Barcelona FC

Xavi: We let Real Madrid escape

2013-02-01T07:33:00.004-08:00

Jan 31, 2013

The influential midfielder was not impressed with his side's profligacy in front of goal, and believes it should have emerged victorious.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has voiced his disappointment with his side's finishing in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Madrid and claims the Blaugrana "dominated" the tie.

Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring for the Catalans after the interval, but they missed a number of chances to extend their lead, and eventually saw Raphael Varane help the Los Blancos to a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

"We let them off. I think we were the better side, we dominated and we created more scoring chances. It’s a strange feeling," Xavi was quoted as saying on the official Barca website. "We have been creating plenty of chances in recent Clasicos, but we aren’t accurate enough in front of goal. Scoring goals is key.

"Everything is still wide open. It will be the same story in the return leg, but we’ll try to be more effective."

COPA NASTY! Barcelona star Messi clashed with Arbeloa in Real Madrid carpark

2013-02-01T07:32:00.003-08:00

01/31/2013

Barcelona star Lionel Messi clashed with Alvaro Arbeloa in the Real Madridcarpark last night, it has been revealed.

Punto Pelota says the pair taunted eachother throughout the Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg, which had finished 1-1.

With the mixed zone leading out to the carpark, as Messi was making his way to the Barcelona team bus, he spotted Arbeloa in his car - with his wife - and again fired a couple of verbal volleys at the Real fullback.

Arbeloa hit back before Messi was led to the team bus by a Barca official.

Meanwhile, Real's locker room were unimpressed by Messi's behaviour during the match. At one stage, Messi, grounded after a tackle, ignored a helping hand offered by Xabi Alonso which angered Real's players.

Why FIFA has degraded the Ballon d'Or into a vapid popularity contest

2013-02-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

01/30/2013

If he hasn't already, Lionel Messi should get onto his builders about expanding his overflowing trophy room. For no matter what he does on the pitch, Messi can be assured he'll continue winning FIFA's beauty contest, er, sorry, Ballon d'Or.

France Football had something special. The Ballon d'Or was decided by a panel of journalists who agonised over their selections, knowing that the choice would reflect upon themselves, the magazine and the credibility of the award.

FIFA had their gong - the manufactured World Player of the Year - which ran in direct competition to the Ballon d'Or. Fans weren't fooled. It was an award created out of envy. It had nothing of the prestige of the Ballon d'Or and was never going to catch on.

Then France Football sold out.

Now we have a beauty contest , decided by national team captains, coaches and 'journalists', though some are really pundits. The crazy thing is that the award's creator, Gabriel Hanot, was fully supportive of surrendering all the credibility built up over 44 years of the trophy's existence to FIFA.

FIFA condemns their Ballon d'Or by their own words.

Reacting to a report by Al Jazeera, quoting Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosickyand PSG defender Thiago Silva that their votes had falsely been recorded for Messi, a FIFA spokesman declared to Eurosport: "It's a false rumor. When we were told what happened, we did the necessary checks and can confirm what was posted on the night of the ceremony.

"Everything was perfect, the documents are correct. Everyone is free to interpret as you wish, but some do not remember who they voted for."

So, the people involved in voting on the most 'prestigious' individual trophy the game has to offer, which we devote hours upon hours discussing and debating, are so detached from the process they can't even remember who they went for barely weeks after their vote was cast?

You can bet every member who sat on the France Football selection panel can remember who they voted for - and more importantly why.

Past victories marked significant points in the history of the game.Michael Owen's win in 2001 reflected Liverpool's Treble under Gerard Houllier. George Best beat Franz Beckenbauer in 1968 after winning the European Cup with Manchester United. The Dane, Allan Simonsen, won in 1977, beating Michel Platini and Kevin Keegan, after inspiring Borussia Monchengladbach to the title and the European Cup final.

How does Messi's award reflect what happened on the pitch in 2012?

The answer is it doesn't.

Yes, his goalscoring record was important, but what of Chelsea's amazing, against-all-odds Champions League triumph? He may still not have made the final three, but you'd like to think, under the old format, there would've been judges arguing the case for Didier Drogba to be recognised. The sheer will and determination of the Ivorian outshone Messi in last season's competition. It wasn't Drogba who bottled the spotkick in the semifinal, nor coughed up possession in the first-leg for Chelsea's winner. But it was the Blues legend who headed home when all appeared lost in the final - onBayern Munich's home turf - and then kept his nerve to convert the winning penalty.

Yes, in the final voting, he may've missed out, but there would surely have been someone on that panel arguing the case, just as Jose Mourinho did when paying tribute to his old team:

"I know some people think Barcelona are the masters of the game and will criticise Chelsea like they criticised Inter Milan two years ago. But they know nothing about character, about effort, about a team with 10 men resisting tactically, physically, everything."

