FC Barcelona News: 12 October 2012; Carles Puyol Has Cast Removed, Four Barça Players Start for Spain U-21

Andres Iniesta, Pepe, Barcelona, Real Madrid in Spain headlines - Sid Lowe - SI.com
Everyone was happy. On the face of it, at least. Both sets of players and both sets of fans were satisfied. It had been some game -- "memorable!" as one front page put it, "a match to make you proud." No controversy or sense of injustice, just two very, very good teams and two astonishing, epoch-defining players. Even the politics were momentarily forgotten, overtaken by the brilliance of the football.

62 years since Kubala’s debut | FC Barcelona
When he arrived in Spain, the Technical Secretary for FC Barcelona, Josep Samitier, was thoroughly impressed with Kubala, a player that had it all: extraordinary physical strength, technically talented, excellent vision of the game and a tremendous ability to score goals. ‘Sami’ didn’t rest until he convinced Kubala to sign for FC Barcelona. That was on July 15 in 1950.

"Vilanova's record is extraordinary" | FC Barcelona
"His record is excellent. He’s demonstrated that he’s a completely valid manager," says journalist Bernat Soler. The footballer-turned-manager Pichi Alonso agrees: "His record is extraordinary. The bar was set very high." Ex-footballer Gerard López comments that "my evaluation of him is very positive. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with his press conferences."

Cast off for Puyol | FC Barcelona
Carles Puyol exchanged a plaster cast for an articulated splint today and will now have greater mobility in his arm. He’ll use the splint for the next few weeks. Puyol dislocated his left elbow during the match against Benfica 9 days ago while jumping to defend a corner kick in the second half. He’ll be out of action for 8 weeks.

Alex Song nominated for African Footballer of the Year 2012 | FC Barcelona
The Barça player is on a shortlist of 34 players nominated by the Confederation of African Football for this award. Last year it was won by the former Barça midfielder Touré Yaya. The list of candidates will be reduced at the end of October and the winner will be announced at a ceremony on 20th December in Ghana.

Adriano, a player for many positions | FC Barcelona
Adriano’s versatility was one of the reasons that led to him coming to the Club in the summer of 2010, Sandro Rosell’s first signing as Club president. He’s comfortable with both feet and it was already known that he was able play at left back, left midfield and left wing as well as at right back. He was used on a number of occasions at right back by Josep Guardiola.

Final training session of the week | FC Barcelona
The first team had their final training session of the week on Thursday, a week marked by the absence of so many players on international duty. The Barça coaches have only been able to work with José Manuel Pinto, Andreu Fontàs and Jonathan dos Santos in the three sessions carried out this week. They are the only three players from the first team not called away by their national teams.

Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz banned for 'technical error' made during Sevilla-Barcelona game - Goal.com
"On the other side, the rival player has clearly exaggerated the effect of the struggle, feigning to have received a violent headbutt. Yet, Gary Medel was sent off as if he were guilty of a violent act. Consequently, a clear technical error is apparent as the facts of the case do not warrant the punishment given."

Real Mallorca : Real Mallorca want Jonathan dos Santos
According to reports in Spain, Real Mallorca are looking at the possibility of signing defensive midfielder Jonathan dos Santos on loan from Catalan giants FC Barcelona. Jonathan dos Santos is the younger brother of new signing Giovani dos Santos, an attacking midfielder signed from Tottenham Hotspur on transfer deadline day.

Four-goal Rodrigo in La Rojita stroll | Football Espana
Rodrigo was on the mark four times to put Spain Under-21’s within touching distance of a European Championship finals place next year. Julen Lopetegui’s men thrashed Denmark 5-0 in their first-leg play-off in Burgos to turn Tuesday’s second leg in Aalborg into what should be a formality.

Spain to use midfielder in defence - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The other option is to use midfielders Sergio Busquets or Javi Martinez who both have experience in central defence, particularly Martinez who mostly played there last season at Athletic Bilbao before reverting to midfield for his new club Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho questions Iker Casillas' post-match antics against Barcelona | Sky Sports
The Real Madrid keeper took the time to speak with almost all of the Barcelona side at the end of Sunday's El Clasico clash at Camp Nou. Mourinho believes Casillas should not be fraternising with supposed arch-enemies so publicly and would rather he headed straight for the dressing room at the final whistle. "I was aware of what Casillas did and next time he can stay with them," said the Real boss.