didn't play. NY scored before they came in. :)

Seems Barca is going for another championship. Can't wait to see all those stars in Cl and also in spanish league. Hope you'll kick Real's ass as strong as you only can. :)

I'm confident we will.

Seems Barca is going for another championship. Can't wait to see all those stars in Cl and also in spanish league. Hope you'll kick Real's ass as strong as you only can. :)

I hope soo :D :ewan:

Messi was amazing.

Good to see that Xavi is fit. Correct debut from Zambrotta and Thuram. They didn't have much work.

What a great season this will be.

The forwards have to improve their finishing though. Also the defence has left some doubts, but we have yet to see our best defenders put together on the field.

Im really liking the away jersey with the gold.

http://www.goal.com/images/13067_news.jpg
http://images.sportsline.com/u/gettyimages/photos/71614523NL018_FC_Barcelona_081223_lower.jpg

I'm confident we will.

Oh I assure you, you won't "kick our asses". :ewan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJTesTi6AtE&eurl=

good game last nite...ron put on a show and so did messi but if we kept meloa in the goal in the 2nd half then im sure we would get away with 1-1 draw...o and the 1st goal was not a pen by the way :ewan:

I'm confident we will.

haha.

a tad over-confident it seems.

Oh, and nice game v. NY(Y)

Ronaldinho put on an entertaining performance, and Messi is an artist on the field.

Well, I must say I am confident about our team this year. Even though you have Capello and any team he manages will be a handful. I think with the new additions it will take some time for the squad to gel, whereas we have had pretty much the same squad all along, plus the same manager and the same tactics. Zambro and Thuram will have their adjustment, but it's not like the whole team is adjusting as is the case with RM.

Anyway, as I have said before, it is never bad to have our arch-rivals strong, as it only proves how sublime our team really is when we win again! (6)

barca D is going be a wall this year...wouldnt suprise me if they only suffer less than 10 goals in the la liga this year

Oh I assure you, you won't "kick our asses". :ewan:


I don't expect us to(though you never know ;). My post was referring to us winning the championship, not us kicking Madrid's ass. Those are two different things.

a tad over-confident it seems.


I wouldn't think so.

I'll be bothered to write this:
Lets start with FCB. A younger squad, reigning domestic and Euro champions, with the world at their feet. We have the best player in the world, Ronaldinho, the best youngster and most probably the future best player in the world, Messi, one of the best (if not the best) defender in the world, Puyol, and same goes for Eto'o, Xavi and Marquez. And I almost forgot Gianluca Zambrotta, the best full back in the world. But lets put that aside, because we all know a good roster doesn't bring titles. You have to gel on the field, and we do that better than any other team on this planet, as everyone has been watching for the past two years. We play beautiful, fluent football, and haven't sacrificed flair for success. I don't mean to sound cocky, but we are what every club is trying to become. We have success both on and off the pitch. But that's not the point. The point is, with all of our talent and youth, we added more talent and experience, and all three of our newbies will want to perform and win, because they will be motivated to succeed with another team other than Juve/Chelsea. We lacked depth in CB, and we solved that with Thuram. Well, talking about Barcelona is not necessary. It's all there, on the pitch, and has been for two years.

Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Ronaldo, Michel Salgado, Ivan Helguera and Raul Gonzalez - all of them are either old or heavily underperforming, or both. You know everything about them, so you get the idea. My point is, I can't see Madrid seriously challenging for a major title (Liga, Champions League) if these people are still a big part of your team. David Beckham seems to have subscribed for a first team place, and he's a plague for Madrid. He works hard but he can't do anything that an average La Liga midfielder would do. I won't comment on Ronaldo. I don't know if Salgado will start this season, but you have a weak and slow right flank with him, and RC is a story of his own... but he's a starter. The underperforming Raul Gonzalez also seems to be cemented on the pitch as no one can permanently bench him, which is what he deserves. Taking all this into consideration, it's hard to see your team challenge for a title you have to bleed for, because some people are always in the team, no matter how they play. Some of your positions are well covered in quantity, but not quality. Your greatest strength is Capello, and everyone seems to believe that Madrid are automatically asigned a trophy just by bringing this man. Why is he such an awesome coach that will make you champions already? His days in Milan and Madrid were in different times and with different teams. He had one great year in Roma and two good years with Juve, but they did squat in Europe which is proof that Capello's team isn't always the winner. And the general assumption among Madridistas is that you will definitely win the league or CL because Capello is your coach. Your biggest hopes are Canavarro (quality, great signing, he'll be your wall, I'll give you that), Emerson (don't really rate him, and to be honest he's nothing extraordinary), Cassano (attitude problems, overweight), Robinho (probably physically the weakest player in La Liga, too young to be this heavily relied on by a club of Madrid's magnitude and standards) and Ruud (he scores tap ins... I wonder how this will work)..
It's funny when people say Capello will control Cassano... I didn't see it happen. I remember more than a few times reading about Cassano storming off the pitch in the middle of training, or about Capello sending him off. Yeah, great control. He was also benched by Capello a few times because of his attitude. I think some people confuse man management with guts to bench a superior player. Those are two entirely different things, and I'm not so sure that Cassano will dance as Capello plays. He hasn't so far.

All in all, the team chemistry cannot be compared, and I think we have more quality players than you. You have a new coach, and a team that needs working on. A team that has to play together in order to even try reaching the level Barcelona are at. I've heard a commentator call the communication between our players "telepathic". Madrid are nowhere near that. Your season has a lot of IF's. Our doesn't, really.

