FC BARCELONA

The medical tests that Alexis underwent this afternoon confirm that the player will miss tomorrow’s match.

Piqué, after resting for a week, is recovering well from the knock he received in last week’s match, but will not play against Málaga tomorrow.

Valdés, who was with fever this Monday, returned to training this afternoon.

Alexis Sánchez will not feature in Barça’s team against Málaga this Wednesday. This afternoon the player underwent control tests to evaluate the hematoma caused by the contusion on his left thigh. The results confirm that the player will not be able to play in tomorrow’s match, according to the Club’s Medical Services.

Gerard Piqué will also miss tomorrow’s match. The player’s recovery is very favourable after a week of rest. Piqué returned to training, albeit apart for the group, this Wednesday. He’ll miss the match against Málaga and his recovery will mark his availability against Espanyol this weekend.

The keeper Víctor Valdés, who was with fever on Monday, trained with the rest of the team this Tuesday. Bartra, Tello and Montoya also trained with FC Barcelona’s first team.

The Barça stopper is heading for his fifth Zamora Trophy, which would equal the tally of club legend Antoni Ramallets.

Valdés would also become the first person to win four consecutive awards for the best goalkeeping record in La Liga.

If, as seems likely, Pinto plays in the three remaining league fixtures, Víctor Valdés will collect his fifth Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeping record in Spain. It would also be his fourth consecutive title, and would equal the record of FC Barcelona legend Antoni Ramallets, who won the accolade in each of the 1951/52, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1958/59 and 1959/60 seasons. As Guardiola has hinted, Pinto will probably play all the team’s last league games. “I need to give some minutes to the goalkeeper who has taken us into three cup finals in the last four years” he said.

“Records are there to be broken”, said Ramallets in issue 43 of Barça Magazine in October 2010, an article in which he and Valdés shared anecdotes and impressions. “Whenever I have met Antoni, he has always made it clear that he has faith in me. Ever since the start. He trusted me, and I am grateful to him for that. It has been a luxury and a privilege to have always been able to count on such support” said the current Barcelona number one.

Valdés has let in 26 goals in 34 league matches to date, a coefficient of 0.76 goals a game. He is followed by Casillas, with an average of 0.86. Even if the Real Madrid keeper gets three clean sheets in his last three games, Valdés would still have a better record and so it is just a case of waiting until the end of the season before he is confirmed as the winner.

Having grown up through the club youth system, Valdés first won the Zamora in the 2004/05 season, when Rijkaard was still manager. Under Guardiola, the keeper from l’Hospitalet has added four further titles, in consecutive years (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12), something nobody has ever done before. The nearest anybody came was Arconada, who won the award three times with Real Sociedad in the early eighties.

Pinto commented at his Tuesday press conference that “individual honours are recognition for the work of the whole squad … He is the goalkeeper who most deserves it.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

The 18 Zamora winners for Barça

Velasco (1948)
Ramallets (1952, 56, 57, 59 and 60)
Pesudo (1966)
Sadurní (1969, 75 and 75)
Reina (1973)
Artola (1978)
Urruti (1984)
Zubizarreta (1987)
Valdés (2005, 09, 10 and 11)

The keeper said that the Champions League quarter-final tie is “very complicated” despite Milan missing key players.

On the Liga, Valdés said that both Barça and Madrid will be under pressure until the end of the season.

Víctor Valdés will, in all likelihood, defend FC Barcelona’s goal on Wednesday at the San Siro. It will be the second time this season, after playing against Milan in the group stage of the Champions League, that the Catalan keeper will start against the Italians away from the Camp Nou. Despite the injuries that the Milan side have, the last one keeping Thiago Silva on the sidelines, Valdés said that “they are very dangerous on dead balls and they’re very good at counterattacks. We need to be alert and keep an eye on unmarked players.” He added that “it’s a very complicated tie. It’s vital that we play our style.”

