Barca will re-sign Abidal

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bertomeu said the renewal of Eric Abidal’s contract is just a matter of time.

The France international’s current deal with the Camp Nou outfit runs out at the end of the season, with negotiations over a new deal so far proving fruitless.

Abidal’s agent admitted earlier this week that the 32-year-old wanted to retire at the club, but urged Barca to come to an understanding with his client, or he could leave at the end of the season.

“We have to be prudent,” Bertomeu said.

“There are almost no differences in our positions, we are very close, but it is not done yet.”

“We are still negotiating. We want Abidal to continue with us. We are very interested in that.”

Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta also spoke of a contract extension, with youngster Rafinha having renewed his contract until 2014.

“Both parties had been expecting this news,” the ex-goalkeeper said.

“This is a player who has a great future ahead of him.”

View the original article here

Neymar: Barca and Messi are great

Santos star Neymar said he is an avid fan of Barcelona and Lionel Messi.

The 19-year-old sensation is touted as one of the hottest prospects in South America, and his actions have caught the eye of clubs such as Barca and Real Madrid.

After helping Santos win the Copa Libertadores, Neymar has earned a potential match against Barca in the FIFA Club World Cup final in December, and the Brazil international hailed the Camp Nou side’s quality.

“Who does not admire Barcelona?” he asked in an interview with FIFA.com.

“They sowed the seeds a long time back and now they are reaping the reward.”

“They deserve all the praise they get for the joy they have given to the fans and to all the people who like to see good football, which includes me.”

Neymar, who is the only South America-based player to make the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, has frequently drawn comparisons with Messi, but he stressed he is not yet at the same level as the Argentine ace.

“I have always said that I still have a lot to learn,” Neymar said.

“Messi is a guy who has already made history and will achieve a lot more yet.”

“I am just starting out and I have a lot to do to get to his level.”

View the original article here

UEFA charges Real, Barca

UEFA has opened disciplinary cases against both Real Madrid and Barcelona following Wednesday’s fiery Champions League tie at the Bernabeu.

Barca triumphed 2-0 in the semi-final first leg, though a brace by Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was largely overshadowed by theatrics on and off the pitch.

Referee Wolfgang Stark had his hands full as both sides played up challenges, argued vigorously and niggled at each other through the match, culminating in a red card to Real defender Pepe for a challenge on Davi Alves.

Real boss Jose Mourinho vented his fury at the dismissal to the fourth official and was subsequently banished to the stands, and later unleashed a torrent of accusations at Barcelona, UEFA and the officials in his post-match press conference.

Unsurprisingly, Mourinho attracted the attention of UEFA, who have announced they will investigate the Portuguese manager’s comments in one of five disciplinary charges levelled against Real.

The Spanish club have also be charged in relation to Pepe and Mourinho’s dismissals, a pitch invasion following the final whistle and the throwing of missiles onto the pitch by Real supporters.

Barca face just one charge after substitute goalkeeper Jose Pinto was shown a red card for his part in a half-time brawl as both sides headed to the dressing rooms.

Both cases will be heard by UEFA’s disciplinary board next Friday.

Thu 28 April, 2011

UEFA charges Real, Barca

UEFA has opened disciplinary cases against both Real Madrid and Barcelona following Wednesday’s fiery Champions League tie at the Bernabeu.

Barca triumphed 2-0 in the semi-final first leg, though a brace by Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was largely overshadowed by theatrics on and off the pitch.

Referee Wolfgang Stark had his hands full as both sides played up challenges, argued vigorously and niggled at each other through the match, culminating in a red card to Real defender Pepe for a challenge on Davi Alves.

Real boss Jose Mourinho vented his fury at the dismissal to the fourth official and was subsequently banished to the stands, and later unleashed a torrent of accusations at Barcelona, UEFA and the officials in his post-match press conference.

Unsurprisingly, Mourinho attracted the attention of UEFA, who have announced they will investigate the Portuguese manager’s comments in one of five disciplinary charges levelled against Real.

The Spanish club have also be charged in relation to Pepe and Mourinho’s dismissals, a pitch invasion following the final whistle and the throwing of missiles onto the pitch by Real supporters.

