FC BARCELONA

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)

The manager considers that, seeing how his players have performed throughout the season, his team doesn’t deserve to be 10 points behind in the Liga. “But we are and we have to live with it,” added Guardiola.



After putting on a masterclass display against Valencia, Josep Guardiola praised his players. For the manager, it’s a “privilege” to be able to watch Barça play football. “We’re so lucky to be living in a time when these players play. This team dignifies the sport,” said Guardiola when asked about his take on his team’s performance.

“We’re far away”

Focusing on Barça’s level of play, “when one sees how we’ve competed throughout the year, they think we don’t deserve it,” said the manager in reference to the 10 point gap with Real Madrid. “It’s a shame we’re so far away. I sincerely believe that our play isn’t representative of being 10 points down, but we are, and we have to live with it. The distance is what it is, let’s see if we can fulfill our job,” said the manager.

On the team’s current situation in the league, the Barça manager urged his players to keep on fighting: “We must compete well, if we don’t this [season] will be very long for us. We have to try to make sure that these three remaining months in the league aren’t drawn out and we must try and compete the best we can ... we have to go to the Calderón and play a good game, let’s see if we can get any closer to [Madrid]. We’ll start preparing for the game on Wednesday, it’ll be a good test to see if we want the title.”

“We won’t play where we aren’t wanted”

When asked about the possibility of playing the King’s Cup final in Mestalla and not the Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola said, “I’d like to go where we are welcome and I’d rather not go to a place where they don’t want us to dignify a competition like the King’s Cup. In the end there aren’t any problems, we’re thankful to Valencia for receiving us. We never want to make anyone uncomfortable. If they don’t want us, we won’t go. It’s clear that we won’t play in a place where we aren’t welcome.”

Guardiola was also asked about what his team would look like without Xavi: “without Xavi this would be different. Not only because of what that implies on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. He’s a lad that goes out to train 10 minutes before training is scheduled, he guides the players that come in, he likes to work ... he’s a one-of-a-kind player, not repeatable. His parents are a bit delayed in making a copy [of Xavi]. This year we have midfielders that are doing a great job.”

Lastly, Guardiola confessed that he told Cesc Fabregas “you have to score a goal,” when he was substituted. “We had way too many clear chances, it’s not possible. We’re helping the opposing keepers of the Liga make a good case for contract extensions with their teams,” he said jokingly. The manager also said that he’s convinced that Messi will break César’s all-time goalscoring record. The Argentine only needs 12 more goals. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Displeased with his team and with little desire to answer questions from reporters. Valencia coach was clear that "we have a bad game" and that "defeat is painful, since we have been much lower. We had done previous matches against Barça in which we had been good, but tonight was all otherwise. have been much higher. "

With performances like tonight at the Camp Nou, Emery is clear that the quest for second place "is unattainable." In turn, Unai has made the next exposure of the meeting: "It was a game that we had very little possession. We wanted to rush back from them. In the previous games have always had a balance in possession and the team has been at the mercy of Barça except for the 0 - 1. "

Valencia coach has found a reality and is on the lawn of Camp Nou two teams have been very different, "the best version of Barcelona and one of the worst of Valencia, is what has led to the pitch. ".

In the game tonight, Valencia has missed a Banega, remember that has been run over by her own car while trying to stop it. A Banega, who traveled to Barcelona through injury, Valencia noticed it missing because "it gives us the personality that the team needs. It gives us the possession, against Barcelona have always had in mind to play."

At about the incident that has suffered the Valencia player, the coach regretted the "unfortunate news. We were worried. Now the best part is that the operation goes well and recover. Valencia will wait."

In addition, Emery has lamented that "we were a bit depleted, with some situations, with Jordi Alba, with Mathieu with fever, Miguel has had a muscle proema have to wait ...".

And he ended the press conference Unai Emery, somewhat taciturn, not wanting to have come to appreciate the game of Messi. Earlier he had warned that spoke only of Valencia and when asked about Messi responded: "They have been much higher." (via MD)

Barça came back from an early goal by Piatti for the visitors to bury Valencia with four goals from Messi and a fifth from Xavi to round off a fantastic performance that showed the team are still up for the fight for the league titleBarça came back from an early goal by Piatti for the visitors to bury Valencia with four goals from Messi and a fifth from Xavi to round off a fantastic performance that showed the team are still up for the fight for the league title.

