El Classico Is Here!!! 10 Things to Expect!

Hi football fans,

The biggest day in club football is HERE!

Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Barcelona put Real Madrid to shame last season having beaten them 2 - 0 at the Nou Camp and thrashing them 6 - 2 at home in the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid seem pretty confident with their new reinforcements Kaka, Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso. However they must be cautious as Barcelona is still Barcelona, and is already a well oiled machine, as many of the key players Xavi, Iniesta and Messi, have been playing together for sometime.

A win for Barcelona will see them reclaim the league standings by two point, while a win for Real Madrid will see them move four points ahead of Barcelona. Gear yourself up for some big-time drama.

I don't like to predict the outcome of matches, as one could never really do such a thing, but I can tell you some things you shouldn't be surprised to see.

1. Barcelona dominating the game from start to finish.

2. Ronaldo complaining for the entire 90 minutes.

3. Madrid making countless defensive mistakes.

4. Madrid players looking dejected when Barcelona scores.

5. Victor Valdez making a ridiculously impossible blunder.

6. Zlatan gets a dozen chances to score but misses them all.

7. Pep Guardiola dramatizing his game plan to his players.

8. Gonzalo Higuain tying the match in extra time.

9. Juan Laporta smiling while sitting next to a dejected Florentino Perez.

10. Manuel Pelligrini losses his job.

BARCA the best! Man U sorrow!

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I updated my blog and had anything to say on the happenings in the world of the beautiful game.

Yesterday was historic moment in the history of "the Blaugrana", as FC Barcelona defeated Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to emphatically become the first Spanish side to ever win the treble, having won the La Liga and the Copa del Rey earlier in the season and the Champions League a day ago.

I'm sure all Barca fans were thoroughly pleased with the team's performance as they dominated last year's previous winners Manchester United, who were tactically outplayed. They simply had no answer to Barcelona's midfield magicians, Iniesta and Xavi.The latter of whom was crowned man of the match. This game was definitely won in the midfield.

As a Barca supporter I embraced their philosophy as a fan and remained humble before the match yet confident in my team's ability to do damage to arrogant Manchester United and their fans. Before the game I heard a lot of boasting but after the result shear silence and disbelief from the Manchester faithful, it just goes to show that he who laughs best, laughs last!

Messi and Eto'o showed their class and all in all it was a pretty comfortable victory for the Catalans. I am a proud Barca supporter and I have to say yet again, FORCA BARCA!!!!! Champions of Spain and Europe 08-09.

Barca Targets Three, Robinho Makes Intentions Clear

With the transfer season winding down Barca are set to complete Pep Guardiola's squad with one last signing. A left-sided striker as a direct replacement for Ronaldinho.

The three names shortlisted are Robin Van Persie of Arsenal, Andrei Arshavin of Zenit St. Petersburg and Rodrigo Palacio of Boca Juniors.

Of the three Palacio's name has been mentioned quite often in the last couple of seasons even before Ronaldinho left the club. In the case of Arshavin, Tottenham Hotspur has left the race to sign him, as a deal collapsed due to Zenit's high price tag. Barca could now swoop for the talented Russian but it will cost them. Robin Van Persie is the least likely to arrive at the Nou Camp as he is one of Arsene Wenger's key players.

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In other reports Robinho has made his intentions clear about where he wants to play this coming season.

In an interview with EFE news agency, Robinho said,

"I dream of playing in the Premier League. Chelsea have a great squad, a great team, and they've made an offer that's great for both me and Real Madrid.

"I have nothing against my current team, to whom I'm very grateful, but at this point my goal is to leave here and I hope that everything will be resolved as soon as possible."

I have to say, I really don't blame Robinho for his comments, I know he said he has nothing against his current club but really and truly I believe he wants to leave due to Madrid's treatment of him over the summer, with the whole Cristino Ronaldo saga.

I don't understand how Real Madrid could not have their key player on the top of their priority list. Any wise team would secure the services of their best and then seek to sign others, but Madrid is a club who constantly makes stupid mistakes and they will pay for it this season, especially if Robinho leaves Madrid.

With all this said I tip Barca to win the Liga due to Madrid's incompetence over the summer and also because of Barca's wonderful overhaul. FORCA BARCA!!!!

If Robinho does go to Chelsea, I predict Chelsea to win the Premier League title, HANDS DOWN!!!

Zenit Drops Arshavin Price

Russian club Zenit St Petersburg has dropped the price of their talisman Andrei Arshavin.

