FC BARCELONA

The former Barça sporting director acknowledges that probed Mourinho, but knowledge of culture of Barça and environment Pep was the azulgrana bench.

Txiki Begiristain made ​​a statement to Sky Sports in which he recalled that decisive moment when Barça after two years of drought, had to choose between Guardiola and Mourinho: "Pep was an excellent player. From the base, the cantera, so it was easy to understand the system and philosophy that we implemented, the optimal win games. he could come Mourinho, contacted him, but Guardiola knew exactly what and how Barcelona also had the advantage of knowing by heart the media , the famous surroundings. was ahead of Mourinho. "

In the end, the results have given reason to Begiristain, ex player and former sporting director, and his signing decisive ls club's history: "We decided that Pep could be a good coach for a great team and after a year found that the results were excellent, with the style and improved system Rijkaard. "

On el clásico, Basque believes that the only chance of winning Madrid at the Camp Nou is "playing against", and how much will depend on the decision of Mourinho: "Play with Diarra, Khedira and Alonso, or Özil and Kaka? That's the important decision of Mou ". (via SPORT)

The ex player of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid Ronaldo Nazario de Lima gives up the game of Guardiola.

Madridsta dedicated to the cause, the ex Barça player to the 96-97 season orders for Bobby Robson told the FIFA website and spared no praise for the club with very unsympathetic. "I am I like merengue and how is playing Madrid, but you can leave out the Barcelona is a great team," said the Brazilian.

Ronaldo recognized the virtues of Barça, he said, "may not do spectacular things but makes it look so simple. All players know what they do, at all times, in each sector, their ability to have the ball at the feet the patience with which they play to reach the opposite goal. it note the great work done by Guardiola. "

"This team is one of the best I've seen in my 35 years. It pains me to admit, with Real Madrid, but I think we can equal them out some titles this year," pointed out some optimism that Barça and Madrid forward.

And he justified his passion for the club blanco, "I remember fondly my time at Real Madrid, I think it was the best part of my career. I also liked the Inter fond with the team and the city of Milan. Everywhere I went, I made many friends and I had a great time. "

In an interview with FIFA.com, Ronaldo spoke of Neymar as the "most talented" of representatives of the latest generation of Brazilian players, although he believes that his successor is the player's Internacional de Porto Alegre Leandro Damiao. "He's tall, strong, very good scorer, with his head and working with both feet." (via SPORT)

Emmanuel Petit believes that the Argentine is the decisive factor of Barça against Chelsea.

Petit played for Barça and Chelsea but his heart is 'gunner'. However, the French, who are not satisfied for undertaking adventures at Camp Nou and Stamford Bridge, believes that FC Barcelona side to advantage in the tie thanks to the presence of Messi in their ranks.

"No one can stop Messi. It's impossible. It's a crazy guy," he said.

And do not miss the opportunity to make an examination of conscience Barça with its past: "In Barcelona tried to change my mentality. The coach did not behave well with me." (via SPORT)

Jordi Cruyff has been named sports director of Maccabi of Tel Aviv, said Friday the Israeli club.

The Son of ex player and ex coach of FC Barcelona Johan Cruyff, Jordi begin working with the team from Tel Aviv to end the season, which has fulfilled the same function in the AEK Larnaca, Cyprus First Division.

Cruyff, who will be officially unveiled at a press conference on Sunday, "will make a valuable contribution to efforts to strengthen the club," says the press release Maccabean Club.

The new coach of Maccabi, Israel's first division, started his playing career at Barcelona, and has gone to Manchester United, Celtic, Deportivo Alavés and Espanyol, among other equipment.

For several months, Maccabi was interested in him for the role he has played the last two years as head coach of Larnaca, Cypriot first team who got to qualify for the group stage of the Europa League.

"Maccabi is a special club with great tradition and I am sure that with hard work and good decisions build something that the team and fans are proud," said Cruyff. (via SPORT)

The ex-player of FC Barcelona and Chelsea, Bolo Zenden, is favorite to win Barça this season's UEFA Champions League.

Zenden spoke for the program Mas Esports of COMRàdio Barcelona, ​​and had no hesitation in saying that his favorite "to win the Champions League is Barça. Barça is better than Chelsea, Barca has more quality and do not forget that the second match at the Camp Nou and that's a big advantage. "

"The Madrid-Bayern tie of greater equality, I have clear who is going to happen. Bet by the end Madrid would be a galactic why if Barça-Madrid," he said. He added: "A final Barça-Madrid would be a dream, are the two best teams in the moment."

