Camp Nou sings "Guardiola Guardiola"

A multitude of thanks to Guardiola banners displayed in the Camp Nou.
The first out of the bench have been accompanied by applause.
Guardiola has restored the applause of the crowd.

The match against Málaga was a shock not only competitive tension, but one thing was right between the eyes the fans of Barça coach tuck. The Tonight was the first game of Guardiola at the Camp Nou since he announced in a news conference at the end of this season left the Barça bench.

For this reason, in the stands of Camp Nou could see many banners as a token of thanks to Guardiola to lead the ship masterfully Guardiola's first team. Banners in all languages ​​and all colors, but with a single message: Thanks Pep, and a very explicit: "You are the fucking master."

The audience also applauded Camp Nou in a very warm whenever Pep Guardiola left the bench to give instructions to his men. Party that has joined the rest Andoni Zubizarreta. Barça sporting director has interpreted the applause as "a tribute we owe. He knows he has the applause of all, but feel it is also physically very well."

And late in the second part in a new wave of applause, applause Guardiola has restored to the stands, on a night of great fellowship culé.

Pellegrini: "Guardiola will take little in return, football needs you"

Manuel Pellegrini praised Pep Guardiola for his career ahead of Barça and believes the Catalan "take little" to return to the bench, because "football needs him."

"I think the Pep's decision will be short time football needs you. Has made ​​the best decision for him, but I think he will be short. People football takes little to return to football," said the Chilean.

Thrashed out after the Camp Nou (4-1) with three goals from Lionel Messi, Pellegrini has spared no praise for the technical rival in "Guardiola's contribution to football has been immense, not only for the titles, but for the game he has shown and the quality as a person. the way held the titles also is important. "

Regarding the game, considered that the result does not reflect the actions of his men, as "the team made a correct match, worthy, and we have not deserved to lose," he said.

In any case, admitted he may have "lacked ambition" and recalled that his team has demanded more azulgrana goal on several occasions that Barcelona to Kameni.

Asked about the two penalties against, has opined that "decided the game," but insisted that from the technical viewpoint, trying to assess some penalties charged.

"We have to keep fighting these last two games to go as high as possible in the table," said Pellegrini. (via SPORT)

Bartomeu: "What Guardiola has done is spectacular"

The vice president highlighted the work of Josep Guardiola from the bench in front of the first team: "What he has done for this club is amazing. The thank you is infinite and will never be enough." On the game against Málaga, Josep Maria Bartomeu is satisfied "by the goals and the show" that, once again, have offered the players of FC Barcelona. The squad barcelonista, which already has 108 goals, has passed on Wednesday his best in the league, while Messi, with 68 goals in a season, has managed to overcome the historical record Müller. "This team is making history and breaking records every game," he noted. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Guardiola: "The few criticisms are our success"

The Barcelona coach is proud of the team for the tension that keeps each game "when la Liga is already lost." "Barça have tried," he adds.

The Santpedor thanked the fans for the support it has given over the years and on Wednesday it has become more noticeable at the Camp Nou.

Josep Guardiola says that the great merit of FC Barcelona in recent years is the fact that it can not do too much blame in terms of game: "People are not stupid. If you see the computer keeps running no reproaches. our great success is that in so long there are few criticisms to make. Barça tried. "azulgrana coach has made this argument extensible records that have been achieved: "We've done continuously for so long ... this is the great goal we have achieved."

Santpedor The points to pride in seeing the stress that his players have remained on the pitch at the Camp Nou on Wednesday against Málaga: "It's never easy to maintain tension when the league is lost. We have returned to make a good game , people would have enjoyed it. Now wait the two remaining games, then we have a great objective of la Copa. "

On this Wednesday has been the penultimate match at the Camp Nou Josep Guardiola in front of the Barcelonista bench. That is why, during various times of the meeting, the public stage has devoted a standing ovation in recognition of his work. A gesture, such as that of Santpedor wanted to thank "all heart". "I've enjoyed living all these years, who have behaved very well," he added.

