too many distractions: all the boos and whistles, and the fact it could be the last game for a lot of players ... but as professionals, you expect them to stay focussed ...

this is not the first time we've led and lost ... this is not the first time we've been 2 up, half way through the second and thrown it away ...

it's hard NOT to see a fairly large exodus happening over the summer ... what a f*ckin shame for the latest Dream Team era to end this way ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuRxxox3zFA

Dude, it's beyond pathetic! Know how many players missed practice? Check it out! They are not even showing up to practise. Neither did Frank! Read below. Is this what "Mes que un Club" means????? In the end, mates, Barca are just a club, like any other. Or worse actually! The nerve. Overpaid babies not showing up to practice! Oh man, you are the laughing stock of the football world now. Panolada en el Nou camp! Sweet! Enjoy!:tongue:

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/barcelona/es/desarrollo/1122322.html

Is this what "Mes que un Club" means?????

Yes.


Dude, it's beyond pathetic! Know how many players missed practice? Check it out! They are not even showing up to practise. Neither did Frank! Overpaid babies not showing up to practice!

haha, relax man ... the season is over ... we can lose the next match 10-0, and we'll still be in the Champions League qualifiers next season ... and if the rumours are to be believed, a lot of those players aren't going to be there next season ... they know that, we know that ... so why worry when there's no issue? if its giving you (and someone else) something to laugh about, then great ... enjoy ...

hahahaha, I really have to laugh with last night. I saw just first half.

I dont know WTF is happening :s Does somebody now??

anyway, Thanks to God this season is over and nothing bad can happen.

Let's go forward :)

SEMPRE BARÇA

Real Madrid fans, kindly **** OFF.

Yes, we are miserable right now, but we will bounce back. Such is life in La Liga. Don't forget how miserable you were a few seasons ago. Enjoy your success, but know that soon, business will resume as normal and we'll be back to dominating you. Until then, enjoy your honeymoon, but get the **** out of here and go celebrate in your own thread.

Dude, it's beyond pathetic! Know how many players missed practice? Check it out! They are not even showing up to practise. Neither did Frank! Read below. Is this what "Mes que un Club" means????? In the end, mates, Barca are just a club, like any other. Or worse actually! The nerve. Overpaid babies not showing up to practice! Oh man, you are the laughing stock of the football world now. Panolada en el Nou camp! Sweet! Enjoy!:tongue:

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/barcelona/es/desarrollo/1122322.html

no tiene nada que ver con lo deportivo esta frase. proviene de la represión franquista

ahora estais arriva y nosotros abajo, asi como en un abrir un cerrar los ojos se gira la tortilla, como a pasado siempre...

nada mas que la tortilla se queda del lado de nosotros un poquito mas...hehe....(en buen plan lo digo no por tocar cojones)...:)

si, tanto rato que se acaba quemando y huele mal XD

Dude, it's beyond pathetic! Know how many players missed practice? Check it out! They are not even showing up to practise. Neither did Frank! Read below. Is this what "Mes que un Club" means????? In the end, mates, Barca are just a club, like any other. Or worse actually! The nerve. Overpaid babies not showing up to practice! Oh man, you are the laughing stock of the football world now. Panolada en el Nou camp! Sweet! Enjoy!:tongue:

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/1a_division/barcelona/es/desarrollo/1122322.html

there's no need to kick someone when they're down, i for one wish to see a strong Barcelona side back next year cause they've always given something to all football fans. And i agree with Xifio it's a shame that a team with such player has to go down like this. But mostly i think the press and those fake fans (not the real ones) have broken the team down, i think that things would be different if people stuck with them when they needed it. But what's here is here, hope for a better tomorrow!

What a short memory these Madrid fans have.

there's no need to kick someone when they're down, i for one wish to see a strong Barcelona side back next year cause they've always given something to all football fans. And i agree with Xifio it's a shame that a team with such player has to go down like this. But mostly i think the press and those fake fans (not the real ones) have broken the team down, i think that things would be different if people stuck with them when they needed it. But what's here is here, hope for a better tomorrow!

have to agree with you. I for one don't like it, and there was a moment that I almost did. In the end, I would want to see barca back so we can have another 06/07 type season.... All the way down to the last minute :D

I'll take this moment to also say that sevilla really had tough season, from puerta passing away, To the coach leaving, so I wish you guys have a better season in a few months.....

I'll take this moment to also say that sevilla really had tough season, from puerta passing away, To the coach leaving, so I wish you guys have a better season in a few months.....
Thanks. Most Sevilla fans seem extremely disappointed in the team for not finishing in the top four, but considering all of the adversity we've faced this season, I consider a fifth place finish exceptional. We didn't collapse like Zaragoza or Valencia... and it wasn't too long ago that the city was in the streets celebrating the team's UEFA qualification...

i have BarcaTV, i was watching a game when Rijkaard was building his team, the starting eleven was Valdes; Reiziger, Puyol, Oleguer, Gio; Xavi, Cocu, Davids; Ronaldinho, Sergi (not sure actually), Quaresma.


lemme tell ya, get rid of everybody, keep Bojan, Eto'o and Messi, and sell the rest, that team played with hunger, something that sadly the current Barca lacks, i can't believe how different that team played, Ronaldinho was a freaking dynamo, by the last 30mins he was playing as a classical playmaker, dribbling, running, making excellent through balls, what a team that was.

Gerard Pique Bernabeu is coming back to Barça!
5 Milion Euros Barça paid for ManUtd.
He will sign after UCL final for 4 years.
Congratulations!

i have BarcaTV, i was watching a game when Rijkaard was building his team, the starting eleven was Valdes; Reiziger, Puyol, Oleguer, Gio; Xavi, Cocu, Davids; Ronaldinho, Sergi (not sure actually), Quaresma.


lemme tell ya, get rid of everybody, keep Bojan, Eto'o and Messi, and sell the rest, that team played with hunger, something that sadly the current Barca lacks, i can't believe how different that team played, Ronaldinho was a freaking dynamo, by the last 30mins he was playing as a classical playmaker, dribbling, running, making excellent through balls, what a team that was.

imposible, sergi leave barça in 2002.

wtf probably deco leave ! :S laporta son of bitch!! u_u

a deco lo han condenado aquellos directivos superstar del barça que se hancreido que son los dueños del pastel y deco les recordó que los protas son ellos, y que sin ellos no son nada. Deco es un profesional, nunca se borró se rebotó porque marchena es un impresentable y lo puso en su sitio, ha estado lesionado y se le ha hechado de menos, si fuera guardiola lo convencería, pero laporta es el que manda y nadie le tose.

Deco: "I will go to England or Italy, I can assure you. In Spain, no, because the only club that can match Barça's level are Real Madrid and I would never go there."

:(

It was clear he will go, he was/is fantastic midfielder, very smart and it's hard to find one like him :$

anyway, good luck to him as I will to all other players that are going to leave :)

btw,

again rumors for Palacio ?? How has he done with Boca this season ?? :p

It is sad to see Deco go, but we need to have some changes in the team.

No need for any excuses, we were absolutely thrashed in the Bernabeu. What hurts more than not winning a title is to get beat by Madrid twice in a row without ever really firing a shot. If we look back at both games, we never even came close to winning those clasicos. Just for that, I would sack Rijkaard on the spot. Absolutely horrible those games were, and it says a lot that we used to get much better results against them in our dark years when they had a much stronger team than they do now. I can't forgive Rijkaard for this.

I have to say that I've calmed down a lot lately and I no longer want Laporta gone. Looking at everything that's happened with a cool head, it's obvious he should be given his remaining two years. The thing that worries me, though, is that some socis are trying to cast a vote of no confidence against Jan. While I could understand that some people want him out (especially those who are aiming at presidency themselves), I can't believe they want to vote no confidence now, because it could potentially ruin our summer. If this happens, there would have to be new elections and until that is over and done with, we'd be unable to buy anyone or anything. We could have a very, very bad summer if the socis get the votes they need. I'm only not sure whether they need 1/3 or 2/3 of votes to do so. Hopefully they don't succeed. While I realize how difficult it is, have the Club in mind first and foremost, your presidential aspirations later.

As for Rijkaard, sad to say but I've lost all respect and affinity I had towards him. I used to like him but what I feel for him now is bordering with hatred. Seriously. He has effectively driven this Ferrari of a team into a wall. Very, very overrated coach. People will reply with notions that Rijkaard won us three major titles, but I choose a more realistic approach. During our best seasons, we had Ronaldinho, Deco and Marquez in top form plus a badass Henk ten Cate with his whip on the bench. It says a lot that our downfall started after Henk left and the mentioned trio went missing, in terms of motivation and otherwise. I have no respect for Rijkaard, I can't even look at him anymore. I want him gone and I want it yesterday. The thing I resent Laporta the most is not firing Rijkaard when we realized the league was lost. Rijkaard never should have been allowed to calmly finish his time here. He deserved to get sacked. Two years of failure are more than enough reason to end somebody's reign on the bench. Leave and never, ever, come back.

