Match discussion: Espanyol

This evening at 10 pm bt,
Barcelona plays the first game of the 1/4 finals of the Spanish cup against Espanyol Barcelona.

Espanyol squad list:
Kameni, Cristian Álvarez, Chica, Sergio Sánchez, Beranger, Jarque, Pareja, Lola, Moisés Hurtado, Román, Valdo, Nené, Coro, Luis García, Callejón, Jonathan Soriano

Barcelona squad list:
Valdés, Pinto, Jorquera, Alves, Puyol, Márquez, Piqué, Cáceres, Abidal, Sylvinho, Xavi, Víctor Sánchez, Touré, Busquets, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Messi, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry, Hleb, Iniesta, Pedro


!!! LIVE MATCH CHAT !!!

From two hours before until two hours after the game you can join a match chat (read more here)


Before (what are your expectations, what's your prediction, what should be the line-up,...), during and after the match, you can also comment on the game here.

Talks with Bayern on Lahm reopened

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain has reopened contacts with Bayern Munich on the transfer of Bayern Munich full back defender and German international Philipp Lahm (25).

Barcelona's technical staff has agreed that Barcelona left back Abidal will stay next season, while his current back-up Sylvinho will most probably leave the club when his contract expires at he end of the season.

Barcelona would now again like to sign Lahm, who would act as back-up for both right back Alves and left back Abidal. Begiristain talked with Bayern a few weeks ago and although the asking price is quite high, Barcelona is willing to make an effort if Lahm would push for a transfer in the summer.

Read more:
Barcelona will sign left back next summer
Zhirkov among targets for left back position
Barcelona looking again at Lahm option

Valencia interested in Jorquera

Catalan radio station Ona FM claims that Valencia is interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (29).

Because first goalkeeper Renan is out for two months, Valencia is looking to sign a goalkeeper as soon as possible. Jorquera would be one of the two options, although Tottenham goalkeeper César would be the first choice.

Read more:
Jorquera won't leave in January
Agent Asenjo confirms Barcelona contact
Sporting will try again for Jorquera

All available players in Espanyol list

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has earlier today announced that 23 players are called-up for the first game of the 1/4 finals of the Spanish cup against Espanyol Barcelona this evening at 10 pm.

The list:
Valdés, Pinto, Jorquera,
Alves, Márquez, Puyol, Piqué, Cáceres, Abidal, Sylvinho,
Xavi, Touré, Busquets, Keita, Gudjohsen, Víctor Sánchez,
Messi, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry, Iniesta, Pedro, Hleb


Milito is still recovering from an injury. The final list will be announced later today. Seven players (among which one goalkeeper) will have to drop from the list.

Barcelona had a last training session this morning. After they had a lunch together, the players have now the afternoon off and are expected back at the Camp Nou at 8:30 pm, when they will travel by bus to the stadium of Espanyol.

Puyol: "Leo is above the rest"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





Is it difficult to switch between playing in the centre and as full back?
I don't have much time to think about it cause I'm informed only shortly before the game. You always have to be prepared for whatever will come and when you know your position you try to get some information about the player who will be your direct opponent.

You have now three assists in a corner situation, set pieces seem to be a key element this season...
It's a positive thing for the team and for myself. And if I can score a goal, the better. A team like Barça needs to know how to take advantage of this. We have the best players, guys who can put the ball where they want it and strikers who don't fail. You have to use all that because there are game that get complicated and that kind of situation can save you.

You've also said once that Barça needs to win some more Champions Leagues for the club to get the recognition. This year the whole of Europe is praising you all...
Because the team is playing very well, but to have only won two Champions Leagues, that's too little for a club like Barcelona, with their history and with the players who have played here.

There has been a lot of talk about the pasillo, the tribute to Madrid last seaon. Is it your unofficial objective that Madrid have to pay you back in their own stadium?
The most important thing is to win trophies because when you win them you're always happy. It was a difficult and hard moment but in football you also have moments like that. The rivalry exists, when you're on the pitch you want to win and when you can do it by a big win, that's even better.

Since Gerard Piqué arrived, he's one of your best friends in the dressing room. What does he add to the team?
It's a very important player both on and off the pitch because he perfectly knows the club and the football philosophy. He didn't need to adapt, he's performing very well on the pitch. Besides that, he's always enjoyable and cheerful. And that's also important in a group.

What do you think about not having the stay with the squad at the day of the game?
Personally I think it's a good thing because the player can relax a little and the games are that late nowadays that those hours in the hotel can be boring. At least now you're at your place, in your bed, with your people. If you're professional and serious, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

It's strange that the players spend less time together this season while there's a feeling that there's more unity...
If you're at a hotel, everyone is in his own room, so that's the same. You're alone or with your computer.

What do you think about the comparisons between Messi and Robben?
I wouldn't compare them. Robben is very good and he's playing good these days, it's one of those players who can make the difference. But Leo is above the rest, it's an incredible player, you should watch him play.

Rivaldo, Figo, Ronaldinho, Leo... Who do you prefer from all the stars with whom you have played?
It feels like one should choose the most recent one. But what the others have done is impressive.

What did it mean for you that Maradona came here and praised the team?
It's an honour that he speaks like that about us. It's not a player who I saw play a lot when I was young, but it has been an important player in the history of football.


This was the second part of this interview. You will be able to read the following parts in the coming days with Puyol talking -among other things- about his favourite city and about his tattoos.

You can read the first part of the interview here:
Puyol: "At the end, the best team always wins"

Read more:
Vilanova: "Iniesta is our best winter transfer"
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona
Puyol: "We haven't yet spoken about a renewal"