The Azulgrana keeper recognised that the team “comes into the match on form,” but he reminded the press room that Milan is also enjoying a good string of results.

“Both teams are under pressure. Our only option is to win all the games we have left and wait.” Valdés believes that the team needs to stay on form in order to reach the end of the League championship in the best way possible: “when we were 10 points behind we didn’t change, and we won’t change now that we are 6 behind. We must compete against any rival and try to win the three points.” Furthermore, he admitted that he has taken a look at Madrid’s upcoming schedule, but that “if we don’t win our games it won’t matter.” He reminded the journalists that “the six-point distance is considerable, even more so seeing how Madrid is playing. We have to play our games with confidence and peace. The games and time will decide [the winner of the League].”

Valdés has complete confidence in the players coming up from the reserve side to the first team. “They’re mature. They prove it in games and in training. Their confidence rubs off on the team and on the manager.”

The keeper said that Afellay, who is close to being match-fit after he sustained a serious ligament injury, is doing well. “He’s recovered nicely. We need him and I’m happy that he’s here.”(via FCBarcelona.cat)

Valdés witnessed from a unique perspective display of Leo and even lost count of the goals.

Leo Messi gave a recital of the best football again was followed by everyone. Who better saw, however, were his own comrades, who enjoy the luxury of having Messi at his side in games and every day in training. Víctor Valdés was what happened the better.

The goal freaked again with Leo Messi's soccer on Wednesday against Bayer Leverkusen. Even joked after the match in the mixed zone, where he said he lost count of the goals of '10 ': "If I tell the truth, I had to ask after the game if he had scored four or five. When I have answered, I I said, 'my mother.' "

The goalkeeper believes on teammate who "surpasses every season and surely not only that. There will be more things here at the end." The Gavà enjoyed a game that will go down in club history from a privileged position: "From my site I have enjoyed the team play and the performance of Leo. I am very happy to have Leo in our team."

About the opponent in the quarter, did not venture any speculation or a classic. "Currently, the Madrid must win their tie against CSKA. When you're in the draw, we'll see who we play, but never thought of any equipment, or whether it is better in that tie or later." (via MD)

Juan Carlos Unzué has made a statement to the program 'Tu diràs' RAC1, which referred to the lack Messi goal at the Vicente Calderón and Victor Valdés great performance against Atlético Madrid.

Leo's action, the current goalkeeping coach of Barça has opined that: "I think the error is that both the barrier as the goalkeeper think that Messi has called barrier," and that "football is for ready" , but then "we must be able to put it where."

Regarding Víctor Valdés, former Barça goalkeeper in his time, said demostranso quality is "not now, not this season or last, but several seasons ago." The key performance Valdés may be that "has the vision and desire to improve," and finally Unzué not believe the derogatory words that have affected Maradona spent the least. (via MD)

José Luis Chilavert, one of the legendary goalkeeper in football history, has come out in defense of Víctor Valdés.

On Tuesday, Diego Armando Maradona said: "Valdés is bad, but has such good players at his side that looks good." And this Thursday has been one of the greatest goalkeepers in the historyJosé Luis Chilavert who has defended the barcelonista goalkeeper. "Tell to Victor Valdes not pay any attention to why Maradona knows nothing about football, Valdes is the best in the world."

Chilavert was speaking to the program Sergi Mas Mas Esports, Com Ràdio. Furthermore, she added that "Víctor Valdés for me is the best in the world. The ability of the management and reassurance you need a computer and transmits it when Barça needed." And to defend Valdés, Chilavert also speaks very clearly about Maradona. "In football he knows nothing. The players, the important references in the world need not look far into the drug. He has done great damage to soccer. To have spoken ill of Papa Juan Paul II, for this is in exile in the UAE ".

