Argentinian national team coach Diego Maradona gave an interview to the official FIFA website.
Let's look back at your time in charge. Is it tougher than you expected?
It's tough for the reasons I've just mentioned. You're always on the phone, trying to find out how the players are. Every day I meet with the coaching staff to find out how Messi, Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez and everyone have been doing in training, to see if Jonas Gutierrez has been playing.
Is it true you wake up at night with ideas in your head and have to write them down?
Yes, it is. Free-kicks, corner kicks, etc. For example, I want the team to press a lot more up front, to compress the space between defence, midfield and attack. And when we lose the ball we need to be on top of the other team straightaway. There's one thing Argentina need to make the most of and that's the fact we're much better in possession than anyone. Maybe Brazil have got what we have, but Italy and Germany don't. Perhaps Spain have had it lately too, especially with Xavi, who can lose a couple of guys and put Villa or Torres through. There aren't many more though. If we press hard, there's no escape for opposing sides.
Have you been watching a lot of football?
All the time.
Who have you seen recently? Has anyone surprised you?
No one's surprised me really. Teams are the way they are. Milan are struggling, Inter have kept it together, Madrid are going to change a lot with Kaka. He's going to give them an extra dimension, though I don't understand why Gago's not been playing. They should play him but he's still one of my first-choice players all the same. I've also seen my friend Ciro Ferrara's Juventus side. They're doing well, playing a typically Italian game: really tight catenaccio at the back, then they give it to Del Piero and he spreads it about. As for our guys, Milito looks to me to be in great form and El Kun too.
And Messi?
I haven't seen him lately. I tried to call him but it's easier talking to Obama than Lio (laughs). I've heard he's having a good pre-season and that's great to know.
Are there any players who have surprised you recently?
Felipe Melo has been a great find for Brazil and Hulk of Porto has also made a big impact. I'm intrigued by Ronaldinho too. He's looking fit again but he's lost that explosive power he had. I'd love to see him do his feints again and get away from people. I hope he gets that back, but only after he plays us of course.
read the complete interview here
Read more:
1983: Maradona gets seriously injured
Messi: "I'm not going to change my style"
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Maradona on Messi and Xavi
Monday, 22 June 2009
The merging paths of Pique and Busquets
source: fifa.com
date: 19 June 2009
editing: fcbtransfers.blogspot.com
After entering Barcelona's youth academy in 1997, 22-year-old Gerard Pique became a treble winner with the club and a Spain international. The 20-year-old Sergio Busquets has followed in his footsteps.
Similar paths to the same destination you might think, but you would be wrong. Despite being graduates of Can Barça and now club and international team-mates, the pair took vastly different routes to get where they are today.
Pique waved goodbye to Barcelona's youth academy back in 2004, when Manchester United offered the promising teenager the chance to play in England. Peppered with big-name internationals, Alex Ferguson's squad proved exceedingly difficult to break into for the young Spaniard. Despite increased opportunities and a UEFA Champions League medal that same season, the 22-year-old was missing his native Barcelona and jumped at the chance to return to his old club that summer.
And though the Catalans paid handsomely to be reunited with their former pupil, the investment proved worth every penny. "I'm delighted to be back home with my family and friends as that was something I was missing. On top of that, things could not have gone better for the team this season. We picked up three titles and hope to win several next year again," Pique told FIFA.com.
While all this was happening, a young Sergio Busquets was going from strength to strength in the club's youth teams. The son of Carles Busquets, a professional goalkeeper with the Catalan giants during the 1990s, moved steadily through the junior ranks, finally making the squad of Barcelona B, then under the tutelage of Josep Guardiola. The coach immediately recognised the defensive midfielder's talent and wasted no time drafting him into the Blaugrana first-team squad after he was handed the senior coaching reins last year.
So how do they cope with so much success? "By just being myself and having the support of my family, friends and colleagues, all of whom help keep me grounded," said Busquets, who had only good things to say about his team-mate and friend.
"Pique is a top player. He's still very young even though he appears to having been playing in that very demanding central-defensive role for a long time. He has tons of confidence and in my opinion has been the revelation of the year. As an individual, he's a bit of a joker and can be annoying at times, but he's great fun and a very good person.