On what will be his replacement, Tito Vilanova, Guardiola has only spoken words of praise: "He's a fantastic person and with all the capabilities and more. He is intuitive, the home known since childhood, and has been here for many years. sure that will succeed with the help of all the club and the team. demonstrate that it is a good coach. "

Congratulating once again Real Madrid for his performance in la Liga and say that all white "is the right champion," The azulgrana coach commented that "this year have spent a lot of things that have been hidden by our silence but past. ""We have become a thirteen-point and there have been so much difference," he noted, just before clarify that "the links are very long and wins it deserves." On the penalties that have been whistled on Wednesday, Guardiola said: "We have two penalties whistled, and now no longer necessary, it is too late. Because when we had to do things we were ten points." (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Alves: "We want to return all the affection that gives us the fans"

The azulgrana full-back believes that Guardiola has won the "respect and affection of the people" and, although it goes, the team must continue with the "same humility and desire to always".

Iniesta: "The challenge is to keep winning and having good feelings for either reach the Cup final."

Keita: "Leo is a crack, is exceeded every day and every game. It's lucky for him in the team is a machine."

Barca's imposed Málaga 4-1 in the penultimate game to be played at the Camp Nou. "The result, of the chances and the game is fair," he has said Iniesta, who believes that the team has been "clear winner". This result is, according to Alves, fruit "of continuous work and humility of the team." Despite all this season Guardiola has not been able to get la Liga, '2' azulgrana believes the team should continue "in line" and the "always wanted." As summarized Iniesta, "the challenge is to keep winning and having good feelings for either reach the Cup final."

The players have praised Guardiola having announced his farewell. "People have a love and a special appreciation and hope the final game at the Stadium go out happy," said Iniesta. Alves, who thinks like his partner, is happy because the fans "Guardiola as appropriate to do so", chanting his name. It therefore believes that the team "wants to return all the affection that gives us the fans", but in the field.
As for Messi, the champion with a new hat-trick, Iniesta says the most important is that he "is well" and that the team "continues to operate" as "is a number 1". The Fuentealbilla hopes that "this does not end here."

Here we review the rest of statements from other players of FC Barcelona:

Keita:
"Leo is a crack, is exceeded every day and every game. It is fortunate to have in the team because it is a machine"

"Pep has given everything to this club. Has won many titles. It is an honor for the amateur and the club have it. Thanks Pep"


Marc Bartra:

"We are saddened by the news of Pep, and we were all thinking it was, but when we learned that would be Tito, we were very good, as it will make a clear commitment to the cantera"

"I have really wanted to play. Try to work all year to get more minutes, use them and the team win. Try to take minutes in the preseason to be the first team is a dream that I have from small"


Afellay:

"Now already I am very well of the injury. I spent six months without playing and when I return to the team is an ineffable moment. I have really wanted to keep playing."

"It's a shame because for me is one of the best coaches in the world, besides being a good person. I understand why Barça is a great club and takes away a lot of energy. Tito will be a coach like Guardiola."


Puyol:
"Very happy with the victory. The dedication of the goal was for my best friend Javi. Good night." (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The highest goal-scoring Barça in Club history

With 108 goals scored so far, Barça have broken their all-time goal-scoring record in La Liga, which was set at 105 goals in the 2008/09 season.

A total of 15 players have scored at least one goal in the team’s 108 haul.

It was one of the remaining objectives the team set for itself before the end of the Liga and this Wednesday they achieved it. With tonight’s four goals against Málaga, Barça have scored a total of 108 goals this season and beat the record they set in Guardiola’s first season on the Barça bench. The treble-winning Barça team scored 105 goals in 38 La Liga matches, with Eto’o as the team’s top scorer with 30 goals.