Where do the qualities of "character, effort" and sheer will stand in today's Ballon d'Or? Would Fabio Cannavaro or two-time winner Kevin Keegan, both of whom display the attributes so valued by Mourinho, have been recognised by today's beauty contest?

Selling out to FIFA not only damaged the integrity of France Football's original award, but football's chronicle has lost something meaningful in the process.

Guardiola wants Bayern Munich to trump Man Utd for Lewandowski

2013-02-01T07:26:00.002-08:00

01/30/2013

Pep Guardiola plans to rumble Manchester United plans forBorussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.

Poland international Lewandowski is expected to sign for United at the end of the season.

However, Sport1 says Guardiola has requested Bayern Munich to move for Lewandowski, despite protests from BVB.

Dortmund chiefs are adamant they will not sell their best players to Bundesliga rivals Bayern, but Guardiola sees Lewandowski as the ideal centre-forward to build his system around.

Xavi moans: Real Madrid's Ronaldo should've been booked!

2013-02-01T07:23:00.002-08:00

01/31/2013

Xavi complained about the match officials after Barcelona' 1-1 draw atReal Madrid in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal.

Xavi felt Cristiano Ronaldo should have been booked during the game and was unhappy with the manner of Raphael Varane's equaliser.

"The goal is an isolated play from a corner that was not a corner. The referee did not see this, but following a corner that was undeserved, the goal came.

"In addition, there was a lack of a yellow card for Cristiano which normally would happen, but ... ".

Ronaldo blocked Barca from taking a quick free-kick, which upset Barca players.

Barcelona launch their own social media platform

2013-02-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

01/30/2013

Barcelona has made an innovative digital move by launching an official social media platform, reports SportBusiness.

FCBfeel.com will allow members and fans to share information and their interests about any part of the club. The platform is structured into channels dedicated to each of Barcelona’s sports teams and the players themselves.

Barcelona fans can sign up to the channels of their interest and follow the players of their choice. The official Barcelona network has been launched in Catalan, Spanish and English, but the club said further languages will be added.

Barcelona said the goal of FCBfeel.com is to become an international social network “in harmony with the globalisation of the famous Barça sentiment.”

The network can be used to share news stories with friends, save photos and videos, send private messages and comment on news items and statements by the players. The site has its own version of Facebook’s ‘like’ function where users can highlight their favourite content by utilising the ‘wow’ tool.

A Barcelona statement read: “FCBfeel.com is not just about football. Fans can also follow news about other sports sections at the club, with the advantage that all the information is there at your fingertips without having to go to a different site.

“FCBfeel.com is also the place for fans to share their ‘Barça moments’, by for example uploading photos of celebrations of any of the club’s many sports titles.

“It’s the ideal place for fans from different places in the world to share their national and international experiences following their favourite team.”

Barcelona watching FC Basel keeper Yann Sommer

2013-01-28T07:30:00.001-08:00

January 28, 2013

Barcelona are eyeing FC Basel goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

The Swiss is under consideration at Barca as they prepare to farewell No1 Victor Valdes at the end of the season.

Punto Pelota says 24 year-old Sommer's name features on a seven-man shortlist at Barca and has been scouted extensively this season.

Barca coaching staff believe his ability to play out from the back fits the club's style and Basel's €5 million asking price is also a positive.

Messi hits amazing four goals in Barcelona triumph

2013-01-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

January 28, 2013

Lionel Messi hit a stunning four goals as Barcelona thrashed lowly Osasuna.

Messi celebrated another goalscoring milestone with four more goals as Barcelona demolished 10-man Osasuna at the Nou Camp.

The Argentinian went one better than great rival Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick earlier in the evening as he was part of a Barca side who utterly outclassed woefully inferior opposition.

His second was his 200th goal in the Primera Division, another landmark feat in his ever-growing list of achievements.

The fourth brought his total in the league this term to 33 and he is on track to match last season's barely-believable 50. Seventeen more are needed from 17 games; only for Messi would that be considered simple.

And next up for him, albeit in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals: Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Pedro was also on target for the Catalans, while Raoul Loe briefly levelled for Osasuna before Alejandro Arribas' sending-off after 27 minutes made their task an almost impossible one.

Barcelona eyeing Koscielny contract talks at Arsenal

2012-07-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

07/21/2012

Barcelona are eyeing Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

French media sources say Barca are weighing up a move for Koscielny, who is in talks over a contract upgrade at Arsenal.