"Hmmm, so I'm a bit of a pain, am I? Well, that's his opinion and I respect it... but I'll remember that comment and will have to see about that," said the defender with a mischievous grin, perhaps already plotting how best to repay his friend the 'complement'.
Becoming serious again, Pique had some genuinely kind words for Busquets. "I'm very happy for him," he said. "We've become great friends and being here together is really nice. He deserves it all. It's incredible though, I took one route, he took another, but we both ended up winning the treble with Barça and in the national team."
Now back on the same path, long and successful journeys appear to beckon for the talented duo.
read the full and original article here
Read more:
The dizzying journey of Sergio Busquets
Pique: "Classical music makes me fall asleep"
Busquets: "I didn't expect this"
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Hleb: "I never swap shirts with other players"
Barcelona player Alexander Hleb gave an interview to FIFA's official website.
You've played for Stuttgart, Arsenal and Barcelona, all of them leading European clubs. Where have you enjoyed it the most?
I've basically never thought about anything like that. But considering your question now, I've been well settled at all three and have plenty of good things to say about them all. Obviously, I got to play more often for Stuttgart and Arsenal, and I really, really enjoyed myself at both clubs. Barcelona is a fantastic city though. It’s where I want to play and take the next step.
Certain sections of the media think you may be poised for a return to Germany. Could Bayern Munich be an option?
It's always nice when a big club expresses an interest. But I play for Barcelona, and I'm happy where I am. I'd be genuinely delighted to earn a regular place in this team. I came here to play, and I'll do my level best to get into the starting line-up.
In 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Belarus are fourth in their group behind England, Croatia and Ukraine. Can Belarus realistically claim a place in South Africa?
I'd say it's 50-50. It's up to us now. We have to fight for every single point, and our only option is to move forwards. We also need some luck, because I can't imagine football without luck.
What does representing your country mean to you?
Representing your country, pulling on the national shirt, running out onto the field, and hearing your national anthem is a great honour for every player, from every country, on every continent of this planet. It's what little lads who are just starting out dream of all the time. I'm simply overjoyed to be part of the Belarus national set-up.
You've often played alongside your younger brother Vyacheslav for the national team. How do you feel about that?
We get on well both on and off the field. We have a good relationship and we're very close friends. We work together well on the field of play too, and that's a positive influence on our play. I think he fully deserves his place in the national team. I'm hoping to play alongside my brother for a long time yet.
You were Belarus Player of the Year in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Are you your country's best footballer of all time?
We've produced any number of great players who'd deserve that title. I can't offer an opinion about myself. That's something for the experts. It's obviously a great honour for me, and I hope I continue to fulfil the expectations of everyone who puts their faith in me.
Do you have an idol? Who would you swap shirts with?
When I was younger, I was in awe of Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona. I basically never swap shirts with other players.
In Germany, they used to call you The Sorcerer's Apprentice. What do you make of that?
I’ve heard that, but I’ve never really understood what it was supposed to mean. Reporters always give nicknames to players. It’s part of the game, and part of their job.
Who's the best midfielder in the world?
Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta.
One last question: What are your goals for 2009?
To win as many trophies as possible with Barcelona, and qualify for the World Cup in 2010.
read the full interview here
Read more:
Hleb still believes in Barcelona future
An evaluation of last year's transfer summer
Hleb could be part of Ribery deal
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Barcelona and the U-20 World Cup
source: FIFA.com
As the FIFA U-20 World Cup approaches FIFA.com took a look back at some of the stars of the previous tournaments, the common theme amongst the biggest stars of these past tournaments seemed to be one club: FC Barcelona:
As Egypt prepares to host the 17th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the locals may well be wondering what to expect. The tournament's billing has traditionally promised 'a look at football's stars of tomorrow, today', but has the 32-year-old showpiece really lived up to this kind of hype? FIFA.com set about finding out.