This year, with an insatiable Messi, Barça have scored 108 goals in 36 matches. It’s yet another example of the team’s capacity and attitude. Not counting Guardiola’s first and last seasons, only Bobby Robson’s Barça were able to break the century goal mark. It was in the 1996/97 season, Ronaldo was Barça’s target man, the team ended the season with 102 goals in 42 matches.

Guardiola’s team have notched up four of the best six goal marks in Club history in La Liga. In the 2009/10 season Barça scored 98 goals and in 2010/11, 95. Besides Robson’s Barça, only Herrera’s team is in the top-six ranking with 96 goals in 30 matches. It was in the 1958/59 season and Evaristo, with 20 goals, was the team’s top goal scorer.

A total of 15 players have scored at least one goal in the team’s overall 108. Messi has scored the most, with 46 goals, but we cannot overlook Alexis’ 12, Xavi’s 10 or Cesc’s 9. Furthermore, Perdo and Villa have scored five, Tello and Puyol, three. Alves, Piqué, Iniesta, Thiago, Keita and Cuenca all have two apiece. Adriano has scored one, Miranda and Robersio socred own goals. (via FCBarcelona.com)


[Barça's best goal-scoring season in La Liga]

2011/12 Season
108 goals in 36 matches

2008/09 Season
105 goals in 38 matches

1996/97 Season
102 goals in 42 matches

2009/10 Season
98 goals in 38 matches

1958/59 Season
96 goals in 30 matches

[Lifa BBVA; Week20] FC Barcelona 4 - 1 Málaga

Puyol opened the scoring before Rondon equalised on the half hour mark.

Two Messi penalties assured another Barça win.

The Argentinean passed Gerd Muller’s record with his third goal.

The crowd repeatedly cheered Guardiola on during the game.

When Messi is on the pitch, entertainment is guaranteed and his hat trick tonight, together with Puyol’s opener, gave Barça a big win against Malaga, a team who are pushing for a Champions League place themselves. It was a clear win for Barça who made a great start with a goal from Puyol , only for Rondon to equalise with a header, but that was just the prologue for Leo Messi to step up and take control, with another hat trick from the world number one.

The Argentinean has now scored 68 goals this season and that is one more than Gerd Müller who held the previous record for goals scored in a season, whilst the team also beat their own record for a season, with 108 so far.

Messi had to share the limelight with Josep Guardiola of course, after his resignation announcement last Friday and the boss was showered with support from the Camp Nou crowd throughout the whole game.

Barça were in charge from the off and although they didn’t reach the pace they often do, they did enough to dominate and were soon threatening the Malaga goal. Despite an attempt from a free kick by Duda that hit the woodwork, it was Barça who opened the scoring with a Puyol header from an Iniesta cross.

Malaga needed the points though if they were to maintain their Champions League challenge and Rondon brought them level with a similar goal to Barça’s, heading in a Gamez cross from the right past Pinto, who was again in the starting line up in preparation for the Cup Final. Iniesta – who was Barça’s outstanding player in the first half- set up a quick reply when he was brought down in the box, allowing Leo Messi to score his first of the night from the spot.

The second half belonged to Messi – first scoring another penalty to make it 3-1 after Duda had brought him down as he was just about to finish off a great team move and then, as Malaga pushed forward to get back into the match, racing onto a lovely ball from Iniesta and flicking the ball over Kameni to beat Muller’s previous record in spectacular fashion.

Guardiola took advantage of the comfortable lead to bring on B team youngster Bartra and Afellay, following his comeback at Rayo. (via FCBarcelona.com)


[Match Stats]
FC Barcelona Pinto; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Puyol (Bartra, min.68), Adriano; Fábregas, Keita, Iniesta (Afellay, min.76); Cuenca, Messi and Pedro (Tello, min.85).

Málaga Kameni; Jesús Gámez, Sergio Sánchez, Demichelis, Eliseu; Portillo, Camacho, Cazorla (Recio, min.68), Duda; Buonanotte (Seba, min.61) and Rondón (Van Nistelrooy, min.61).

