[Former player] Deco: "Neymar, the level of Messi and Cristiano"

The former Barça player said in an interview with FIFA Neymar falls short of Messi and Cristiano.

One of the key players Barça of Rijkaard, that so many good titles won but ended up in a crisis that led to the signing of Guardiola as coach, is Deco. The player of 34 years gave an interview to FIFA.com.

The Portuguese environment compared Bombonera for Boca in the Camp Nou. Two stages to intimidate the other teams, "teams from other countries came to Camp Nou and intimidated by the size of the stadium, the mystique and the number of people, while Spanish teams and were more accustomed. I think it's same with the Bombonera: Sometimes, some foreign teams that are even better than some Argentines, have more difficulties there because they are impressed with the environment is, indeed, impressive. "

From their position and play on the field, Deco admitted that since childhood has always been responsible for the construction of the plays, and that the global example of this is Barça: "Building a play that ends in goal has always filled me both as dial. course, over time, I also changed my style. not only for having lost in explosion physics and starts, but because I learned a lot about the collective game. A good example is the Barcelona always have great players but nobody ever haggle just for bargain, only when necessary. "

Of course, Deco remembered his time with Rijkaard and the current Barça model of world football paradigm: "Barcelona is a club whose teams vary according to the players, but in that culture does not change. And this concept of playing the ball has reached perfection with Guardiola, who is someone who knows the culture. the big difference with this team is that our players have these characteristics in all positions, while we had about four or five. it's amazing: the most skilled players of Barça do not send the ball up if you may lose, but they touch. And that requires not only quality, too mentality. "

On a future possibility Barça, Neymar says he is at the level of Messi and Cristiano, and it will look when you take the leap to Europe: "Neymar, in my view, already at that level. Has in common with the other two that ability to score so many goals, despite not being a center forward. I think if he were at Real Madrid or Barcelona, it would still more than it does today, because they have better players at his side, a better structure ... We must take into account the proportions: on the one hand, it is clear that the technical level of Brazil does not reach a semifinal of the Champions League of UEFA, but also need to address different problems. it is not easier or more difficult: it is different. Thinking only at the technical level, in my opinion falls short of a Messi or a Cristiano. " (via SPORT)

[Former youth player] Pacheco: "At Barça beats a little praying and making things perfect"

"I think they come wounded and eager to prove to all the people who are still the same team."
"The season finale is still hard, injuries are coming but we are in a comfortable situation."

The player Rayo Vallecano, Dani Pacheco, says that to beat to Barça this weekend his team needs to "pray a little bit" and "make things perfect" without the azulgrana "have the day."

"I think Barcelona is very difficult to beat now and always. I think they'll come wounded and they will be willing to demonstrate to all the people who are still the same team. Everyone likes to play big games with great players. Sunday is one of those and we are looking forward, "he acknowledged.

A shock that come with several important players, "It's a shame. The season finale is still hard for many people, are coming injuries and luckily the computer is in a comfortable position."

In addition, the midfielder admitted that the main objective of the Madrileños before the final stretch of the season is to ensure permanence. "We have it very close, we did a great job all year and just need to put the icing on the cake. Would it be against Barcelona."

"I think every game in the end are very hard, they all play something above and below. We are thinking of getting three points to be calmer and face the final league with some comfort," he added after an act of BBVA in the streets of Vallecas who came with Diego Benito Diamanka and Roberto Trashorras.

Finally he referred to his future: "It's a little early. Let's finish this, we will achieve the objective and when the season ends we will value," he said. (via MD)

[Former B player] Nolito mark to pairs with Benfica

Benfica won 4-1 at home to Marítimo with two goals from former Barcelonista Nolito, one of the Spanish also Rodrigo Moreno and another Brazilian Bruno César, and persists in a tight battle for the top two positions of the League Lusa.

In the twenty-seventh round, the victory keeps Benfica in second place, three points of Braga yesterday against Pacos Ferreira drew, and one of Porto, which plays Saturday against Beira Mar.