That's why I'm sure we'll win La Liga again. I can see you battling it out with us in one or two years, but not now. Not so soon.
We have everything going for us.

I don't think I am being overconfident. It's not like I said we will kick your asses. I respect your strength, but you're yet to reach our level.

We'll see how the season unfolds, and who was right. :ewan:

I don't expect us to(though you never know ;). My post was referring to us winning the championship, not us kicking Madrid's ass. Those are two different things.




I wouldn't think so.

I'll be bothered to write this:
Lets start with FCB. A younger squad, reigning domestic and Euro champions, with the world at their feet. We have the best player in the world, Ronaldinho, the best youngster and most probably the future best player in the world, Messi, one of the best (if not the best) defender in the world, Puyol, and same goes for Eto'o, Xavi and Marquez. And I almost forgot Gianluca Zambrotta, the best full back in the world. But lets put that aside, because we all know a good roster doesn't bring titles. You have to gel on the field, and we do that better than any other team on this planet, as everyone has been watching for the past two years. We play beautiful, fluent football, and haven't sacrificed flair for success. I don't mean to sound cocky, but we are what every club is trying to become. We have success both on and off the pitch. But that's not the point. The point is, with all of our talent and youth, we added more talent and experience, and all three of our newbies will want to perform and win, because they will be motivated to succeed with another team other than Juve/Chelsea. We lacked depth in CB, and we solved that with Thuram. Well, talking about Barcelona is not necessary. It's all there, on the pitch, and has been for two years.

Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Ronaldo, Michel Salgado, Ivan Helguera and Raul Gonzalez - all of them are either old or heavily underperforming, or both. You know everything about them, so you get the idea. My point is, I can't see Madrid seriously challenging for a major title (Liga, Champions League) if these people are still a big part of your team. David Beckham seems to have subscribed for a first team place, and he's a plague for Madrid. He works hard but he can't do anything that an average La Liga midfielder would do. I won't comment on Ronaldo. I don't know if Salgado will start this season, but you have a weak and slow right flank with him, and RC is a story of his own... but he's a starter. The underperforming Raul Gonzalez also seems to be cemented on the pitch as no one can permanently bench him, which is what he deserves. Taking all this into consideration, it's hard to see your team challenge for a title you have to bleed for, because some people are always in the team, no matter how they play. Some of your positions are well covered in quantity, but not quality. Your greatest strength is Capello, and everyone seems to believe that Madrid are automatically asigned a trophy just by bringing this man. Why is he such an awesome coach that will make you champions already? His days in Milan and Madrid were in different times and with different teams. He had one great year in Roma and two good years with Juve, but they did squat in Europe which is proof that Capello's team isn't always the winner. And the general assumption among Madridistas is that you will definitely win the league or CL because Capello is your coach. Your biggest hopes are Canavarro (quality, great signing, he'll be your wall, I'll give you that), Emerson (don't really rate him, and to be honest he's nothing extraordinary), Cassano (attitude problems, overweight), Robinho (probably physically the weakest player in La Liga, too young to be this heavily relied on by a club of Madrid's magnitude and standards) and Ruud (he scores tap ins... I wonder how this will work)..
It's funny when people say Capello will control Cassano... I didn't see it happen. I remember more than a few times reading about Cassano storming off the pitch in the middle of training, or about Capello sending him off. Yeah, great control. He was also benched by Capello a few times because of his attitude. I think some people confuse man management with guts to bench a superior player. Those are two entirely different things, and I'm not so sure that Cassano will dance as Capello plays. He hasn't so far.

All in all, the team chemistry cannot be compared, and I think we have more quality players than you. You have a new coach, and a team that needs working on. A team that has to play together in order to even try reaching the level Barcelona are at. I've heard a commentator call the communication between our players "telepathic". Madrid are nowhere near that. Your season has a lot of IF's. Our doesn't, really.

That's why I'm sure we'll win La Liga again. I can see you battling it out with us in one or two years, but not now. Not so soon.
We have everything going for us.

I don't think I am being overconfident. It's not like I said we will kick your asses. I respect your strength, but you're yet to reach our level.

We'll see how the season unfolds, and who was right. :ewan:

I disagree with that, I for one dont like Capello and dont think he guarantee's anything. He is not our best assest, our young guys Ramos, Robinho, Baptista, and etc are imo who will perform for our team. I agree that RC, Becks, Ronaldo, Salgado, and etc should have no part in our team. As I have said before I think the league is not going to be ours (hope I am wrong but I cant see it going for us) but we have a decent shot at the CL or CDR.

I also disagree with your comment about Robinho, the guy has put some muscle on and he will be our best player. He is amazing, just watch the RSL game and the difference of him being on really shows. In 1 to 2 years time I believe he will be the best player in the world.

puyol the best centre back in the world, yeah right.

did u see him play at the world cup, he was at folt for 2 goals one against tunis and one against france.

but i will not argue with u when the season finishes then if ur right i will tell u congrats, but if ur wrong i will lough i ur face.

Back to the match in NY. I'm really feeling the new jersey, it looks flawless. Beautiful set-ups for the second and third goal by Xavi and Guddy. Some entertaiming football to come in the next season. I'm pretty confident we'll have another good year. The team is just so good. No team can touch it. It's just a perfect mix of skill, youth, leadership, strenght and speed. :lui: