FC Barcelona News: 14 July 2012; Preseason Set To Begin on Monday, Opponent in Morocco Friendly Announced

First team to start preseason on Monday | FC Barcelona
The first team will be back at work from Monday July 16, when they will take medical tests. Due back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper that day are fourteen players: Dani Alves, Villa, Alexis, Messi, Thiago, Pinto, Mascherano, Afellay, Adriano, Cuenca, Fontàs, Bartra, Dos Santos and Muniesa. Carles Puyol, after several weeks of recovery, will be back a week later on the 23rd.

Game in Tangiers to be against Raja Club Athletic | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s friendly in Tangiers on July 28 will be against Raja Club Athletic and not a selection of Moroccan players. For reasons beyond the control of FC Barcelona, an agreement has been made to change the opponent, although the time, date and venue remain unaltered. So, the game will take place at the Grand Stade, Tangiers, on July 28 at 22.00 local time.

14,350 kilometres of preseason | FC Barcelona
On Monday July 16, the FC Barcelona first team will start warming up their engines for the 2012/13 season. Tito Vilanova’s squad will train for eight days and then take on a series of five friendly matches in Europe and North Africa. Once it is all over, they will have travelled no less than 14,350 kilometres.

Albert Benaiges: "Tito Vilanova was the right choice" | FC Barcelona
He joined FCB in 1991, where he coached at a variety of levels, coinciding at different times with the likes of Xavi, Messi and Iniesta. His roles included those of youth football coordinator and head of FCB Escola before he decided to head for Dubai last year in search of new challenges.

Sandro Rosell: Everyone knows that the last La Liga was very strange - Goal.com
Throughout the season, several Blaugrana figures spoke of their dismay with the state of refereeing in La Liga, and Rosell has now admitted that he was not satisfied with the way the tournament unfolded. "We all know that the last edition of La Liga was very strange," he told ARA.

Adriano has Barca future, Juve interested - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
A meeting with new Barca head coach Tito Vilanova has given the 27-year-old assurances that he has a future at the Camp Nou. However agent Paulo Affonso revealed that a move to Serie A champions Juventus was still an option.

Eusebio expects Tello to make step up at Barcelona next season - Goal.com
"I understand Tello will be part of the first team but I would be happy to have him with us [the B team]," said Eusebio. Eusebio also spoke about the summer signing of Joan Angel Roman from Manchester City, commenting: "He is a wide player that can tip the balance, he adds a lot of depth, and can adapt to any of the positions in attack."

Cruyff recommends signing of Barcelona's Muniesa to Ajax - report - Goal.com
Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff advised Ajax to complete the signing of Spain Under-21 international Marc Muniesa, according to AS. The Eredivisie champions are in the market for a new defender after selling club captain Jan Vertonghen to Tottenham earlier in the week.

Spain must improve before Olympics, says Milla after Senegal defeat - Goal.com
Spain Under-23 boss Luis Milla has admitted his side need to improve before the Olympics after they were defeated 2-0 by Senegal in a friendly on Friday. The world champions have selected a strong squad for the London Games, and have been tipped as one of the favourites for gold medal in the competition.

Official: Alberto Rodriguez joins Deportivo on loan from Sporting Lisbon - Goal.com
Deportivo La Coruna have completed the loan signing of Peruvian centre-back Alberto Rodriguez from Sporting Lisbon. The 28-year-old featured in just seven league games for the Portuguese side in 2011-12, after arriving from Sporting Braga, but has now moved to the Riazor in search of playing time.