Messi put in an extraordinary game to destroy the third placed team in La Liga and reiterate Barça's faith in their chances of fighting for the La Liga title. The team showed immense character and commitment when they came back from a sticky looking situation – 13 points behind the leaders, trailing 0-1 to a Piatti goal on 9 minutes - to blow away Valencia.

Led by the four goal hero Messi and with Xavi putting the icing on the cake with the fifth, Barça could have won by an even wider margin, such was their superiority on the night.

The win leaves Barça 10 points behind Madrid in second place and will be a real boost ahead of a difficult game at the Vicente Calderón next Sunday.

A goal within the first 10 minutes from Piatti, who met a Feghouli cross from the right and took advantage of a mix up between Valdes and his defence, put the visitors one up before Barça really knew what had happened. Their response, however, was devastating with Pedro and Alexis opening up the flanks and Abidal and Montoya pushing forward from the full back positions, Barça were soon creating plenty of danger.

After a somewhat cold start, Barça's stars soon began to fire on all cylinders. Alexis, Cesc, Iniesta and Pedro were all at the top of their game and Messi was playing at his very best. The equaliser came after a Pedro cross from the left which Rami mis-cleared and Messi put away. Five minutes later, a great cross from Abidal allowed Messi to calmly make it 2-1 and as the team began to play some of their best football, Alexis and Cesc, with a spectacular bicycle kick that hit the bar, both came close to making it three before the break.

The second half was all Barça, as the team made chance after chance, with Valencia keeper Diego Alves forced to make some excellent saves to keep Guardiola's men out, but despite two great chances for Alexis and Cesc and a Messi header against the post, the score unbelievably stayed 2-1 as the game entered the last 15 minutes.

Finally though, Valencia's resistance broke, when Messi pounced on a parry from a Tello shot after the youngster had come on for Pedro, to claim his hat trick. Not content with that however, the world number one made it four with a brilliant chip over the keeper following a great through ball by Busquets.

Guardiola brought on Xavi, who has been struggling with a foot injury, and the Catalan midfielder responded with the fifth of the night to make the score a more realistic reflection of Barça's domination on the night. (via FCBarcelona.cat)


[Match Data]
FC Barcelona: Valdés; Montoya, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal, Sergio Busquets, Cesc (Thiago, min.77), Iniesta (Xavi, min.86), Alexis, Messi and Pedro (Tello, min.68).

Valencia: Diego Alves; Miguel (min.26), Rami, Víctor Ruiz, Mathieu, Albelda, Tino Costa (Topal, min.82), Feghouli, Jonas, Piatti (Jordi Alba, min.66) and Soldado.

Goals: 0-1: Piatti, min.8. 1-1: Messi, min.22. 2-1: Messi. min.27. 3-1: Messi, min.76, 4-1: Messi, min.85. 5-1: Xavi, min.90+1.

Referee: (College Castiliano-Leonés). He showed yellow card to Albelda (min.4), Tino Costa (min.35) and Soldado (min.64).

Incidents: Mattch of the twenty-fourth round of First Division match at the Camp Nou before 74,240 spectators.

This morning, Guardiola worked with the same footballers that trained yesterday. Xavi, who missed the match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, trained with the group.

The team trained this Sunday morning at the Camp Nou. Pep Guardiola worked with the same footballers that participated in yesterday’s practice. The manager has 21 footballers - 17 from the first team and 4 from Barça B - at his disposal for of the match against Valencia.

Xavi Hernández, who missed the match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen due to injury, trained with the group for the second day in a row.

Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra are the four youngsters called up from the Barça B team by Guardiola to replace Alves and Mascherano, both suspended, for tonight’s match against Unai Emery’s men. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Malian midfielder could be one of the biggest bets of Pep Guardiola in the starting lineup that has tonight against Valencia at the Camp Nou.

The staff of the first team was brought in on Sunday morning at the Camp Nou, the scene of the encounter that will be measured against Valencia tonight Unai Emery.

The training highlighted the performance of Xavi, who was brought to normal, and the presence of Bartra, Montoya, Tello and Muniesa, the subsidiary, which could be included in the call to facilitate the coaching staff.

One that will be on that call and aspires to the ownership after weeks away, it's Seydou Keita. Malian midfielder would take minutes as Barca after his trip to the African Nations Cup.