Goals: 1-0, min.13: Puyol. 1-1, min.26: Rondón. 2-1, min.35: Messi (p). 3-1, min.59: Messi (p). 4-1, min.64: Messi.

Referee: Turienzo Álvarez (Col. Castilian-leonés). admonished Pedro (min.66), Cesc (min.82) in Barcelona and Camacho (min.56), Duda (min.58) in Málaga.

Subs: Game of the 20 th round, late in the day, played at the Camp Nou before 67,854 fans.
Section Futsal Barcelona was honored before the game, after having proclaimed for the first time ever European champion.

Previous training in the Camp Nou

Barça has completed the final training session behind closed doors in the stadium, before the visit of Málaga.

The team receives tonight at Málaga (20 hours) and in the morning has carried out previous training behind closed doors, at the Camp Nou. They have exercised the same players in Tuesday's session. That is, 15 with the first team and three subsidiary Bartra, Montoya and Tello. Piqué has continued to work the sidelines. The center-back is one of the low azulgrana, along with Xavi, Alexis, Villa, Fontàs and Abidal.

After the training, the squad ate in Barcelona the Camp Nou and free time available to one and a half before the game, when they come to be cited in the stadium. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Barça-Malaga: Night of challenges

Barça get to Málaga with the motivation that will give the impetus for Copa final
Helping Messi to win the Golden Shoe and historical scorer and achieve more goals than ever goals.

The merit of a championship team is always finding the necessary incentives to compete. Barça has no chance of winning this league wise, but that does not mean that you will live the weeks prior to the final of the Copa del Rey as a holiday. Not at all.

Among other reasons, to reach the May 25 game against Athletic Bilbao with the competitive tension that requires the dispute to a grand finale. In addition, it has not been needed much digging to the template to try to give his best in three league games remaining.

Since he did against the Lightning and wants to do today at the Camp Nou against Málaga played a part in the next edition of the Champions League. This boat has the honor of being regarded by much of world opinion as the best football team of all time and pleased that condition requiring the same extent.

Pep Guardiola rushes his last days as head of the bench before handing the baton to Tito Vilanova and the importance of the driving forces is not negligible.

Leo Messi, the flagship of this boat in these four years of splendor in the grass, faces several challenges on an individual basis, however, will require the help of his fellow intestimable.

His pulse goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid is history. Both add 43 goals in La Liga and hope to win the Pichichi and Golden Shoe with unpublished records.

Messi, the great crash of the 13 team titles, will have the full support team to write another chapter legendary. Leo is a record four goals in the European Golden shoe, Dudu Georgescu held since 1976 with 47 goals in the Romanian league.

Officers with 65 goals this season, Messi is also two goals to be the best striker of all times in a season. Gerd Müller with 67 in 1973, supported on these pages to MD who better than the '10 'Barça to dethrone him. If successful will be much closer to its fourth consecutive gold ball.

The aim of these parties of Messi and the rest of the team is also the possibility of signing another brand memorable. With 104 goals Barça has already improved the club's best offensive output in the league, one of his own record and 8 of the 112 that adds the Real Madrid in the current league.

Leave the bar as high as possible goalscorer, Messi push to another legend and seek the best farewell to Guardiola well worth a Camp Nou that will deliver. (via MD)

Messi wants Pichichi and Barca record goals

Return la Liga and the Pep Team has on individual and collective records some of the greatest incentives to remain competitive.

With the League well on its way to Madrid, Barcelona has on individual and collective records another reason to not let go in the domestic competition. The 'Pep Team' takes second place in the scorers table but their numbers are those of a championship team. Moreover, Guardiola have the opportunity to achieve his best scorer in la Liga. To date, totaling 104 goals and are therefore only one of its particular record. It happened in the 2008-09 campaign, the first with Pep on the bench when the team reached 105.