Diego makes his entrance
Star-studded supporting casts
Portugal 1991 witnessed the crowning of a 'golden generation' as the hosts retained the trophy, despite the efforts of emerging talents such as Giovane Elber, Andy Cole and Paulo Montero. Yet the player identified as the competition's shining star was not Luis Figo, nor Rui Costa or Joao Pinto, but rather Peixe, who unlike his overlooked team-mates went on to enjoy a surprisingly unspectacular career.
South America again dominated the podium in 1997, but while an Argentina side including Juan Roman Riquelme and Esteban Cambiasso took home the title, it was Nicolas Olivera who bagged the Golden Ball award. The Uruguayan's happiest times thereafter were spent with Sevilla, but although he also appeared at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, his achievements have been overshadowed by rivals from that class of 97 including Thierry Henry, Michael Owen, David Trezeguet and Nicolas Anelka.
By this stage in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, there was an established pattern of future superstars failing to land the end-of-tournament awards, and this continued at Nigeria 1999 when Ronaldinho, Roque Santa Cruz, Xavi and Diego Forlan all missed out on the Golden Ball. Yet while Seydou Keita was perhaps a surprise recipient at the time, the Malian is currently cementing his reputation as an outstanding, hard-tackling midfielder with the mighty Barcelona.
Messi spearheads new generation
At UAE 2003, the role of bridesmaid fell to the likes of Andres Iniesta, Daniel Alves and Javier Mascherano, with the erstwhile unknown Ismaeil Matar emerging as the tournament's star attraction.
Yet it says much for the continued ability of the FIFA U-20 World Cup to showcase the best emerging talent that the two most recent recipients of the tournament's Golden Ball award are expected to be star attractions in South Africa. Lionel Messi, the star of Netherland 2005, needs no introduction of course, with many already insisting that the Barcelona star is the world's greatest player.His fellow Argentinian, Sergio Aguero, who shone in Canada two years ago and went on to dazzle just as brightly at last year's Men's Olympic Football Tournament, is another youngster for whom hopes could hardly be any higher.
The only question now is: who will follow in the footsteps of this galaxy of stars? Whoever it is, history would suggest that Egypt can safely expect a treat.
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Barcelona fan Gomez wants to play in Spain
Asked about the rumours linking him with several European top clubs among which Barcelona (read more here), Stuttgart forward and German international Mario Gómez (23) has said in an interview with the FIFA official website that he would like to play in Spain one day:
"I don't really have a 'dream club' which I would like to play for one day. As a kid I was a fan of Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona, but I don't think I'll be heading to Frankfurt any time soon. I would definitely like to play in Spain at some point, but whether that will be in two, five or ten year's time I couldn't say.
I actually find all the speculation regarding my future funny. The people who are praising me and linking me with the big clubs at the moment were the ones saying that I couldn't cut it a few weeks ago. I always try to do my best, but confidence plays a major role. I have the full support of my club, so I know that the goals will come if we are performing well."
Read more:
Contact with German international Gomez
Last summer's search for a striker
Barcelona following Stuttgart striker Gomez
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Puyol, Xavi and Messi in UEFA Team of the Year
Visitors of the official UEFA website could vote over the past weeks for the Team of the 2008. Iniesta was the only Barcelona nominee who didn't make it to the final team. Xavi was chosen as captain of the team.
Casillas
Ramos - Terry - Puyol - Lahm
Ronaldo - Xavi - Cesc - Ribery
Messi - Torres
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Puyol, Xavi and Messi in FIFA Team of the Year
Visitors of the official FIFA website could vote over the past weeks for the Team of the 2008. With Dani Alves just losing the battle for the right back position, Barcelona has three players in the team:Casillas
Ramos - Terry - Puyol - Lahm
Kaka - Gerrard - Xavi - Ribery
Ronaldo - Messi
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Podolski dreams about Barcelona
Asked about his favourite club, Bayern Munich forward and German international Lukas Podolski (23) has said in an interview with the official FIFA website that Barcelona is, besides Cologne, his dream club:
"Cologne and Barcelona. Cologne because I was brought up there and played for them from D youth level (under-13s) upwards.