Keita would be big news and big boost in midfield against Valencia, while the defense is expected to return to Gerard Piqué title tonight, after being out of the squad in the final match of Champions in Leverkusen. Piqué would be a novelty, together with the presence of Adrian. The Brazilian would supply low due to suspension of compatriot Dani Alves and occupy the left lane of the defense, while Puyol back to basics, getting back to the right full-back.

Messi in attack and Alexis seem fixed, while Iniesta is the one with more numbers to complete a trident luxury with which to try a successful assault on the goal defended by Diego Alves.

And if Fuentealbilla and is fully integrated into the dynamics of the group and could confirm his starting role, Xavi could follow in his footsteps gradually to enter the call and have a few minutes. Great news, no doubt for Barça at the gates of the decisive stretch of the season. (via SPORT)

21.30, Canal+ and Radio Barça – Eleven days after their Cup semi-final duel, Barça welcome Valencia back to the Camp Nou determined to keep alive their hopes of regaining the league title.

It's not a Cup tie but it might just as well be. Tonight, FC Barcelona needs another win against Valencia, the same opponent they knocked out of the Cup eleven days ago, in order to maintain their chances of winning La Liga. Barça are 13 points off top spot after Real Madrid's win defeat on Saturday and urgently need the points from tonight's game to keep in touch with the league leaders.

Josep Guardiola has a total of 20 players to choose from, 16 from the senior squad (Villa, Afellay and Fontàs are still out injured while Mascherano and Alves are serving match bans), plus four players from Barça B. The good news is that Seydou Keita is once again available after missing the last eleven matches due to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Xavi, Busquets and Adriano, who all had slights knocks on Thursday and trained separately from the main group, should be available but will remain a doubt until the last moment. Montoya, Bartra, Muniesa and Tello could also find themselves on the final squad list.

What ever happens, Guardiola will be forced to field a changed side from the one that defeated Valencia in the return leg of the Cup semi-final. Without Alves (though he didn't feature in the starting line-up in the Cup) and Mascherano, the main doubt in Guardiola's mind will be focussed on the back four, where three players -Piqué, Puyol and Abidal - would appear to be guaranteed a place. The defensive quartet could be made up by any of Montoya, Bartra or Muniesa, or indeed Busquets or Adriano, assuming they're fully fit.

Valencia boss Unai Emery will also be fielding a different team. He looks set to welcome back his first choice striker, Roberto Soldado, who dropped out of the squad for the Cup match at the last moment. However, the manager will be without Barragán and Ever Banega, both of whom have right knee problems. Unai Emery has brought 21 players with him to Barcelona and will be looking to improve on their last outing in the Cup. But they'll be up against a Barça side who are determined to stay in the hunt for the league title. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Overcome some discomfort and if Unai Emery remains in the ownership, Diego Alves (Río de Janeiro, 24.06.1985) back today to extend the mittens to try to stop Barça. Valencia have not won at the azulgrana or the game of the first round of la Liga or in the two semifinals of la Copa The Brazilian goalkeeper is confident that this time will be different and keep out Messi, who is I stopped everything in la Copa, even a penalty.

Again a Barça-Valencia, the fourth of this season.

Let's see if we win this time. We could use.

Can you draw any conclusions from the previous three?

That against Barça is very difficult to raise the match. It has a high possession of the ball, very good players who know what they do and always create chances. But it will be different from the others. All games are different.

In la Copa, at the Camp Nou, planted face.

Yes, I play one on one and not easy to do in their stadium. And yet it was insufficient. I hope this time is different and we win.

Say it is not the same Barça ...

Some people have the idea that is wrong, but Leverkusen have shown the opposite. Barça has a unique style and although it has had injuries and all, is the best in the world.

But the League is the leader in Madrid.

Madrid is the only approach that has achieved but Barça still playing at a very high level and it is difficult to beat. I love to see them play. La Liga is not over.

Some teams have earned them.

What happens is that they know more, we know how to push them and where to attack.

Barça, Madrid ... and Valencia, the leader of the other league.

Our goal is to win games and be as close as we can Barça and second place. We must go a step further and at the Camp Nou can.

They played the Europa League on Thursday. We hear complaints about the limited time frame.

Of course we are tired but there is calendar. No excuses are worth.

Lately you have taken with Messi, stop it all.

Every day is different. I've stopped, it is true, but I have checked.

I remember that hat trick in a 0-8 at Almeria.

We are not out anything. It was terrible.