Guardiola then staged a stellar campaign, overwhelming offensive arsenal, with players like Eto'o, Messi and Henry, who completed a splendid campaign. La Liga was azulgrana and the beginning of a long list of titles that staged the best season in club history with a hat-trick to remember.

With three days to close the league break the record seems most likely for a married team goal. The Barcelona is now even more scoring, which is explained by the exponential growth of Messi (in 2008-09 marked `alone Do 23 points) more than ever the alpha and omega of Barcelona. More than ever the thermometer of the possibilities of joint Guardiola.

More difficult will be to the numbers of Madrid (112 goals), this course has been characterized by a devastating punch with three players as Cristiano (43) Benzema (20) and Higuain (21), which ensure a large number of goals . Particularly the Portuguese, who keeps a pulse spectacular Leo. Both play the other league. In the case of 'La Pulga' have you already passed his best scorer in La Liga does the of the 2008-09 season with 34 goals 43 goals what amount. The same as Christian. Leo competes for the top scorer with figures from another planet that just resists Cristiano. They also compete for the next Ballon d'Or a trophy contested than ever, because both have are completing an extraordinary season. The latest disappointment of Barcelona, especially in Europe and the elimination league defeat against Real Madrid, question repeat again that Messi Ballon d'Or more so when the summer is Euro and Leo is not present.

By the way, Guardiola is expected to continue to give Pinto minutes to reach its best level in the final Copera and ensure its fifth Valdés Zamora. (via SPORT)

Cazorla: "Barça is the best team at the level footballing"

Santi Cazorla has said that before the final, and against FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, the team has to "make a last effort to achieve the goal."

"Hopefully we can finish our best, because we are in the final two games and very difficult to" international commented in reference to clashes with Barça and rojiblancos.

Although the Málaga depends upon himself to qualify for the Champions League, Cazorla has acknowledged that the last three league games "very complicated" and has therefore called for to go "party party" and "without looking at others' because now "is a very difficult game."

"Barcelona are the best team there at the level footballing the field and much more," added Cazorla, although he remembered what happened against Real Madrid, "we have the example of the Bernabéu, which stood up."

Despite fewer options for Barcelona in La Liga, said it "will always win out" and also "has players accustomed to victory."

Cazorla, however, has said he is wary of Barcelona, "it looked at a complicated time and goes to the field of Rayo and win that way", with a clear 0-7.

Therefore considers that the key to get something positive "is to be perfect in every way" because "players are destabilizing in all lines", and "you have to have that put them, because they are not going to forgive" .

About the rivals for the Champions League, Valencia, Levante, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna, said that "they will be there until the end" and stressed that the Levantine team "is doing well" and Atlético "you have to play there," so that "we must take account of them all" (via SPORT)

Guardiola: “The transition has been impeccable”

Guardiola praised the way the Club handled the transition of managers. He also said that Tito is “very enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge”.

The manager explained that Barça’s last three La Liga matches will serve as preparation for the Cup final against Athletic Club.



Pep Guardiola reminded the press room that he has eight more press conferences, not counting today’s, as Barça’s head manager. The Barça boss used this Tuesday’s press conference to talk about the match against Málaga, how the team will prepare for the remaining matches of the season, and obviously, his departure. “The Club has handled the transition impeccably. Tito is very enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge,” said the Barça manager.

After last week’s announcement that Tito Vilanova will take over the Barça helm next season, Guardiola said: “my relationship with him hasn’t changed at all. We’re following our usual process and I’m by his side. I want Tito to know that I’ll be close to him.” At the same time, the manager said he’s worn down because of “the day to day [work] with the team, winning so many titles.” On his farewell at the Camp Nou - Barça’s next two games will be at home- Guardiola said: “I’ve always believed that things should be done naturally, that’s how we’ll do it.”