Barca management are attracted to Koscielny due to his versatility, with the centre-half also comfortable in a defensive midfield role.

Jordi Alba stands by Olympics decision despite Barcelona concerns

2012-07-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

07/21/2012

Jordi Alba stands by his decision to play in the Olympics, despite the concerns of Barcelona.

His new employers didn't want him to play in another tournament before the season starts for fear of burnout. Alba, though, was steadfast in his decision.

He told AS: "My dream was always to come to the Games. I had already spoken with (Luis) Milla when I was at Valencia. I am not the first Barcelona player to go to the Olympics.

"We have seen replays of the gold medal won in Barcelona in 1992 and we have the same dream to win it again. Any team nowadays can beat us but we see ourselves as capable of winning the gold, no matter how difficult it will be."

Boca Juniors announce Barcelona loan move for Sergio Araujo

2012-07-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

07/21/2012

Boca Juniors president Daniel Angelici has announced Sergio Araujo is joining Barcelona on-loan for the new season.

Araujo has signed a two-year loan deal with Barcelona.

The striker will join the Barca B team initially and the deal includes a permanent option at the end of the two-year agreement.

Man City chairman Khaldoon: We want to match Man Utd success

2012-07-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

07/21/2012
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak says they have plans of matching Manchester United's domination of the English game.

Despite a bitter rivalry between the two teams which is set to be renewed when the new season kicks off next month, chairman Al Mubarak insists City must learn from United’s example of turning short-term success into long-term dominance.

“United have set the benchmark,” he said, in an interview on City’s Champions DVD.

“What they have accomplished in the last 20 years is incredible. It sets the benchmark for any club in the world in terms of success. We all have the highest respect for Sir Alex, we all have the highest respect for United as a team and what they have accomplished.

“We look at teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan and Bayern Munich. What they represent to their cities, to their communities, what they’ve accomplished, these teams are the benchmarks.”

Barcelona scouts watching Tottenham ace Modric

2012-06-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sun, 06/17/2012

Barcelona are eyeing Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.

Barca scouts will watch Modric in action for Croatia against Spain.

Asked about the speculation, Modric replied: "Of course, I love to hear things like that, but it just motivates me more to play better and show that I can be even more dangerous."

Modric is also a target for Manchester United and PSG.

Barcelona swoop for six-year old Brazilian prodigy

2012-06-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Sun, 06/17/2012

Barcelona have swooped for a six-year old Brazilian prodigy.

Brazilian talent Artur Miani impressed in trials at La Masia and has been offered a place in the club's academy.

"This is a huge pride," Artur's father, Adilson Miani, told Globoesporte. "He played against kids he had never seen before in his life.

"He even dealt with the jet lag and the long trip. I am very happy.

"My son has been approved by one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"They have not yet sent any info, or said if they will help with the costs, but we are already thinking about how we will cope with this.

"He is six years old, so he cannot go alone. I cannot leave the country right now, so his mother will probably go with him there."

Sampdoria to face Barcelona for Gamper Trophy

2012-06-16T22:04:00.002-07:00

Sun, 06/17/2012

Sampdoria are set to face Barcelona in preseason.

There are reports Sampdoria could play Barcelona on August 12 in a repeat of the 1992 European Cup Final.

It’s rumoured Barcelona aim to celebrate the event by playing Sampdoria in the Gamper Trophy on August 12.

It has been 20 years since that night at Wembley Stadium, when Roberto Mancini’s side pushed Barça to extra time.

Manchester United are receiving encouragement in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara. The Daily Mail says Thiago has grown frustrated with his limited first-team opportunities behind the likes of Xavi and Cesc Fabregas. And the departure of manager Pep Guardiola has prompted the 21-year-old to consider his future at the Nou Camp. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been following Thiago for 18 months and knows any serious bid will be considered by Barca weighed down by heavy debts.

2012-06-16T22:02:00.002-07:00

Sun, 06/17/2012

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has told Croatia their Euros campaign is over.

Xavi insists Spain will beat Croatia and help Italy qualify for the knockout round.

“We are not accustomed to playing for a 2-2. Our mentality doesn’t let us play for a draw, as we always go out for the win,” assured Xavi.

“I am sure Italy will reach the Euro 2012 quarter-finals along with Spain. After our own team, Italy are the ones who impressed me the most in the tournament so far.

“Cesare Prandelli has given a great shape to a team that really reminds me of the one that took theWorld Cup in 2006.”

Man Utd encouraged in pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara

2012-06-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sat, 06/16/2012

Manchester United are receiving encouragement in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

The Daily Mail says Thiago has grown frustrated with his limited first-team opportunities behind the likes of Xavi and Cesc Fabregas.

