FC BARCELONA

The announced over from Tito Vilanova for Pep Guardiola will not alter the planning of Barça 2012-2013. In the meetings held months ago between the estates managers, club executives and technicians, all of them today in the presence of azulgrana coach, passed plans to strengthen the defensive line and the bands with a minimum of three signings that could be more depending on the departure of some players. The search for a left back is the avanzada.Dos names are on the table. Gareth Bale is the preference but Andoni Zubizarreta, the athletic director, has hedged its bets with Jordi Alba.

Catalan is finalizing its renovation with Valencia until 2016. Worthless in the event that Barça formalize an offer. The two parties have included an escape clause at a fixed price which would allow it to reach the Camp Nou. This double move would enable Jordi Alba stay at Mestalla if Bale is ahead of him. Tottenham defender is the player who captivates everyone for their considerable technical potential. We compare with Alves. No matter who becomes the main economic effort the next project.

But if the arrival of Welsh international is complicated, Zubizarreta activate the operation Jordi Alba. For its features, speed and profile squad, the Valencia is a guarantee to cover the gap left by Eric Abidal. Tottenham hopes that the player does not leave the entity at the end of this season. Coach Harry Redknapp doubt his departure but the player has already warned that if your computer is not qualified for the Champions League, the club would request a change of scenery. Of course for the modest figure of 30 million euros. (via MD)

The new coach has always been aware of all movements in the chapter of ups and downs.

Tito Vilanova will be responsible for a workforce that will have several new faces on the picture of the actual dress blaugrana. The relief does not involve any coach or trauma necessary to revise the plans designed by the sports management. And is that previous conversations between Pep, Zubizarreta and Vice President Bartomeu have always had the complicity of Tito Vilanova.

There is much work ahead, but the first steps have been taken decisively. In this sense, as SPORT forward several weeks ago, Jordi Alba and is tied for the future. The Valencia left-back contract ends in 2013 and only left to seal the transfer price of the Levant squadron. Or agreed to a figure between clubs, or Alba return to Barcelona in two seasons at no cost. All indications are that Barca and Valencia finally materialize an amount settle the controversy.

Alba is the first but not the only one. The defender requires the addition of another plant. There are two alternatives: if the economic game have generous, Thiago Silva remains the favorite, but Milan is not the work and sign the Brazilian seems complicated by a number less than 30 million euros. Conversely, if the coffers tighten, it could choose to go in search of a young promising future. It works in both directions.

Where there may be surprises gauge is on the point of attack. For months the technicians are convinced of the need to strengthen a plot which accuses excessive reliance on Messi. It is true that the injury of Villa has hit the attack on blaugrana, but estimates a need for a profile of nine to provide additional tactical resources. In these last hours, more than one recalled Tito Vilanova statements extolling the virtues of Athletic international Fernando Llorente. Also, is gaining weight the theory of seeking a second striker to unfold in one on one band. The market offers many interesting and reasonably priced alternatives. Not surprisingly, these high mean the transfer of some existing forward and the transfer of Tello or Cuenca.

Tito's contract, about signing

Public were not disclosed details about the contract that will Tito Vilanova as new coach of FC Barcelona. Indoors, club sources have confirmed that all is said and there will be no problem for signature only when the time comes to end of season. Rosell it has expressed its willingness to close a contract beyond one season, as required Pep Guardiola. Of course, Vilanova update their remuneration. (via SPORT)

Escape clause would have to renew in Valencia.

Gareth Bale is the first in the list in Barça's technical preferences to reinforce the left, but the club azulgrana has hedged its bets with Jordi Alba.

The side of Valencia is even aware of this and so it has already advanced more than renew with the team 'che', provided that includes an escape clause at a fixed price that allows you to sign for Barça.

Alba, a former canterano at La Masia, is prepared to wait that time among other reasons because it is at home in Mestalla and does not care to continue as 'che' with a substantial improvement contract if Barça was done with Bale, who by his enormous potential is greater consideration in the transfer market than a single side, something like a Dani Alves opposite field.