On the other hand, with the Liga out of reach, Guardiola recognized that Barça’s three remaining matches in the domestic competition will serve to prepare the team for the Cup final. “Each game and each training session is done in preparation for the Cup final. Everything is focused on that. Against Rayo the players proved that they’re eager,” he said. Guardiola went on to say that “I’m mentally prepared for the Cup final. It’s this month’s objective.”

Guardiola added, “we cannot play poorly in our next three matches and then go on to the final.” The manager also said that “Pinto will play” in the last three La Liga games and that he doesn’t want his players to obsess about Leo Messi’s fight for the Pichichi award. “We just have to play well and attack as best we can. We’re playing against good opponents, football will do the rest.” When asked if he would give Messi the Ballon d’Or again, the manager said “he’s done a brutal job this year” and, therefore, the Argentine’s merits “are evident.”

Guardiola's future

Pep Guardiola indicated that he does not know what the future holds for him after June 30. “I’m going to go home and I have no idea what my goal will be for the future. I don’t know,” he admitted. He also said that he doesn’t know if he’ll manage FC Barcelona again. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Alexis to miss the Barça-Málaga match

The medical tests that Alexis underwent this afternoon confirm that the player will miss tomorrow’s match.

Piqué, after resting for a week, is recovering well from the knock he received in last week’s match, but will not play against Málaga tomorrow.

Valdés, who was with fever this Monday, returned to training this afternoon.

Alexis Sánchez will not feature in Barça’s team against Málaga this Wednesday. This afternoon the player underwent control tests to evaluate the hematoma caused by the contusion on his left thigh. The results confirm that the player will not be able to play in tomorrow’s match, according to the Club’s Medical Services.

Gerard Piqué will also miss tomorrow’s match. The player’s recovery is very favourable after a week of rest. Piqué returned to training, albeit apart for the group, this Wednesday. He’ll miss the match against Málaga and his recovery will mark his availability against Espanyol this weekend.

The keeper Víctor Valdés, who was with fever on Monday, trained with the rest of the team this Tuesday. Bartra, Tello and Montoya also trained with FC Barcelona’s first team.

The dismissal of Pep in Barça-Espanyol

Guardiola close his cycle at the Stadium against Espanyol, another incentive to not miss the appointment.

The timing would have it the last game of Josep Guardiola at the Camp Nou, in his first stint as coach of Barça, is a luxury: the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Saturday 5 May at 21.00. For the cocktail dress, a referee to rise to the occasion, Fernando Teixeira Vitienes.

Fernando, the eldest of the Teixeira saga was the one that upset the blaugrana on the Getafe match, if not pointed out to them a penalty and a goal annulled for offside in injury time and with 1-0 for the hosts. Also, is the braid that José Mourinho waited in the bowels of the Camp Nou at the end of the quarter-finals of the Cup Reu against Real Madrid which ended 2-2. 'Mou have you said it was "a scoundrel" and liked "fuck professionals."

There are aspects less rugged but equally morbid grace the game. The derby between Barça and Espanyol have recovered much of their rivalry in recent years. The balance between Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino at the Camp Nou this year is two wins for Santpedor (1-0 and 2-0) and one for the Santa Fe (1-2), and two draws and two Pep wins in Cornella-El Prat.

For the parrots were especially stung 1-5 of la Liga 2010-11, but in this championship took his revenge with a 1-1, controversy included: Turienzo Alvarez said not a penalty at the hands of Raúl Rodríguez in the discount.

No doubt those two points would have done well to Barça in the struggle for chaining a fourth title. A title that, depending on what happens in tomorrow's games (Barça, Málaga and Athletic Club - Real Madrid) may be awarded mathematically. Likewise, blanquiazules can get to the Stadium with no chance of qualifying for the Europa League next.

In any case, Barça-Espanyol seems a good match for Josep Guardiola last occupies the bench of the Camp Nou as a local technician, at least for now. Also, for the blaugrana fans come in droves to honor the coach and players after an intense season, which still remains to be played the final of the Copa del Rey and to close a period of legend.