But not merely of Valdés has spoken Paraguayan. Pep Guardiola and also of possible substitutes in the future on the bench for Barça. "I would love to continue Guardiola for Barcelona to see why you enjoy. I do not miss any match of Barcelona. Guardiola has already entered history as one of the best in the world, knows the best out of each of his players ". What if he goes? "Marcelo Bielsa is qualified to coach Barcelona, ​​has all the conditions. It is a great coach"

Messi also takes Chilavert acclaim. "Messi is the best, is better than Maradona. With age he has now Messi, Maradona did not win even 1% of what Messi has won. And Messi still going to keep growing. It's the best player in the world, I have never known a speed player who is already thinking about the definition. I've only seen the play station. it is a privilege to see play Messi and Barcelona. " (via SPORT)

The Barça player Isaac Cuenca, made his first press conference as a first team player. The canterano, one of the revelations of this season, Víctor Valdés has defended against attacks by Diego Armando Maradona. "I do not think is right. He is the best goalkeeper in the world to me and it is showing" Cuenca said. (via MD)

FC Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés received a very special visitor Wednesday: Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.

The Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despi was the scene of the encounter between two of the best goalkeepers in the world. Barcelona's Víctor Valdés was visited by a target who has long admired. "It is a reference for what he did in his career and for that feature so different it is to score goals," he said at the time Barça goalkeeper on Rogerio Ceni, the illustrious guest who was on Wednesday.

The goal of São Paulo, with 103 goals scored in free-kicks and penalties throughout his career, with Valdés chatted for a while and even brought him a very special gift: a shirt his São Paulo team. Rogerio had the opportunity to talk also with compatriot Dani Alves, who also received a jacket by the goalkeeper-striker.

Through his Facebook profile, Valdés did not hesitate to hang the picture in such a unique gift he received from his beloved Rogerio. Maybe he sent one of their 'secrets' to rout set pieces? (via SPORT)

Thiago Alcántara, who this morning has introduced a new line of casual wear Nike Sportswear line, has come out in defense of Victor Valdes, who was criticized yesterday by Maradona, who called it "a bad goalkeeper." Azulgrana midfielder has explained that "respect everyone's opinions, but Valdés is a really good goalie." Thiago went even further with the '1' azulgrana. "It's the perfect goalkeeper for Barça because he plays with his feet, has saved us many times, also in the Champions League is almost unique," he explained.

On the other hand, the Spanish-Brazilian also explained that Barça will not pull League. "Madrid is playing very well, but Barça is the team to beat," he said. "La Liga is difficult. We can not look beyond the one game. Looking ahead, it will function," said Thiago. (via MD)

Former Argentine coach Diego Maradona talks about Víctor Valdés and were not exactly praise the words that he dedicated the goal of Gavà.

Diego Armando Maradona, the current coach of Al Wasl, spoke in an interview with portal 'Sport360', which talked about the goal of FC Barcelona, Víctor Valdés: "They (FC Barcelona) a great team, even the janitor seems good in that team. "

No words were left here for Gavà goal, Maradona said: "True, Valdés is bad! But with players like that before, looks good."

On the situation in la Liga BBVA, the Argentine exseleccionador said: "Barça is going to play around in the Champions League as it is Real Madrid."

Maradona also had words for Pep Guardiola: "Pep is a great person. I know him very well, but may not have as much merit as Mourinho, has better players at his disposal." (via SPORT)

The Barça goalkeeper believes that a good run in the Champions League could have a good effect on their chances of cutting down Real Madrid’s lead in the domestic championship.

According to Valdés, in order not to lose ground in the league “we have to keep believing and the wins will start coming”.

Víctor Valdés reckons that Tuesday's win away to Bayer Leverkusen was very important for the team. Doing so well in Germany "keeps us alive in the competition, which is something very important for us ... And at the same time it provided inspiration for the league." Valdés feels that the way they performed at the BayArena was ideal preparation for what's left of the season. "The Champions League will affect what happens in the League" he claimed.