There are many rumours lately about who's going and who's arriving. I won't get into it much because there's no point. We had a disaster of a season and we'll be the most active team in the market this summer, without a doubt both in arrivals and departures. No one can even pretend to have the slightlest clue as to how our team would look like next season. I will say two things:
- I really, really want Alves
- I really, really want Xavi gone
Xavi has a guaranteed spot in our starting line-up and that's a mockery, honestly. That player is so weak it's not even funny anymore, and I hope that he can somehow leave. I saw only one rumour linking him with a move to Chelsea and I must say, if that ever happens, I would automatically develop a very soft spot for Abramovič, just for taking Xavier off our hands. Without going into every single one of his many, many shortcomings as a midfielder and a player overall, I'll just point out the fact that we had our best season in a long time when Xavi was out injured for virtually the entire season. Make of it what you will.

And finally, Pep! I read some articles about him and I'll try to find them and post them here. I'm in love with that man. I really am. Can't wait for him to get started with his badass approach. I'm very excited about his future at the bench, horny even.

btw one last thought that just came to me - I'm glad Rijkaard's farewell game in the stadium was a defeat. Kinda tells you what the team thinks of him as well, giving up a 2-0 lead at home. Pathetic, just like Rijkaard's "managerial skills".

Sorry for the long post, haven't been here in a while

"This is not Tercera, this is Barça"

Last December 6th, Barça B played at Masnou's home at 12. In the second half, the home team equalized the two goals scored by Guardiola's team in the first. "The telling-off was monumental", one of the players says. Normally, Guardiola analyze the games the following day, but that afternoon he made an exception. "He closed the door of the locker room and told us that we didn't deserve to wear the shirt we wear, because these colors represent too many people and feelings and we were not worthy enough to play with it. We **** on our pants", the players insists.

The worst telling off had something to do with an indiscretion. In October, Sport wrote about an anecdote of the locker room. In a speech, Guardiola used the Operación Triunfo (a music contest of the TV) as an example. "He told us that they have a chance and they kill to take profit of it and we should do the same. When he saw it on the papers, he got mad and told us that explaining internal things of the locker room was a betrayal against the teammate", another player say.

Guardiola got in charge of Barça B on July 21st 2007. It was a mellon that had to be opened yet, but the taste is good. Guardiola turned to be a hard working coach, very exigent and able to transmit illussion. "He appears the first and leaves the last. And he does not stop", the football players assure; "he likes to control everything, but he let you be yourself as long as you respond to the confidence. Each day, a report. He likes to have everything under control, and he prefers to have the things prepared rather than improvisation".

Barça B played 37 games, they won 17 out of the 19 games at home, where they remain undefeated, and they've been unbeaten in 11 games. After yesterday's draw at home against Sant Andreu (1-1), they are the leaders of their Tercera group. GUardiola has worked a lot on the systems. This is why at the beginning they worked morning and afternoon. And he had the players focused the whole year. "We got here together. Now it depends on you to promote", he told them after gaining the right to fight for promotion. Now, motivation costed him expensive: "He told us that each time we win 3 games in a row, he would invite us to have lunch. He already paid three. He spent a lot of money". In lunch and fines: he got sent off twice. "He can't stop on the bench. He reminds me Luis Aragonés, Jaume Langa, Barcelona's physioterapist, says. During certain time, to avoid that the 4th referee could understand him, he cursed in Italian.

Guardiola turned to be as implacable with the linesman as he is with the players. "He left Marc Valiente, one of the captains, on the stands after he left the gym 5 minutes before the end to go to shoot an advertisement", a player says. "If you don't weight train, you don't play", the coach said. Marc Crosas, who was going from the B team to Rijkaard's lists, was subbed for Botía in the 3rd game of La Liga, in Manresa. "In the half time, he got a terrible telling off, telling him that he wasn't running at all... whenever he lost the first ball in the second half, he subbed him. If he was able to do this with Marc, what would he do with the rest?", one of the youngsters. "He always used us as an example", a captain admits, "but he is fair, with us and the rest", he adds.

"If you're that good, go to Sabadell and score a goal", Johan Cruyff told Guardiola 2 days after his debut in Primera. The day after the debut of Gay Asulin returned from his debut with Israel's first team, Guardiola, recalling Cruyff, challenged the player. "This weekend, with the U-18 team. And score a goal". Gay gave 2 assists and scored the 3rd. "He does this a lot. He challenges us. If you work, you get your prize", a players assumes; "if not, you're screwed".

"This is not Tercera División, this is Barça's B team. Not everyone plays here", he told them once. "His exigence goes beyond the pitch", his collaborators says. Guardiola do not allow the use of cell phones in the Ciudad Deportiva nor in the bus and he fines the ones who get late to the training sessions with 120 €. And at 12, at home: "If someone gets seen once, 1500 €; the second time, 3000 €. The third, out of the team". They rehearse the strategy the day of the game. If they play away, they eat at La Masia. If the game is in the Mini, each one at home.

Carles Busquets, the goalkeeper coach, smokes a cig in the parking zone because the coach didn't let him smoke in the locker room. One day, an ex teammate asked Busquets about Guardiola. "Pep? Damn. He knows what he does".


http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/Tercera/Barca/elpepudep/20080512elpepidep_6/Tes


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Coach by definition

Valentí Guardiola made a museum for his son in one of the rooms of the family house at Santpedor with some collector pieces. The last one he got last Xmas was a big picture of Antonio Espejo where you can see how Guardiola, one of the ball-boys of the Camp Nou, claps Terry Venables while the English coach is raise by his footballers the night that Barça reached the final of the European Cup in Sevilla-1986, after beating Gothenbourg in the penalties. More than just father's love, since the day Pep left home at the age of 13, Valentí always knew that he wouldn't stop until he reached the bench of the Camp Nou, because he always was a coach by definition. It happens that he never thought that it would be the year he also got the picture of Pep staring at Venables. These are the things of football, a matter of faith as many things in life.
On Thursday, Joan Laporta announced that Guardiola, 37 years old, coach of the B team, will be the coach of Barça for the next 2 years, which is the remaining period of Laporta in the presidency. Valentí knew it some hours before from Pep's mouth. Being his father didn't let him take anyhing from his son about the chances of becoming the new coach, despite the press told the family the good news and Pere Guardiola, his brother, told his father: "Get ready because big news are coming". "The day is done, you'll be the first to know it", Pep told Valentí; "meanwhile, think about the B team". Valentí knew about it only few hours it became official. And, yesterday, he watched the Barça B-Sant Andreu in the Miniestadi, before the Barça-Mallorca of the Camp Nou, as if nothing had happened on Thursday.

"The lobby", as maliciously you know the people near Guardiola, got for the same answer that Valentí got the past week. Is it true that you'll be the new Barça coach? The one who asked babbled, knowing Guardiola's reply. Noone from out of the club will ever know anything from the inside from his mouth and, his close people even less, so the critics are the one who drive the debate about the bench of Barcelona. His friends defend him in front of his enemies, and they don't defend his work, but his way of life. Around Guardiola, protector of his intimacy, there always were too much literature, because he feeds the mystery.

Since the end of last year, Guardiola suspected that he was one of the candidaes to replace Rijkaard, if Laporta decided to fire him after a 2nd trophyless year. The sport director, Txiki, and the economic vicepresident, Marc Ingla, met at least three times with Guardiola after some contacts with Mourinho. Obviously, also the president met the Catalan coach and it's known that Cruyff went to the Minestadi to review his task with the B team and, last meeting, they had a meeting that was arranged since some time ago.

Begiristain bet for Guardiola once they solved their problems, due to a comment of the sport director that bothered the future coach of Barcelona. It looks like Evarist Mutra, sport responsible of Lluis Bassat's candidature in the elections of 2003, in the presentation of Guardiola, announced that the contract with him was so exemplary that it deserved to be in the Museu of the club. These words provoked an ironic comment from Begiristain and Guardiola didn't like it. Txiki said that the agreement would be exposed after Laporta had the presidency.

Begiristain was aside during the elections, not like Guardiola, very visible in the campaign. Guardiola got critiziced for not making any promise of signings to attract people, like the ones that Laporta showed, with Beckham on top. There was people who even blamed him for Bassat's defeat, while others called him naive for burning himself, when it was imposed to wait for the results of the votes, like Begiristain did. Guardiola waned to have the support of the socis for the job and, once he was not chosen, he retired from the blaugrana stage to continue his career in Qatar and Mexico, to fight with the Italian justice until he was declared innocent from the doping accusations, when he was punished with Brescia, and to get the coach liscence in Spain (2006).

Guardiola wanted to take a team since then. With the B team relegated, Begiristain prepared a technical restructuration and he had thought to bring Guardiola to coordinate the youth system until he knew from Murtra's mouth, one of the bosses that joined Laporta from Bassat's candidature, that he wanted a field work in the youth teams. Guardiola got particularly happy when he knew he would train the B team. Laporta presented him with an unquestionable phrase: "I always wanted to be Guardiol". Both heirs of the cruyffist culture, Laporta was seduced about the way Guardiola had interpreted the game of the Dream Team, when the purists had him as a limited player.

