Quote of the day: Pinto

Ibrahimovic doesn't just shoot hard... He hurts people! Somebody should tell the president about this and I should get a pay rise.

José Manuel Pinto,
Barcelona player

more quotes and numbers

Barcelona's wage structure

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona's wage scale has six levels:



GROUP A
Messi

GROUP B
Henry
Ibrahimovic

GROUP C
Alves
Xavi
Iniesta
Puyol

GROUP D
Valdés
Touré
Márquez
Keita

GROUP E
Bojan
Piqué
Jorquera
Pinto
Busquets

GROUP F
Pedro
Víctor Sánchez
Muniesa
Jeffren

Official players' pictures (part 1)

Víctor Valdés

José Manuel Pinto

Albert Jorquera

Rafael Márquez

Henrique

Martín Cáceres

Eric Abidal

Maxwell

Yaya Touré

Barcelona could keep the same three goalkeepers

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona could start the new season with the same three goalkeepers as last season.

Barcelona first goalkeeper Víctor Valdés (26) renewed his contract until 2014 yesterday (read more here), Barcelona second goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto (33) wasn't expected to leave and Barcelona third goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (30) made clear on Monday through his agent that he plans to stay (read more here).

Barcelona goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos Unzué meanwhile confirmed in an interview with Catalan radio station Catalunya Ràdio that Real Valladolid goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Sergio Asenjo (19) was the main candidate to replace Valdés if the latter wouldn't have renewed his contract that expired next summer (read more here): "Now that everything is over, we can say this. We were interested in Asenjo."

Read more:
Barcelona won't sign a new goalkeeper
Three candidates to become back-up of Valdes
Barça B goalkeeper Mino will be promoted

Pinto: "Nobody touches my tail!"

Barcelona player José Manuel pinto gave an interview to Spanish sports weekly paper Don Balón.




At the start you joined for six months - to replace Jorquera who was injured - and now you could play the cup final after having played all games in that competition. This is like a dream, no?
Everyone in the squad would like to play this final and Víctor, Jorquera and I are equally worth to play. It's true that I've played all cup games but I don't think this gives me an advantage compared with the others.

You have been thinking a lot about this final?
No. The truth is that I’m always focusing on the next game on the calendar. I like to go step by step and when a game is over, then I start thinking about the following one.

You already lived a cup final (2001, Zaragoza-Celta 3-1), although you didn’t play...
That final left us with a bittersweet taste. We started as the favourites, because we were already qualified for the Uefa cup and even competing to be in the Champions League and we played great football, while Zaragoza was in the danger zone. We went to the game with an enormous motivation, so the result left us with a very bad feeling.

How did Guardiola tell you that you would be the goalkeeper for the cup?
Well, nobody ever told me "you'll be the goalkeeper for the cup". They just told me game by game and the coach just picked the one he thought to be the best choice.

Tell me the truth: you lately had nightmares in which Fernando Llorente appeared?
(laughs) Until now I sincerely didn't.

So Athletic's attack doesn't make you sleepless...
It's clear that they have great players, but I think that you never should be scared of an opponent. We all have a lot of respect for the quality of their players, but no fear.

What's the biggest danger of Athletic?
They have a very strong group. It wouldn't be right to point out one player because it's really a very solid block.

You were decisive in the semi-finals against Mallorca when you saved a penalty from Martí...
Well, for me there were also other key details, that are maybe less noticed, like a run by a defender or a forward who dropped back to defend. For me, those details are more important than my save, which maybe caught the eye more but that doesn't give it a higher value.

Did you train on penalties ahead of the final?
We still didn't. We've been training normally.

But you know how Llorente kicks them?
(smile) When the moment is there, I'll analyze things...

What has been the most delicate moment during the way to the final in Valencia?
Maybe the game we've been talking about, against Mallorca, when we were 1-0 down and they got a penalty after one of our players was sent off. The last minutes against Espanyol were also difficult. They put a lot of pressure, but the team stood strong. There have been delicate moments, but the team solved them in a good way.

How do you imagine things could be tomorrow at midnight?
Now I just wait for that day to come. I'm a person who lives in the present, the here and now. If I would think about the future, I would lose energy and I shouldn't waste it that way because I would lose the present.

You made some promise for in case you win?
I didn't. I don't like to bet.

You don't want to make one now? Like: "if we win, I’ll do this or that..."
(laughs) No. Although some wanted me to cut off my ponytail! They say: "If we win this things, you’re tail is off!" In Vigo, the press sometimes insisted. But the tail won't be touched...