As many of his team mates have made patently clear this week, Valdés believes they have to keep fighting to reduce Real Madrid's ten-point lead. "If we look at how the season has gone, there's no denying that we haven't been getting the away results we'd hoped for. And that's why we're ten points behind" he said. "But we have to keep at it. We won't let our heads drop. We have to keep believing and fighting".

Valdés didn't want to make a big thing of Piqué not being in the team against Leverkusen. "There's no need to go on about that. He's the best centre back in the world and he's always shown that. It was just the manager's decision the other day" he said, before adding that "I haven't noticed any change in him. He's working harder than ever and enthusiastic about things".

Xavi Hernàndez also watched the win at the Bayer 04 from the terraces. Valdés agreed that the team missed the midfielder "because he's an important player for us ... He's trying to get fit again as quickly as possible. I'm sure he'll be back soon".

The Barça stopper also mentioned Alexis Sánchez's great form. "He's phenomenal. He had no problem adapting and he's done everything to perfection ... He's one of the best finishers in the world". (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The goal assumed that one can no longer give more rope to Madrid and that it is necessary to press the teeth in the League.

Victor Valdes left the record straight yesterday after left behind at home and 13 points in this league. "We have no more margin for error. Villarreal have lost two important points. We have to win all the points that remain. It's what you get. If you want to fight for the league and we can not fail anymore because there is a rival in front is very strong, "said the Barca goal.

The doorman insisted that "we will fight until the end," recalling that "does not go down the arms and less to win a league."

Valdes assumed that the team is "making some specific errors to be analyzed," but in any case found that "the confidence of this group is full."

Regarding the match itself, explained that "we have tried in every way possible," as the main culprit of the draw by Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who has made "a sensational game."

He insisted at the time of assessment that "the opponent plays," putting the team eg Castellon, who has "done a great match."

He would not hide behind the heavy casualties that introduced the team to argue the tie: "The casualties can never be excuses. That would be small team. We are what we are and what you get. There is enough equipment to deal with all parties and but that's what the people of the subsidiary, which has a lot of talent and quality. "

Barca goalkeeper would not hide behind the tired to explain the feelings that are offering the team in recent games: "I have the feeling that we are tired. Think you face an opponent who is also playing and no one has said here that this would be easy. Like you have to run them and then play football and win them. "

Valdes admitted that seven-point "is becoming a major disadvantage," but warned that "until the league does not end up not going to stop in our attempt to take the title."

Not even when I insisted on if the team could get carried away in the league at the prospect of winning the Champions Cup and the goal gave budge: "Never."

In fact, explained that "in no case we lost the league," but assumed that "no one to depend on always brings more problems than relying solely on yourself."

Valdes also declined to go further in seeking explanations of what is happening: "I did not say exactly what is happening. The important thing is that the team is working well, but we must continue giving their all and more if necessary." (via SPORT)

They will get lost the tonight game against Osasuna.

Leo Messi and Victor Valdes will miss the first game of 2012 will face tonight at Barcelona and Osasuna at the Camp Nou (22 h.). Although in principle the two players would start the match on the bench, forward it landed in Barcelona yesterday and goalkeeper because the Cup is Pinto's backup will not be either in the call, as they suffer a bout of flu, as announced the club's medical services in a statement.

In principle, Messi and Valdés will be able to compete in Sunday's derby against Espanyol in Cornellà (21.30 h.). (via MD)

Coaching staff seek to bring someone with future potential to invigorate competition in goal.

The first team of Barca 2012-2013 will have three goalkeepers. Mundo Deportivo has been reporting that the intent of the technical team to face Barca next season is somewhat different compared to previous campaigns, since the departure of Albert Jorquera left Victor Valdes and Juan Manuel Pinto as official gatekeepers.

Clearly, two weeks before turning 30 years, Victor Valdes has great reference as the goal of the Camp Nou and that its experience and its place in the group dynamics, Jose Manuel Pinto will continue for another season keeping you shoulders because the same goalkeeper made ​​36 years gave their renewal shortly before enjoying their Christmas holidays.