Concerning la Liga, believes it will exblaugrana for Madrid "because it has too many points of advantage."

Finally, on Pep Guardiola said: "When I was playing Guardiola, of course, with his attitude and you could tell he was going to be a coach but no one could think that in its first year won the treble. It's amazing and nobody expected it." (via SPORT)

Demetrio Albertini, ex player of Barcelona and Milan, discussed the tie between the two teams told the program ComEsports Com Ràdio.

Demetrio Albertini has recognized the importance of the tie between Italian and Catalans, but with nuances. "Every team has the ambition to reach the final, AC Milan- Barcelona is an early end but the same can be said Madrid or Chelsea," he explained.

Well-versed in Milan, the ex Barcelona player explains, "is the first of la Liga, have confidence, enthusiasm has to face the best team in the world that is Barça". But a low can be very important to the Italians, Thiago Silva, because Albertini admits "is a low key for Milan."

About Barça Demetrio has no doubt that "the best team in the world but things are decided in the field. Milan can eliminate Barça, the tie will be decided in the field", in his opinion.

Returning to Milan, Albertini speaks of the great figure of the team, Zlatan Ibrahimoivc. "It is now one of the strongest players alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the world. Ibrahimovic did not win at Barca for its quality but not why Barça game has a different playing style to yours. I think Ibrahimovic will with difficulty Puyol and Piqué. Milan have options to delete the favorite to win the Champions ".

About Barça, Albertini has very clear ideas. "Everybody says, in Barça the first is Pep, following is Leo. Guardiola's style could be adapted to calcium, but need a team to bet on him." And on the future of Catalan coach believes that "a great coach like Guardiola is proving you can decide where to go. I think that Barça is very good."

One of the great Italian friends who keeps his way through Barça is Puyol. In his opinion, the Barcelona captain "can follow a few years at the highest level. Puyi is proving a big crack. I think Thiago Silva has all the quality to play at the club. But I think that Milan will not let go easily ".

Returning to the tie, Albertini believes that "Barça are favorites against Milan and win the Champions League, has everything to lift the Cup again." And in the face of the league, "Barça is pending Real Madrid and that may influence the Champions League qualifiers playing Barça and Milan. Maybe the league could lose Madrid."

Finally, the ex Barça and Milan player think about José Mourinho. "A Mourinho already know it is a great coach but not the style I like. Each one has its own style. I am very different from Mourinho but I say it's a great coach." (via SPORT)

The 'veteran' FC Barcelona participated in a match organized by Pippermint to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

Veterans of luxury of FC Barcelona Sergi Barjuan, Gerard, Salinas or Nadal were the special guests to the party that organized the Pippermint bar in Barcelona to celebrate its 50th anniversary. At the meeting, employees of the company played against some guests of honor, which include these veterans of Barça.

However, despite their participation, was the team of workers who were ultimately imposed by 13 to 11. The ex players of FC Barcelona proved to be in good shape and tasteful agreed to participate in an event so special. To end the party, all participants enjoyed a great meal. (via SPORT)

The exblaugrana Jose Mari Bakero to coach a few weeks ago Lech Pozna Poland did, went through the microphones of the program 'MasEsports' by 'COMRàdio'.

Bakero said he believes Pep Guardiola "at the end will continue," and said: "Now that time is important, when the titles are played, Barça is well and choose the League, Cup and Champions. Barça choose the three titles, not Madrid. In la Liga the Madrid is favorite but now Barça have options again. "

The Navarre said that "Barça has failed this season away from home in la Liga, to my mind has failed. Away failed head" and said of the Madrid that "everyone wants to feel they are quiet and are doing the opposite. not normal expulsion of the two coaches, that's cause. Mourinho dominates much these situations. "

Bakero reiterated that "Barça have the feeling that comes perfect, the most important players like Xavi, Iniesta and Messi are fine. The organ works" and acknowledged that "I like Mourinho as a coach but everything is getting against arbitrations it seems ridiculous, really. Barça and Madrid have to forget all this and play football. ""It seems that when things do not go, anything goes. And that is not to be," he added.