The figure was the undisputed exbarcelonista match to excel in the first half with two goals and assist Benfica Rodrigo and Bruno César in the other two goals.

Fifteen minutes into the game, a Nolito well positioned in the field goal finished off a pass from Pablo Aimar in a move initiated by Maxi Pereira.

Five minutes later, returned to the charge, assisted in a swift counter-attack by the Argentine Saviola, and scored a brilliant goal with a highway when passing the opposing defense.

The two goals placed at Cadiz as the second top scorer in the Benfica and sixth in la Liga, with ten goals scored in the championship.

The Marítimo, who fights with Sporting for fourth place, tried to stop Benfica in the second half with a goal from Brazilian Philipe Fidelis in a face to face with the goalkeeper.

However, the lead "red" is reassembled with the entry of Spanish-Brazilian Rodrigo, who in the first bunt (min. 65) and Nolito pass, scored the third goal.

The exbarcelonista gave a pass on the right foot to left Bruno César, who was in charge of closing the scoring with his fourth goal of the game.

In Benfica alignment also highlighted the start of the Spanish Joan Capdevila, who started as a starter, and Javi García, who played the last 25 minutes of the game in place of Aimar. (via SPORT)

[Former player] Samuel Eto'o visits the Juvenil B players Barça in Moscow

Samuel Eto'o has been a nice touch this afternoon with Juvenil B players of FC Barcelona. Taking advantage of Garcia Pimienta's team is in Moscow disputing a friendly tournament, Cameroon has talked with the players after the third game they have played today against the home team, Spartak won by azulgrana by one goal to nil.

The goalkeeper Pol Ballesté (@ Balleste1) has posted on his twitter account a picture Samuel, who has talked with the players especially its Foundation.

Barça has three wins in three games. In the first two, got rid of 3-0 at Borussia Moenchengladbach and 5-1 to Sporting Lisbon. (via MD)

[Former player] Riquelme: "Barça will win el clásico because it plays at home and has to Messi"

Juan Roman Riquelme of Boca Juniors captain of Argentina, said that Barca will win on Saturday against Real Madrid in the Spanish clásico and Guardiola praised the defeat against Chelsea.

Barcelona will win the el clásico because it is local and because it has to Messi, who is the best of all, "said former player in the Catalan team and Villarreal on el clásico Spanish League.

Riquelme said that "play well is what has made ​​Barcelona" against Chelsea last Wednesday, despite the 1-0 defeat by the English in the first game of the semifinals.

"Rare is the definition of the Champions League. Won a team that kicked once to bow," said the former captain of the Argentine national team, also had words of praise for Andres Iniesta, one of the team figures Guardiola: "I learn to see him play. "

"People like to play well. Not just jump to their feet, not just crash," he said in a statement to Fox Sports. (via SPORT)

[Former player] Eto'o could return to Inter Milan

The future of Samuel Eto'o may be back in Milan, if confirmed the news coming from Italy.

As announced by the 'Corriere dello Sport' in its edition of Tuesday, Cameroon's not comfortable in the Anzhi and start thinking about a return to British or Spanish football ahead of next season. The whole 'Nerazzurri' who want to reinstate their star fuena two seasons ago, despite the 20 million euros a season that gives the forward whole Russian.

Eto'o is not comfortable in Russian football and wants to play at their highest level. Inter president Massimo Moratti, attend to the situation of the former '9' FC Barcelona and wants to contribute their bit to Cameroon return to Giuseppe Meazza. In any case, it is Samuel who has the final word, according to information provided "Corriere dello Sport.

Since the departure of Mourinho, Inter lives submerged in a delicate situation, athletically speaking. Eto'o's return may be the turning Moratti expects to return to the Lombards to the elite of European football. (via SPORT)

[Former player] Henrique definitively split Barça according to Lance

The website says Lance Brazilian Palmeiras will formally announce the renewal of former Barçaplayer, Henrique, next week.