Zenit were initially asking around 26 million euros for the player, but after both Barca and Tottenham dropped interest because of the high price tag, the club has now decided to drop the price. However the price is thought to be dropped primarily because of Arshavin going on strike and Zenit's poor performance in the league thus far.

Zenit has played 17 league games this season and sits in seventh place, 11 points behind league leaders Rubin Kazin. Club coach Dick Advocaat has indicated that Arshavin's case is affecting the performances of the team.

Arshavin himself expects everything to be settled this week and has stated that where he will move depends on one million dollars.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has stated that Arshavin is just one of the options considered as a replacement for Ronaldinho on the left side of attack, while Tottenham Hotspur coach, Juande Ramos, has been interested in the player throughout the transfer season and sees the player as the replacement for Robbie Keane who recently transfered to Liverpool.

Where will Arshavin go? Only time will tell.

Eto'o Set To Stay, As Guardiola Will Most Likely Name Him In Champions League Qualifier Against Wisla Krakow

Having been named in the list of players set to leave along with Deco and Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o looks set to stay at Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola has apparently made a complete turnaround in his view of the Cameroon international due to performances in the pre-season, where Eto'o finished top scorer in the team with 5 goals. As a result Pep is likely to name him in the Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow, thus securing his place in the squad.

Despite this news Eto'o is apparently unhappy with the situation and wants answers regarding his treatment over the summer. Hopefully the air is cleared and everything gets sorted out regarding this situation.

I have to say at the beginning of the transfer season when Pep made the announcement that Ronaldinho, Deco and Eto'o were no longer needed at the club, I was hoping that at least one of the three stayed. I'm happy to know that my wish looks likely to come through due to Eto'o still being at the club.

David Silva May Come To Barca

Okay guys, negotiations between David Silva and Valencia over a new contract have apparently stalled and Barca are said to be keeping tabs on the situation, with the possibility of launching a bid when they return from their pre-season in the United States.

The bid could be made as early as Monday, with a figure of 25 million euros plus bonuses being quoted.

Valencia could very well entertain the offer given the current financial issues at the club, but one must wonder if they are willing to sell to one of their rivals.

I know many Barca fans would love to see Silva in our ranks and I share the same view, however I kind of want him to stay at Valencia to maintain some balance throughout the league, but regardless of what happens he indeed would be a good signing for the Blaugrana and a decent replacement for Ronaldinho on the left side of the midfield.

Pick Your Barca Starting XI

With Barcelona's squad near completion( I say near completion because of the uncertainty of Eto'o's future) it's time to pick who you think should be the starting XI, and what formation should be used. If you want, include a striker who could possibly replace Eto'o if he leaves.

Squad Members:

Goalkeepers
Victor Valdes, Jorquera, Pinto

Defenders
Abidal, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Cáceres, Sylvinho, Milito, Marquez

Midfielders
Xavi, Iniesta, Yaya Toure, Keita, Hleb, Crosas

Strikers
Messi, Eto'o, Henry, Bojan, Gudjohnsen

My Starting XI and Formation{4-1-3-2}

-----------------------------------------Valdes-------------------------------
---Alves------------Marquez---------------------Puyol-------------------Abidal------
--------------------------------------Yaya Toure-------------------------
------------Iniesta----------------------Xavi-------------------Hleb------------------
---------------------------Messi-----------------Eto'o-------------------------------

Barca Ready With Fresh Trezeguet Bid

Pep Guardiola is said to be a fan of David Trezeguet and subsequently the Frenchman has emerged as Barca's top target.

Barcelona was linked with Turin player earlier during the transfer season, but seemed to drop their interest due to Juventus' reluctance to sell the man who scored 20 goals last season and finished second of the top scorers in Italy.

Fresh reports have emerged that Barca is still interested in the player, and are ready to offer a fee in the region of 25 million euros.

Juventus could be tempted by such an offer because of Trezeguet's age, 30, and because of the striking options available with Del Piero, Amauri, Iaquinta and Giovinco.

Trezeguet has said that his desire to stay with the Old Lady and win something with the club he has been a player for since 2000. However it has been said that he has contacted good friend Thierry Henry, and asked him about Spanish football and life in the country.

With Eto'o still at Barcelona though, it's hard to see Barca making a move for Trezeguet. Let's wait and see what happens.

Eto'o Wage Demands Hindering Move : Madrid Want Him

Samuel Eto'o having been told that he is not in new coach, Pep Guardiola's plans is finding it difficult to exit from the Nou Camp.