The club intends to develop a tribute

Josep Guardiola knows that is not in favor of grand events, particularly when there are still games and titles on the line and the center of the tribute he is. But the reality of the calendar indicates that the derby on Saturday is the last opportunity for the Camp Nou to dismiss Pep and thank the team's success the past four years. Therefore, in Barça are considering the formula to give a tribute Guardiola sense and in line with what he has achieved for the institution but without disturbing the concentration of the team. For all, the best tribute is to win the derby against Espanyol and this is the main objective. With tomorrow's match against Málaga at stake in the club are managing time, aware that on Wednesday the stands will be a spontaneous tribute to Pep in the form of banners and chants. But that does not prevent the entity wishes to act more institutional channel where you can capture the appreciation of FC Barcelona. Of course, everything must be discussed and agreed with the coach and these are in 'can Barça'. (via SPORT)

Guardiola 150 games in the league meet on Wednesday against Málaga

Wednesday's match against Málaga at the Camp Nou, the first of the last three remaining to complete la Liga, shall be 150 coach who runs the competition from the first team.

Throughout these still 149 games in the regular competition, FC Barcelona 76.5% of total wins and only 7.4% of losses.

In the Camp Nou against Málaga is where Josep Guardiola will reach the 150 games in the league since he took over the bench the first team of FC Barcelona. One thing to remember more of the many Santpedor than on a bright stage will be completed by the end of the season. In the specific case of the regular competition, Guardiola added a total of 152 commitments, remain ahead of games against Malaga, Espanyol and Betis.

Guardiola ends his time as Barca coach at the fourth position of the more coaches league games club history, behind only Johan Cruyff (306), Marinus Michels (204), and Frank Rijkaard (190). A competition, la Liga, that the club has risen in three of the last four seasons, three with many points (87, 99 and 96). Throughout these still 149 games in the regular competition, the numbers of first team have been spectacular.

And is that Guardiola FC Barcelona, taking into account the 149 games played so far, amounts to some spectacular rates: 76.5% of wins, draws 16.1% and only 7.4% of losses. The figures in terms of goals are also printing: 402 for, for only 106 against. In short, some statistics that place it very highly compared to the Cruyff, Michels and Rijkaard. Only in the number of wins, for example, have a percentage of 59.8%, 51.4% and 59% respectively. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

These would be the data of the three other technical, more in detail:

Johan Cruyff: winning 59.8%, 22.5% and 17.6 draws defeats.

Marinus Michels: 51.4% of wins, draws and 25.5 to 23% of losses.

Frank Rijkaard: 59% of wins, draws 23.6% and 17.3% of losses.

Pinto: “Tito has our support”

Jose Manuel Pinto took over from Valdes in goal at the weekend and speaking to the press today he insisted: “Tito Vilanova has the strength and character” to take charge next season.

Pinto wants Messi to win the Pitxitxi: “if he wins, the whole team wins”.

Josep Guardiola’s farewell and Tito Vilanova’s appointment was at the heart of José Manuel Pinto’s press conference this morning and the keeper explained: “I completely understand what Guardiola has done. He takes everything very seriously and that takes a big toll mentally. You can’t compare them, but Tito has the character and strength, as well as our full backing”..

Asked if the changeover would affect the team’s performance, Pinto replied: “I don’t think much will change because the two of them share the same vision. We are all relaxed about it and we are right behind Tito and his way of looking at football”. Pinto didn’t want to hear talk about the end of an era, insisting: “Only time will tell”.

Pinto did admit however, that: “all of us have been affected by the news and we’ve all felt bad about it”.

The keeper also believes that Messi can win the Pichichi as the league’s highest scorer this season: “I want Messi to win –if he wins, the whole team wins. If he scores, it’s down to the work the whole team have put in”. Pinto also insisted that Víctor Valdés, who is guaranteed the Zamora as the keeper who’s conceded least goals this season if he plays no more league games this campaign: “is the keeper who most deserves it”. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Derby game against Espanyol scheduled for 21.00 on May 5th

The derby game at the Camp Nou against Espanyol will kick off at 21.00 this Saturday.