I've followed Barcelona's fortunes ever since I got interested in football, back when Romario and Stoichkov were playing. And then you look at the fantastic players they have today. Messi, Eto'o and Henry are absolutely top notch footballers. I've played twice in their stadium and that was such an amazing experience! And then there is the whole history behind the club, the past players and their attacking brand of football. I love everything about them."
Read more:
Barcelona is on Ribery's list
Deco top target for Bayern
Last summer's search for a striker
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Alves: "Guardiola will create an important legacy"
Barcelona player Daniel Alves gave an interview to the official FIFA website.
Dani, let's look back at the early part of your career. You were only 19 when you left Bahia for Sevilla. How did the move come about?
I was a little fortunate because I was playing for Bahia when I was called up for the South American U-20 championship, a tournament that always attracts the leading scouts. I played well and that's where the Sevilla people first spoke to me and said they were interested in signing me. Before the winter transfer window closed the club reached an agreement with Bahia.
Did you ever imagine Sevilla would go on to win the UEFA Cup twice?
No, I never thought that. When I arrived we were a fairly modest team whose main objective was to stay in the first division. We got stronger, though, and fortunately I was able to grow along with the team.
What were the main factors in the team's emergence?
Signings played a fundamental part but to my mind the most important thing was that we had a real team spirit. We were motivated and determined to change Sevilla's image in the Spanish game.
Out of all those signings, which one surprised you the most?
Frederic Kanoute was one of them. I had never seen him play for Tottenham and I was amazed that such a tall player could be so skilful and mobile. He was the focal point of the team, and when Luis Fabiano arrived they formed a strike partnership that commanded a lot of respect from other teams.
When you played at the FIFA U-20 World Cup UAE 2003 you were still adapting at Sevilla, weren't you?
It was during that tournament that Sevilla decided they wanted me for good. Bahia had agreed to loan me out for a season after the South American championship, but I played really well in the UAE. That's when Sevilla decided to make the move a permanent one.
After that it was another three years before you were named in the full national team. Would things have been different if you had been playing in Brazil?
Maybe I would have had more opportunities. I hadn't spent much time in Brazil so there were some people who didn't know my game, and the national team is so important in Brazil that it's not easy for players who aren't well known to get called up.
For 12 whole years, between 1994 and 2006, the right-back slot was occupied by one man, Cafu. Why do you think that no one came through in all that time to challenge for his place?
It's hard to explain a phenomenon like Cafu. He's a fantastic player and a true professional, a role model for others to follow. Like Roberto Carlos on the left flank, he defined an era in the Brazil team. As their successors in the national team we need follow the example players like them set.
Which of your fellow full-backs do you most admire?
There are a few who are in excellent form at the moment, like Maicon at Inter, or Belletti, although he's playing in midfield for Chelsea rather than right-back.
Is it fair to say you have more defensive responsibilities for Brazil than you did with Sevilla, for example?
Each situation, at Sevilla, Barcelona and Brazil, is different. We always have to be prepared for little changes and adapt to situations so that we can be as much use as possible for each coach we play under. They all have different styles.
And now that you have spent a few months at Barcelona, how would you describe Pep Guardiola's style?
Right from the start he has shown a tremendous determination to be recognised as a winner on the bench too, and that has really motivated us. I've got no doubt he'll achieve his aim. Pep has a truly unique way of looking at football and I'm sure he'll create an important legacy in world football.
You played several times against the great Barcelona side of Frank Rijkaard and Ronaldinho. Do you think the current team has the potential to be as successful and entertaining as that one?
Every coach and every player tries to create their own legacy and I don't think there's any need to make comparisons. That team earned their place in history by winning titles and playing good football, and that's what we have to go and do, play good football. If we can get the results to go with that, then we will build our legacy.
The UEFA Champions League is a trophy that Barcelona fans are always anxious to win. Would you say you were among the favourites for this year's competition?
Barcelona's such a big club that we're always among the favourites. This is one of the most difficult competitions there is, though. It's going to be a real challenge but I think we are ready to take it on.
Read the full interview here
Read more:
Schuster wanted Alves for Madrid midfield
Alves: "I'm grateful for the effort the club made"
Barcelona involved in five summer top transfers
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