Barca face just one charge after substitute goalkeeper Jose Pinto was shown a red card for his part in a half-time brawl as both sides headed to the dressing rooms.

Both cases will be heard by UEFA’s disciplinary board next Friday.

Thu 28 April, 2011

Champions League QF: Barca destroy Shakhtar

By Shourin Roy on April 7, 2011 6:21 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

5-1. With goals from Iniesta (who had a brilliant game), Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Seydou Keita, and Xavi Hernandez. Shakhtar avoided a donut when Rakitskiy pulled back a 6oth minute goal.

A mouth-watering semi-final clash between Barca and Real Madrid is now an inevitability adding to an intense series of clashes between the two Liga giants including El Clasico on the 16th April and the Copa Del Rey, four days later.

Categories: Champions League 2010-2011, Gossip/Trash Talk, Soccer Business, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer Culture, Soccer History, Soccer Players, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - Club, Soccer Videos Tags: Barcelona FC, Champions League 2010-11, Shakhtar Donetsk No TrackBacks

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La Liga wrap: Barca extend lead after Real slip

Barcelona beat Villarreal on Saturday to open up an eight-point lead in La Liga after Real Madrid lost 1-0 at home to Sporting Gijon.

A 79th-minute goal from Miguel de las Cuevas helped Sporting register an unlikely upset over second-placed Real at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Shorn of key men Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema, the hosts were reduced to a handful of half-chances from Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil and Argentina forward Angel Di Maria.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain nearly scored after coming off the bench in his first appearance following a four-month absence through injury.

But it was left to former Atletico Madrid man de las Cuevas to snatch a late winner for Sporting and deal a major blow to Real’s title ambitions.

It was Real coach Jose Mourinho’s first league defeat in charge of a home team for just over nine years and also the capital city club’s first home defeat of the season in any competiton.

Defending champions Barca duly took advantage, despite being made to work by Villarreal.

They eventually edged a tight encounter in the Estadio El Madrigal 1-0, courtesy of Gerard Pique’s 66th-minute strike.

With Lionel Messi starting on the bench under an injury cloud, the visitors struggled to breakdown Villarreal, who went close on several occasions through Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Xavi Hernandez had an effort tipped over the bar in one of Barca’s few clear-cut chances, before Messi was introduced on 52 minutes.

But it was Brazilian Dani Alves rather than Argentine superstar Messi who finally crafted the breakthrough.

Finding space on the right, Alves sent in a cross that glanced off the head of Sergio Busquets before finding its way to Pique.

The Spain international defender used his chest to cushion the ball down and then smacked a volley past Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez from close range.

The win puts Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in control of the title race and – with eight matches left in the season – on course for their third consecutive championship crown.

Elsewhere, four goals from striker Roberto Soldado helped Valencia come from a goal down to beat Getafe 4-2 away from home.

The win keeps Valencia third, a distant 16 points behind Real and 24 back from Barca.

Sun 3 April, 2011

La Liga wrap: Barca extend lead after Real slip

Barcelona beat Villarreal on Saturday to open up an eight-point lead in La Liga after Real Madrid lost 1-0 at home to Sporting Gijon.

A 79th-minute goal from Miguel de las Cuevas helped Sporting register an unlikely upset over second-placed Real at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Shorn of key men Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema, the hosts were reduced to a handful of half-chances from Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil and Argentina forward Angel Di Maria.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain nearly scored after coming off the bench in his first appearance following a four-month absence through injury.

But it was left to former Atletico Madrid man de las Cuevas to snatch a late winner for Sporting and deal a major blow to Real’s title ambitions.

It was Real coach Jose Mourinho’s first league defeat in charge of a home team for just over nine years and also the capital city club’s first home defeat of the season in any competiton.

Defending champions Barca duly took advantage, despite being made to work by Villarreal.

They eventually edged a tight encounter in the Estadio El Madrigal 1-0, courtesy of Gerard Pique’s 66th-minute strike.

With Lionel Messi starting on the bench under an injury cloud, the visitors struggled to breakdown Villarreal, who went close on several occasions through Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Xavi Hernandez had an effort tipped over the bar in one of Barca’s few clear-cut chances, before Messi was introduced on 52 minutes.

