14 players in first team training | FC Barcelona
After being given permission to miss Wednesday's training session, Adriano was back under Tata Martino's orders this morning as Barça's denuded first team squad worked out at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Alongside the 8 available first team players -Pinto, Oier, Puyol, Montoya, Adriano, Xavi, Cuenca and Tello 4 Barça B youngsters - Patric, Masip, Denis Suárez and Ilie, and 2 Youth A players Adama and Sanabria also took part.
Leo Messi on his first team debut "it was a childhood dream come true" | FC Barcelona
The Barça TV programme Porta 104 has produced a special report called ‘El dia que va debutar el 10’, which features Messi’s own memories of the game: " 16th November 2003 is a very important date for me, because that’s when I was able to make my childhood dream come true – It was a very happy day for me. I’d fought hard to make that moment happen and it was really special".
Bartra: "The most important thing is to be consistent and work hard" | FC Barcelona
Marc Bartra was one of the players selected to speak during the Spanish national team’s press conference this afternoon, and the Barça player didn't hesitate to talk about his first call-up to Vicente del Bosque’s team: "It was a nice surprise. It’s a dream for me and I’m very grateful to Del Bosque for his confidence. The most important thing now is to be consistent and work hard."
Piqué: "Winning and playing well is the most important thing here" | FC Barcelona
In an interview with the Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo today, Gerard Piqué talks about the team’s defensive solidity, the changes under Tata Martino why he makes Leo Messi the favourite for the Ballon D’Or again.
Barca close with Bartra, not Montoya | Football Espana
Barcelona are seen as continuing contract renegotiations with Marc Bartra, but that talks with Martin Montoya have yet to officially begin. Both youngsters are into the final year of their current deals with the Catalans and in January could be free to negotiate a summer Bosman switch to interested parties.
Villa: There was no Messi issue - Yahoo Eurosport UK
"I have always gotten along well with all the teammates that I have had," Villa has once more countered, this week on Al Primer Toque. "I am sure there are pictures of me on other teams arguing about something with a teammate. These are images that I do not like but are part of football. "It is too bad for his injury and for a footballer it is the worst thing, having to fight against an injury."
‘Varane has an inflamed knee’ | Football Espana
France Coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is once more suffering with an inflamed knee. The 20-year-old returned from surgery on the joint last month and is now a doubt for Les Bleus’ first leg World Cup qualification play-off with Ukraine tonight suffering with discomfort.
Bale says his best is yet to come and lauds Real Madrid star Ronaldo | Sky Sports
"The best is yet to come," he told Real Madrid TV. "I've just finished my pre-season and I can still give more. "Now I'll be able to score more goals and help the team achieve success. "It was just a matter of time until I got to 100 per cent. Now everyone is seeing what I can do.
Atletico director facing money laundering charge - ESPN FC
Spanish prosecutors have asked for Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero to be given a four-year jail sentence and fined four million euros for involvement in laundering drug money.
Another sprain for Baptistao | Football Espana
Leo Baptistao has suffered another injury early into his Atletico Madrid career, retiring early from a midweek friendly. Those not involved in internationals this break were lined up in a friendly test away to Segunda Division outfit Cordoba. Baptistao, who has not featured for Los Colchoneros since early October’s win at Porto in the Champions League, began the game but was pulled off at the half-hour mark injured.
Villarreal coach Marcelino signs new contract | Sky Sports
Villarreal coach Marcelino has penned a new two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. The 48-year-old has been rewarded for the positive impact he has had since taking over at El Madrigal in January. He helped secure promotion to the Primera Division and they currently sit fourth in the top flight after 13 games.