He was never fast, he never dribbled and his shot wasn't good, he wasn't fast enough and avoided the divided actions, and, despite all this, the team played at light speed when Guardiola drived the team from his #4 position. Tic tac, tic tac, pim pam, pim pam, fiuuuu. A shot on goal every 3 minutes. He had the game in his head, he saw the action one second before the rival and, more than the extension of the coach, he was the coach himself, fact that fed the malicious people that understood that his interventionism and gestures weren't just excessive, they also jeopardized the bench. For action or omission, he always was the protagonist. Being 19, he already played in Barça; being 30, he compromised with Italy; being 32, he presented himself as sport director; being 36, Barça B coach; being 37, he will drive Barcelona.

Guardiola always won the challenges that even his defenders considered excessive in his times. The coaches of Barça B thought that Cruyff was killing a kid when he called Guardiola after the Camp Nou denied him Molby. There were too many jokes when he left Barça to play in Juve and finished in Brescia because Lippi didn't share Ancelotti's ideas. A few know that Mazzone, Brescia's coach, received him saying that he didn't need Guardiola and he was the captain at the end. Guardiola knew what the episodic actions were when he got to Capello's Roma; he taled every afterooon with Pepe Macias, Santos' winger, about Pelé's Brazil in Qatar; he was the one that got the words from Lillo's mouth in Mexico and he has good memories about Clemente and Camacho with the national team of Spain.

He aborbed as a sponge and processed the lectures with his experience as barcelonista to sit on the bench. Born in Barça, he had become a man of the world. He isn't "any" cruyffista, he assumes his stule for love, not for adulation, so his obsession is to generate the best conditions of the game to impose the essences of football. He has concerns about the tactics, the medicine, the alimentation, the preparation... and, evidently, he will apply them because he has interest on football and he understands it as a job that gets dignity from dedication. At the end, Guardiola trains as he played and lived, exposed to the critics, knowing his limitations, but convinced of his truth.

He doesn't appear before the games, he practices on closed doors and, in some Tercera grounds, people say he's an exhibitionist. Nothing new. Back in his days, when he didn't play for an injury, he was blamed for having the plague, for being guilty of a sickening nationalism, they blamed him for getting in line with Martí Pol and Lluis Lach. Not bothered by the talk, Guardiola walks on the Ciudad Deportivo with calm, until not son long ago a distant stage, not rated, not known and even disgusting for the professionals of the barcelonista gootball. Nowadays, on the other hand, the sun shines in the new factory and they worked so happy that it can easily be the future for the barcelonista squad.

Guardiola's enthusiasm is contagious and the Ciudad Deportiva trasnmits health, credibility, natural football. On the table the promotion of the B team and Guardiola doesn't get distracted, not even by the ones who say he's the victim of what the bench was (Rijkaard) or could have been (Mourinho), or by the ones that announce him as the new messiah. Wasn't Rijkaard worse when he got experience? Did Mourinho guarantee any CL for Chelsea? Honesty and talent allow him to remain quiet as the rest talk. The "opera prima" of Guardiola will be shot in the scenario where the coaches confirm their talent. His career starts where the others want to finish it, unquestionable signal of Guardiola doing it once again.

Any day Guardiola will call Orobitg, his agent, and, as he did with the B team, he will tell him: "Josep Maria, go and sign. Don't ask". Noone close to him asks Guardiola anything, things are imposed as the day he made his debut, gained the captain armbrand or decided to complement his barcelonista education in foreign countries.

Valentó can not post the picture of his debut in the bench of Barcelona until he is raised as Venables. Whoever thinks that there won't ever be a chance for that picture are unfaithful men.


http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/Entrenador/definicion/elpepudep/20080512elpepidep_5/Tes

- I really, really want Xavi gone
Xavi has a guaranteed spot in our starting line-up and that's a mockery, honestly. That player is so weak it's not even funny anymore, and I hope that he can somehow leave.

What the hell?! Xavi is a great player, i remember benitez saying that almost everything that Barcelona plays goes through Xavi and that it's most important to hold him down not Messi or Ronaldinho, and Liverpool beat you that time. I think you're wrong, he one of rare players that can do something similair to what Pirlo does at Milan, Xavi's statistics are unbelievable his passing is over 85% correct, you blaming the wrong player, there's a reason Xavi is cemented into the 1st lineup! And the reason is he's good!

haha Ved, thanks for these marathon posts :) haha

I read just first one, don't have nerves to read 2 last ones :$. Anyway Thanks :)

really great post :) just one thing i would disagree with you is that I have more respect for Frank Rijkaard :(:) There are so many points to talk, so I won't, I will just say that I love that man, don't know why. I still don't know who is the really
guilty man for all.

And I won't think more. I just can't wait for this season to end and to start the new life.

"Tomorrow is new day, new luck" :)

What the hell?! ...

Xavi has such a high percentage of pass accuracy because he's always passing to a centre back or a full back. He rarely gives the ball forward, he's not direct enough. It isn't that difficult to pass successfully if your target is a defender standing all alone way outside of trouble. It's Xavi's MO.

Not to mention his non-existant defending, weak and innaccurate shooting, no dribbling... nothing.

And I'm not interested in Benitez's analysis, I think I watch more Barca games than he does.

In any case, I'm not the only one getting tired of Xavi and his extremely weak and useless approach to football.

xavi is god and you must clean his boots

xavi is god and you must clean his boots

:D

---

There were players doing worse than Xavi. Henry was terrible all season, from what he was expected to do 'cause of what he shown at Arsenal.
If you don't reckon the importance of a player like Xavi, then Pirlo is also a useless guy, which is totally untrue. Why these players never get credit I'll never know. They're the first to initiate defensive-attacking transitions, they are crucial to their teams! He has a very good technique, it just happens that these players cannot go around dribbling at that area of the field, it's not what they're suppose to do and that would be suicidal, to lose the ball in defensive midfield is stupid and really childish.
Yaya Toure, for instance doesn't have 1/10 of Xavi's class, even though a player like him is always important and useful.

And btw what some people in the club and the press is doing to Deco is really shameful. Just have the respect to tell him they don't want him instead of coming up to the newspapers stirring **** about him faking injuries etc.

Just my opinion.

everybody do terrible this season. if we have to cut all heads for bad season...

yaya toure is also god btw

Arnau your sig is killing me!

Hilarious! :D

XD, here you have more
http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/web/gen/20080515/53462991311.html

Yeah, I always enjoy EMD's comics.

Who's the guy holding Laporta's strings. I don't recognize him.

johan a.k.a god of barça a.k.a nobody can do anything without ask him previously

last time in camp nou interview and Frank didnt give interview, just show his shirt writing "Mai fumaras sol" = "Never smoke alone"

http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20080516/franki6.jpg

and yeah, never smoke alone Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard!

and he said: i stop to smoke XD

what a goal of giovani :O

great!

Rijkaard was very happy with Giovani.

and I must say that Henry HAVE TO/MUST/SHOULD stay. It's player that has scored most goals this season, 19 if I am not wrong. And he's coming back in his form :)

He's coming ...

http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_287/foto_287775_CAS.jpg

Visca el Barça y Visca Benzema :)

crosas you mean, if whe sign benzema eto'o bye bye

Oo

I KNOW! xD

but Benzema with Catalunya flag is funny :)

Farewell, Frank. An era ends.

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

On to the future...

It would be a dream signing to bring Benzema. There's no reason we couldn't have a Karim - Samuel partnership upfront.

Sweet problems we have. Eto'o - Henry? Benzema - Henry? Benzema - Eto'o? Every club in the world wants to have these dilemmas. I would personally prefer any combination with Karim in there.

bojan

Henry - Benzema please :)
Bojan replacement!

bojan


is still too young

Bojan - Benzema :D

bojan-ezquerro

yes and with Oleguer in defence XD

Jorquera as the goalie, Edmilson DM.

Well guys, our season is officially over and soon this thread will be closed, as well.

I just noticed that the Barcelona thread is one of only three team threads that has over two thousand posts. If I remember correctly, there were never this many posts in our Thread, so keep it up guys!

Visca el Barca, and lets hope Txiki announces the signing of Dani Alves tomorrow!

hey Ved, we didnt have time so speak this weekend :) hope you will be back home soon :)

have a nice time in Zagreb :)

---

I wanna buy David Silva too :)

and can't wait to hear that Benzema has signed with Barça :)

Visca el Barça y Visca Catalunya!

silva? naaah

silva? naaah

Why not? IMO he is a fantastic player and would easily fix your problems on the left (or actually anywhere in the AMC or as a winger on either side)

Benzema, unless your ready to shell out about 60 million euros and be done for the summer with just one singing it won't happen. Its a bitch to deal with Lyon and that kid will cost a ******* fortune to get this summer at least.

Anyone got the highlights of Saturday's match?