Read more:
Pinto only goalkeeper who will certainly stay
Barcelona won't sign a new goalkeeper
Pinto explains how he saved the penalty

Pinto only goalkeeper who will certainly stay

Madrid sports tabloid As claims that Barcelona goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto (33) is the only one of Barcelona's three goalkeepers who will certainly stay at the club this summer.

The future of Barcelona first goalkeeper Víctor Valdés (27), whose contract expires in 2010, will depend on his renewal talks with the club at the end of the season (read more here), while Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (30), whose contract also expires at the end of next season, is willing to listen to offers by interested clubs (read more here).

Read more:
Barcelona won't sign a new goalkeeper
Pinto is music producer in his free time
A goalkeeper, a left back and a striker

A goalkeeper, a left back and a striker

Catalan newspaper Avui claims that Barcelona plans few changes during the summer transfer window (read more here).

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola and Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would already have met several times to discuss possible transfers and Barcelona would focus on buying three players: a goalkeeper, a left back defender and a centre forward.

Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés will stay the number one next season although Barcelona would like to sign a new goalkeeper who could put some more pressure on Valdés. Valladolid goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Sergio Asenjo (19) could be the main target. Barcelona goalkeepers José Manuel Pinto (33) and Albert Jorquera (30) could both leave if a good offer comes in.

With the contract of Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35) expiring at the end of this season (read more here), Barcelona wants to sign a solid back up for Abidal. For the centre forward position, everything will depend on what will happen with Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o (28).

If Eto’o leaves the first name on the list is Valencia forward and Spanish international David Villa (27). Chelsea forward and Ivory Coasqt international Didier Drogba (31) and Inter Milan forward and Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovich (27) could be other options.

A left wing attacker wouldn’t be a priority for the club anymore, although it’s not excluded that depending on the situation of the players, Barcelona could go after Valencia left wing attacker and Spanish international David Silva (23) or Atlético Madrid attacker and Argentinian international Sergio Agüero (20).

Read more:
Barcelona plans few changes in the summer
Villa first option to replace Eto'o
Txiki talks about the summer transfer market

Barcelona won't sign a new goalkeeper

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona doesn't plan to buy a new goalkeeper in the summer and could stick with the three current goalkeepers.

Barcelona second goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto (33) has a contract for one more season, although both parties can put an end to it this summer. Barcelona nor the player would want that. Asked about his future, Pinto said in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC 1 that he plans to continue: "If they don't tell me the opposite, I see myself staying until 2010."

Barcelona third goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (30), whose contract expires in the summer of 2010, could also stay if it depends on the club. Barcelona would nevertheless be willing to let the Catalan go if he asks to leave. If Jorquera won't continue, he will most probably be replaced by Barcelona Atlètic goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Rubén Miño (20).

Read more:
Pinto is music producer in his free time
Barcelona sounds out Juventus goalkeeper Buffon
Jorquera is looking for a club in Spain

Pinto is music producer in his free time

Barcelona goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto is in his free time a hip-hop music composer and producer. He works under the artist name of Wahin. In 2006, he started his own record label, Wahin Makinaciones.

Pinto explains how he saved the penalty

Pinto:
Before the penalty, I told the player of Mallorca that if he scored, I would produce a record for him. And the boy got nervous.

(click the cartoon to enlarge)

source:
golsud.com

see more cartoons here

Guardiola asked for three goalkeepers

Barcelona's official website reports that new Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has explicitly asked the club to have again three goalkeepers in the first team squad.

Víctor Valdés (26), José Manuel Pinto (32) and Albert Jorquera (29) will occupy the three places. Last season Guardiola already had three goalkeepers at his disposal when he was coaching Barcelona B.


Barcelona goalkeepers over the last 15 years

2007/08: Valdés, Jorquera, (Pinto)
2006/07: Valdés, Jorquera
2005/06: Valdés, Jorquera
2004/05: Valdés, Jorquera
2003/04: Rustu, Valdés, Jorquera
2002/03: Bonano, Enke, Valdés
2001/02: Dutruel, Bonano, Reina
2000/01: Dutruel, Arnau, Reina
1999/00: Arnau, Hesp
1998/99: Hesp, Arnau
1997/98: Busquets, Hesp, Vitor Baía
1996/97: Busquets, Arnau, Vitor Baía
1995/96: Lopetegui, Busquets, Angoy
1994/95: Angoy, Busquets, Lopetegui
1993/94: Busquets, Zubizarreta

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/07/n080709104880.html

Read more:
Tottenham was looking for Valdes agent
OFFICIAL: José Manuel Pinto
Two years renewal for Jorquera

2007-2008: The transfer fees

Barcelona proposed last week its economic balance for the 2007-2008 year. These are the official numbers of the transfer fees paid and received between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008.


