:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2800629/GYI0064850347.jpg)
Crunch international fixtures | FC Barcelona
Some of the international matches this week will have a huge bearing on whether the respective Barça players will be going to major tournaments or not. Fifteen players are contesting slots at the 2014 World Cup (as Brazil is the host nation, Alves and Adriano are already guaranteed places) and the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
Second training session with reserves | FC Barcelona
The penultimate Barça training session of the week was held at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Like on Wednesday, the five players that are not off on international duty (Puyol, Pinto, Dos Santos, Fontàs and Thiago) worked out with the reserve team. Carles Puyol wore a protective mask during the parts of the session that involved physical contact.
Fabregas happy at Barca | Sky Sports
The 25-year-old now claims reports have exaggerated the problem and he still intends to see out is career at Barca. "This whole situation is exaggerated," he told Catalunya Radio. "I am happy. I am at the club I wanted to be at for many years. Currently I am very calm. I'm doing my job and working as anyone else to make life difficult for my coach (to leave me out). I want to retire at the Camp Nou."
Carles Planas, the left back that can play in the center of the defence | FC Barcelona
Planas shares his position with another budding Barça B star, Alex Grimaldo. Grimaldo, 16, was promoted to Barça B at the beginning of the summer. The two left backs, both of whom are tactically gifted and talented on the ball, are an ideal fit for the style of play employed by FC Barcelona.
Barça’s Champions League rivals make important squad changes in summer transfer window | FC Barcelona
The teams that will face Barça in this year’s Champions League group stage jumped on the chance to make important changes to their respective squads in the final hours of this summer’s transfer window. Since the day of the Champions League draw, Benfica sold two of its most important players, while Spartak and Celtic have signed players that are well accustomed with the Spanish league.
La Rojita seal play-off place | Football Espana
Spain Under-21s are through to the play-offs for next summer’s European Championship after a goalless draw in Switzerland on Wednesday. The result in Julen Lopetegui's first match as Coach ended the La Rojita’s perfect record in qualifying group 5, but the reigning continental champions march on in their bid to reach the finals in Israel next June.
Jose quiet on Ronaldo | Sky Sports
"Excuse me, but this interview is quite interesting," he stated when pushed with a second question about Ronaldo. "I am here to talk about everything and I have responded with in-depth answers and with sincerity. But do not ask me about Cristiano. you should understand me. I ask that you do not insist on an answer."
Mourinho backing FFP | Sky Sports
The Portuguese told AS: "Madrid, Barca and Bayern are all clubs that have a unique history. "You can't buy that with money. The titles, the European Cups, the history, the fanbase, you can't achieve these things just by spending money. "And all the best players want to be at these clubs, at these three clubs and a few others that have hundreds of trophies between them.
Lassad denies Levante agreement - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The Spanish side claimed the Tunisia striker reneged on a deal to join them and insist they have documentation to back up their claim, which they say has left them considering legal action. Lassad was introduced to the media at Celtic Park on Thursday lunchtime after signing his two-year deal at the weekend.