Brown moves to Pompey

Portsmouth have signed veteran midfielder Michael Brown from Wigan Athletic for a nominal fee.

The 32-year-old was in the final year of his contract at the DW Stadium but has fallen down the pecking order under new manager Roberto Martinez.

Brown has signed a two-year deal at Fratton Park, where he spent a loan spell back in 1999 while under contract at Manchester City, with the option of a third year.

MANY YEARS

"Michael's a player who has shown he can perform at this level," Pompey manager Paul Hart said.

"He's very combative and someone who I've admired for many years.

"When he was playing at Sheffield United and I was at Nottingham Forest he was a player you didn't want to come up against.

"He'll add plenty of steel to our side."

By:Paul Hart

Vladimir Dasic"i'm fit to Play for Madrid"

Real Madrid's new basketball player, Vladimir Dasic, arrived at Sanitas-La Zarzuela Hospital to have his medical check-up at 8:20 am. He was accompanied by Ramon Gonzalez, assistant to the first team basketball players. Following blood and urine analysis, an electrocardiogram and several other tests, the player was deemed to be in perfect form. "The player is in perfect health and fit to play elite basketball," said Dr. Cerralto, "He is very young and has enviable athletic capabilities."

By:John Donells

Guardiola: “The hardest final”

Josep Guardiola had no doubt that tonight’s final was the most difficult Barça have played since he became manager, and praised the team on their effort, personality and character.

Guardiola’s side won the fifth major trophy since he took over as manager tonight, and their second of a season that has barely commenced. “The players have made a huge effort” he said. “They showed strength, personality and character. In other finals we were more into the match rhythm and in the middle of competition, but tonight caught us on the back of our holidays, but we didn’t lose our essence. That has a lot of merit”.

Tough game

Guardiola described the game as “terribly tough”, mentioning especially “the heat and humidity” in the Louis II in Monaco. He also suggested that there were “no positive adjectives” to describe the condition of the pitch.

Embarrassment

“The state of the pitch was an embarrassment” he said, and had harsh words for UEFA. “They talk about looking after the players, saying they should put on a show … and then they make us play on pitches like this. I think they need to look into this. They should have a think. If we had lost, I wouldn’t have said anything about it.”

Praise all round
Pedro, with his 115th minute goal, was the man of the night, but although Guardiola is to be commended for handing the youngster his chance, he said “I didn’t create anything. The players create it all themselves. In whatever case, I congratulate the people that discovered him and helped him grow. I am reaping the benefits”. On other players, he singled out one other. “Bojan did very well, but everybody made huge contributions”.

Asked about Messi, Guardiola was again full of praise. “Leo ended up carrying the team on his back. He is somebody different, special, unique, unrepeatable. He is the best player I have ever seen by some distance and Barça are lucky to have him. He is a fundamental part of the team”.

Equalling a legendary team

The Barça team of 1951-52 won five cups, and now Guardiola’s side has won five major trophies in a year. That parallel is something the coach defines as “an honour. Being able to actively participate with this group and win five titles in a row is great” he said. “I am really satisfied. I don’t know if the legend can get any bigger. All I know is that what we have to do now is get some rest. We have a tough year ahead, but such enthusiasm provides guarantees.”

Pedro makes the difference

On Mircea Lucescu’s complaints about the referee, Guardiola wished to point out that there was a possible penalty on Messi in the first half. “So, one each, and Pedro’s goal made the difference”.

By:Vanessa Forns

Squad aim for full fitness on Monday

Squad aim for full fitness on Monday

After Friday night’s European Super Cup victory, there was little time for celebration for the squad who were back in training at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper this lunchtime.

Barca kick off their defence of the Spanish League title this week and even though they’d just conquered the third European Super Cup in the club’s history, the squad were quick to turn their attention to the next job in hand – Sporting Gijon at the Nou Camp on Monday. The players went to train straight from the airport, with Leo Messi the only member missing, having been given permission by the club to fly to Argentina to join the national squad.






“Tough Game”
The squad arrived at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper at about 13.15 and the session was dedicated to warming down the players after Friday evening’s exertions, which had undoubtedly taken their toll. Guardiola himself reckoned the game had been: “terribly tough” and the high humidity and poor state of the pitch will certainly have left their mark on the players.

120 minutes
With the game also going into extra time, it’s not too surprising that Guardiola ordered a relatively light training session for his squad as he attempts to get them back up to their best for Monday’s game against Sporting.

By:David Suara

Pedro, Prince of Monaco (1-0)

A goal in the nick of time from the Canary Islander in the second half of extra time has handed Barça their third European Super Cup. Now we can talk of a brand new Barça of the Five Cups.

57 years later, Barça can once again boast a ‘Team of the Five Cups’. Like that legendary side led by the great Ladislau Kubala in 1952, Guardiola’s team has won all five tournaments possible in 2009. The Cup, the League, the Champions League and the Super Cups of both Spain and Europe.