Due to Eto'o's high wage demands to interested parties, said to be in the region 8.5 to 10 million euros, and Barca's valuation of the star of about 30 million euros, Eto'o is finding it very difficult to move on.

Questions have been arising about how serious Barca really is about letting the Cameroon international go, because of their high asking price for the player.

Eto'o has made it no secret that his preference is to stay at the Catalan club, and really is making no effort to leave for any club which he has no interest in joining.

Pep too has also recently said that finding a new striker is not an urgent matter because of the options available too him, including Eto'o.

Now Real Madrid, who Eto'o played for during his youth years is being once again linked with the versatile striker. Madrid coach Bernd Schuster, is said to be keen on brining Eto'o to the capital as a backup should Van Nistelroy or Raul get injured.

However due to Eto'o being very pro-Barca, and his high profile as a striker I personally don't see him playing as backup to anyone, therefore I deem this move as highly unlikely.

I, like many Barca fans, am clinging on to hope, and praying for an Eto'o stay.

Barca Set To Offer 25 Million Euros For Drogba

Barcelona are apparently ready to step up their chase for Didier Drogba, and are set to offer Chelsea 25 million euros for the powerful Ivorian.

Drogba is said to be unsettled at the Bridge and keen on a move ever since the departure of Jose Mourinho from Chelsea. Reports yesterday suggested that Drogba had agreed to personal terms with Barca, on a contract that would bring him to the Nou Camp for 3 years.

Of course money is not an issue for Chelsea and they can offer Drogba an improved contract to see him stay at the club, but at 30, Drogba's ambition is most likely to try his trade in either Spain or Italy.

Due to Pep Guardiola's interest in the star, the player's heart seems set on a move to La Liga. Luiz Felipe Scolari has publicly stated that he would like Drogba to stay at Chelsea, but it is rumored that if a suitable replacement is found he will let the striker leave.

With Eto'o out of favor at Barca, if I were Chelsea I would accept a swap deal. Eto'o is younger and even better than Drogba, a deal with both players going opposite directions in my opinion is as good as it gets for Chelsea.

If Drogba does leave, he will follow Claude Makelele through the exit door as Paris St Germain reached a deal for the retired French International yesterday.

Who Should Barca Sign? Adebayor, Berbatov or Drogba

Reports suggest that Barca are close to signing Didier Drogba from Chelsea. Drogba has pulled out of Chelsea's pre-season tour to the Far East due injury, and Barca are said to continue their interest by making a solid offer for the Ivorian. Drogba is said to be unsettled and looking for a way out of Chelsea within the next 10 days.

Barca are also said to be interested in Dimitar Berbatov and a possible swap deal could be on the cards with Rafa Marquez moving Tottenham.

Then there's Emmanuel Adebayor, who Barca have apparently lost interest in due to Arsenal unwillingness to sell the player. However with Samuel Eto'o likely to be sold in the coming weeks, Barca could use the funds to offer more for the player and tempt Arsenal to sell.

Personally I think Drogba would be a good signing, he is a crunch-time striker, he almost always scores when it's most important, however I don't know if he would fit into the Barca system, because Barca plays a completely different style to that of Chelsea. Dimitar Berbatov on the other hand I could definitely picture in the Barca system because of his delicate touch and skillful finishes. Adebayor too, I think would fit well as Arsenal plays a similar style to that of Barca.

So who do you think would be the perfect replacement if or when Eto'o leaves?

Tribute To Barca!!!

With a new era about to take place at Barcelona, I think it's only fitting to pay tribute to the Barca of the last era, where Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco, Giuly and Larrson formed the most fearsome attacking partnership anywhere in Europe.
Take a look back with me at Barca's memorable Champions League triumph in the 05/06 season, from the group stages all the way to the final in France, at the Stade de France, where Barca reigned victorious over Arseanl with a 2 - 1 victory.
Though many of our stars are gone, the pass brings hope for the future and a sign of new things to come, it's now all up to Messi, Henry, Bojan, and new signings Dani Alves, Pique, Keita, and Caceres. FORCA BARCA!!!!

Deco and Dinho Gone: Should Eto'o Follow?

With Deco now at Chelsea and Ronaldinho having justed signed for AC Milan, should Eto'o follow his former teammates through the exit door? Or should he stay and fight for his place, even though being told he's not wanted by Barcelona.