But it was Brazilian Dani Alves rather than Argentine superstar Messi who finally crafted the breakthrough.

Finding space on the right, Alves sent in a cross that glanced off the head of Sergio Busquets before finding its way to Pique.

The Spain international defender used his chest to cushion the ball down and then smacked a volley past Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez from close range.

The win puts Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in control of the title race and – with eight matches left in the season – on course for their third consecutive championship crown.

Elsewhere, four goals from striker Roberto Soldado helped Valencia come from a goal down to beat Getafe 4-2 away from home.

The win keeps Valencia third, a distant 16 points behind Real and 24 back from Barca.

Sun 3 April, 2011

Guardiola´s Barca future in doubt

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has admitted his time at the treble-winning club could be ‘coming to an end’.

Guardiola told Italian television station RAI he would not continue on at the club after his contract expires, meaning next season at the Nou Camp would be his last.

“I think my time here at Barcelona is coming to an end,” he said. “I’m happy here but when you are at a club like this for a long time it’s not possible to stay long-term.”

“Next year will be my fourth consecutive as Barca coach. A club like

this must have a lot of courage to keep a coach for all this time

because players tire of coaches and vice versa.”

In just over two-and-a-half seasons, the former Barcelona, Roma and Brescia player has won eight trophies as manager the Catalan club.

The 2008/09 campaign – his first at the Nou Camp – brought a record six titles.

Last season, he led Barca to a second-straight La Liga title with 99 points.

On Friday, Guardiola also responded to controversial comments made by the club’s president, Sandro Rosell.

Rosell declared Barca would beat Real 5-0 in the final of the Copa Del Rey on April 20 – the same score when the two met for a league encounter at the Nou Camp earlier this season.

“I wouldn’t have said it, but everyone is free to express their opinions,” he said.

“Everybody is free to express their opinion. I think that the meaning of it is a rallying cry, knowing that the bigger the result, the better people would feel. That seems to have been the intention.”

Guardiola also said he will leave it until the last minute to decide whether Lionel Messi will play this weekend.

The talismanic forward, whose loss would be a major blow ahead of the clash with third-placed Villarreal on Saturday, missed Argentina’s friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday as a precaution, though tests showed no muscle injury.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, too, has injury concerns to contend with as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo are all out of Real Madrid’s La Liga match with Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

Real will be without the trio for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Tottenham, although they will welcome back key striker Gonzalo Higuain after a five-month layoff following back surgery.

“It is a positive surprise,” Mourinho said.

“A lot of times you get negative surprises, about players who aren’t recovering as quickly as expected. It is nice to have positive news.”

Sat 2 April, 2011

Guardiola´s Barca future in doubt

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has admitted his time at the treble-winning club could be ‘coming to an end’.

Guardiola told Italian television station RAI he would not continue on at the club after his contract expires, meaning next season at the Nou Camp would be his last.

“I think my time here at Barcelona is coming to an end,” he said. “I’m happy here but when you are at a club like this for a long time it’s not possible to stay long-term.”

“Next year will be my fourth consecutive as Barca coach. A club like

this must have a lot of courage to keep a coach for all this time

because players tire of coaches and vice versa.”

In just over two-and-a-half seasons, the former Barcelona, Roma and Brescia player has won eight trophies as manager the Catalan club.

The 2008/09 campaign – his first at the Nou Camp – brought a record six titles.

Last season, he led Barca to a second-straight La Liga title with 99 points.

On Friday, Guardiola also responded to controversial comments made by the club’s president, Sandro Rosell.

Rosell declared Barca would beat Real 5-0 in the final of the Copa Del Rey on April 20 – the same score when the two met for a league encounter at the Nou Camp earlier this season.

“I wouldn’t have said it, but everyone is free to express their opinions,” he said.

“Everybody is free to express their opinion. I think that the meaning of it is a rallying cry, knowing that the bigger the result, the better people would feel. That seems to have been the intention.”

Guardiola also said he will leave it until the last minute to decide whether Lionel Messi will play this weekend.

