FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.05.2007 11:38

Thursday training with an eye on Getafe

Sandra Sarmiento/Miriam Nadal

The entire squad trained on Thursday morning with the exception of Rafa Márquez. The final public training session before Saturday’s vital match against Getafe took place at the La Masía training grounds next to the Camp Nou.

With just three league matches left before the end of the season, Saturday’s game against Getafe is taking on all the importance of a Cup final. The players continued their preparations today in a session open to the public. Tomorrow, they will train behind closed doors in the Camp Nou.

The only player missing was Rafa Márquez, who is still sidelined by his leg injury. The Mexican international continued with his recuperation programme inside the Camp Nou.

Dribbling and changes of pace

After a number of warm-up exercises, the players divided up into pairs for a 30-minute session of circuits to practise dribbling and changes of pace. The good news was that Jose Edmilson was able to train normally after making a full recovery from the knock he picked up in the Vicente Calderón.

Training match

The session ended with a practice game between Deco, Saviola, Oleguer, Iniesta, Gio, Ezquerro, Edmilson, Messi, Zambrotta, Jorquera and fitness coach Albert Roca in one team, and Motta, Silvinho, Ronaldinho, Thuram, Puyol, Giuly, Xavi, Belletti, Gudjohnsen, Eto'o and Valdés in the other. The match was played on a full pitch, with Frank Rijkaard halting the action from time to time to give instructions.