FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.03.2008 13:09

Refocussing in training

Berta Brau / Vanessa Forns

The Barcelona first team returned to training on Friday and the session was marked by the disappointment and reflection of the Copa elimination the night before. The players had to refocus on the next game against Real Valladolid in the league.

Frank Rijkaard called the squad in for the first of two sessions ahead of the weekend match and ensured that everyone knew that there was no time to go over the defeat in Mestalla. All eyes now had to look ahead to the game in Camp Nou.

Valdés and Gudjohnsen

Víctor Valdés and Eidur Gudjohnsen did not participate in training as the players that played against Valencia went through a basic recovery programme. The Icelandic international has an abdomen injury, while the goalkeeper remained in the gym. Alongside the 16 first team players that trained, two players were called up from Barça B as Víctor Sánchez and Víctor Vázquez joined in.

Easy session

Everyone present joined together to wish Ronlaldinho a happy birthday before the session began with the usual warm-up routines. Then Éric Abidal, Samuel Eto'o, Carles Puyol, Bojan Krkic and Lilan Thuram worked with coach Albert Roca, the other players did some circuits. The group working with the physical coach then all returned to the changing room with the exception of Puyol and Thuram, who stayed behind to stretch.

Six of the players that played against Valencia, Touré Yaya, Xavi, Henry, Zambrotta, Iniesta and Puyol, all left the putch one-by-one, the remainder have enjoyed a passing exercise on a small-sided pitch that concluded with a shot at goal.

Practice game

The training session ended with a practice game of three-against-three with one goalkeeper, José Manuel Pinto. One team were Santi Ezquerro, Edmílson and Víctor Vázquez, while on the other were Víctor Sánchez, Ronaldinho and Sylvinho.