For a player of Eto'o's caliber, there are many top clubs across Europe to choose from, however due to his high wage demands a move is proving difficult. The latest news on the Cameroon international is that he was offered a deal worth around 40 million euros from an Uzbekistan club, to play in the Asian Champions League for 3 to 6 months.

Eto'o has been reported to have done nothing to push himself away from the Catalan club , even after having been told by Pep Guardiola that he, Deco and Ronaldinho were no longer wanted.

I don't know what are your views are, but Eto'o is one of the best strikers in the world, and I think Barca are making a big mistake by forcing him out of the club. Suitable replacements have been mentioned, the most interesting to me is that of Dimitar Berbatov, but even though Berbatov is an excellent replacement, Eto'o is the better of the two.

So what do you think should Eto'o pack his bags?

Barca Interested In Berbatov

Barcelona is still in the hunt for a new striker having told Samuel Eto'o that his services are no longer needed at the club. Eto'o has been shockingly linked to a move to a club in Uzbekistan, where they are said to offer him a huge contract, worth around 40 million euros to play for 3 to 6 months in the Asian Champions League.

Barca were originally after Adebayor, but Arsenal has become stubborn and has valued the player at about 36 million euros, a fee which the Catalan club is not prepared to meet. So with Adebayor out of the picture, it seems that Barca has set their sights on signing Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham.

I have always been a fan of Berbatov since his move to the Premier League. He quickly emerged as one of the top strikers in England for his strength and delicate touch of the ball. I think he would be a good replacement for Eto'o, though I would hate to see the Cameroon international leave.

Berbatov is valued at around 25 million euros, a fee Barca wouldn't have any problems paying.

Though Berbatov is thought to be keen to move to Manchester United, it is believed he would welcome a move to the Nou Camp, and Juande Ramos could very well welcome the offer in order to snub his rivals.

Barca Prepares Shocking Move For Robinho

Fresh off me having so much praise for Robinho in my last post, reports have suggested that Barcelona are ready to bring in the unsettled Madrid player.

Joan Laporta is desperate to get the fans back on his side after loosing the popular vote in the recent vote of no confidence against him and his board. Laporta and his team are now willing to spend big on a high profile player with the funds they have just received from Ronaldinho's move to Milan.

The names they have shortlisted include David Villa, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Frédéric Kanouté, Carlos Tévez and Robinho. Of all these names, Barcelona seems to be most interested in Robinho as Pep Guardiola has made it know to Laporta, that if he could sign anyone right now it would be Robinho.

However they are questions as to how unsettled Robinho is, Calderon, Madrid's president, recently declared that Robinho is happy at the club and they will start giving the player the affection that he deserves. Calderon also went on to value the player well above 47.5 million pounds.

As a Barca fan I would love to see Robinho in a Barcelona jersey, but how willing would Madrid be to sell one of their stars to their direct rival. Though it has happened in the past, I find it highly unlikely.

Official: Ronaldinho signs for Milan

Finally! The speculation around Ronaldinho's future has ended as Milan has officially announced that they have signed the two-time World Player Of the Year.
The official statement reads: "AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho. "Tomorrow, the player will be in Milan for the medical ,and to sign the contract which will tie him to Milan until June 30th 2011."
I am personally excited about this transfer. As a Barca fan, I just want to say thanks to Ronaldinho for making me a Barca fan in the first place. He along with the likes of Eto'o, Deco and Ronaldinho played the best football anywhere, and really taught me what beautiful soccer is all about.
Milan will be even more thrilling to watch next season, the prospect of him linking with Kaka, Pato, Pirlo, and Seedorf is just mind boggling, especially with Kaka. With his help Milan should be back to Champions League soccer by next season and they are sure to win many titles in the near future.
Much love to Guacho, Barca fans will miss you!

AC Milan Close To Ronaldinho, Drops Adebayor Interest

AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, has claimed that he has withdrawn interest in Adebayor, and is currently focused on securing the services of the top players at Milan, beginning with Kaka.
Kaka has been targeted by Chelsea since the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Galliani is said to be willing to make sacrifices to ensure the player stays at Milan, which means they are likely not to sign Adebayor this summer.
Ronaldinho, who is currently being disloyal to Barcelona, by insisting that he will play at this year's Olympics, is said to be almost back to his best. This according to Brazilian national team fitness coach, Paulo Paixao, who is currently supervising Ronaldinho's recovery. Speaking of Ronaldinho in an interview yesterday, he said, "He is very happy and motivated," "He has rediscovered his joy, and is once again the Ronaldinho we all knew." "He has been very cooperative in the work we are doing to improve his physical form, and take him back to his best." "Even though he has been idle for a long time, he may already be in top shape by the 22nd of July."
Ronaldinho's defiance and his desire to play at the Olympics despite Barcelona not wanting him to go, insists that the player has made up his mind and probably doesn't even consider himself a Barca player anymore. Barca has been rumored to be responsible for the player's lack of form, due to their ill treatment of the former World Player of the Year.
A transfer fee of around 15 million euros is believed to have been agreed between AC Milan and Barcelona, with Ronaldinho being paid 6.5 million euros annually.