The Brazilian centre-back, who joined Palmeiras last summer on loan, I would have agreed to extend his contract with the Brazilian club for 5 years. (via MD)

[Former player] Maxwell: "I talked to the doctor Abidal and gave me reassurances"

Maxwell, for a long time partner of Eric Abidal and now in the PSG, admits his relationship with the French player.

In a news conference with his current team, PSG, Maxwell explained that "we are friends with Eric. I called his doctor who gave me reassuring news." Some might think that since they both played for some time a starting spot at left full-back of Barça could have a bad reason. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Brazilian insists that "I support and I hope to visit soon so that we can go to Barcelona because it is a true friend." (via SPORT)p

[Former Youth player] The exazulgrana Icardi shines in Italy

The exazulgrana Mauro Icardi is shining in the ranks of the team 'Primavera' from Sampdoria, with which it has now been twelve goals, including a 'poker' in the style of Messi.

Mauro Icardi, one of the most complete front of the generation of 93, arrived last season to Sampdoria from the inferior categories of FC Barcelona. First it was on loan and, after several months very helpful, the 'Samp' decided to exercise the purchase option and had paid 400,000 euros to the club azulgrana. After being part of last season with the first team, Icardi is responding to the confidence of his coaches by signing a good season in the team 'spring' of the Genoese entity.

In the 23 matches and has scored 12 goals, plus four in Cup Despite not scoring in the match against Fiorentina on Saturday (1-1), Icardi was showcased in the previous match of 'Primavera' from Sampdoria getting four goals from his team against Grosseto.

The fact that Sampdoria is centered on the climb back to Serie A has made have not been able Icardi minutes into the first team. However, their evolutions in the youth team have drawn attention to several Italian clubs like Brescia or Lazio, who have asked the striker born in Rosario, Leo Messi as his idol. Also Spanish Liga Adelante clubs are considering Icardi of the forthcoming season.

Sampdoria is not the work of selling the player, and at least one Italian team. However, if the player returned to Spain Barça would receive a part of a future transfer. In particular 10% of the total amount. (via SPORT)

Mata: "We can eliminate the Barça"

Aware that it will be very difficult, Catalan and Asturian adoption are optimistic with moderation.

Two of the three Spanish players in the ranks miltan Chelsea yesterday showed their full belief in the possibilities of his squad for the Champions League semi-final they will face Barcelona on Wednesday April 18 at Stamford Bridge and 24 in the Camp Nou.

Both exvalencianista Juan Mata and the exbarcelonista Oriol Romeu agree to ensure, though, that may not make any mistakes if they want to achieve your goal.

Mata is convinced that the tactics will be crucial to the options 'blues', especially considering the first leg. "We can get a good result if we put into practice the way we played and got to prevent the Bar-ça develop his usual touch football and possession," the Spanish international.

"We aim to have a clinic in our chances in attack and be very compact to defend as a team throughout the match. The key is that we remain very compact," continued the former player of Valencia.

In his first season at Stamford Bridge, Mata is playing a key role both Vilas Boas on the bench as now under the command of his former assistant, Italian Roberto di Matteo. The Burgos to date has scored ten goals in all competitions (five in the Premier League, three in the FA Cup and two in the Champions League).

"Barça is one of the world's best players in their ranks 'Leo Messi', but in football nothing is impossible. They have many players with a huge experience in these games, but we. Now we are going through a roll results and the team has won much confidence, this has been the main change. we are in the semifinals of the FA Cup and the Champions League but we are also focused on being fourth in the Premier or third parties. to overcome the Barça have to do a great match ... that's obvious, "he reflected.

Mata remembered what happened in 2009 with a goal from Iniesta in the discount Barca qualified for the final in Rome. "Chelsea came close last time and I remember it well. He was about and I hope that this year the end is different," he added.