The economic effort involving the operation 'left side' determine its name. If Bale, number one on the list, he will be the star signing of Barça 2012-2013.

If the Welsh international goal becomes inaccessible, then the whole operation would be activated Jordi Alba with this renewal with Valencia CF until June 2016 that would always leave the door open to its affordable wholesale FC Barcelona. (via MD)

Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City are in the spotlight Jordi Alba, one of the major objectives in the face Barça next season.

As reported by MD in today's edition, the club azulgrana is intensifying contacts with the reinforcements intended for the campaign 2012-13, among which the Catalan lefty full-back Valencia CF, at 23 and a crack contrasted by solvency attack-minded, goal-scoring skills and ability to split both in defense and in midfield.

According to Italian media, representative of the player himself, Vicente Fores Cornejo, has confirmed himself as FC Barcelona the clubs 'Rossoneri', 'blue' and 'citizen' "Valencia have asked" for Alba, whom the entity 'che 'would be priced at 15 million euros.

Jordi Alba, former Blaugrana canterano, is bound by contract until June 2013 at the Mestalla club, which has offered to renew, but the player has already signaled his desire to call at a 'big', starting here with Barça football and sentimental advantage over the others 'girlfriends' quoted the defender, as MD said on 2 April. (via MD)

Jordi Alba is about to sign the renewal of the Valencia, which is within the plans that have Barça to undertake his signing.

The club 'che', as explained yesterday 'Superdeporte', has entered the final stretch of negotiations and would soon announce the continuation of excanterano Blaugrana. This is the first step in bringing the player to the Camp Nou.

And is that Alba is grateful to his current team and will not go wrong at Valencia, so before moving to Barça renewed by Valencia.

In fact, the compromise is that the Valencian entity, if Barça gets, do not close the door to negotiate his transfer to the club he grew as a footballer. Jordi Alba spoke yesterday at a press conference prior to the meeting tonight against AZ Alkmaar and made to take balls out on the subject: "Now is no time to talk about this. I said I'm very happy here, but now the most important thing is to move the tie against AZ Alkmaar. " (via SPORT)

To Jordi Alba is accumulated suitors. Valencia defender, a priority for FC Barcelona, is also on the agenda of Milan, acknowledged by his representative.

"It is true that we are in contact with Milan," said Vicente Fores told the Italian website Calciomercato. The agent said the Lombard club is also interested in Bruno Soriano, Villarreal, and that within "20 days or a month" is scheduled to meet with Ariedo Braida, CEO 'Rossoneri'. (via SPORT)

According to ONA FM, Barça and Jordi Alba reached an agreement in principle on 8 March. The operation would depend now a subsequent agreement with Valencia. If no agreement is reached in summer, Jordi Alba arrive at Camp Nou then at zero cost in June 2013 when the contract ends.

However, his agent, Jose Manuel Tárrega Interstardeporte company has denied any contact to MD: "It is false. It is a dare to say something. I have never met with Barça to negotiate for Alba. Just because I'm negotiating the renewal with Valencia and are fringed. " (via MD)

Barça already working to prepare the team for next season with new reinforcements. Jordi Alba will be the first one.

As advanced SPORT on 9 March, the club azulgrana has reached an agreement with the player for future incorporation from next season. This information has been corroborated by the information published on Wednesday the newspaper Valencia 'Information Valencia', which provide new details of how to carry out this operation.

According to this newspaper account, the club will pay the whole 'Ché' 15 million euros, while the player will receive three million euros per season plus incentives. Although the operation could be closed and will not be announced until the end of the season. (via SPORT)

Most Internet users MD advocates the signing of Brazilian.

Neymar da Silva is the signing. At least, is what the fans want Barça to start the next season. It is the overwhelming conclusion from the survey suggested that Mundo Deportivo on their website to know the feelings of public opinion following the news in yesterday's edition starring our cover under the headline "Operation Goal 'with the addition of a scorer.