Anyone got the highlights of Saturday's match?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWOD4uZhTd0

http://www.dailymotion.com/related/9179316/video/x5go5e_real-murcia-35-fc-barcelona-resumad_sport

Buti, I had a lot of work to do on a paper that was due today so I didn't have time for MSN. I'm back home on Wednesday, though.

Soc, I think Lyon put up a price tag on Benzema of €40m. In any case, even if he costs us €50m, which is the most IMO, we can still afford it. We have around €120m to spend this summer, and that's the budget we start off with. We will also recieve money from the players we sell. We could clear enough money in sales to buy Karim, if we sell enough players and do it properly.

Eto'o <-> Benzema

why not ??

We must buy Benzema :)

problem is i hear you guys are asking too much for some of your guys...Etoo for 40 mill, Dihno for 60? no sir, entirely too much money...I would sell Etoo for 25 max and Dihno for about 35-40 maybe if someone is crazy enough they'll pay 50 but that's about as high as I think he should go, fact is that since the 06 world cup started he has been pretty much an average to good player with flashes of brilliance nobody should be putting that much into him

If van Gaal could be the next coach,it's will the line-up:
Pinto
Oleguer Edmilson Thuram Abidal Sylvinho
Gudjohnsen Ezquerro Crosas Giovani Jorquera xD

5-5-0
.................................................. .
Gracias Frank,Andersson,Ronaldo and maybe Samuel!
Bye Lilian(retiring after EURO2008)!
Wellcome back Gerard Pique,Dani Alves!


I think that Pep must bring back Cesc.great 50:50 player.

I think that Pep must bring back Cesc.great 50:50 player.

he already has signed new contract with arsenal, so forget him at least for one year.

My Transfer List:

OUT
Deco 13m
Ronaldinho 28m
Gudjohnsen 10m
Zambrotta 7m
Eto'o 40m

Total Income: 88m

IN
Alves 35m
Pique 6m
Benzema 40m
Moutinho 18m
D.Silva 25m


Total Expenditure: 124m

Who's going to score goals without Eto'o?

I don't think Benzema is a pure goal-scorer in the traditional sense.

Who's going to score goals without Eto'o?

I don't think Benzema is a pure goal-scorer in the traditional sense.

Henry, Benzema, Bojan!

btw, I think we should buy Benzema before Euro08 coz im sure his price will be higher after Euro08.

btw btw,

Henry is the best barça scorer this season with 19 goals in all competitions. Eto'o has got one goal less.

How many games did Eto'o play?

How many games did Eto'o play?

Eto'o around 30, Henry around 40 (maybe 10-15 of them as substitute) :)

and count here his first year as Barça player :)

p.s. Jack, I dont have nothing against Eto'o. It's just I would like to make changes, like with a lot of other players :)

Eto'o around 30, Henry around 40 (maybe 10-15 of them as substitute) :)

in the league, Eto'o has 16 goals from 18 appearances ... Henry got 12 goals from 30 appearances (and only 3 were as a sub) ...

if someone has to go between the two, I think you know who I'd pick ...

I know you don't have a problem with him Buti, but I certainly do worry about the reasons behind why Eto'o should go ...


A More General Thought on Eto'o


he scores bags of goals ... he's very passionate ... he speaks his mind and tells the truth every time ... he hates Real Madrid ... how much more perfect a Barcelona striker do you want?

and he's arrogant? why not? the footballing fraternity is full of people who are very proud of themselves ... and Eto'o's career has been absolutely fantastic, so why shouldn't he think he's done amazing things? 2 Africa Cups, 2 La Ligas, a Champions League, numerous topscorer awards (La Liga and Africa Cup), multiple African Player of the Year awards (including a hat-trick), a FIFA World Player of the Year bronze award, and quite a few other accolades ... and he has been an integral part of each of those trophy-winning teams ...

this season in the league, the man has played 18 games and scored 16 goals ... he's pushing the top 5 for the Pichichi and he's not even played one half of the season ... even then people say he hasn't been in form ...

add to it all the fact that because Frankie wanted to accomodate either the whinging Henry or the still-maturing Bojan in the centre of attack, Eto'o was played on quite a few occasions on the right of the front trident ... and while Henry moaned and groaned like a little bitch all season long, we haven't heard a word from Eto'o about being played out of position ...

as a striker, he has easily ranked amongst the world's best for the past 4 years ... and he's still only 27 ... the man is a legend for the club ... and I'll be fuming if Pep lets him go ...

My Trasfers:
Out:
Ronaldinho-40M
Deco-25M
Zambrotta-12M
Edmilson-0
Thuram-0
Ezquerro-0
Pinto-0
Oleguer-10K.xd.no.1.5M

Total-88.5
In:
Crosas-come back from loan.
Pique-5-6M
Alves(he will do what levante's players wanted to do)-30M
Keita-14M
Huntelaar-25M

Total-75M

Positive or Negative-88.5-75=13.5M

Xifio mate, I agree with some of your points but I'd like to add something.

Samu said himself that, if Barça isn't going to win anything he will leave, and he said this at the worst moment, before the match against MU. OK we accept what he said. But when MU match came, he DID NOT do totally anything. If you say a word like that, at least do anything in field to defend your words.

I agree that he is a great stiker but as for the most of the players and coach it's 'the end of the circle' for him too

Malouda ?? WTF, I dont want to buy players that have had terrible season at their teams.

btw, here some other rumors

Guardiola Could Ask Ronaldinho To Stay (http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=704992)
Eto’o Tells Spurs: I Want Inter (http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=704823)
Laporta To Handle Alves Talks (http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=704584)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/6236/earchivophoto1011200805jl9.jpg http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2122/foto287070casik5.jpg http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2991/nfcbarcelonaladirectivaze9.jpg

(H)

Well, it looks like you guys are going to buy out Keita's contract for 14 million... quite a deal for all involved. Barca gets a fantastic midfielder, Keita moves from Lens-->Sevilla-->Barcelona in two years, and Sevilla make a profit of 10 million.

Such a shame he only wore our jersey for a year :(

I guess this guy is can't waiting the day to wear that kit.

http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_288/foto_288573_CAS.jpg

Sevillista, tell us more about Alves mate :)

I heard Del Nido turned down 44 mill for Alves...what a prick, he needs to let him go the man is not happy...also I hear that Dihno is in Brazil and said the only way he'll come back to Europe is to play for Milan...He's definetly out...but I fear greed might win the day

Who's going to score goals without Eto'o?

I don't think Benzema is a pure goal-scorer in the traditional sense.

+1

what a obsesion with benzema :S ... we dont need him

eto'o must stay but with moth closed :crazy:

the last stupid thing of sport :

http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=512154&idseccio_PK=803

whe sign seydou keita and they post a pic of KADER keita XDDD
http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_288/foto_288891_CAS.jpg



P.D: XDDD they change the pic now

Have you guys completed the signing of Gerard Pique yet? I'm glad he's going to Barca because I have an affection for the club (My favourite "Foreign" club, because I've been to Camp Nou twice - and lifted the European Cup there on my honeymoon a couple of years ago)

You're getting a good player (back) I can understand why he wants to move because Vidic and Ferdinand, Brown and O'Shea are vying for central defence at United.

Fergie's right too, Barca have way more class than Madrid when it comes to transfers (unless it's election year of course :D )

you are wellcome, and i think the spanish have a dificult adaptation to england our climate and foot are much better XD). if ferguson allow the club to transfert pique its 1- because he is very bad 2-the player wanna comeback to barça.

Pique isn't bad, he may be better at Barca than ManU.
I just hope Barca isn't going to make an all-new club.
It won't be good :(. Please don't buy all the Malouda, Berbatov, Huntelaar, Collocini... Don't sell Giovani, Etoo, Henry, Iniesta and Xavi.

Out:
Deco
Ronaldinho (sad story :()
Edmilson
Zambrotta
Gudjohnsen
maybe Marques
maybe Valdes

In:
Joao Moutinho (Deco or Ronnie replacement)
Alves (Zambrotta replacement)
Keita (he is already -> Edmilson replace)
G.Pique (Marques replacement?)
R.Oliveira/Milito (as back-up?)
and a good, young Goalkeeper like Akinkeev or Adler

My Barca 08/09:
Adler/Akinkeev
Alves, Puyol, Milito, Abidal
Xavi, Iniesta, Giovani/Toure
Messi, Etoo, Henry/Bojan

First of all, there's no way we should get rid of Valdes.

Otherwise, pretty good choices there, put the XI, Toure on left? Toure is the DM, he plays in the middle, switch him with Iniesta. Other than that, it seems about right, but not big enough change from this season, in my opinion.

I read something about Giovani-Malouda swap:confused: I think Giovani must stay.

I just don't like Valdes. He isn't in my opinion a world-class player. We should buy a young goalkeeper to make them to world-class in the future. With Valdes maybe not sell but we should buy a good young keeper.
In my opinion there are lot of choices:
Akinkeev, Neuer, Adler, Ustari, Kameni...