He saved a penalty to Leo in la Copa. Tell me the trick during the game if there is another. I will not tell the Argentinean.

(Laughter) No, no trick. I do deep studies of the players who throw a penalty. Choose an option, I have intuition and luck. A Messi need not study him. We see him every hour, every day. Fail or not is the best in the world.

Lucky? But if you have been issued 19 penalties, has stopped 11 and have thrown two out.

It kept small penalties. I try to be quiet. I look at the movement of a player before hitting the ball and try to anticipate. I move from one side to another to cause him to throw from where I shot. And that's it. I grew up with this facility.

Luck and faith.

I am a strong believer but I have faith. Wear gloves drawn in Virgen Aparecida. In the top or palm, it depends.Ah! And sometimes in the big toe.

Messi said something after to stop him the last.

No. We said hello and nothing else.

When you see Messi running fast what comes to mind?

I look and think. 'must stop', that the defense is very together and leave no spaces. Has many resources and many ways to score.

Are smarting from the Copa?

Everyone saw what happened with the hand of Pinto. We do not know what had happened to him expelled. In football there is always controversy.

You are a reference on penalties And Víctor Valdés?

It's spectacular. Play very well and not just stopping balls. It has great difficulty their game with your feet when you are depressed. It has also been crucial stops that saved the Barça. This and other years.

Is in the selection, as you would with Brazil. What are your personal goals?

I have 26 years and want to continue growing. Consistency counts for a lot and life of a goalkeeper is checkered, you should be prepared for a good regularity. My dream would be a champion of everything.

How do you see Guardiola and Emery?

Guardiola is amazing. He has grown a lot as a coach. Has managed to make the best of Barça and is a righteous person. Unai is a hard worker, has found its space. It has a great personality and successes.

"There I attended the rumors about Barça"
A few summers while still in Almeria and after the first year of Pep Guardiola on the bench of the Camp Nou, the name of Diego Alves sounded to reinforce the goal of Barça. Valencia goalkeeper heard the news but do not take the hint. "Yes, I heard rumors but did not pay much attention," he says. The Brazilian says that "one Barça's turned to me at any time, so it was not worth paying attention." And just saying that "I am very happy at Valencia". (via MD)

In addition to the absence through injury, Barça record for the match tonight at the Camp Nou against Valencia casualties through suspension of two of its strongholds, Argentina's Javier Mascherano and Brazilian Dani Alves, which severely limits the possibilities of Pep Guardiola's team to make their lineup. The disciplinary situation ahead of Barça's future is not very reassuring days. Two players as important as Leo Messi and Sergio Busquets have accumulated four cards, so they are a single admonition to be suspended. And the next game is at the Calderón. (via MD)

The suspension for a game that must meet Dani Alves in the game tonight has given him, curiously, a long weekend off. Mundo Deportivo Already reported that the Brazilian international was in Granada on Friday, taking advantage of the azulgrana squad did not train. Alves was not in session yesterday morning in the Ciutat Esportiva and, according to the club, nor shall it in this morning, always with permission. The tour of Alves to Andalusia was openly and. As local media picked up the Barca defender was in some entertainment and also attended a concert by singer Cordoba India Martínez. No hiding. (via MD)

Barça to forget Pamplona with a victory that allows to dream and grow.
Keeping alive la Liga back to better Piqué and convince Pep, other challenges.

The clear victory in Leverkusen (1-3) that put Barca on the verge of the quarter-finals of the Champions League has not healed the wound that caused the defeat last Saturday against Osasuna (3-2). The team azulgrana is required to overcome Valencia tonight to continue to aspire to a league title but not impossible and at 13 points away temporarily after yesterday's controversial victory of Real Madrid (4-0) over Racing at the Santiago Bernabéu. Pep Guardiola's players, champions of the last three editions of the regular tournament, they must keep fighting and winning while waiting for the leader to fail in the next few days. And if this hypothesis difficult to enforce (by the obvious quality merengue and arbitration support) are not motivated enough, there's another incentive: a win would consolidate second place and prevent harassment of Valencia, third place for a win that would place five points.

The trip to Osasuna also caused a 'crisis' in the relationship between Guardiola and Piqué, who on Tuesday was in the stands of the BayArena technical decision. If there was punishment, today will be lifted because low through suspension Alves and Mascherano did not leave too many tactical options. In any case, it is a good chance of Piqué to claim that class can never run out of a pitch in the Champions League. Perhaps that's the reaction you are looking Guardiola soul with its disposal against Bayer.