Barça aims to strengthen his attack and Neymar is the priority for the club. One of every two votes cast in our digital survey, which exceeded 4,000 votes last night, also opt for advancing the arrival of skilled striker Santos, whom Sandro Rosell policy is under control after securing a preferential option and give as payment and signal 10 million.

That 49% Neymar as ideal reinforcement stands out among the options put forward by MD as goals in Barça's portfolio. The fear caused by his image has been losing ground to the Brazilian soccer spectacular.

Strain the force between the preferences of fans Dutchman Robin van Persie, with a remarkable 23%. Arsenal forward, as reported at the time MD, out of contract in 2013, is dragging its renewal by the Gunners for months and would be crazy about the possibility of reuniting with his friend Cesc Fàbregas at the Camp Nou .

For now, Barça has not moved tab on this, but should not rule out Van Persie, a scorer who at 28 years is in the peak of his career and, with 26 goals, is the top scorer of the Premier .

The other two names forward as an alternative MD do not enjoy today, from a backup so clear. One is the promising Adrian, who is starring in a great season in his first year at Atletico after pointing a lot in the beginning with Deportivo.

Adrián, with a buyout clause of 18 million, has 10% of the back of the votes counted in our survey digital good evidence that among the culés would be well below Neymar.

The other is candidatable Roberto Soldado, who has taken the gallons in Valencia has 20 goals and officers. His buyout clause amounts to 35 million. Perhaps because of his past Madridista, Soldado has not won over netizens MD (6%) as the ideal signing. (via MD)

Roberto Soldado (Valencia, 1985) like in the Camp Nou. For his talent and scoring ability that does not require a thorough monitoring, and also by their circumstances, for belonging to a selling club.

The forward formed in the lower grades Real Madrid is coming in his second season 'che'. Unai Emery fixed holder, posted 20 goals (12 in the league, 5 in Europe and 3 in the Copa del Rey) and is one of the references in the Valencia offensive game since arriving in 2010 from Getafe for 10 million.

Goals do not need and would provide that extra experience that has been missing from Barça at this late stage of the season by the absence of notable players. Soldado is basically vertical football and top speed, functions that extend the wide range of possibilities culé template.

His clause is 35 million euros, negotiable because Valencia, to be remade for the debts, you need a sale to aerate the treasury. An amount, then that can be trimmed. The 2012-2013 project budget it could take well. (via MD)

Barça want to avoid emergencies of this year and looking for the signing of a forward.
Neymar is the priority, but manages a national list of very solvent.

Barça is maturing the idea of ​​strengthening the attacker of the project 2012-2013 with a credit transfer. Although the team players have been covered with emergency credit from the first team, who are numerous, the Blaugrana technical secretary does not want a repeat of this situation of extreme pressure load of responsibility and the youth ahead of schedule. The transition from 'B' to the first team to be implemented step by step and not suddenly.

Injuries have strangled the daily team throughout the season. Villa broke into the Club World Cup for four months, Alexis has lost up to 13 games by four physical mishaps and Pedro, 11 for three incidents which prevented him from catching up now with the rhythm.

Messi has 50 goals but not always provide this enormous efficiency and Cuenca and Tello have provided much more than expected. After studying it carefully, in the Camp Nou concluded that Barça of the immediate future need of a forward of experience.

Neymar is always the priority. If you come this summer, the other candidates will be discarded. Otherwise, focus tracking, as has been told MD, a national player glued Villa style, to fit the budget for signings to be 50 million and not devoted exclusively to an attacker. Adrián and Soldado are most like. (via MD)

At 22 years, Jordi Alba has earned the respect of the profession thanks to a steady career and, above all, fair.

Jordi Alba had a very bad when he left, asked out of Barça. It was the end of the 2004-2005 season. He had just your stage of cadet and Florida, a suburb of L'Hospitalet, saw his Blaugrana adventure came to an end. It happens every year and every year is just as hard for those who live in person. In his case it was for him and those around him, not just their parents but also their peers, technical and, ultimately, everyone who had shared time with him.