And Toure is a dm that's right
I wanted to say:
(Toure)
Xavi Iniesta
(Giovani)
Either 4-1-2-2-1 or 4-2-1-2-1

I personally think Barca should keep playing with their "own" players.
With Bojan, Messi, Gio, Xavi, Iniesta and Puyol I have 6 put in my XI.
Please not sell everyone who had a bad season.
Madrid was just better because Barca had more injured players.
International, Barca was much better. Look at the Champions league.
Barca had a difficult group with the German and French Champions plus Rangers.
But we were the best. Real had much easier group with second German team, a Greek team and the 4th Italy team.

1. why Valdes ??? He had great form IMO, maybe maybe it was his falt in just 2-3 matches. For me he's very OK.

2.. Toure = Best DM right now.

3. Giovani is too too young to play a key role in the team. At least not in a team like Barça.

I would prefer a attack

--------Messi-------
--Benzema--Henry--

with Messi playing behind them and giving him a free role would be awesome :p

Afraid to say I think Henry's best days are behind him. Barca have already let it be known they'd like to sell him. Whether he wants to move or not we'll have to see, but you don't say you'd sell someone you see as a main part of the starting eleven.

We NEEEEED to find someone to replace Ronaldinho. Messi and Eto'o both look lost without a player of his vision that can link up passes and spot their runs.

giovani is nothing spetial and wtf whe need benzema


dont forget the names of gai assulin and thiago....

Afraid to say I think Henry's best days are behind him. Barca have already let it be known they'd like to sell him. Whether he wants to move or not we'll have to see, but you don't say you'd sell someone you see as a main part of the starting eleven.

Henry: Guardiola Wants Me To Stay

“I have seen his intentions and he doesn’t want me to leave,” Henry told SPort today.

“I still have three years left on my contract and I am still a Barcelona player.

“I have shown my work and what I am able to do and if I have not been doing well up front, I have made up for it by helping the back.

“I have been here one year but what annoys me is the comparison with the Henry of Arsenal when I have always said it’s different here.”

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=708467

What Barca need is someone to give Ronaldinho a metephorical "slap round the head" If he could be motivated again then he'd be like a new signing. I am really surprised Jose Mourinho wasn't considered given his history at Barca - Guardiola may be Barca born and bred but he's not experienced enough to turn the club around IMO.

but you know... the god of barça is cruyff and johan dont likes mourinho so laporta isnt allow to sign him.

but you know... the god of barça is cruyff and johan dont likes mourinho so laporta isnt allow to sign him.

haha :)

much better :)

let's start new cycle with Guardiola!

at least, he loves Barça more than everyone else :)

He will get the right experience coz he's got Curyff who will advice him. :)

cruyff its totally crazy right now buty, he lost his mine sinze 95, where he burn his masterpiece like Neron burn his roma.

Keita signs for Barcelona it's official.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/thumbnails/199_150/Imatges/2008-2009/futbol/noticies/jugadors/keita/firma_keita_08eng.jpg

Keita signs for Barcelona it's official.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/thumbnails/199_150/Imatges/2008-2009/futbol/noticies/jugadors/keita/firma_keita_08eng.jpg

:D:D:D

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/Galeries/futbol/temporada07-08/05/fitxatges/arribada_keita/signatura_keita/firma_keita_09.jpg

Dani Alves must be next signing :D

Pique is next, probably tomorrow :)

then I hope, Alves, Silva, ...

Pique tomorrow? That's great and then Alves :)

Good to see us getting a move on.

So, the summer has officially started. I hope we will be confirming the signing of Daniel Alves by the week's end.

So far we've strengthened the midfield and the centre of defense. We need Dani to cover for Zambro, we need a good CM to replace Deco (and hopefully bench Xavi).

It'll be very interesting to see what will happen with our front line.

Vedran, it's time for new thread I think :)

We will speak :)

Too me, all I think Barca need is a pure goalscorer. A forward who just scores goals and can always guarantee you them. Someone like the Scottish striker Kris Boyd. All he does is score goals. He doesn't do much else. Of course, Barca would never play him as he hasn't got the other attributes.

But it came to me after watching the Champions League semi-final. They played Man U off the park, but just couldnt put the ball in the net.

I've always loved Barca (through relatives) , so lets hope they can start winning again next season. :)

Gio to Tottenham? Any truth in that anyone know? Loan/Transfer?

maybe yes, maybe not.

nothing official, so these rumors you can here everywhere.

SkySports have named Spurs as "favourites" for £11mill

SkySports have named Spurs as "favourites" for £11mill

:O, English clubs really do spend too much. I think I read that Man City bought Jo for £30 million which is just insane.

Come on some random EPL team, please put a £30 million offer for Baptista:biggrinx:

Too me, all I think Barca need is a pure goalscorer.

To me it seems as they have one too many, IMHO seling one of Henry or Eto'o would help not buying another striker. The biggest players play best when they know they're trusted in.

To me it seems as they have one too many, IMHO seling one of Henry or Eto'o would help not buying another striker. The biggest players play best when they know they're trusted in.

Henry will be the main striker next season imo. I thought Eto'o looked poor against Man U.

yes, sucks a lot that the reason why whe dont win the champions league

that's why I wanna make changes!

sell him and buy new striker.

I know he is awesome, but we need to change.

surely Arnau was being sarcastic?

that's why I wanna make changes!

sell him and buy new striker.

I know he is awesome, but we need to change.

why? messi is awesome, let's change him also. what about toure, i think he can be changed. iniesta too, i think changing him would suit barca....(Y)

eto'o is not the problem. it is gauranteed that he'll score 20+ goals a season when fit. the problem is either finding a third striker to play where Ronaldinho played who can be creative, or to find more creative midfield players that will feed Eto'o.

Diego or Van der Vaart.

**** both

hleb and silva is coming

why? messi is awesome, let's change him also. what about toure, i think he can be changed. iniesta too, i think changing him would suit barca....(Y)

eto'o is not the problem. it is gauranteed that he'll score 20+ goals a season when fit. the problem is either finding a third striker to play where Ronaldinho played who can be creative, or to find more creative midfield players that will feed Eto'o.

First of all, strikers don't play where Ronaldinho played. And secondly, I really think we should change the formation. We played with the same one for what, 3 or 4 years? It worked for like 1. Without Ronnie, we couldn't create any goal scoring opportunities, it was just passing around and scoring sometimes, mostly against weak teams.

Messi and especially Yaya were the best Barça players this season IMO.

and for me Yaya is the best DM for the moment. Best sign we did.

Mate, I don't like some things Eto'o did during this and last season. I said before, I will say again. He said: "If we don't win anything this season, I WILL LEAVE" and said this before the most important match of season, before MU match. And what he did in that match. Absolutely NOTHING!

...

eto'o tiene la lengua y la polla(es negro) muy larga

Well, Zambrotta is off to Milan for €8.5m.

Good luck to him.

Hopefully now we can close a deal for Alves. It has become a must signing with Zambro's departure.

I hate you Txiki!
Learn what del Nido do.no less than 30M on alves,and you sell one of the best players in less than 10?!
Txiti,you are fired!

Pero mira la edad de Zambrotta!

Ese precio por un jugador de esa edad esta bien. Hay suficiente para comprar a Alves y mas.

Pero mira la edad de Zambrotta!

Ese precio por un jugador de esa edad esta bien. Hay suficiente para comprar a Alves y mas.

I still maintain that we have a terrible record of always been complete novices at selling players ...

and while I agree the Zambrotta deal is not bad, I don't know about Dani Alves: it's been fairly drawn out already, and Del Nido is still not budging on the transfer fee ... I think a foreign club -- Man Utd, let's say -- could come in and hijack the deal ...

We MUST buy Dani Alves Immediately!

btw, good luck for Zambrotta in Uefa cup xD

A lot of rumours saying Wenger want's Yaya thrown in as part of any Hleb deal. That would be a distaster for the Barca midfield imo.

Someone has a video of Himne del Barça when it released in 1974 in friendly match against east Germany?
thanks so much!!

I still maintain that we have a terrible record of always been complete novices at selling players ...

and while I agree the Zambrotta deal is not bad, I don't know about Dani Alves: it's been fairly drawn out already, and Del Nido is still not budging on the transfer fee ... I think a foreign club -- Man Utd, let's say -- could come in and hijack the deal ...

You're right, we need to get more for our players.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9528/statscf7.jpg

* http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_07-08/estadistiques/jugadors/Equip/fitxa.html

zambrotta sucks, its totaly unless.
I still maintain that we have a terrible record of always been complete novices at selling players ...

and while I agree the Zambrotta deal is not bad, I don't know about Dani Alves: it's been fairly drawn out already, and Del Nido is still not budging on the transfer fee ... I think a foreign club -- Man Utd, let's say -- could come in and hijack the deal ...
its an animal, other world player. in game stats :
the sevilla player we see in spain:
90 attack
80 defense
90 agressive
100 stamina
80 shoot power
80 curving
90 cross
xDDD
awesome long pases, tecnique,leader. some times i see him in left wing and 5 secons ago its defending in right back XD

hope he dont will change when barça sign him

^ haha ... I didn't mean that I don't know who Dani Alves is ... hahaha ... of course I know who he is ... I meant that I was not 100% sure we would sign him ...

if not laporta will lose his head

hahaha :)

yeah, we need it more than any other player now!

cáceres its signed, 17 millons XD if somebody dont see the lfp all i can say he is a 21year very very agressive and strong defender with great head shoot and can play also in RB and DM. expensive i think for a melon

i think you guys overpayed for Caceres....but it could turn out to be a good move

well ,to be often, i dont care if txikiliquatre and laporta pay 1,12,20 or 100 millions, i dont lost/win anything of this money.

i think you guys overpayed for Caceres....but it could turn out to be a good move

It sort of reminds me of the Pepe deal.