In Monaco, Barça have made amends for the disappointment of 2006. But they suffered more than they have done in other finals this year – the Ukrainians held out against Barça’s relentless attack until the very end. Penalties were looming, but then Pedro latched onto a Messi pass to score the only goal of the night, and win the European Super Cup for the third time.

Initial impressions

Barça struggled from the start to find a way past Shakhtar’s rock solid defence. The poor condition of the grass didn’t help matters, preventing Barça from playing their trademark passing game to perfection, but the midfield also made more mistakes than we are used to seeing of them and were receiving the ball in all the wrong areas. This made it hard for midfield and attack to connect – it was uncharacteristic of Barcelona to only shoot once in the whole of the first half hour (Henry, min 8).

Gaining ground

But despite the lack of initial depth, and some sloppy combination play, Barça were undoubtedly the dominant side. And they gradually started making their possession count. In the 32nd minute, Messi had the best chance of the game with a quickly taken free kick, he himself ending the move with a shot from a narrow angle that almost had goalkeeper Pyatov beaten. Barça gained ground in the final minutes of the first half, but all they got out of it was a series of corners that came to nothing.

Messi takes over

Things hardly improved after the break. Barça enjoyed 65% of the possession and bravely opted to move Messi into a more central position in the attack. Playing the Argentinian in the middle also drew Shakhtar’s wider players in, which opened up spaces down the wings. It was Messi, who, in the 73rd minute struck powerfully from the edge of the area, an effort that was turned away only as far as Henry, whose strike was sent over for a corner by the Ukrainian stopper.

Extra time

Ibrahimovic also had a fine chance with a decent shot and a penalty claim in two counter attacking moves. The Swede then came off to make way for Pedro, who sought to open the play more towards the right. But though Barça were in supreme control, Shakhtar always looked dangerous on the counter with their fast, skilful forwards. Henry almost broke the deadlock off a Puyol corner inside the six-yard box in the 86th minute, but time was running out, and the game went into extra time.

Hero Pedro

There were some tired legs out there, and Shakhtar almost won it against the run of play with a penetrating run from Julius that Valdés dealt with in the 98th minute. Barça’s secret weapon, however, was Bojan. He had the first major Barcelona chance of extra time following an amazing slaloming run in the 101st minute. A powerful drive from Alves then skimmed wide of the post. The goals just wouldn’t come, and penalty kicks were becoming an inevitability. But just when it looked like time had run out for both teams, Pedro and Messi produced a one-two and the Canary Islander finished off the move with a delightful conversion that, at long last, had Pyatov beaten.

By:Jordi Clos

"We're anxious for the league to start"

Raúl: "The team has worked hard in preseason and now we must prove it"

Carlos Cristobal / Translation by Manuel Arcedillo

Raul sat down for an interview prior to starting his sixteenth league season as Madridista. He is confident that this squad can fight to win every title.

How do you feel about the season which is about to begin?

I’m excited, as all Madridistas are. There’s a new project and new players, very important footballers who have improved the squad. We want the Bernabeu to enjoy our game once more and we’re going to fight for every title.

Has the excitement of the fans reached the players?

Yes, we have felt the atmosphere created around the team mainly during the preseason games. We have played more games at the Bernabeu thanks to the Peace Cup and we received a very nice welcome. The same happened in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy. You can tell fans are looking forward to watching the games and seeing the new players on the pitch. We’re all anxious to win games. Now that the season is about to begin, we hope to pay back the fans with good football and victories.

How were the first days of work?

It all went well. We have a new coach who has brought new ideas to the team and we have adapted well to them. The main goal has always been to win games and showcase good football and we’ve been moving closer to achieving it with each game we played. We arrive in good shape to the start of La Liga.

It’s a positive balance, then...

Yes. Regardless of the match results, in preseason it’s paramount to build a team before the league kicks-off. The team has processed the new concepts and everything has turned out well. We didn’t have any injuries and every member of the squad has helped the team and taken part in games.

What impression has Pellegrini made on you?

He has caused good impression. His job at Villareal during the last years has been very good. He knows Spanish football and its players inside-out. He’s doing a great job. We’re happy about his ideas and the concept he has of the game. We are willing to give joy to fans and show what we have achieved so far.

There have been several new signings and they have adapted well to the team...

Yes. The squad is made up of nice people and that makes adaptation easier for the new players. They are very important players who want to do things right. They are adapting quickly and that’s good news because that way they can give everything they’ve got.

Raul sat down for an interview prior to starting his sixteenth league season as Madridista. He is confident that this squad can fight to win every title.

How do you feel about the season which is about to begin?

I’m excited, as all Madridistas are. There’s a new project and new players, very important footballers who have improved the squad. We want the Bernabeu to enjoy our game once more and we’re going to fight for every title.

Has the excitement of the fans reached the players?