The talismanic forward, whose loss would be a major blow ahead of the clash with third-placed Villarreal on Saturday, missed Argentina’s friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday as a precaution, though tests showed no muscle injury.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, too, has injury concerns to contend with as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo are all out of Real Madrid’s La Liga match with Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

Real will be without the trio for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Tottenham, although they will welcome back key striker Gonzalo Higuain after a five-month layoff following back surgery.

“It is a positive surprise,” Mourinho said.

“A lot of times you get negative surprises, about players who aren’t recovering as quickly as expected. It is nice to have positive news.”

Sat 2 April, 2011

Pinto delight at Barca extension

Veteran Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto says he is delighted to have signed a one-year contract extension with the Catalan giants.

The 35-year-old, who deputises for Barca number one Victor Valdes, inked a new deal with the Spanish champions on Wednesday, a contract that should see him remain at the Nou Camp until the end of next season.

Pinto arrived at Barcelona in January 2008, and after a five-month loan spell from his parent club Celta Vigo – where he spent a decade – he was offered a permanent deal in May 2008.

“I’m very happy because this is where I wanted to be,

Lokomotiv, Barca continue to impress

Lokomotiv Moscow continued their dominance of Group A in the Beach Soccer Club World Cup with a 5-4 win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

An early header from Egor Shaykov and a brace to Brazilian Daniel Lima put Lokomotiv ahead 3-0 and in sight of a big victory, but a penalty to Boguslaw Saganowski sparked a revival for Sporting.A superb effort from Alan tied the scores at 4-4, but Shaykov returned to win the game off his own boot with a brilliant individual goal.The Russian side stay top of Group A with eight points, while Sporting remain anchored to the bottom of the table without a single point.Barcelona continued to impress in Group B with a 6-3 thumping of AC Milan.The Catalan side took the lead when Fred converted in audacious fashion, and they continued to give the Italians problems in the early stages.When Dimitri Shishin finished off a direct move with a neat goal Barca were up 4-0, before Stephan Meier netted a first-time volley to temporarily put Milan back in the contest.Shishin finished with four goals for the match as Barca kept in the lead in Group B with eight points.

Wed 23 March, 2011

Alves pens Barca extension

Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves has signed a contract extension with the Catalan club, extending his stay at the Camp Nou until 2015.

Alves, 27, debuted for Barcelona in 2008 after six seasons at La Liga rivals Sevilla, and has won the Champions League and two league titles in his time under manager Pep Guardiola.The Brazil international has scored ten goals in 89 appearances in the Spanish top flight, including a wonder strike in their league match against Getafe on the weekend.Alves is expected to feature in Barca’s Champions League quarter-final with Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnight, having missed just one of their eight clashes in the illustrious competition this season.The contract extension ends speculation about the defender’s move to cashed-up Manchester City in the English Premier League.

Wed 23 March, 2011

No rest for Barca

Barcelona players not involved in this weekend’s international games have been training under the watchful eye of head coach Pep Guardiola.

Barcelona’s players have been training this week despite many of the first-team squad being away on international duty.Guardiola will be assessing the strength in depth of his squad as they challenge for honours both domestically and in Europe.Barca have seen their lead in La Liga cut to just five points by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, while they also face a challenging Champions League quarter-final tie against Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.One of the players involved in training was attacker Bojan Krkic, who has been linked with a move to Italian side Napoli.The 20-year-old – who has been capped by Spain – has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular at the Camp Nou so far this season, and reports suggest he could be keen on a move to get more playing time.

Tue 22 March, 2011

No rest for Barca

Barcelona players not involved in this weekend’s international games have been training under the watchful eye of head coach Pep Guardiola.

Barcelona’s players have been training this week despite many of the first-team squad being away on international duty.Guardiola will be assessing the strength in depth of his squad as they challenge for honours both domestically and in Europe.Barca have seen their lead in La Liga cut to just five points by Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, while they also face a challenging Champions League quarter-final tie against Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.One of the players involved in training was attacker Bojan Krkic, who has been linked with a move to Italian side Napoli.The 20-year-old – who has been capped by Spain – has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular at the Camp Nou so far this season, and reports suggest he could be keen on a move to get more playing time.

Tue 22 March, 2011

Real wary of Spurs, keen for Barca test

Real Madrid club secretary Miguel Pardeza is well aware of the threat Tottenham could pose to his side in the Champions League quarter-finals.