Txiki out!
Giovani and Zambrotta out only for 8,and buy Caceres by 20!

It sort of reminds me of the Pepe deal.

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Just Pepe ???

50 % (or more) of the players they have bought, they give overrated sums.


fresh news,

look how they are trying to get Ronaldo.

Txiki out!
Giovani and Zambrotta out only for 8,and buy Caceres by 20!

1-giovani 5.

2-cáceres at last 16

3-you never see him play so "dont coment a book if you dont read it".

I still think they got too little for Gio and Zambro.

Caceres is going to be a beast! He will push Puyol and Milito to be much better. I wonder if Marquez is going to Atletico now...

I still think they got too little for Gio and Zambro.


Maybe Zambrotta is OK for me, but Gio NOT. He is young and and from our academy. 5 millions are too little for a player like him.

It's better let him in loan now than sell him for just 5 millions.

loan him is a stupid think. or keep or leave but not for 5mil, i dont like it at all this transfer too.

umm Im not and neither is any madridista complaining about the 30 we spent on Pepe and nobody is complaining about the 22 on Ramos either...so as I said, it could turn out to be a good move...

22 ramos ? XDD was 27 + IVA

well whatever it could have been 40 it doesnt matter he is well worth his price

but you are talking about 16,5 millions we've spent for Caseres ...

When you compare what we spent on Caceres compared to what Madrid spent on Ramos or Pepe, it doesn't look so bad.

Our problem with selling players, which has happened to other top clubs, is that teams know we don't need the players, so they pay less.

Alves Move To Barcelona Agreed!

Barcelona believe that they have concluded a deal to sign Daniel Alves from Sevilla after face-to-face talks finally saw both clubs agree on a transfer fee.

The Brazilian international was informed by his agent that talks had gone well and that the two sides had settled on a fee of €32m plus incentives and co-operation with a bid for Fernando Navarro.

With the Blaugrana keen to push a move through, technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain and, sporting vice president, Marc Ingla, met with Sevilla president José María del Nido and sporting director Monchi.

Talks last from midday until around 8pm and saw all four putting suggestions on the table that eventually resulted in a deal being struck.

While Sevilla began by demanding €35m, Barça stuck to their estimation of under €30m plus higher incentives, but as the day progressed a fee of €32m was settled upon.

Del Nido wanted more money up front and less in performance related instalments and once the Catalan giants agreed talk turned to Navarro and Barça's involvement.

Sevilla have been quoted €10m by Mallorca for the full-back which Barcelona still have a stake in, but they want to pay only €7m.

In a curious arrangement, it is believed that the two sides have agreed that some of the difference over €7m that Sevilla pay will be added to Barça's fee for Alves.

There was a suggestion that the Blaugrana would buy Navarro outright and then use him in a swap deal with Sevilla, but the desire to have the transfer decided this week scuppered that plan.

Alves, who is currently in the United States with the Brazil squad, was told to prepare to join Barcelona and was said to be ecstatic at the news.

Barcelona have already signed Gerard Piqué, Seydou Keita and Martín Cáceres this summer and after Alves want just one more forward to complete their squad according to reports.

hhahah acordgiing to SPOR(K)T dont forget

Principal agreement on Alves

Barcelona sports vice president Marc Ingla and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain travelled to Sevilla yesterday.

During a six-hour meeting with Sevilla president José María del Nido and Sevilla sports director Monchi, both clubs would have reached a principal agreement on the transfer of Sevilla right back defender and Brazilian international Daniel 'Dani' Alves (25).

Barcelona president Joan Laporta returns today from the United States and could finalize the deal.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona will pay 32 million euro°, plus a possible 3 million euro variables in the next five years. The transfer to Sevilla of Mallorca left back defender Fernando Navarro, whose transfer rights are still owned for 30% by Barcelona, should be included in the deal, which could postpone the signature of the Alves deal.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims the transfer price is 32 million euro, plus 2 million euro variables, plus the 30% of the Navarro transfer fee.

Madrid sports tabloid Marca claims that Barcelona will pay 29 million euro, plus 3 million euro of the Navarro transfer, plus another 3 million euro variabales. Madrid sports tabloid As claims that the transfer price is around 32 million euro.

http://www.media-flema.net/forum/images/smilies/s017.gif

Giovani transferred to Tottenham Hotspur

FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur FC have come to an agreement for the transfer of Giovani Dos Santos to the English club.

The Mexican will sign for the club managed by Juande Ramos until June 30, 2013 for a fee 6 million euros plus another 5 million depending on the player’s appearances for the London club during his five year’s of contract.

FC Barcelona also maintain 20% of the financial rights to any possible transfer of the player during his first two years of contract and 10% on any transfer from his new club, Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Giovani dos Santos, aged 19, joined Barça in 2002/03 and joined the Infantil A (Under 15) squad, eventually making his first team debut in 2007/08, in which he has played an intermittent part in Frank Rijkaard’s first team.

* Official! (http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada07-08/06/n080606104518.html)

Goal.com reports that Alves has signed for Barca.
That's a great signing, i'm glad for you guys, not a lot players would not make you feel like you're missing something when they replace Zambrotta, but Alves is one of those.
IMO the best RB in the world right now. Although Ramos is brilliant too but you don't want to hear that , right? :)

yes its confirmed and he converted in the most expensive defender ever and deni. alves is totaly diferent than carapony ramos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAPXfMlojRw&feature=related
32 millons + 3 for obejctives + 30% of fernando navaro rights.

i was waiting this sign the 3 last years of my live.

Don't worry i know, i'm just teasing, but honestly except for Alves i cannot think of an rb that is better than Ramos except for maybe now our Zambrotta ;) .
I'm glad your wish came true, and i think Alves is worth the price, he'll be one of the leaders of the new success of Barcelona IMO, along with and Messi and Iniesta. I hope that Dinho stays in Barca and that Pep maybe gets that beautiful player once again out of him (what can i say i'm a hopeless romantic :) ).

haha man zambrotta sucks

Caceres, Keita, Alves and Pique.

All good signings, but Alves is the best by far.

True. But we can't be sure about that. It's highly unlikely, but still possible, that he'll be somewhat a disappointment. I'm not saying it will happen, just that, don't get psyched on it. Look at last summer's transfers. How many of you can honestly say that you thought Toure would be the best of the signings?

Anyway, I'm happy we finally got him. Gutted about Gio's move though, I really liked him from the start and would've liked to see him develop here for many years, but I guess it was not to be. Also, we got nowhere near the right price for him, IMO. In a few years we might see him being one of the best, and we'll be pulling our hair off, atleast Laporta.

Now our defence is good as complete, just get rid of Oleguer. Next, Benzema. Hopefully.

Now our defence is good as complete, just get rid of Oleguer. Next, Benzema. Hopefully.

Hopefully not, I want him at Old Trafford, he destroyed us in the game last season.

We might have a winger you can have for £75M -£100M if you're interested (I'd laugh so much if he went to you guys over Madrid! ) :D

Hopefully not, I want him at Old Trafford, he destroyed us in the game last season.

We might have a winger you can have for £75M -£100M if you're interested (I'd laugh so much if he went to you guys over Madrid! ) :D

F*** him... Messi is 10x better than him... 75 millions ? :o .. for what?? For goals against Levante and Valladolid and nothing against big teams?? No, thank you... Alves is the best right defende of last years...I was waiting for this signing for many years... Now we need Silva or Benzema... Hope Titi will ask him aout the move to us at EURO :) ... Ohh... And what's whit this s*** news about Trezeguet, Inzaghi, Pirlo and so on? :-& We don't need grandpas for Leo or Bojan :D

Alves finished! (H)

Now a player that i would like to see in Barça shirt is definitely Benzema. For me he is the best player in the 'market' now :)

I can't wait for Euros to watch him playing, but I think his price will increase after Euros more :(

True. But we can't be sure about that. It's highly unlikely, but still possible, that he'll be somewhat a disappointment. I'm not saying it will happen, just that, don't get psyched on it. Look at last summer's transfers. How many of you can honestly say that you thought Toure would be the best of the signings?

Anyway, I'm happy we finally got him. Gutted about Gio's move though, I really liked him from the start and would've liked to see him develop here for many years, but I guess it was not to be. Also, we got nowhere near the right price for him, IMO. In a few years we might see him being one of the best, and we'll be pulling our hair off, atleast Laporta.