Jordi Alba was a little boy in stature and big in heart ... and talent. Loved and was loved by all. But in football this little matter of feelings. In his case, however, told something. After several years in the grassroots, which came as benjamin freshman even though from the beginning played next to fry, it was time to be a cadet. Began a key stage in its formation and, after a year in the cadete B, should go to A. In Barça has always been extreme, but sometimes it did indoors. But still did not grow enough. Only his great quality, innate talent and aggressiveness with which he faced opponents who drew two feet ("it was the shit, in the good sense, with everyone no matter their age or height was very competitive, "says a technician at the time) was allowed to continue in the cadete B being cadet last year. No other squad that has been there. Nobody remembers the grassroots otherwise equal. If vouchers for A with A, to the street. The Florida got a second chance and at the end stage cadet, someone thought they did not deserve a third. To say now that would be both unjust wrong to think that he did not.

The only indisputable is that Jordi Alba wins at Valencia, one of the best teams in Europe. It had to take a step back that it was not. He went to Cornellà two seasons. It was thanks to Horacio Gaggioli, who has always had a great relationship with the club Baix Llobregat and its president, José Gálvez. There, dressed in green, the youth returned to win the respect of peers with his football and personality. Little by little, he forgot the blow meant not continue wearing Blaugrana. It also helped that Álex García then coach of the lower de Catalunya, on telling him, allowing him to maintain contact with his former teammates.

His two seasons in the Railway will again open the doors of a club first. He was sentenced to it. Valencia came, which was great news for the Cornella and the player. Joseph Tárrrega, replacing Gaggioli as your representative, came one day to the club Baix Llobregat as well as intermediary Valencia to take Jordi Alba. It was a tough negotiation and club president had a hard time recognizing that at some point because it was believed that the negotiations broke down: "They pressed a lot, but what I wanted was not money, since it only came to pay 6,000 euros for their transfer. I suffered with the player because we wanted a good contract for him to not come overnight at the Mestalla. "Only the player's father, Miguel, knew of the negotiations; Jordi was outside. They would not distract him. Finally, all ended well. For both the player and the Cornellà, who saw the projection of the player. The contract included € 150,000 would be made effective when Alba tab lograse professional first team debut € 6,000 more for the under-21 and another 12,000 to do so with the absolute. This also stores a percentage of a possible operation. A total of 168,000 euros have already been through the club box José Gálvez, who say that it costs "to the new field will have to put San Jordi Alba."

The Cornellà it owes a lot to football, but the player knows that Cornellà was also the key to succeeding in the Valencia had just. The circle can be closed by returning to Barcelona, where he had to leave to grow as a player and in height. Not much, since Alba reaches 170 centimeters, a size ideal for playing on a computer that precisely characterized by using his head slightly in the literal sense of the word. Jordi Alba, while waiting for the moment is happy and who around you. (via SPORT)

Jordi Alba, about to turn 23, has formed with a powerful left wing Mathieu in Valencia. Born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, was in the lower divisions of Barça (left in photo of the act of laying the first stone of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper).

The Catalan full-back has reached the international absolute and points to the Euro. Players like Dani Alves, playing against the lack of some size, which in principle would rule to be used as emergency centre-back. Jordi is trying to close its renewal with Valencia.

His new contract includes a clause 20 'kilos' that will increase, although depending on the club that he intends no exceptions. In the case of Barça would accept a reasonable offer, as published Miguel Rico in MD. (via MD)

The full-back of Valencia is close to becoming the first signing for next season.

Jordi Alba has many numbers to become the first signing of Barcelona for the season 2012/13. The club azulgrana has a very advanced agreement with the player but has not yet sat down to negotiate with Valencia.

The scenario now is: Alba negotiates a better contract with the club 'che', but the agreement will include a 'Mata Clause' that would facilitate his move to azulgrana key. This formula is an improvement of the contract of the player, yet able to leave the club for a lesser amount to which the clause would stipulate if the ultimate Jugad.