He also mentioned that circumstance Oriol Romeu options to support your team. "Chelsea has already demonstrated three years ago that is able to beat Barça," said the Catalan midfielder. The Ulldecona praised the quality and ambition of the azulgrana equipment.

"They are showing a dramatic level for many years and not lose one iota his desire to win, but we can beat them," he continued.

"I'm playing less, but I'm comfortable and I'm training well. I signed for Chelsea to grow as a player. My goal is not necessarily play the semifinals of the Champions ... I want to go slow. I will be patient and try to use my opportunities when they arrive ", said Romeu. (via SPORT)

[Former player] Ibrahimovic: "Guardiola was not a man to me"

The Swede said he sought answers to their problem with Pep for two months ...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not yet overcome their traumatic exit Barça, in the summer of 2010: at least, is what emerges from their latest statements on the matter, the English magazine 'Four Four Two'.

The Swedish forward, now in the ranks of Milan and recently eliminated from the Champions League, explains that when he left Barça saying he did it himself "I'm the best team in the world because there is a person who has a problem with me. It was man, not tell me what the problem was. If I can not know what was wrong, I'll behave like a man and I will leave the club. "

The forward of Milan also recalled that "for a couple of months" was "running around, trying to get some answers, but no way, so eventually I said,` this is not only bullshit, I want nothing of this, so I'll go where you know where I can get answers and to develop my game. "

The full interview with Ibrahimovic will be published in the print edition of the May issue of 'Four Four Two'. (via SPORT)

[Former Player] Riquelme: "You have to enjoy Messi increasingly"

The Boca Juniors player and exbarcelonista Juan Roman Riquelme spares no praise for his countryman Messi.

Riquelme spoke of different themes in different Argentine media. And one of the topics of conversation with the star 'Boca Juniors' was the FC Barcelona, his club years ago. In particular, the importance of not only Leo Messi play Blaugrana but also in the present football. "Messi brings joy to me. From tiny enjoy Maradona touched me. I went out with the ball thinking I was him. Today my son thinks it's Messi's wonderful," she told Roman.

And it was the player of Barça and Villarreal is clear that Messi is "the best of all, it is faster with the ball on the foot without the ball. We have to enjoy more and more. Hopefully Sabella can put together a good team to accompany the best. "

Messi is the player of reference for a Barça, as Riquelme, is intractable in the two-legged "At Barcelona can win a single game, but at 180 minutes in the Champions League is almost impossible. On 90, 85 minutes have them. defend better than all, with the ball. "

The current player of Boca has fond memories of Barça, but not as good as the one with Villarreal. "I will always be available to Villarreal. If I have to eat today is thanks to Boca and Villarreal. Bostero was born and I will die bostero, but Villarreal spent five incredible years in which the famous criminal erre Champions League. the day that I missed the penalty were all singing to me at the door of my house, was an unforgettable moment for me, "he said Riquelme. (via SPORT)

[Former B player] Romeu: "Chelsea has already shown that can win at Barcelona"

The excanterano of Barça admits it will be a very special game for him and for the 'blues'.

The Spanish midfielder of Chelsea Oriol Romeu said that the "blues", which were planted again in a semifinal of the Champions League by beating Benfica (2-1), "and demonstrated" in 2009 that "can win at Barcelona" . Romeu, 20, told Efe after the meeting in which the English sealed his move to semifinals that the English have the expertise to exceed those of Pep Guardiola, as we were on the verge of three seasons ago, when only a goal from Andres Iniesta in the last minute left out the "blues". The Barca excanterano also stressed that the clash against Barcelona will be "special" for him and for the rest of his team. "I have been fortunate to be there, so do a little more than illusion, but a Champions League semi-final is always special for all players, and more against a team like Barcelona," said Romeu. Catalan, whom the now ceased André Villas-Boas gave many opportunities to jump into the grass with Chelsea this season, said that had not been raised to joining the Londoners last summer that would have the opportunity to contest a semifinal league Champions at the Camp Nou. "I signed for Chelsea to grow as a player to improve. That's what I wanted. Not be in a Champions League semifinal, but play games. I want to go slowly," said Romeu.