The 3-2 of the Reyno de Navarra also planted questions about the physical state of Xavi, with discomfort in the soleus, which did not play on Saturday as a precaution before falling back in training on Sunday and also lost la cita europea. Yesterday worked normally for a good part of the session, but until just before tonight's game not been postponed. Keita, back after the African Nations Cup, is prepared, as well as four subsidiary defenses: Montoya, Bartra, Muniesa and Tello. The first dispute with ailing the seat vacated by Adriano Alves on the right full-back. Nor is it a 3-4-3 rule.

The team also has the daily challenge of trying to convince Guardiola to renew, which is in the air, even more so after his remarks yesterday. And that can be achieved with the best attitude and the great football ever in the Camp Nou in La Liga that has seen only a stumbling block: 0-0 against Sevilla. With three titles won (Supercup of Spain, European Super Cup and Club World Cup), a guaranteed final (Cup) and stroking the quarterfinals of the Champions League, players also deserve the support of a hobby to a Valencia's rival as vital, as demonstrated in the semifinal copera who want to avenge Emery's team. (via MD)

"We have to adjust details and that these sensations are improved with the idea of winning."
"You have to make control over Messi, on Alexis, Iniesta and Cesc, which makes us much harm."

Valencia coach Unai Emery has said that after the three meetings that have dealt with the whole 'che' with the azulgrana should "change" some details and, above all, "minimize errors" to try out with prize this Sunday of Camp Nou.

"We must change. We have three games this season against Barcelona with three good feeling, two draws and one loss. Not enough for our interests, we need more, we have to adjust details and that these sensations are improved with the idea of winning. Are we talking about a tough match? can we? have we been around? Yes have we succeeded? No, "said coach conclusively Gipuzkoa at a news conference.

"The last reference against Barcelona, the only one in the stadium, is that we made mistakes they have the capacity to exploit. We have to minimize errors. In attack we have hurt, we have had success but we must also be more consistent to be able reaching its goal. What we have had in the three games we must take firm: personality, "he added.

Emery also said that to be five points Guardiola's team after the game is a motivation. "Our preparation is aimed at winning. Our mentality is meant to be ambitious and make a reality which is that to win would shift from being eight points to five. Tomorrow is our chance, only happens once. We play all our assets, "he said.

The Valencia coach also downplayed the losses of the azulgrana Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano for the match. "It is not different from the lineup last I read, see if it has many. Heard Montoya, Bartra, Adriano, Puyol centre-back or full-back play ... Finally Puyol-Piqué Abidal and complement, which can range from Hadrian to boys from the cantera. We're talking about a big tour around Barcelona that the team and a player instrumental in some phases, which is Messi. have to make control over Messi, on Alexis Sánchez, who is a great time, Iniesta, Cesc, which makes us much harm ... We must change for the better, "he said.

Emery confirmed that all will be available this Saturday at Barcelona, ​​where he exercised before Sunday's game. "We traveled with 21 players, all available. We need training, we come from a tough game at Stoke and we will not know until the last minute if Jordi Alba. We incorporation of Mathieu, in principle, the flu is subsiding, and as we can fall any more, "he said.

Finally, would not dispel the doubts about who will occupy the Valencia goal in the Camp Nou. "In goal we rejoice doubly: for the growth that has taken Alves and the new addition of Guaita after his injury. Tomorrow can play either, try to be as fair as possible with the performance and the Valencia grow at the same time that these two players, "he said.

Low nuisance of late midfielder Éver Banega and right back Antonio Barragán are the major absences from the list of Unai Emery. Neither Argentina nor the Galician will travel to expedition to Barcelona for mild discomfort in their knees straight. Last Thursday, Banega could not play against Stoke after intensified the pain in his leg. Barragán had to withdraw from the last training nuisance.

The final list of 21 players is formed by Diego Alves, Guaita; Miguel, Bruno, Víctor Ruiz, Dealbert, Ricardo Costa, Rami, Jordi Alba, Mathieu; Topal, Albelda, Feghouli, Tino Costa, Dani Parejo, Pablo, Piatti, Bernat; Jonas, Aduriz y Soldado. (via MD)

The Barça coach knows this Sunday’s opponent well, especially with the memory of the Cup semi-final fresh in his mind, and has made it clear that Barça will have to perform at their best if they want to take all three vital points. As regards an extension to his current deal, Guardiola thanked the Club for not putting a deadline on his decision. However, he admitted that he has been involved in planning next season for some time now.