Finally, Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to former Blaugrana and Milan player, Barça's next opponents in the Champions League, "Ibrahimovic is very particular, has an undeniable individual quality. He feels very comfortable in Milan, feels important, is untouchable, does what he wants ... he says something sexist to a journalist and what would be happening in the background serious positive. Everything you do and Milan Ibra is doing well. "Asked whether the Swabian play with a vengeance Ibrahimovic Bakero is clear: "It's normal to be so. Is a winner and if Barcelona has gone wrong, has its pride. For him if you two, three or four goals better. " (via SPORT)

A Supreme Court ruling requires you to pay 2.4 million in taxes for 1997, 1998 and 1999.
According to the order, are amounts derived from the collection of amounts due to their image rights.

Luis Figo will have to pay 2.4 million to the Treasury after the Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by ex player, among others, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter. This amount corresponds to the income tax for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999, for the sums received by way of image rights while he was at FC Barcelona.

The judgment of the second section of the room administrative disputes responds to appeals brought by Figo against another sentence it handed down by the fourth section of the room contentious administrtivo of the High Court in June 2008.

The hearing, at the time, upheld the claim of the Central Economic-Administrative Tribunal for the settlement of exercises of 1997 (662.300 '17 euros), 1998 (960,057 '69 euros) and 1999 (834,260'10 euros). Figo must pay these amounts and also court costs, set at 6,000 euros. Considers that the current statement is not proven that Figo would give up those years his image by FC Barcelona and part of what he perceived as image rights should be taxed as income from work.

This Wednesday the Funeral Chapel of Les Corts was packed by Club representatives to bid farewell to the legendary winger of Barça’s Five Cups team for the last time. President Sandro Rosell, accompanied by many Club officials, represented the FC Barcelona.

This afternoon, FC Barcelona’s directors, players, members and supporters said their final goodbye to the FC Barcelona legend, Estanislau Basora. The 85-year-old passed away last Friday.

President Sandro Rosell represented the Club during the ceremony held at Funeral Chapel of Les Corts, which is very close to the Camp Nou. Rosell was accompanied by FC Barcelona’s Social Area vice-president Jordi Cardoner and director Silvio Elías. Josep Guardiola, first-team captain Carles Puyol, and external affairs chairman Manel Estiarte were also present. Ex-FC Barcelona Presidents Agustí Montal, Josep Lluís Nuñez and Joan Laporta also gave their goodbyes to the legendary winger of Barça’s Five Cups team.

The Barça Players Association, which was chaired by Basora himself in the 70s, was also well represented. President Ramon Alfonseda was accompanied by Josep Seguer, teammate of Basora, Carles Rexach and Josep Maria Fusté, amongst others. This Tuesday, coinciding with the match against Granada, the Camp Nou paid tribute to one of the brightest stars in the Club’s long history. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The ex player of FC Barcelona and ex coach Johan Cruyff said Leo Messi stands out as a football player but also "for his behavior in the field and off the field. This must be assessed further believe that only the technical quality."

The day after Messi surpass the record of César as FC Barcelona's top scorer with 234 goals, Cruyff said, speaking to "Els Matins" of Catalunya Radio that "for football, Messi is a gem because it instructs all children around the world. "

Johan Cruyff told Barca's crack that "in two feet can move right or left and also has the ball as if it were attached to the body. This also had a little Maradona at the time because they are somewhat smaller ". According to ex coach barcelonista, Messi has a better right leg that Maradona: "To say you're one of the best in the world will have to master everything. I think what surprises most is that everyone plays with the left but also right. I mean, one good leg Vaseline is easy enough but with the bad leg, incidentally, is very difficult. "

Cruyff believed that Leo Messi is part of the ideal team for its characteristics: "Barça play great football that everyone has a coach who exposed human quality, which is important today, and a quality player who has an extreme playing on a computer that also fits well with its football category. "

On the chance that Barça win la Liga yet, Cruyff acknowledged that "it is very difficult but anything can happen, especially in recent months, when the awards are distributed. Pressure naturally increases more and more". (via SPORT)

Manchester City and Tottenham are months behind Begiristain, the Chelsea is in the chamber.

The ex technical secretary of Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain, has several offers on the table in the Premier League. The two most depth are Tottenham and Manchester City. The first is perhaps the most interesting, since the London club for some time that goes behind Begiristain to become its new sport director. In any case, all finally depend on their current coach, Harry Redknapp, took over the England team to play the next tournament.

City's offer would hang if you win the league title or not. In the event that the club finally lift the Premier Agüero, Txiki options to anchor in the English club would be lower.