This happened in the case of Mata what signed a new contract with the Valencian before transfer to Chelsea what Alba and presumably occur. The Barcelona and is aware of a formula that favors everyone, once the decision is to return to Barcelona Alba.

For Valencia is a kind of alibi to his liking, for a glimpse of the interest in retaining the footballer (offers improved contract and equates its tab to the major players of the workforce). For the Barcelona accounts for less hours of negotiations, because the player already has a special escape clause more or less concrete than the club azulgrana would be willing to assume.

Barcelona are ready to make an effort by the player, but not get out of logical parameters according to the austerity policy that leads Sandro Rosell. The player has made ​​it clear to club azulgrana interest in returning and being an important piece of 'Pep Team'. The player is very pleasing to the technical staff. Firstly because he knows the house and a particularly demanding for the sides. Alba has the characteristics of both offensive full-back like Guardiola. It is a round footballer. A threat in attack and a player behind solvent. His ability to change the pace of games is much appreciated by those skilled in the Barcelona, which always include the unique characteristics of a player like Dani Alves.

Alba has a similar profile in a coveted position in the market especially the left back. It also greatly values ​​his character (he is a player group of those who both like Pep) and the selection is always seen in the group of the azulgranas. (via SPORT)

The midfielder told Barça TV that the team is as enthusiastic ever, but admits that they have dropped far too many points in the league.



One of the stars of Barça's stunning display against Valencia, Andrés Iniesta, spoke to 'El Marcador' on Barça TV after the 5-1 win. "It is very difficult to keep up the same level in every game, but the feeling is very similar to previous years. But it's true that we have dropped far too many points".

He added that "we always try to present a good image of ourselves and transmit good sensations. The reality is that we need to get three points out of three in all our games and hope that Real Madrid slip up ... We have to keep working the same as ever and fight for all of the titles ... It won't be easy to catch them up but the team has reacted the right way ... They are keen to things well".

Andrés Iniesta also spoke about how much the squad would hate to lose Pep Guardiola. "I hope he renews and stays with us" he said. "He has to decide, but he knows that the team wants him to stay on. That's what everyone wants ... To me, Guardiola seems enthusiastic. He still a lot of nice things to experience here". He finished with words for the multiple goalscorer last night. "We have to keep enjoying Messi, and he has to keep enjoying the team" he said. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The midfielder knows that the La Liga title “is a very difficult challenge because Madrid is very strong, but you never know in football”. The Azulgrana player believes that the match against Valencia was good because it allowed Barça to recuperate “an excellent feeling”.

“We’ll keep on pushing to reduce [Madrid’s] lead until the end.” This is Barça’s objective in La Liga said Xavi Hernández during La Caixa’s Obra Social ceremony (where the player was named the organization’s ambassador). The midfielder is clear that his team “won’t throw in the towel” in the national competition. “We’re convinced that we can do great things,” said Xavi, despite the fact that “it’s a very difficult [challenge] and Madrid is very strong, but in football you never know. You can’t give up on La Liga. We’ll keep going until the end.”

The 5-1 thrashing of Valencia has allowed the Barça team to recuperate the “excellent feeling” the team has enjoyed in the past, said Xavi. The vice-captain explained that “the team played at a fantastic level, one of the best games we’ve played.” He also made special mention of the team’s trajectory so far this season, “we’re having a great year” after already winning three titles and qualifying for the King’s Cup final.

Xavi believes that Guardiola’s stance of taking time to think about possibly renewing with FC Barcelona should be respected. “He’s very motivated and he plans out the games like he always does. He’s still a winner, a leader in the dressing room. I think he’s doing great but it’s his call and we’ll have to wait for his decision.” However, when pressed on the issue, Xavi said that “I think he’ll end up renewing [his contract].”

The midfielder added that his manager has “given us a spectacular level of self-confidence. The boss is a key part of this machinery.” He finished by saying that “we would all like him to renew and for him to stay. We feel good about this manager. He’s a fundamental piece for Barça but we’ll have to wait for his decision.”