Barça welcome Valencia back to the Camp Nou for a vital league clash just eleven days after knocking them out of the Cup. Josep Guardiola is in no doubt that Sunday night's encounter will be "a difficult match against a team that gave us a tough time in the Cup tie". He insists that his team will have to pull off "a great performance" to beat third placed Valencia.

According to Guardiola, "Teams you have played against recently can make life that little bit more difficult" and called on his players to try and maintain the same standard they have shown over the last few games. "Valencia creates problems for you out of nothing. Although it's certain to be a complicated match, we will try and maintain the good feeling from the last few games".

Guardiola was asked about the dangers posed on Valencia's left wing by the pairing of Mathieu and Jordi Alba and admitted: "They attacked well there". However, he stressed that Valencia are not a one trick team: "It's true that they create a lot of chances down that wing but we'll try and do what we always do. We'll play our possession game".

As for Barça's position in the league, Guardiola believes that Real Madrid are too far ahead "to start thinking about hypothetical fight backs". So he's encouraging his players "to think about something a simple as winning the next match". "There's still a long way to go in the league, but I understand that some people might think it's very difficult. While there is still a chance, we'll keep on playing the way we know how".

Turning to the matter of his contract renewal, Josep Guardiola admitted that he has been working on the planning of next season for some time. He insisted that he has yet to make a decision and that it was "a personal question that doesn't have anything to do with the Club". He admitted that he's better off at Barça than anywhere else but would like to have a little more time to decide: "It has to feel right for me. I can't work in such a demanding Club if I'm not fully convinced that I'll have the strength to do it. I don't want to do something if it doesn't feel right. The Club has every right to set me a deadline, which they haven't done, and I appreciate that. This is very demanding and I have to be convinced.

Guardiola also commented on the return this week of Seydou Keita from the Africa Cup of nation: "Keita has come back in very good shape, as always, very happy about his country's performance. He's a very important player for us, both on and off the pitch, and he'll be a great help because he knows the way we work".

Finally, Guardiola gave a vote of confidence to three players from Barça B: "Montoya is a strong right back with focus and stamina. Bartra is a central defender, strong in the air and very fast. Muniesa can play at centre back and full back and is tactically the best. The Club is very fortunate to have all of them". (via FCBarcelona.com)

Eighteen of the first team and four of Barça B have exercised this Saturday morning under the command of Guardiola, which was the penultimate session before getting to Valencia.

Up to 22 players, 18 first team and four of Barça B, have exercised this Saturday morning at the Ciudad Deportiva. Among them were Xavi, Busquets and Adriano, the players on Thursday, the team had party on Friday, did not train with the rest of the group.

Remember that Xavi on Thursday, with edema in the soleus of the right leg, was recovering in the gym, while Busquets (with a knee injury) and Adriano (with discomfort in the soleus muscle of the left leg) did specific job. This Saturday, however, all three have started the session working with other partners.

The four players of Barça B are Josep Guardiola has said Tello, Montoya, Muniesa and Bartra. Three of them are defensive players, and to remember that Alves and Mascherano are suspended for the match against Valencia.

The team will train this Sunday morning at 12 am at the Camp Nou. It will be the last session before the game against the whole of Unai Emery (21.30 hours). (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Which he saw the hand of Raúl Rodríguez in the derby.

After the last arbitration incurred for Barça at Camp Nou has not gone down well the designation of Chartered Castiliano-Leónes Javier Turienzo Álvarez for tomorrow's match against Valencia. The braid born in Barakaldo be reunited with all Pep Guardiola six days after having injured clearly in the derby match at Cornellà-El Prat against Espanyol. At that time, with 1-1 on the scoreboard, Turienzo brushed aside a 92 minute penalty for a clear hand of Raúl Rodríguez, who avoided the winning goal after a shot from Pedro when the ball has already seeped into the goal.

The images left no room for doubt but the protests were to no avail to Turienzo rectify its decision. In the azulgrana dressing room was not surprised that arbitration since it was commissioned collegiate whistle the Levante v Real Madrid on Matchday leaving Pepe kicked the former Barcelona Xavi Torres. The Portuguese went scot-free without any expulsion. Turienzo again be under scrutiny tomorrow at the Camp Nou. (via MD)