In the quarter-final and semi-final draw for Europe’s most prestigious club football competition on Friday, Real were paired with a side who is making their first ever appearance in the Champions League.

But Tottenham will be no pushovers and outlined their quality with a victory over two legs against Serie A table-toppers AC Milan, meaning the Madrid giants cannot take their opponents lightly.

“It’s a team who has eliminated Milan, so it’s a difficult rival,” Pardeza said.

“They are in the top places of the Premier League and I think it’s a very well managed team. In the last few years they have signed up some very good players.”

“They have good full-backs, such as (Vedran) Corluka and (Gareth) Bale, who is in outstanding shape this season, and an old Real Madrid player that we know well like (Rafael) Van der Vaart.”

Pardeza also mentioned that he would have preferred his side to play away first in order to finish the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If Real progress and bitter La Liga rivals Barcelona defeat Shakhtar Donetsk, the pair will meet in the semi-final, making for four meetings in 15 days between the two sides.

With the Copa Del Rey final and a La Liga fixture already scheduled, a two-legged clash would heap pressure on the Real players, according to Pardeza, but would also be special.

“That would be a moment for history, don’t you think?” he said.

“(If) Real Madrid and Barcelona have to play each other four times … we can’t forget that we’ll face them in La Liga and in the Copa del Rey final match in such a tight schedule.”

“It will take a huge effort for the players to be ready for this challenge because it will be really difficult to play so many times against such an important rival as Barcelona is.”

“If only the two La Liga matches move so many passions and demand such a big effort, you can imagine … four and practically in a row will be historic, won’t it?”

Sat 19 March, 2011

Real wary of Spurs, keen for Barca test

Real Madrid club secretary Miguel Pardeza is well aware of the threat Tottenham could pose to his side in the Champions League quarter-finals.

In the quarter-final and semi-final draw for Europe’s most prestigious club football competition on Friday, Real were paired with a side who is making their first ever appearance in the Champions League.

But Tottenham will be no pushovers and outlined their quality with a victory over two legs against Serie A table-toppers AC Milan, meaning the Madrid giants cannot take their opponents lightly.

“It’s a team who has eliminated Milan, so it’s a difficult rival,” Pardeza said.

“They are in the top places of the Premier League and I think it’s a very well managed team. In the last few years they have signed up some very good players.”

“They have good full-backs, such as (Vedran) Corluka and (Gareth) Bale, who is in outstanding shape this season, and an old Real Madrid player that we know well like (Rafael) Van der Vaart.”

Pardeza also mentioned that he would have preferred his side to play away first in order to finish the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If Real progress and bitter La Liga rivals Barcelona defeat Shakhtar Donetsk, the pair will meet in the semi-final, making for four meetings in 15 days between the two sides.

With the Copa Del Rey final and a La Liga fixture already scheduled, a two-legged clash would heap pressure on the Real players, according to Pardeza, but would also be special.

“That would be a moment for history, don’t you think?” he said.

“(If) Real Madrid and Barcelona have to play each other four times … we can’t forget that we’ll face them in La Liga and in the Copa del Rey final match in such a tight schedule.”

“It will take a huge effort for the players to be ready for this challenge because it will be really difficult to play so many times against such an important rival as Barcelona is.”

“If only the two La Liga matches move so many passions and demand such a big effort, you can imagine … four and practically in a row will be historic, won’t it?”

Sat 19 March, 2011

Danil Alves: It would cost Barca dearly to replace me

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves reveals that he wants to feel valued at Camp Nou before he signs a new deal.

The Brazilian is not entirely satisfied with the club’s efforts regarding his contract extension.

“I don’t feel the club have bent over backwards to renew my contract – it’s a feeling I have,” Alves told Sport.

“I just want an agreement to be reached now, or within a few days. I don’t like the fact there have been so many rumours – I’m as committed to this project as anyone in the squad.

“I won’t be a hypocrite – if the club want to replace me it could cost them dear. What Dani wants is for the club to value him depending on his importance and influence within the squad. If they do that, I’ll be delighted and if not, thanks for these years.”

Nevertheless, Alves says he is fully committed to team’s cause.