TRANSFER FEES PAID
Milito: 17 million euro
Cáceres: 16,5 million euro
Piqué: 5 million euro
Pinto: 0,5 million euro
Gudjohnsen: 0,5 million euro variables (for qualifying for last season's Champions League)
Others (probably Barcelona B players): 3 million euro + 1,5 million euro variables


TRANSFER FEES RECEIVED
Deco: 10 million euro
Zambrotta: 9 million euro
Belletti: 5,5 million euro
Giuly: 3,2 million euro + 0,4 million euro variables (for Roma qualifying for last season's Champions League)
Maxi López: 2 million euro
Fernando Navarro: 1,5 million euro
Motta: 1 million euro

The expiring contracts

Today the 2008-2009 season kind of officially started, which also meant that this morning at midnight the 2007-2008 contracts came to an end. The contract of six first team players expired this summer: three of them will continue in Barcelona, three others have ended their stay at the club. An overview.



Catalan goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (29) signed a two-year renewal back in February (read more here)











Brazilian left back defender Sylvinho Mendes (34) signed a one-year renewal last month (read more here)











Spanish goalkeeper and Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32) got a permanent deal and signed a two-year contract in May (read more here)









Brazilian midfielder José Edmílson (31) wasn't offered a renewal and signed a two-year deal with Villareal in May (read more here)










Spanish left winger Santiago Ezquerro (31) wasn't offered a renewal and is still looking for a club (read more here)











French central defender Lilian Thuram (36) wasn't offered a renewal and is waiting for some medical tests' results to decide if he will continue his career or not (read more here)

Pinto's first interview

Renewed Barcelona goal keeper José Manuel Pinto gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo last week. Some quotes:

You expected the renewal?

"There were some indications and I always kept hoping. When you give everything you can give, sooner or later you'll be rewarded for that. From the start I knew that if I worked hard, I would have a chance to stay here a little longer."

The club explained you why your contract was renewed?

"Sure. They said that they were very satisfied with my motivation, my work and my attitude, a bit of everything."

Do you think about becoming the first choice goal keeper?

"My goal is to live day by day, to live every day to the fullest. Making plans for the future is waisting the present. I give one hundred per cent in every training session, I don't worry about the rest. I'll be ready if I'll have to play."

You spoke with Jorquera?

"Of course, he was very happy for me, he congratulated me with the contract. It's gonna be a nice competition between the three goal keepers."

How is your relationship with Valdés?

"We connected very well from the start. There was a bound very soon, which isn't difficult if you're dealing with a good person. So as a team-mate, everyting is really fine. And as a player, he has great qualities. One always has things he can get better at and I try to learn from every player with whom I'm training. I've learned a lot of things from Víctor."

Read the first interview of Pinto when he came to Barcelona in January here

Read more:

OFFICIAL: José Manuel Pinto

Pique's first interview

How things stand: Goal keeper

OFFICIAL: José Manuel Pinto

Barcelona has announced today that the loan deal with Barcelona goal keeper and Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32) has been made permanent. Celta Vigo has confirmed the news.

The statement on the official website of Barcelona reads: "FC Barcelona have exercised their right to buy José Manuel Pinto from Celta Vigo and informed the Galician club of their decision to make his move to Camp Nou longer on Friday. The right to buy had to be exercised before May 31 and was agreed upon when the loan deal was signed with Celta on January 17. Barça paid €500,000 for Pinto in the January transfer window. The player will now sign a two-year contract with FC Barcelona, even though on June 30, 2009 either side can break it."

Read more here

Renewal for Pinto

Catalan radio station Catalunya Ràdio was yesterday the first to bring the news, but meanwhile all media agree that Barcelona goal keeper and Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32) will continue next season.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona officials reached yesterday a principal agreement with Juan Maraver, the agent of Pinto. Barcelona has offered the player to renew for one year, with an option for a second year. It is expected that the new contrtact will be signed in the coming days.

The uncertainty about the recovery of Jorquera, the attitude and the performances of Pinto since he arrived in Barcelona in January, his experience and the zero cost of the operation are said to have been key elements in the decision. Barcelona does not have to pay Celta anything for the goal keeper (read more here).