Yes, we have felt the atmosphere created around the team mainly during the preseason games. We have played more games at the Bernabeu thanks to the Peace Cup and we received a very nice welcome. The same happened in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy. You can tell fans are looking forward to watching the games and seeing the new players on the pitch. We’re all anxious to win games. Now that the season is about to begin, we hope to pay back the fans with good football and victories.

How were the first days of work?

It all went well. We have a new coach who has brought new ideas to the team and we have adapted well to them. The main goal has always been to win games and showcase good football and we’ve been moving closer to achieving it with each game we played. We arrive in good shape to the start of La Liga.

It’s a positive balance, then...

Yes. Regardless of the match results, in preseason it’s paramount to build a team before the league kicks-off. The team has processed the new concepts and everything has turned out well. We didn’t have any injuries and every member of the squad has helped the team and taken part in games.

What impression has Pellegrini made on you?

He has caused good impression. His job at Villareal during the last years has been very good. He knows Spanish football and its players inside-out. He’s doing a great job. We’re happy about his ideas and the concept he has of the game. We are willing to give joy to fans and show what we have achieved so far.

There have been several new signings and they have adapted well to the team...

Yes. The squad is made up of nice people and that makes adaptation easier for the new players. They are very important players who want to do things right. They are adapting quickly and that’s good news because that way they can give everything they’ve got.

As captain and a veteran player your job is also important to ease the adaptation of the new players, isn’t it?

We all wanted to help them, not just me as captain but every member of the squad too, especially the veterans. It’s not a difficult task because we all know each other more or less. We know the main goal is to build a solid squad capable of achieving what this club demands.

How are you feeling on a personal level?

I feel as I always do at this point; very excited and willing to help the team. I’m working hard to be in my best shape as soon as possible. There’s a lot a competition to earn a spot in the line-up but the season is long, there will be chances for everyone to play and I want to make good every chance I’m given.

The first game of the league season is always an important match...

Yes, and so much more this year because there’s a two-week break due to the international games. You’re anxious for the league to start and when it finally does, there’s a break. We must try to play well and win the game. We can’t wait for the kick-off and to make a good impression.

Deportivo’s preseason hasn’t been as good as they hoped.

In preseason you can’t pay much attention to match results. Deportivo has been a competitive and threatening side during the last years, especially since the arrival of Lotina as coach. They can be dangerous on the road. We’ll try to cancel their game with our football, our stadium and our fans.

What are Raul’s objectives this season?

My objectives are simple ones. We want to showcase appealing football for fans and fight for every title during the last months of the campaign. This squad is capable of fighting for the three titles and that’s what’s on our minds. However, we take it easy, one step at a time, and going through every stage of the season.

You have played and won several Champions League finals. It would be nice to do so at the Bernabeu...

Yes, that motivates me. Historically, it has been a competition in which Real Madrid has performed brilliantly, but in the last seasons we have been knocked-out too soon, so we must be realistic. The first objective should be to fight for the semis. Then we could start thinking about playing the final.

By:Sergio Perez

Barça of the Five Cups (mark II)

Barça of the Five Cups (mark II)

The legend of Pep Guardiola at Barça is greater than ever after they have won their fifth title of 2009. At the same time, it brings back memories of 1951/52, when another wonderful FC Barcelona side brought home five trophies.

If Kubala, Gonzalvo III, César, Martín or Segarra could have seen tonight’s game , they would have been proud of this Barça side. In the same way that Ramallets, Biosca and Basora have done in their later years. All of them were members of the great Barça of the Five Cups, which 57 years ago and managed by Fernando Daucik, won the League, the Cup, the Fairs Cup, the Copa Eva Duarte (equivalent to the modern day Spanish Super Cup) and the Martini&Rossi. That amazing generation of footballers, immortalised in a Joan Manel Serrat song that honoured the Barça magic, have now passed the baton on to Pep Guardiola and his side.
2009 simply has to be the best year in the club’s history. And only the 1951/52 campaign is in any way comparable. True, this modern incarnation of the Barça of the Five Cups achieved their aim in two different seasons (2008/09 and 2009/10), but nobody can argue that what Guardiola is doing now is a mere continuation of the good work he did last year. In fact, of the players on show at the Louis II tonight, only Ibrahimovic was not in the squad last season.
From Valencia to Monaco
After an unforgettable month of May, FC Barcelona have won a further two titles, with a playing style that the world can only marvel at. Since May 13, with the win in Valencia that opened the path towards the treble, until August 28 in Monaco, 108 days have passed that have seemed like a never-ending orgy of delight.

First ever treble plus Super Cups
In Rome, Barça became the fifth team to win the European Cup plus their two domestic titles, an achievement only previously managed by Celtic (1967), Ajax (1972), PSV Eindhoven (1988) and Manchester United (1999). But now they have gone even further still. For none of the four aforementioned clubs also managed to win the two Super Cups, as Barça have done in the space of just five days, winning the Spanish and European versions.

And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s not long before Barça will be having a crack at the World Clubs Cup. That’s a trophy Barcelona have never won, but then again, until 2009, they had never won a the treble either...

By:David Suara