Guardiola’s team’s last home game this season.

The Spanish League have published the kick off times for next weekend’s round of games - week 37 – and FC Barcelona will play city neighbours Espanyol at nine o’clock on Saturday night. With the team also facing Malaga at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night (20.00), this will be the second game at the stadium in four days and will also be Guardiola’s last home game in charge of the team.

Barça have two more games to play following the derby game – their final league match away to Betis (exact date and time to be confirmed) and the Spanish Cup Final against Athletic Bilbao on Friday May 25th at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Alexis knock makes him doubt for Wednesday

Alexis has picked up a knock on his left leg and he will be kept under observation before a decision is made as to his availability for Wednesday’s game against Malaga.

Victor Valdes also missed training today, under the weather with fever.



The squad trained this Monday lunchtime after their big win against Rayo, but two big names were missing: Alexis, who picked up a knock on his left leg, and Valdes, who is ill. The Chilean hit man is doubtful for Wednesday’s game, though the Club doctors are keeping him under observation before making a final decision.

The players who figured on Sunday were given a gentle session, whilst the rest of the squad began preparations for Wednesday night’s game, along with 10 B team players - Bartra, Tello and Montoya –who were included in the squad for the Rayo game- and Rodri, Carmona, Oriol Rosell, Espinosa, Lobato, Sergi Gómez and Masip. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Guardiola: “Each game serves as preparation for the final”

The Barça manager is very pleased with the attitude of his players after the team beat Rayo Vallecano 7-0 at Vallecas. The manager says that the remaining games in La Liga will serve his team to prepare for the final of the King’s Cup on May 25th.

Guardiola praised Pinto’s performance: “Like always, he played very well”.



Josep Guardiola said that this Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano was “a demonstration” of what type of team Barça have been in recent years. “A football game is always useful for a lot of things. We know that Madrid are champions [of La Liga], and that this match was a demonstration of what this team is and have been. My players played a very serious game and they were on form throughout the whole match,” he said.

He added: “the team ran a lot, and they played a serious game against a team that’s fighting to stay in the Primera División. The players know that we’re preparing ourselves for a final and that everything has its worth. Every match counts.” Guardiola also said that his players are pleased after having scored seven goals in today’s game. “I have the impression that we have scored a lot of goals over the years. They are all welcome,” he said.

Pedro, with two goals, was one of Barça’s most lethal men in tonight’s match. The Barça manager highlighted the Spaniard’s performance: “I appreciate him a lot. We started in Third Division together, and I know him well. It’s true that his injuries have stopped him from playing more this season. I’m very pleased with his performance, for his two goals, and for the passes he gave. Also, for the way he moved on the pitch.”

He also talked about why he included José Manuel Pinto in today’s starting line-up: “if he’s on form he’ll play the final. Therefore, I prefer that he gets a bit of playing time on a pitch that’s not very easy to interpret. Like always, he played very well.”

On his decision to leave the Club next season, Guardiola said that Barça is his home: “it’s my home, and in the end I knew that it was over. The Club is healthy, and the team is young, Tito knows them perfectly and I’m convinced that Barça will compete for everything.”

Lastly, the Barça manager apologized to Rayo Vallecano’s fans for Thiago and Alves’ celebration after Barça’s fifth goal. “It won’t happen again,” said Guardiola. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Puyol served as captain and ruined the dance of Thiago and Alves after the fifth goal

The image of the game came after the fifth goal achieved by Thiago Alcántara, who was a little dance with teammate Dani Alves. Captain Puyol came quickly to stop this action to consider a lack of respect for players and fans of Rayo. The public is angry and rebuked the Brazilian side with some even throwing objects onto the field.