“I will break my back for this team, even if I don’t renew,” he said. “It’s a dream to form part of this dressing room and whatever is said, written or protested, my name is already written in the history of this club.”

Sun 13 March, 2011

Danil Alves: It would cost Barca dearly to replace me

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves reveals that he wants to feel valued at Camp Nou before he signs a new deal.

The Brazilian is not entirely satisfied with the club’s efforts regarding his contract extension.

“I don’t feel the club have bent over backwards to renew my contract – it’s a feeling I have,” Alves told Sport.

“I just want an agreement to be reached now, or within a few days. I don’t like the fact there have been so many rumours – I’m as committed to this project as anyone in the squad.

“I won’t be a hypocrite – if the club want to replace me it could cost them dear. What Dani wants is for the club to value him depending on his importance and influence within the squad. If they do that, I’ll be delighted and if not, thanks for these years.”

Nevertheless, Alves says he is fully committed to team’s cause.

“I will break my back for this team, even if I don’t renew,” he said. “It’s a dream to form part of this dressing room and whatever is said, written or protested, my name is already written in the history of this club.”

Sun 13 March, 2011

Champions League: Van Persie and Fabregas included for Barca

By Shourin Roy on March 7, 2011 8:51 PM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Barca's two centre back stalwarts Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique out of the line up is heartening news.

More welcome will be the presence of Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas, and Jack Wilshere in the 18 man squad to make the trip to Camp Nou.

RVP had made very rapid progress in the last three days according to Wenger. And Fabregas's hamstring is now at 90% fitness. So they are not in fact, fully fit which means Wenger is taking a known gamble but to press a 2-1 advantage against the best team in the world leaves him with little choice.

Some would raise eyebrows at Pep Guardiola's statement that Wilshere would be a good reserve player at Barca. But it is hardly a put down given the quality right now in their first squad. Even Fabregas would find a tough go. But that overlooks the fact Wilshere is being groomed before his time because Denilson has proven so abysmal. It also benefits Fabio Capello as quality English midfielders are all too rare.

Alex Song is to miss the trip and his place will be taken by Abou Diaby with his known liabilities who will have to step up bolster defensive duties. Song has transformed into a genuine hardman and his crab like legs can tangle up many attacking players whereas Diaby is far more lightweight. He has to get down and dirty. A few hard tackles to disrupt Xavi and Iniesta.

Categories: Champions League 2010-2011, Gossip/Trash Talk, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer Culture, Soccer History, Soccer Players, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - Club Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, Champions League 2010-11, Gerard Pique, Jack Wilshere No TrackBacks

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ABOUT SOCCERBLOG.com SoccerBlog.com is a fan-driven site founded by Christian and Shourin. Our goal is to cover the beautiful game and talk about some of the issues that may not be covered elsewhere. Since we aren't any good at playing, we decided to talk about soccer instead!

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Fabregas ´90 percent´ likely for Barca trip

Arsene Wenger has all but confirmed Cesc Fabregas’ place in the squad for Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday.

The former Catalan youth player limped off with a hamstring injury in his side’s 1-0 victory over Stoke in the English Premier League in February and has missed three matches with the complaint, but the French boss said Fabregas is almost certain to be part of the Arsenal squad for the second-leg, round-of-16 match at the Nou Camp.

“Fabregas will have a final test today (Monday) and I am 90 percent he will travel and be fit,” Wenger said of his captain.

“It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between defending to attacking because he gets us out of pressure and can give a final ball as well.”

“He is one of the leaders of the team – the leader of the team – so it is important to have him in a big game like that.”

Wenger conceded Pep Guardiola’s side would attempt to manipulate possession to try and overcome Arsenal’s 2-1 first-leg lead, but he believes his side is equipped for the job as they bid to reach the competition’s quarter-finals.

“Yes we have to (defend) because it is one of the few games where we spend 60 percent of time defending,” he said.

“It is very important but we have to fight against the preconceived ideas as well because the only one way of thinking is that Arsenal cannot defend.”

“But I would just remind you that in the last 11 games we have seven clean sheets in the Premier League and conceded less goals than Man United, for example, which is a very good defence.”

Mon 7 March, 2011