The renewal of Pinto means that the search for a new goal keeper is stopped (read more here). Barcelona will next season have three goal keepers in the first team squad: Víctor Valdés (26), José Manuel Pinto (32) and Albert Jorquera (29). Valdés will most probably be the first choice, while the other two will have to compete for the place on the bench.

Read more:
Renewal offer for Pinto

How things stand: Goal keeper

Looking for a goal keeper

Renewal offer for Pinto

Spanish local newspaper El Faro de Vigo claims that Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain has offered Barcelona goal keeper and Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32) a one-year renewal offer.

Pinto, who still has two years left on his Celta contract, is considering the offer and will give Barcelona a reply in the coming days. If he accepts the offer, Barcelona will not have to pay an extra fee to Celta since the option to buy Pinto 'for free' was included in the 500 000 euro° loan deal (read more here).

Although Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain told at a press conference last week that Pinto would not be offered a renewal (read more here), Pinto said in an interview with Barcelona sports paper Sport yesterday that no final decision on his future had been taken yet: "I know that the club is talking with my agent and the rumours that I won't stay are not true. Nobody has said to me that I will not continue, the negotiations are still ongoing. I know that the club is satisfied with my work but I think that they have other priorities at this moment. I would sure like to stay longer."

Pinto came on loan to Barcelona in January to replace substitute goal keeper Albert Jorquera who got injured. Despite only having played three games, he says that his time in Barcelona has been "an incredible experience" on a personal level.

Read more:

Pinto wants to stay

Looking for a goal keeper

Pinto will stay

Barcelona wants to renew Sylvinho

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain has announced today at a press conference that Barcelona wants to renew the contract of Brazilian left back defender Sylvinho Mendes (34): "He has done well this season, he's an important figure in the dressing room and he makes a good left wing with Abidal." The contract of Sylvinho expires in June and Barcelona will offer the player a one-year renewal (read more here).

Begiristain added that the other four players whose contracts expire in June can leave the club in the summer: Brazilian defensive midfielder José Edmílson (31), Spanish left wing attacker Santiago Ezquerro (31), French central defender Lilian Thuram (36) and Spanish goal keeper and Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32).

Read more:

Sylvinho wants an extra year

Edmilson close to Villareal

Ezquerro could surprisingly stay

Arsenal considering Thuram offer

Pinto wants to stay

Looking for a goal keeper

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona is looking to bring in a goal keeper who should put pressure on current first choice goal keeper Víctor Valdés (26) (read more here).

With substitute goal keeper Albert Jorquera (29) not expected to return before July, with the loan deal of Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32) not being made permanent and with a qualification round for the Champions League coming up, Barcelona doesn't want to take any risk.

Barcelona would have good scouting reports on a number of goal keepers amongst which Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04 - 22), Hugo Lloris (Nice - 21), Dudu Aouate (Deportivo La Coruña - 30) and Diego Alves (Almería - 22). Heurelho Gomes (PSV Eindhoven - 27) and Sébastien Frey (Fiorentina - 28) would have been offered.

Nicolás Lozano, journalist of Mexican sports site Medio Tiempo, claims that Club América goal keeper Guillermo Ochoa (22 - picture) could come to Barcelona because Rafael Márquez and Giovani dos Santos will leave: "And Barcelona needs a Mexican player in the squad because of marketing purposes."

Catalan sports paper Sport nevertheless claims that nothing will change: Valdés stays the number one with Jorquera as his back-up, Pinto will return to Celta and no new goal keeper will be brought in.

Read more:

Villareal's Diego Lopez to rival Valdes

How things stand: Goal keeper

Pinto wants to stay

Pinto wants to stay

Asked about his future, Barcelona goal keeper and Celta Vigo loan out José Manuel Pinto (32) said in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC 1 that he would like to stay with Barcelona under the same conditions: "I would like very much to stay and I'm fighting for that but I'm aware that others will take the final decision. I have been working hard over the past months, I gave everything I have since I arrived here. I'll have to wait and see if the responsible persons think that I should be rewarded for that."

Pinto came to Barcelona from Celta Vigo on loan in January of this year (read more here). Barcelona can pay the deal permanent without having to pay Celta an extra fee. Since arriving Pinto played two Liga games for Barcelona (against Deportivo and Mallorca).

Read more:
Pinto will stay
How things stand: Goal keeper
Transfer period analysis: Winter 2008