After missing out on the Champions League match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen due to injury, Xavi was able to play the final minutes of the game against Valencia. “I feel a lot better and I have a good feeling about it. I’m practically recuperated and I hope to be 100% ready this Sunday,” when Barça will take on Atlético Madrid at the Calderón. The midfielder also pointed out that it’s a good thing for the team to have a lighter game schedule: “it’ll be good for us to regain strength.”

Ambassador of La Caixa's Obra Social

Xavi Hernández was named ambassador of the La Caixa’s Obra Social program in a ceremony that was attended by the La Caixa President, Isidre Fainé. The midfielder recongnised that this “is a special day because I’m joining a fantastic project.” He added that “I’ve had an urge to help people, to feel useful on a social level.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

The defender believes that “the team reacted well” after Piatti’s initial goal. Piqué also believes that if Barça manages to earn three points each weekend that the team could have a “chance” of winning La Liga.

Barça returned to their best form this Sunday in the game against Valencia. For Gerard Piqué, this is the “path to follow ... the team responded very well after Valencia’s initial goal and Leo Messi showed, once again, that he’s the number one. We played a great match.”

For the Barça defender it’s imperative for the team to keep on winning three points each week if the Club wants to have a chance of lifting their fourth consecutive Liga title. “If we continue winning we could have a chance [of winning] at the end of the season. It’s time to wait and do our work,” said Piqué. Despite the loss to Osasuna (3-2), the defender believes that games like the one against Valencia gives the team “added confidence.”

When asked about the where the Cup final should be played, the Catalan said that he prefers to focus on the game itself and not necessarily the venue: “I’m going to enjoy playing the final. It doesn’t matter where we play. The best thing for us is having as many people come with us as possible. This is true for Barça and Athletic Club.”

On Barça’s line-up against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, which led some news sources to speculate about a possible eroding relationship between the defender and Josep Guardiola, Piqué rubbished the claims by saying, “it was a technical decision. He decides and that must be respected. He has given me the chance to play over the years I’ll never question his decisions.”

Piqué added that he and the manager have a very communicative relationship: “he’s a very communicative manager. He talks with everyone about the problems and hesitancies that he might have, including me. Our relationship is magnificent. Whenever anyone needs to share an opinion, he talks. We don’t have any problems.”

On the hypothetical contract renewal of the Barça boss, the defender was clear: “he has the last word on whether or not he’ll stay. We’re very pleased with him. I don’t believe his doubts stem from the players. He has told us that he’s very happy with his. But he dedicates all of his time to the Club and he probably has other things to consider.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

BEST: Great Leo, great Barça. Pep Guardiola's team was again the usual. As if losing to Osasuna had been a temporary flu, the Catalans treated to a performance worthy of his best nights. It had a lot to see Leo Messi. Argentinean regained the smile, and again the unstoppable scorer and insatiable to whom nothing can make defenses. His four goals knocked to Valencia who paid the thud duck suffered at the Reyno de Navarra.

WORST: Occasions failed. Messi scored a ’poker' goal and Barça reached the' little hand '. But if they had been twice, nobody would have missed. Barça spared countless times very clear. A bad campaign virtually endemic. Cesc, Pedro, Alexis and company may have put the boots. But it was not. Guardiola has already said, jokingly, after the game: "We seem determined to help the porters rivals to renew their contracts." Diego Alves did more than enough to merit it. (via SPORT)

The Argentine striker, who scored four goals tonight against Valencia, called on his manager, Pep Guardiola, to stay at the Barça helm next season. The players highlighted the group’s unity and they hope to continue on form in the future.



After putting in a majestic performance against Valencia, scoring four of Barça’s five goals (5-1), Lionel Messi said, “the truth is that I’ve been very calm. My teammates, manager and the people that are important to me have confidence in me, and that makes me happy,” said the Azulgrana player.

Despite his personal goal tally, the Argentine talked about the team’s effort tonight: “it was a bit difficult for us at the start, we started losing. But what’s really important is that we had a good game and we played well.”