There is a Tecero more in the chamber, although in this case is not as consolidated as the other two. Abramovich's Chelsea ebn intensely interested in their day by former sectarto técnioco Barcelona, but now it seems that interest has cooled. In any case, a possible signing of Guardiola would be intensified. For now, everything is in 'standby'. (via SPORT)

The Dutchman Johan Cruyff, former coach of FC Barcelona, has taken this Saturday against Real coach José Mourinho, who has said he has learned nothing, because he believes that the entity has inconsiderate azulgrana.

"I think he has learned little, because if you have not ever won have to have respect," said this afternoon Cruyff, who is also advisor to the Mexican team Chivas, after Mourinho has said this morning that the position of Madrid now makes your team no longer aware of what makes Barcelona.

"We just have to think about us. Before expected if Barça equalized or lost. Now, just think of us. Every game we win is a step towards our goal," Mourinho said, words that have returned to stir up a Cruyff that does not have good relations with the Portuguese for years.

Cruyff has participated in a tournament organized by his foundation paddle in the town of Collbató, at the foot of the mountain of Montserrat.
In addition to his point of view concerning the words of Mourinho, Cruyff has played down if azulgrana coach Josep Guardiola will renew or not, after news this week that the French player Eric Abidal needs a liver transplant.
"See what is happening with Abidal and then the important thing is: the renewal or life? What Abidal is much more important than any renewal," said.

Moreover, the former Barça president Joan Laporta, who has also participated in the tournament paddle, wanted to subtract relevance to the controversy generated a few days ago a statement from former Vice President Alfons Godall, saying that the current directive Barça chaired by Sandro Rosell, was not taking care of Laporta as did the relationships with the Spanish Federation of Football.

"Currently not being managed properly the relations with the Federation. Is surmountable and can be corrected. The Federation is the institution value and, therefore, must have an institutional harmony. Nothing," said Laporta. (via SPORT)

The Dutch ex-fulkback Barça considered as the "favorite" to overcome the tie against Milan, said some possible clues to the crossing and gave his opinion on the future of Guardiola.

The FC Barcelona ex-fulkback Michael Reiziger considered exequipo Friday as his "favorite" to defeat AC Milan in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after the draw made on Friday.

Reiziger, who also played for Milan before landing a season at Barça, told the program 'More Esports' of COMRàdio that "Barça are favorites, is much better than Milan. I have no doubt."

The ex-fulkback Dutch, who defended the club's colors over seven seasons (1997-2004), said: "Milan is vulnerable," while emphasizing that Barça "is well in the Champions" and recognized "enjoy a lot with Barça's game. "

Reiziger also considered that the Italians may have a key to the absence leg. "Milan will miss Van Bommel in the first leg," also commented on the exazulgrana, suspended for this meeting.

Given the possibility of a Madrid-Barça end, the Dutch ex-fulkback warned that "the Bayern Munich to Madrid can remove if you are facing in the semis."

Reiziger also wanted to join the massive support of FC Barcelona and the world of sport to Eric Abidal. "I want to wish good luck to Abidal," he said.

On the other hand, also addressed the recurring theme of the renewal of Pep Guardiola, his former teammate in his stage play. "He has a secret we all want to know. I hope it continues," he said, while recalling that "it is amazing how Guardiola has changed to Barça."

In this regard, Reiziger asked an effort to Barça for retaining Pep. "The club has to give everything and pull hard for Guardiola to stay," he said, in addition to warning that "if you will, it is very difficult to choose coach and will also be difficult to come". "Replace Guardiola is almost impossible," he said. (via SPORT)

We are sad to announce the death on Friday morning of Estanislau Basora. He was 85 and will be remembered as one of the most emblematic players in FC Barcelona history.

He was one of the finest wingers of his time and in the 1950s was part of the Barça team that won five cups.

MORE: www.fcbarcelona.com

José Mari Bakero believes that criticism of Mou and his last season have penetrated the collective arbitration.

José Mari Bakero, ex player of FC Barcelona and even a few days ago Lech Poznan Polish coach, spoke at the Cope of the controversy surrounding arbitration is the current league championship and having at Real Madrid as the main beneficiary of errors the members.

For Bakero, "not normal to put pressure on Real Madrid last year with the referees, was completely out of context. What is clear is that the subconscious feelings of people come." In this sense, the ex azulgrana believes that "neither Madrid nor Barça should shield in arbitrations. Barça have not done, conveys many positive things. The spirit of Barça has to be that. And if you feel in specific situations assaulted, you have to defend itself. "

The ex of the Dream Team has also criticized the decision Victorian Sánchez Arminio, head of referees, to denounce Piqué: "I believe that the actions of people outside, as in this case Sánchez Arminio, are totally out of context because is another professional who charges around the world and also from Barça " (via MD)

Romario always liked going against Messi and has not been an exception. While most consider him the No. 1, former political forward and now has said that no considers Messi as the best ever because he was better. "Messi must first be better than Maradona and then better than me because I'm better than Maradona. After Pelé and he would win the World Cup," said El Confidential.