And the departure of manager Pep Guardiola has prompted the 21-year-old to consider his future at the Nou Camp.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been following Thiago for 18 months and knows any serious bid will be considered by Barca weighed down by heavy debts.

Ex-Barcelona chief Begiristain eager for Tottenham talks

2012-06-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sat, 06/16/2012

Former Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain is seeking talks with Tottenham.

The Telegraph says Begiristain wants to be considered for the football director's job at Spurs.

The Spaniard helped shaped Barca during Joan Laporta's reign as president and was considered for the football director's post at Liverpool.

Mourinho snaps: Get it right! Spain more Real Madrid than Barcelona

2012-06-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Sat, 06/16/2012

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is upset with claims that Spain are based on Barcelona's successful team.

Mourinho insists it is Real which dominate Vicente del Bosque's line-up.

"You speak about Spain and Barcelona but the national team of Spain have five Real Madrid players too," Mourinho stated to reporters.

"I don't know why you would mix that up because those are completely separate things.

"Barcelona was the champion of Spain. And I repeat 'was' the champion of Spain, and nothing more."

Vilanova admits Barcelona must buy this summer

2012-06-16T21:56:00.002-07:00

Sat, 06/16/2012

New Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova admits they're seeking defensive signings this summer.

Vilanova confirmed they'll be buying during the transfer window.

"It's true that we want to bring in defensive reinforcements, we've had problems there and we've had to adapt players," he said.

"We want a left-back and a centre-back. Up front we don't expect to bring in anybody else. This year Villa, Alexis and Pedro have suffered injuries, but next season we hope that will be ok. We also have Cristian Tello and Isaac Cuenca."

Vilanova also dismissed speculation linking Dani Alves with a move away from the club, describing the Brazil full-back as "one of the most important players in the squad" and said they are not looking to move on midfielder Seydou Keita either.

Barcelona coach Vilanova has no fear of Guardiola comparisons

2012-06-16T21:55:00.002-07:00

Sat, 06/16/2012

Tito Vilanova has no fears of emerging from Pep Guardiola's shadow at Barcelona.

The 42-year-old Vilanova knows comparisons between himself and his former colleague are inevitable as he embarks on his first post as a first-team coach, but he is not letting that bother him.

"I'm not scared of there being comparisons between his Barca and mine. I'm going to lose all of those comparisons, I know that. But I've not come here to be compared to him, I've come here to do my job," Vilanova said.

"I've been very fortunate to have won all those titles in four years. We're going to have the opportunity to repeat that, but it's going to be very difficult.

"We know the difficulty that we have, but we want to win every game.

"We will not give any game or any title up for lost. We will try to win everything."

In appointing Vilanova rather than looking outside the club for a new coach, Barca are aiming to remain faithful to the style of play that has served them so well in recent years.

On what is likely to change under his tenure, Vilanova said: "Pep and I worked closely together and we made many of the decisions together. Therefore, I'm not now going to try and change just to differentiate myself."

Barcelona to include Keita in bid for AC Milan defender Thiago Silva

2012-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Mon, 05/21/2012

Barcelona will seek to open talks with AC Milan this week for Thiago Silva.

Sport says Barca have their offer ready and intend to deliver it in the coming days to Milan.

Barca rate Thiago Silva at €25 million and will offer €20 million cash plus a player - likely to be Seydou Keita - in exchange for the Brazilian.

Thiago Silva expressed an ambition to play for Barca last season, though Milan insist they do not want to sell.

PSG in Barcelona contact for Daniel Alves price

2012-05-21T08:45:00.003-07:00

Mon, 05/21/2012

PSG have made an approach to Barcelona for fullback Daniel Alves.

Sport says PSG have registered their interest with Barca for the Brazil international.

Alves' future at Barca is under a cloud after disappointing management with his behaviour this past season.

Barcelona plan swap offer for Malaga star Isco

2012-05-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Mon, 05/21/2012

Barcelona are eyeing Malaga star Isco.

The young Spaniard has made a big splash at Malaga this season and also attracting interest fromArsenal and Manchester City.

El Mundo Deportivo says Barca could buy back Sporting Gijon defender Albert Botia and include him in an offer for Isco.

Juventus rival Barcelona for Santos star Neymar

2012-05-21T08:44:00.002-07:00

Mon, 05/21/2012

Juventus are joining the battle for Santos star Neymar.

Tuttosport says Santos have confirmed Juve's interest after denying reports of a pre-contract withBarcelona.

Neymar isn't expected to leave Santos until after the 2014 World Cup, but with €40 million to spend on a new attacking signing this summer, Juve could tempt the Brazilians into parting with their superstar.