Messi said that the team needs to keep on form for the rest of the season: “it’s important that the team has found its form again, like we did in Germany. We have to keep on playing like this, important games are coming up.”

The Barça squad asks their manager to stay

The Argentine start also talked about Guardiola’s possible contract renewal: “the manager knows what we think, but he will make his decision at the appropriate time. Obviously, we all want him to stay at Barça because, to us, he’s very important.”

Here are the statements made by Barça players after the match against Valencia:

Cristian Tello:

“Messi doesn’t stop. He is and will continue to be the best player in the world.

“I’m happy for the confidence the manager gives me.

“It was a very good game. This team won’t stop and we’ll keep on fighting until the end.

“It was a spectacular game, we created a lot of goalscoring chances, but Valencia’s keeper had a great game.”

Andrés Iniesta:

“We always try to offer up a good performance. The truth is that we have to keep on winning three points each game and hope that Madrid falters.

“The team needs to play like this to aspire to the three titles.

“It’s not easy making a comeback, but the team reacted well.

“We have to keep on enjoying Messi, and he needs to keep on enjoying the team.

“It’s difficult to maintain this level of play in all of our matches, but we feel similar to how we felt in past seasons. Despite everything, it’s true that we’ve lost points.

“The team is eager to do a good job.

“[Real Madrid] has an important advantage over us and we cannot allow ourselves to make any more mistakes.”

On Guardiola’s possible contract extension: “I hope that he renews and that he stays with us for a long time. He has to decide and he knows that the team wants him to stay. That’s everyone’s wish.

“Guardiola is eager. We have a lot of beautiful things still yet to see.”

Pedro Rodríguez:

“I would like to highlight the team’s work, it was very good, we created a lot of clear chances and we got a good result.

“Perhaps we didn’t have the luck in front of goal in past matches that we had tonight against Valencia.

“We have to going game by game and not lose anymore points.

“The team is doing very well, we’re happy and excited. We want to do something great.

“We were playing against Valencia, we’re extremely happy for tonight’s victory.

“I honestly don’t know what to say about Lionel Messi [anymore].

“I feel better physically and I’m confident. I need to improve.”

Martín Montoya:

“The boss warned us of the dangers of Valencia’s left wing, I think we managed it pretty well.

“I’m happy, it’s a very positive thing for me to play another Liga match. I hope to have more minutes on the pitch.

“We played like always. The best players of the world play here.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

Messi scored four of Barça’s five goals against Valencia on the day he played his 200th game for FC Barcelona. It’s the second time the Argentine has scored four goals in a match. The first time was against Arsenal in the Champions League (April 6, 2010).

Lionel Messi gifted the 74,240 Camp Nou spectators with 4 goals on the day played his 200th game for FC Barcelona. When it looked like Messi would close out the match after scoring his 15th hat-trick for Barça, he subtly chipped Diego Alves for his fourth after Sergio Busquets brilliantly assisted the Argentine. It was Barça’s, and his, fourth goal - which keeps him in the running for the Pichichi award. Messi has scored 27 goals in the Liga so far, Cristiano Ronaldo has 28.

This isn’t the first time that Messi has bagged four goals. The first time was also at the Camp Nou, but in the Champions League against Arsenal. The Argentine fired four past the Arsenal keeper in the 2009/10 quarterfinal. The last Barça player to score four goals in the Liga was Samuel Eto’o, on Nov. 8 2008, in the game against Valladolid.

Messi has played 3,421 minutes so far in all competitions this season, which is about 39 games (almost as many games that are played in the Liga). In this time, Messi has scored 44 goals - 27 in the Liga, 2 in the Cup, 7 in the Champions League, 3 in the Spanish Super Cup, 1 in the European Super Cup and 2 in the Club World Cup. In total, the Argentine scores 1.15 goals per game.

In his 200 Liga games, Messi has 146 goals. An incredible statistic for a player that is only 24. He’s the youngest Barça player to each the bicentennial mark, and the 12th youngest to do it in Spain’s top flight. (via FCBarcelona.com)