The big news regarding the planning of Barca in terms of goal is the willingness to incorporate a new goalkeeper to gather some very specific virtues: first, obviously, a quality to match Barca, the second, his adaptability to the peculiar style of the team, and the third projection of their youth and dynamism to competitiveness. It never hurts to have more than one alternate, with a goalkeeper with real future potential to be a starter one day.

Incorporating this would not disrupt young goalkeeper as has happened from time to time the daily activity of the subsidiary, to recruit some of their porters occasionally. (via MD)

“I receive this award with pride, but behind it is a lot of work done by the team,” said Valdés as he picked up his individual achievement award.

It was an Azulgrana party a the Palau of the Catalonia Congress, which hosted the Festa de l'Esport Català gala (Catalan Sporing Awards) organized by the UFEC (Athletic Cataln Federations Organization) and the newspaper SPORT. Víctor Valdés and Navarro were FC Barcelona’s award winners.

The keeper, with permission from the Club didn’t train this afternoon, believes the team will be competing at the top level for a long time and that the players are still eager to win: “We have shown that we want to win a lot of titles. When we lift a trophy, we do it as if it was our first. We want to win more.” The keeper, who won the Best Catalan Athlete of the Year award, praised Guardiola: “Day in and day out, he’s a maestro. Each training session is like going to class at University. He never allows you to relax. He taught me how to enjoy the game and to play team football.”

Winner of four Zamora awards (keeper that concedes the least amount of goals in the League), and the keeper with the most games in the history of the Club, wins the award after the two team captains, Xavi Hernández and Carles Puyol claimed it in previous years. Valdés believes he was awarded the accolade because “of his brilliant trajectory defending the Azulgrana goal, also because of the team’s success on the pitch ... this means a lot to me. I receive this award with pride, but behind it is a lot of work done by the team.”

The keeper also wanted to praise the team’s successful Club World Cup bid in Japan: “It’s a title that’s really important to us. We all must respect this title a bit more, because it’s difficult to win it.”

Valdés wasn’t the only Barça player to receive an award, the whole FC Barcelona team was awarded the Best Male Team of 2011 as well. President Sandro Rosell, accompanied by Víctor Valdés, received the award for the team. Vice Presidents Carles Vilarrubí and Josep Maria Bartomeu, and directors Silvio Elías, Manel Arroyo, Jordi Mestre, Jordi Moix, Toni Freixa and Manel Estiarte were also present at the gala.

The captain of Barça Regal, Juan Carlos Navarro, won the Most Universal Catalan Athlete award. His merits with the Club, champion of the ACB, Cup and Spanish Super Cup, and his success with the Spanish national team, where he was awarded MVP of the Eurobasket tournament, were pivotal to his selection by the jury. Joan Creus, basketball technical secretary, received the award for the player: “He’s injured and on top of that he has gastroenteritis and a fever of 39º,” said Creus.

The player sustained his injury against Caja Laboral this Sunday and he will be out of action for three to four weeks. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The goalkeeper has reached the hundred caps in a Barca shirt in the match against Al Sadd.
'VV' and has three Champions, two European Super Cups and World Club.

FC Barcelona goalkeeper, Víctor Valdés has played his 100th international competitions wearing the shirt of Barca .

The semifinal on Thursday at the Al-Sadd has been the number 100 for Valdes . During the game has not had much work has gone unnoticed without any stopping of merit. Surely, at 101, if there is no injury will be on Sunday against the Saints, have a little more work. Since 2004 he became the Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes has already won three Champions, two European Super Cups and a Club World Cup.

The second most caps goalie wearing the shirt of FC Barcelona is the current athletic director, Andoni Zubizarreta , who was the keeper of the Dream Team at the Intercontinental in 1992. Zubi left the club with 69 commitments. (via MD)