Barça Land In Scotland
Monday, 21 July 08, 03:55 PM · Comments (12)
Barça arrived in Scotland today where they will continue the preseason preparations with two games against Hibs on Thursday and Dundee United on Saturday. the only first team players who are not yet with the team are Xavi, Puyol and Iniesta who will join up with their teammates on Wednesday. The rumours are still surrounding Samuel Eto'o who today received an injury scare during training but reports say he will be fine to train tomorrow.
If Eto'o does leave it seems as if Didier Drogba could be first in line to replace him. Drogba was left behind from chelsea's trip to China which has caused the papers in Spain to speculate with a move to Camp Nou. If it's not drogba there is still talk about Emmanuel Adebayor and Dimitar Berbatov. No doubt the rumours will persist until Barça sign someone.
Eidur Gudjohnsen is also in Scotland while a move back to the Premiership still seems likely for him. Leo Messi is also with the team while the club look for a way of keeping him out of the Beijing Olympics. It is most likely that he will fly out to join up with the Argentine squad directly from Scotland.
Sylvinho Mendes offered a positive view of Pep Guardiola in a press conference after today's training session saying that it was easy to adapt to the Guardiola method and that the players were working hard. Let's hope we see something positive in the game with Hibs on Thursday. It will be great to see the new team in action.
I am back in Barcelona after my break in London. Apologies for the lack of posting these last few days, everything should get back to normal now.
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I don't know if Drogba would be first in queue as replacement to Eto'o. There is also Villa to think about, since Valencia are finally admitting to their financial shortcomings. David would be ideal. I really like how he plays with focus, technical sharpness and no fear. He would be a great example for Bojan, too.
I still think barca is missing something, I wish them the best also as "RAFAEL" stated. I hear all the talk about David Villa, but honestly he is not as strong and physical as Eto, Drogba is strong but age is catching up, Eto had a rough time after comming back from injury. But if they are looking for a replacement for Eto they should get a powerful striker.. Messi is not strong neighter Bojon and also a couple of Barca attacking players, I think Barca needs someone strong upfront.. So maybe all who saying Eto should stay may have a little point
im gonna be at the barca red bulls game on the 6th also!! cant wait!
I really hope Eto'o stays I mean why do barca want him 2 go???
by the way Nic, can you edit the picture upward and remove Dinhos face fro it?
I really loved that guys play but its time to move on. Iniesta's face would do!
My hope for the preseason is for the team to rediscover a bit of joy and passion for the game and to shed all the drama from the preceding months... and for someone... anyone to step up and consistently put the ball in the net. (As an Henry fan, I hope its him.)
Pequinto, I agree with your point 100% but Maradona was strong and had a compact physique that made him withstand physical pressure well, he was stocky and very strong, If Barca was to get a player like Maradona they wouldn't be concerned about anything else [and i don't think any players is around like him now] those players are elite and can make other players good and also can change the outcome of a game by themselves, Barca won two CL and one was with another Elite player. I know spain won Euro 2008 but my believe was Marcus Senna was the man of the tournament without him spain couldn't win the Euro he took control of the midfield with his strength. Sometimes you may have a good player on a team but not everytime they make a team a winning team, it all depends on what type of players are best for the team to make it stronger, Ruud is a good player but Holland Only manage to reach the second round in Euro, Holland had world class strikers but didn't have the strength in midfield or upfronth or in defence. In the past Spain was always a good team but lack the strength either upfront or in midfield, in 2008 Marcus Senna made that diffrence..... But i can be wrong and you maybe right Barca doesn't need a person with physical strength.
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Does anyone feel a bit weird that Barcelona has had so many issues in the offseason? I hope the players aren't affected.
After four years of supporting Barcelona, this is the first time major changes had been made.. never the less, I wish Barcelona a great preseason success!
Nic,
I will be in New York to see the team against the NY Red Bulls on August 6th (I better check my ticket)...It should be fun. I look forward to sharing the experience with the forum.