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Barça face three massive matches in just 9 days | FC Barcelona
The Barça first team is currently focused on their forthcoming game at the Sánchez Pizjuán. But the Sevilla fixture is just the first of three massively important dates for Tito Vilanova and the team in little more than a week. The second is in the Champions League group stage against Benfica on Tuesday October 2, and after that comes the clásico at the Camp Nou on the 7th.
Vilanova gets nine out of 10 so far, says Barcelona vice-president Bartomeu - Goal.com
Josep Maria Bartomeu has made it clear that Barcelona are very pleased with new head coach Tito Vilanova's work at the club."Tito, for now, I'd give a nine out of 10. He clearly knows what he wants and makes good decisions; we like that a lot," Bartomeu told La Graderia.
Sandro Rosell: "We’d like Xavi and Puyol to hang up their boots at Barça" | FC Barcelona
Sandro Rosell would be more than happy for both Xavi Hernández and Carles Puyol, who he considers "two historic stars that will be difficult to match", to see out their professional careers wearing the FC Barcelona colours. "We would love both of them to hang up their boots at the club and never play professionally for any other team" he said.
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets sees room for improvement - ESPNFC
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets says he is delighted with his side's 100% start to the La Liga and Champions League campaigns, but believes they need to play better, score quicker and be more solid in defence with the first La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid looming.
Xavi deserves the Ballon d'Or, says Keita - Goal.com
"Xavi really is an incredible player who has been playing on a very high level for years now," Keita was quoted as saying by La Xarxa. "With all the titles he has won, he deserves a Ballon d'Or in my opinion. However, it wouldn't change anything about his career if he doesn't win it this year.
Alexis Sánchez: "The best Alexis hasn’t arrived yet" | FC Barcelona
A year after joining FC Barcelona, the team’s number 9 recognised that he’s yet to hit his best form. When asked to rate his performance as an Azulgrana, he didn’t hesitate to give himself a five out of 10 while adding, "the best Alexis hasn’t arrived yet." The Chilean went on to say that "I can give a lot more of myself and I know how good of a player I am."
Deportivo – FC Barcelona, Saturday October 20 at 22.00 | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will face Deportivo de la Coruña at Riazor on Saturday, October 20, at 22.00 for week 8 of the Liga. The men managed by Tito Vilanova will once against visit Depor’s emblematic stadium after the Galicia-based side spent last season in Second Division.
Fresh Neymar talk denied | Sky Sports
When asked about having kept contacts with both Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ribeiro said: "That means nothing, there is nothing denied yet and we will fight to keep Neymar. "People have to convince themselves that Neymar will stay and that will happen for an obvious reason: if he stays until the end of his contract, any money involved in an eventual negotiation will be Neymar's. If Santos sell him before that, Santos will get that money.
Barca a catalyst for Catalonia’s independent streak | Pitchside Europe - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Barca have always existed with a dual philosophy of Catalanism and an acceptance of outsiders, from the wonderful world-class players they have signed to fans in different countries. But Catalan identity is now at the fore and as former coach Bobby Robson put it: "Catalonia is a country and FC Barcelona is their army."
Real Madrid stunned by death of youth player - Goal.com
Real Madrid are mourning the death of youth player Benjamin Alonso Ezquerra, who has died after being struck by a vehicle on Monday. According to AS, Ezquerra, who signed for Madrid's youth setup on June 11, was hit while crossing a busy street in an attempt to catch a loose ball.
Forgotten man Kaka scores hat-trick for Real - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"He (Kaka) played very well, as has the whole team," Mourinho told a news conference. "Kaka and the other players have done enough to bring their names to the coach's attention." Kaka started in a weakened side and bagged three goals, one from the penalty spot, as Real swept to victory.
Madrid clubs could face extra tax | Football Espana
According to AS, deputy mayor Angel Villanueva has called for a change to local tax laws so that the three clubs within the municipal boundary - Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano - are charged extra for such things as security and cleaning on match days. "The aim of the tax is for the city to see an economic return on the services it provides to private business," he explained.
Unbeaten Atletico lurk as early-season contenders - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Atletico have yet to test their title credentials against Real or Barca, although their 4-1 destruction of Champions League winners Chelsea in last month's European Super Cup, when Falcao netted a hat-trick, suggests they may have what it takes to succeed on the big occasion.
Atletico Madrid have not received a bid from Chelsea for Radamel Falcao | Sky Sports
Reports have suggested that the Blues are now plotting a £45million swoop for the 26-year-old and that preliminary discussions have already taken place about a January move. However, Sky Sports understands that Atletico have not received a formal bid from Chelsea.