After attacking Messi, Romario has recognized, however, that "I like playing Barcelona." In fact a few days ago and warned that he would like his son had just played there. "Pep talk" he says.

Romario's private life has always been a matter of debate and controversy. Although now a deputy in Brazil, Romario no secret that the weekend is still time to enjoy life. "My life is Tuesday through Thursday in Brasilia to return on Friday to Rio de Janeiro. Saturday and Sunday are free. I forget my capacity as deputy. I go, but as before not drink or smoke. Also play futvoley on the beach and I'm with women. " (via MD)

The Brazilian forward is of the opinion that only if you lift the World Cup will be chosen among the great football history.

Ronaldo did not hesitate to give Leo Messi as one of the best players in the world but no hesitation in pointing to the World Cup as a competition that consgarará as a true football legend.

"Messi is fantastic. But only a legend, as the 'Phenomenon' - referring to him - Zidane or Maradona. It is important that he can accomplish the same thing that these great stars of soccer, and that's only going to make up a World Cup, "he said.

Brazilian striker believes that Messi should be held with Argentina as it does with Barça to lead to the achievement of a World Cup that would open wide the doors of the legends of football.

"Messi is brilliant, an excellent player, but only when removing the legend will be face Argentina and win the World Cup," he reiterated. (via SPORT)

The ex goalleeper of Barça considered Guardiola's team revalidate the Champions League and praised the career of Victor Valdés.

Arrived in Barcelona from Celta Vigo and kept goal for Barça probably with less luck than he deserved. Now Richard Dutruel is closely monitoring the current at FC Barcelona and has said in statements to the "More Esports" Com Radio.

There have been many issues addressed by former goalkeeper. For starters, the team's chances in both the Champions League as. "Champion of the Champions League is Barcelona. And considering the delay you have now is quite complicated to win the league, but I can say is that the game developed by Barça today is the best in Spain," says Dutruel.

What happens when I leave Pep Guardiola? "I see who can catch the team but Luis Enrique, who trains the Rome knows the Blaugrana and can also house one day or another to coach the club."

From there, Dutruel discusses some team names, starting with his two "colleagues" Valdes and Pinto. "If Victor was as bad as sometimes claimed not to continue playing at Barça. I also have seen him make things interesting. I think there is good team without a good goalkeeper. If it takes many years at the club is the quality that have. Valdés is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. "And with respect to Pinto," of course it gives you confidence. That means the coach has confidence in you and think you can also win titles. And this for one is always important. "

On Thiago Alcántara, think that a great future "but well, to be a leader in Barça has to spend a few years but I think it has the technical skills, tactics and I think it's a guy with personality. One day or another may be one of the leaders of Barça. "

On the possibilities of Xavi of becoming Barca coach believes that "perhaps, but Xavi is player and the truth is that it does well and I think he has years ahead." (via SPORT)

Leo Messi who managed the feat equaled Zaldua, and ex player of FC Barcelona said he was thrilled when Messi scored the fifth goal.

The ex player of FC Barcelona, Jose Antonio Zaldua, which until Wednesday had been the last player to score five goals in European competition was against DOS Utrecht in the Fairs Cup in season 1965/66, said he was hopeful that Messi was the one who has scored five goals in a European competition match: "I was thrilled when Messi scored 5 goals. Cuande I saw was playing, I told my family that I would tie that mark 5. it is an honor, I thrilled that you managed to score 5 goals in one game. "

Zaldua was full of praise to Argentinian star: "Messi is the best player I've seen in my life. I've seen Pelé, Di Stefano, Maradona, Cruyff and nobody like Messi. This facility has to make ... does it all easy. I have not seen anything like it, I have not seen one like Messi. "

"You can make 6 goals in a game when to do it. Messi has no end, is a phenomenon," he told the ex player of Barça who added: "Messi is an alien, kill all the records have or might have, is a marvel ".

Zaldua also had words for Pep Guardiola: "We have the best coach in the world, has much merit in what you are doing, I hope that this many years." (via SPORT)