Now our defence is good as complete, just get rid of Oleguer. Next, Benzema. Hopefully.

I said so. ;)

About Toure... I told several friends whe he was about to sign and I still believe this. In 3 or 4 years we will look back on the signings of this summer and Toure will be widely considered the best one, despite Henry being great and Milito being a rock defensively.

Toure is 100% class.
I agree with you about Gio. I hope he continues to develop and does really well at Spurs, but we should have got more for him.

I said so. ;)

I agree with you about Gio. I hope he continues to develop and does really well at Spurs, but we should have got more for him.

I heard that Gio's contract will end next year, so they decided to sell him this year and get some money, coz don't know but I read that there were some problems with his extension. :(

I would like to see him at least one more year in Barça but don't know :(

I hope him the best :) He's from our academy and there is a point to support him even playing for other clubs :)

guys, what do you think for Trezeguet ??

IMO, I don't wanna him in Camp Nou. For me he hasn't got anything special. Not a killer what we need. Even he isn't in this Euro C'ship with France :(

I don't like to spend 20 milion for a 30 old damn striker.

He isn't in the Euro because Domenech is idiot, but i agree with you to much for him he will be 31 in October.

domenech is god


he is son of republican catalan exilied to france :D



and france need freesh player, not more sagrate cows. its gomis, benzema, nasri, ribéry times.




---------------valdes/jorquera------------
alves/new------puyol/pique---milito/caceres--Abidal/sylvinho
--------------------toure/keita----------------------
-----------xavi/moutinho-------iniesta/dontouchmyiniesta--------
---------messi/hleb---------------------
-------------------eto'o/bojan---henry/benzema--

waterman: oleguer

marquez ban for be a dog.

nice team

money money money ... (H)

Iniesta/Silva

Moutinho 15
Silva 15
Hleb 15
Benzema 40
= 95 milions

silva 15 ? XDDDDDDDDDDD


P.D: XDDDDDDDDDDD




45 for benzema? be gaspart my friend ?? and right now kun is much better

But Benzema can score more than Kun.

money money money ... (H)

Iniesta/Silva

Moutinho 15
Silva 15
Hleb 15
Benzema 40
= 95 milions

I really can't see Sporting selling Moutinho for 15. His release clause is something like 25-30 M.

Unless of course, their president signs the transfer contract after dinner, you know he has some drinking issues maybe you can take advantage of that (H)

You're going to be real happy with Alves. Phenomenal player, never runs out of gas, and he never gets hurt. Your forwards are going to be getting some niiiiice passes.

Best RB in the world and best player Sevilla has ever had.

You're going to be real happy with Alves. Phenomenal player, never runs out of gas, and he never gets hurt. Your forwards are going to be getting some niiiiice passes.

Best RB in the world and best player Sevilla has ever had.

I'm sorry to see him leave Sevilla, as I always had a soft spot for you guys, but I'm glad he didn't go to Real Mierda:cool:

If he was going to leave, I'm glad he came to Barca.

Why don't they announce the signing of Dani Alves on the official website? :(

Hey jack lets not talk about Mierda now....judging by you guys current team situation and last two seasons its rather clear who the Real Mierda really are At the moment...lol

Why don't they announce the signing of Dani Alves on the official website? :(
They're waiting to announce Guardiola offically first.
Hey jack lets not talk about Mierda now....judging by you guys current team situation and last two seasons its rather clear who the Real Mierda really are At the moment...lol

Don't be logical!:swear2:

They announced Guardiola officially some days ago ;) And they have already announced in the first day, the signings of Keita, Pique and Caceres

But Benzema can score more than Kun.

how many goals score benzema?? player of french league where his team own the rest without go down from the bus?

Benzema scored 20 goals in a Ligue 1 clearly dominated again by OL while Kun sored 20 goals in Primera...So I think the better striker is Kun... Do you remmember what did he do whit our defender in that humiliation at Calderon? :|

so messi must make a new friend called maradona to convice aguero for go to camp nou.

I think Atletico won't let him go without min. 25 mil. :(

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2qPe3Uqm5WQ - What do you think??

only 25 mil? XDDD atletico want his rescicion clausule (55 mil.)

I don't think Kun is what we need. He's definitely a great player, but he's not the right type for us. Benzema is more of a fighter, he's stronger and has better headers.

Also, scoring 20 goals in any league is good, and the French Ligue still is one of the best. He also destroyed ManU in CL, as Mikey pointed out, so he's proven he can score against tough oppositions, too. How many of Kun's goals were against Madrid or us?

Kun is a player like Messi, just not as good. I don't think we need that. We need a cold-blooded goalscorer.

I don't think Kun is what we need. He's definitely a great player, but he's not the right type for us. Benzema is more of a fighter, he's stronger and has better headers.

Also, scoring 20 goals in any league is good, and the French Ligue still is one of the best. He also destroyed ManU in CL, as Mikey pointed out, so he's proven he can score against tough oppositions, too. How many of Kun's goals were against Madrid or us?

Kun is a player like Messi, just not as good. I don't think we need that. We need a cold-blooded goalscorer.

Oh... Take a look at the video I put in my last post...I'm not so interested in Madrid but he scored two goals against us...And what goals??$ He scored another gol last season in Camp Nou in that 1-1...

Btw, Sport said : "Oferta del Barça por el portugués Moutinho" ... If this is real it's perfect because he is oe of the best subtitutes for Deco... He is GOD!!! 25 millions the clause... If Laporta gave 16.5 for Caceres and 32 for Alves I think he would give 25 for Moutinho too... He is only 21 and he was one of th best for Portugal with Turkey.

I thought that karim Benzema would stay at Lyon?????

In my opinion Kun is more complete but he's less physical strong that Benzema.
The only problem with Benzema is that he would prefer to play for Real (he is dreaming to play for this club).

The ideal player for barca could be Zlatan ibrahimovitch (technical and physical) but I hope he'll stay at Inter.


What about Eto'o? will he be sold??? great and still young player, he should stay in Barça team....

Eto'o... There have been rumours of him flying around on a daily basis. It seems probable that he will be sold and to tell you the truth, I don't know what to think of it.

IMO, Benzema is much physically stronger than Kun. He's got better shoot and is better with head :)

some ability that we really need :)

According to reports in Italy, we are about to sell Deco to Inter for 12-13 million Euros. Good price for him, if its true!

kun = romário

Bnezema would be an awesome addition.

At the end Benzema will stay at OL, Kun will go to Inter with Eto O....

At the end Benzema will stay at OL, Kun will go to Inter with Eto O....

Who are you? Lord Voldemort or Harry Potter??

At the end Benzema will stay at OL, Kun will go to Inter with Eto O....

and Ribery will go to numancia

and Ribery will go to numancia

And why not!!!! a rich ukranian businessman could buy this team, and buy Frankie for his own pleasure!!!!

Regarding my previsions, it's a little bit crazy, but only existing rumors....

Some striker options are looking less and less likely. The Trezeguet rumours have died down, Huntelaar isn't linked with us anymore, Zlatan is getting a new deal, Benzema is impossible to sign right now... we need to buy David Villa. He has everything we need (only lacks in physical power, but makes up for it with his good heading), and the last I've read he wouldn't be too expensive.

So now we need a striker and at least one more midfielder.

I expect Marquez, Deco and Eto'o to leave. Still unsure what's going on with Ronaldinho, but if Manchester City is actually his only possible destination, I think he'll stay with us. I just can't see him in a lower profile team. Milan clearly won't pay what we want, Chelsea aren't even interested enough to produce one headline, and the only factor working in City's favour is money, which has never been decisive with Ronnie. I don't see how he would leave this summer.

Congratulations Ved (Y), 3 important points :)

btw, yeah Vila is great option too, cheaper and great player :) IF we can get him, I would be happy too :)

I think Villa's price has just gone up like 15mio. (H)

I think Villa's price has just gone up like 15mio. (H)

Yeah you're right
But I want to say that I'm so proud of Xavi Inesta and Puyol, especially Puyol... David Villa was the man of the match and Silva played good too...

i think villa price its 3 times bigger now

Thought Barca fans would be interested in this, from the BBC rumours page

Barcelona have joined Real Madrid in the competition to sign Hibernian forward Steven Fletcher.

Madrid have came out publicly saying they are interested in him and will bid. Now it's even more interesting Barca are chasing him.

If you do sign him, let it be known that Barca would sign him to develop him, he's only 21 and still has much to learn, but has the quality to become something special.

Marquez stays because Pep wants him in the team....

that what the medias says in mexico

I'm very glad we aren't getting Ibrahimovic. Never liked him and he's lazy and petulant.

Villa is the man, I hope we get him.

Yea. Shame we didn't get him before the EURO, though. Gonna be expensive as ****.

By the way, what do you think about Deco? Should we keep him? He has shown some real quality in the EURO, so it would be nice to have him play like that in Barca too.

