29.01.2008 19:22
Second training session in one day
Sandra Sarmiento / Jordi Clos
Barça’s second first team training session of the day involved an unusual exercise: a game of piggy in the middle involving the whole squad.
La Masia was the venue for the day’s second session, following on from a highly physical
workout earlier today at the Miniestadi. This evening’s session involved much more of the
ball.
Leo Messi was not there with his team mates, for after only
recently recovering from injury and playing ninety minutes at San Mamés, it was considered a better
idea for him just to train in the morning and do specific exercises in the afternoon. He should be
back again on Wednesday to get ready for the cup game with Villarreal along with everybody else.
Márquez and Ezquerro, meanwhile, worked out on their own in the gym and on the pitch as they
recover from their respective injuries. The Mexican did, however, take part in most of the morning
session with the rest of the team.
Giant piggy in the middle
All of the players, along with goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos
Unzué and fitness trainer Albert Roca formed a huge circle, with 16 players in the ring and three
inside trying to win possession of the ball. The players then worked on one-twos and then shots on
the goals defended by Valdés and Pinto.
Game to end
The session ended with a match played on a three-quarter size pitch, with the following teams
taking part:
In orange bibs: Valdés, Thuram, Abidal, Henry, Giovani, Gudjohnsen, Xavi, Zambrotta and
Edmílson.
No bibs: Pinto, Oleguer, Bojan, Sylvinho, Ronaldinho, Deco, Puyol, Milito and Iniesta.