Eto'o, Ronaldinho Staying?

With both Ronaldinho and Eto'o out of Pep Guadiola's plans, they were said to be destined on their way out. However due to their high wage demands many clubs have lost or are loosing interest in both these players.
Eto'o is actually in no hurry to leave the Nou Camp and is said to be keen on staying, despite being practically told to find a new club. Eto'o is still currently on holiday, and is said to sit with the officials, to see what they have to say when he returns next week for pre-season training.
Ronaldinho on the other hand has drawn much attention from AC Milan. The club is having a long transfer saga with the player, and the latest news is that owner, Silvio Berlusconi has said that Barcelona is still asking too much for the player. Apparently anything in excess of 20 million euros is too much, as Milan is still trying to sign Adebayor from Arsenal, which is said to cost them around 30 million euros. This just makes me ponder. I wonder if they are trying to sign both Ronaldinho and Adebayor but I highly doubt it, especially after Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliani ruled out a double swoop.
So what does this all mean? It just means that Barcelona fans could possibly get to see two of the best players in the team, stay at the club. I am not a fan of Pep's idea to sell Eto'o and Ronaldinho. He should and eventually will, sit with both players and see what are their ambitions. Eto'o without a doubt in my mind wants to stay, and Ronaldinho though said to be keen on a move to Milan, will only move if the right offer is made. As a fan of both these players, I'm still hopeful that at least one of them will stay. Given the chance, I'm confident that they will perform and win more titles for Barca.

Barcelona, Arsenal Agree Hleb Deal

Aleksandr Hleb's future has been somewhat very uncertain over the past months, as he was an unsettled Arsenal player, trophyless, coming of age and wanting a new challenge.
Reports had stated that Hleb had agreed personal terms with Barcelona earlier in the transfer season, however a deal did not materialize, as the clubs had not yet agreed a transfer fee for the player. However reports today indicate that the clubs have agreed on a deal for the Beloriussian, and he will now fly to Barcelona, to perform a medical and sign for the club.
With this news Ronaldinho is more likely than not to leave, as Hleb has been tipped as his replacement on the left side of the team. There's really no replacement for Ronaldinho but the club has to take action in case he leaves.
This news also decreases the likelihood of Andrei Arshavin arriving at the Nou Camp this season, as his club has rejected two bids from Barcelona for him, stating that the offers weren't enough.
With club president, Joan Laporta pulling through the vote of no confidence by a very narrow margin, as 60% of the club members with voting rights voted against him, but 65% were needed for an election to be held, trasnfers activities were able to continue as usual and thus, a deal has been agreed for Hleb.
This will reunite two former Gunners, Henry and Hleb, and it is yet to be seen if the two can strike a successful partnership, as it is said they didn't play well together while at the Emirates.

Javier Saviola For Sale!

I don't get it why Javier Saviola can't find a permanent club. Is it his small stature? And the desire of clubs these days to buy tall center forwards like the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Adebayor, and Roman Pavlyuchenko, because it definitely can't be his attitude.
Saviola is one of those strikers who although small, is very gifted and he finds the back of the net almost every time he's given the opportunity to play. Arguably his best performances in recent times, was when he was on loan with Sevilla in the 2005-2006 season, as he was a key figure in their Uefa Cup triumph. Maybe Saviola should have taken a pay cut and signed for Sevilla, his career probably would be in better shape than it is now.
However now a Real Madrid player, after being sold by Barcelona last season as he did not fit into Frank Rijkarrd's plans, he still finds it difficult to to hold down a secure position, and now Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster has instructed the board to find Saviola a new club.
Juventus, Fiorentina and Napoli are all said to be interested in the player, however they may be discouraged by his high wage demands as he is payed €3m-per-season at Madrid.
Saviola apparently is only prepared to spend one more season on the bench at Madrid and refuses to lower his wage demands, thus forcing the club to find him potential buyers. So with that said maybe it is the player's attitude, but I doubt it.