Deco actually said something to the likes that he was happy that he didnt play that much this season because that would mean his Euro would be that much better....I see him play with the Portuguese and I cant help but notice how much harder he has been working with them...with Barca these last two seasons he has been lazy and plain ol dismissive at times....and I also believe he said he was out of Barca, that the only other competitive team in his eyes in Spain was Madrid and he would never go there...so therefore he wants out

villa have now more chance to sign for barça because his idol, Luis enrique, will be part of staff.
http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20080614/e__archivo_photo_10_1_1_20080614_YBA01F1.tif6.jpg

Lucho and Villa-both are Asturians and played at Sporting Gijon(I hope they will win in Sunday).

well villa its a bit judas because in his inface he was oviedo fan (rival of sporting) XD

Like Robinho,Drenthe,Metzelder(were Barça fans) and more...

no, these ones was barça sympathizers but not supporters... exist more world after barça crosas ....

OMG Arnau... =))=)) ... You're a genius...the signature is incredible =)) btw, boring match played by Henry...

Henry, what's Henry got to do with a terrible France like that. At least he scored :p

it look hernanes (sao paulo) its going to sign for barça

Guardiola sounds like a moron. Too bad, because I've always liked Barcelona, but this guy does not sound like he has a clue how to manage a club.

Guardiola sounds like a moron. Too bad, because I've always liked Barcelona, but this guy does not sound like he has a clue how to manage a club.

This guy hasn't even held his first training session. Give him a chance before labeling him a moron.

Guardiola announced that Ronnie, Deco and Samu will not be in his plans in the next year... That means they are going to buy min. 3 players... I have some ideas... Joao Moutinho/Hleb/Diego ( too bad they don' t want him :() -Deco; David Villa/ Kun - Eto'o (Benzema was f***** at this euro; and i don't know someone for ROnnie...

I hope the rumours saying that Barça are going to buy Adebayor for 29 millions aren't real...I don't like at all this player and i think we don't need him... :|
Sport.es says "El rumano Mutu entra en escena" ... :X

Who cares if Benzema sucked at Euro, I'd still go for it.

Adebayor is not good enough. He's had one good season and I'm not sure if he could play our game.

Joao Moutinho would be good and David Villa could score 30 goals/season here.

All France sucked!

btw, Benzema owned Gatusso last match :)

i would like Villa too, why not, he is awesome :)

There's are rumor going round that Etoo was spotted in London, probably bollocks but you know.

Any news on Helb?

How about Schweini? You reckon it would be worth the risk to take him. He's still very young and most of all, he's very versatile, he can play as a winger or CAM, he can set up goals, and give good free kicks.

Villa would be the best guy for the strikers vacancy, right now.
Moutinho, Diego, Hleb - I would take anyone of them, all great players.

Adebayor looks like he's the man.

Does anybody know what tactics Pep likes?

I read in Sport that he prefers a 4-3-1-2

do you guys know anything really about Mutu or is the press here just making things up (again)?

Adebayor looks like he's the man.

Does anybody know what tactics Pep likes?

I read in Sport that he prefers a 4-3-1-2

exactly :)

probably this:

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

Alves -- Puyol -- Milito -- Abidal

------------ Yaya ------------
------- Xavi ------ Iniesta ----

------------ Messi -----------
------ Adebayor -- Henry -----

(H)

I hope free role for Messi behind two strikers :D

do you guys know anything really about Mutu or is the press here just making things up (again)?

The news in Prosport are taken from the press in spain...Sport.es said this :P

I agree with you buti... but Pep annouced that he will use Marquez and he won't sell him... Maybe Rafa will be in the place of Milito... Than some changes between Keita and Yaya and i will continue to hope the news they bought Adebayor aren't true...Villa .....

adebayor is terrible, why are we going after him when there are so many better options available who would cost just a little more?? in order to make henry happy, we are sacrificing our season by selling eto'o and buying this idiot as his replacement. laporta! buy villa and forget this nonsense!

I don't think Marquez will be a starter over Milito or Cacares. He'll be a good replacement for CB or DM, if we wind up getting half of our players injuried again.

Solaimaa, aren't you being a little harhs? Adebayor scored, what, like 30 goals in the EPL. You really don't do that if you're terrible. I agree with you, that there are better options (read Villa), but Ade isn't really half that bad. Still 27mio is too much for him, as he hasn't proved any consistancy yet.

no Marquez will be a starter. Pep knows he is the best CB partner with Puyol....

OMG.. Now I'm looking on the tabls of the past EPL season...And I see that Adeayor was the second scorer after C. Ronaldo with 24 goals... Torres scored 24 goals too...I really don't know when he scored them :)) I think Laporta could buy a genius...someone like Diego, Arshavin, Joao Moutinho... Why doesn't he pay 27 mil. for one of them instead od paying them for Adebayor???

I just hope Barca win La Liga this season, I have lost any respect and affection I had for Real Madrid. Plus as I said before, I have an affection for Barcelona anyway.

Can we have Ronaldinho please? :D

Don't let Adebayor's goals for Arsenal last season give you the wrong impression. He was pants against any decent defence, and although his performances last season, were an improvement on his first season in the EPL, he is still, (and I don't know any other way to say this), a donkey.

I really cannot believe the stories I hear that big clubs like Barca, Milan etc, are even remotely interested in this man. The transfer fees being talked about are an absolute joke for a player of his limited ability. Barca definately do not want or need this fella.

He is big and he is strong but thats all he has. He cannot dribble, he has no vision whatsoever, and most of his goals were simple tap ins from inside a crowded penalty area. He has not got a powerful or accurate shot in him, and he dissapoints more than he pleases.

Some will say my opinion of him is harsh, but they will probably be Arsenal fans or Arsenal groupies.

His name would not even enter my head if I ever thought about a striker that I wanted to see at Chelsea. Don't you think that if he was so great that some other EPL team might at least be interested in buying him? They are not interested in the slightest.

Thanks Pete. I was worried about this from the start...

I'd like to see him score consistently well for a while before signing him rather than have one good season.

We need players with true pedigree, not one-season wonders.

David Villa!

Adebayor is not good enough. He's had one good season and I'm not sure if he could play our game.

i will continue to hope the news they bought Adebayor aren't true...

adebayor is terrible, why are we going after him when there are so many better options available who would cost just a little more?? in order to make henry happy, we are sacrificing our season by selling eto'o and buying this idiot as his replacement. laporta! buy villa and forget this nonsense!

Don't let Adebayor's goals for Arsenal last season give you the wrong impression. He was pants against any decent defence, and although his performances last season, were an improvement on his first season in the EPL, he is still, (and I don't know any other way to say this), a donkey.

I really cannot believe the stories I hear that big clubs like Barca, Milan etc, are even remotely interested in this man. The transfer fees being talked about are an absolute joke for a player of his limited ability. Barca definately do not want or need this fella.

He is big and he is strong but thats all he has. He cannot dribble, he has no vision whatsoever, and most of his goals were simple tap ins from inside a crowded penalty area. He has not got a powerful or accurate shot in him, and he dissapoints more than he pleases.

Some will say my opinion of him is harsh, but they will probably be Arsenal fans or Arsenal groupies.

His name would not even enter my head if I ever thought about a striker that I wanted to see at Chelsea. Don't you think that if he was so great that some other EPL team might at least be interested in buying him? They are not interested in the slightest.

agree with all these posts, and especially solaimaa and pede ...

I agree with Jabo post :)

He isn't proved as top class striker yet.

29 millions for him are madness.

I agree with Jabo post :)

He isn't proved as top class striker yet.

29 millions for him are madness.

Heuuh, perhaps you missed that he scores a lot of goal in the best championship in Europe at this moment.... He is still young and can improve... That's not so bad...

The only thing that I could say is that I'm not sure that his style will be adapted to the Barça style....

But this season he played as a World class striker....

In the end, he really wasn't that great.

Judging by your post, I'd think that you've mostly just read statistics about him, and not seen him play. Sometimes he looks very lost in the field, when not getting the right balls, and also, have you seen his goals? Not exactly pieces of textbook material how to finish, just little flicks to an empty net, or from a corner.

He really, really hasn't proved enough to be bought for twenty-some-million euros.

guys do you think its time for new thread :)

I spoke with Vedran before one month or more, he said to me you can open if you have time coz he doesn't.

If you agree, I can open it :)

I'll send an email to Vedran just to inform him now :)

Visca el Barça y Visca Catalunya!

In the end, he really wasn't that great.

Judging by your post, I'd think that you've mostly just read statistics about him, and not seen him play. Sometimes he looks very lost in the field, when not getting the right balls, and also, have you seen his goals? Not exactly pieces of textbook material how to finish, just little flicks to an empty net, or from a corner.

He really, really hasn't proved enough to be bought for twenty-some-million euros.

To be honnest I was the first to be surprised, cause I didn't like this player when played in Monaco.

I followed Arsenal this year, and I really think that he improves a lot his natural technic, and becomes efficient.

But as I said, I think his style is not adapt to the barça game, this is probably what could explain why you don't like him..... and I could be also agree to say that he would need to confirm his season to justify this amount.