The young midfielder admitted that the Italian Roberto Di Matteo on the bench has played fewer minutes than with Villas-Boas, dismissed on 4 March after Chelsea lost the league against West Bromwich, at a time in which the Champions League seemed a distant option after yielding a 3-1 against Napoli. "Now I'm having a bit more," said the midfielder, who stressed, however, he feels "very comfortable" in the dressing room at Stamford Bridge. "I feel very comfortable, good training. I think when I will have to play well, and that is important, be comfortable with yourself and wait for your opportunity," said Romeu. Over his rival in the next round of Europe's top competition, Catalan said the Barcelona players "have for many years at a spectacular level." "Do not lose ambition, the will to win, and that's how good they have," said the midfielder, who also warned that while Barcelona is "a high level," also "can win." (via SPORT)

[Former player] Ibrahimovic: "Now I understand Mourinho when he goes to Camp Nou"

The milanista Zlatan Ibrahimovic was dispatched at ease in a Swedish television after the match.

"Now I understand why Mourinho is set so when it comes to Camp Nou," said azulgrana exdelantero to Swedish television after the match in reference to the two penalties mentioned in favor Barça in Tuesday's match at the Camp Nou.

"I do not understand why the club has to cheat. I can not believe he gave Barça a penalty when the ball was not at stake. Seem to want to have two teams in the same country," he added as he explained 'Catalunya Radio '.

By eliminating them, Ibrahimovic continues his slump in the Champions League, a competition which has not won despite having played in five league championship teams. (via SPORT)

[Former player] Eto'o waiver of the three million required to Barça

Barça has received reports that the High Court of Justice of Cataluñala notification that the player has given up the demand for 3 million euros for his transfer to Inter.

FC Barcelona has announced this afternoon that the Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o, former player of the Catalan club, has resigned from the three million who once claimed in court for his move to Inter Milan.

Barça has received reports that the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) notification that the player has given up in the lawsuit against the Catalan club to claim that amount.

The labor court of Barcelona and upheld the Catalan club just two years ago, when he missed against the player, who appealed the judgment. (via AS)

[Former player] Bojan: "The weak point of Milan is Abbiati"

Bojan Krkic has explained in an interview Club of the Mitjanit of Catalunya Radio that Barça should exploit the weakness of Milan which is none other than the goalkeeper. "The weakest point of Milan is goalkeeper Abbiati", considered the current player in Roma.

The forward has revealed that Barça-Milan and much discussed in the locker room of Luis Enrique: "With the comrades think that if a team can overcome the defense of Milan, this is Barça".

The Linyola also spoke about the time that is his former team and has been shown to have absolute faith in his former colleagues: "I see Barça around champion, also of la Liga."

[Former player] Ibrahimovic: "Messi is talent, Cristiano, product of a long train"

The Swedish forward spoke to a Swedish television channel's Eve match at Barça and used to praise Leo Messi.

The former Barcelona forward and now in the ranks of Milan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, made ​​statements to a Swedish television days before a crucial second leg between his team and Barça in the Champions League.

Hours before stepping back to Camp Nou for the first time since leaving Barça, Messi praised Swedish even above Cristiano Ronaldo. "Messi is all talent while Cristiano is a product of training a lot," he said.

Among other things, the Swede explained the reasons for not singing the anthem in the caps. "I am very focused and they do not know the words," he acknowledged. (via SPORT)

[Former player] Bojan dedicated his goal to Abidal

Bojan Krkic has been featured in the match between AS Roma and Novara. Linyola forward has returned to the lineup after two months, has completed a good game and scored the fourth goal of the Luis Enrique. The young man had a dedication prepared crack. Under his shirt had one with a clear message: "All the strength of this goal is to Abi" and displayed it directly to camera. The referee showed yellow by the action because the rules do not let it show any messages. (via MD)