As we approach the halfway point in this season’s league programme, the question has been put to me as to whether Barça can turn things around this season. My first reaction to this question is to ask myself: are things really that bad at the moment? Keep reading →

Before tonight’s game there had been an exchange of declarations between Samuel Eto’o and Frank Rijkaard. Eto’o claimed that Barça just had to win, it didn’t matter how; Rijkaard replied, reminding Eto’o of Barça’s style, by saying that you don’t lose when you play well. Barça’s performance tonight gave the impression that the team had been listening to Eto’o more than to Rijkaard. Keep reading →

Frank Rijkaard has surprised everyone by leaving Thierry Heny and Deco on the bench for tonight’s game in Mallorca. The starting XI is as follows: Valdés, Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Gudjohnsen; Giovani, Eto’o, Iniesta. Right, I’m off now to get my place in the bar.

Just a quick one to let you know the LFP have announced next weekend’s game with Murcia will take place on Saturday, kick off time 8pm local time. I’m sure some of you have lives to arrange when you’re not watching football. I’ve tried to find confirmation of the times for the cup games with Sevilla but couldn’t find anything yet. Oh well, just have to keep Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday free, just in case.

Frank Rijkaard has named an 18 man squad for tomorrow evening’s match at Mallorca (kick off 8pm local time). For the first time in this season’s league Edmilson and Oier Olazabal are on the list, there is also a place for Thierry Henry and Gianluca Zambrotta who are both fully fit again. Keep reading →

In a press conference this lunchtime, Frank Rijkaard has confirmed that Samuel Eto’o will delay his departure for the African Nations Cup preparations for another week. Eto’o was due to join up with the Cameroon National Team on Monday but Barça have negotiated with Cameroon and he will now be available not only for tomorrow’s match in Mallorca, but also for Wednesday’s cup game at Sevilla and the league game the following weekend at home to Murcia. Keep reading →

In today’s draw for the Copa del Rey Barça have been paired with Sevilla in the last 16, and the winner of the tie will face Villarreal or Recreativo in the quarter-finals. The first leg of the tie with Sevilla will be played in the Sanchez Pizjuan on January 9th with the return game at Camp Nou the following week. If Barça get through to the quarter final they will play the first leg away from home on January 23rd and the second leg at Camp Nou on January 30th. Dates and kick off times will be confirmed when the TV companies decide which games they want to show. The full draw is as follows: Keep reading →

This story is not about Barça but it is a really good cause.

Diego Gutierrez plays for Chicago Fire (MLS) and is the spokesman for a very interesting cause called Nothing But Nets . This charity was formed to help alleviate the spread and suffering of malaria on the African continent. He helped to raise over US $400,000 to provide insect nets that cover beds. This simple yet effective remedy has saved many lives. For the small sum of $10 per net, millions of people will benefit from this important project.

Please check out the interview: http://soccerlens.com/diego-gutierrez-chicago-fire-interview/4871/

First team doctor Ricard Pruna has confirmed that Ronaldinho will not be fit in time to make the trip to Mallorca for Saturday’s game. The Brazilian who is suffering from an inflamed tendon in the left knee will continue his particular recuperation plan in the hope of being fit next week. Keep reading →

Two goals in the last 25 minutes gave Alcoyano a deserved 2-2 draw tonight in the second leg of the Copa del Rey tie. Santi Ezquerro had started the night well for Barça scoring twice in the first ten minutes. Barça progress to the last sixteen of the competition thanks to their 0-3 win in the first leg. Keep reading →