FCBARCELONA.CAT

31.07.2007 13:12

The squad returns to La Masia

Aleix Santacana / Anna Segura

Frank Rijkaard's squad enjoyed their first training session back in Barcelona after returning from their trip to Scotland and preparations began for the tour to the Far East.

Having spent six days in St. Andrews, the FC Barcelona players were back on the pitch in front of La Masia after being given a day off and the stars were watched by a large number of supporters as they were put through their paces.

Carles Puyol and Edmílson were still sidelined through injury and Leo Messi, Rafa Márquez and Gaby Milito have yet to return from holiday.

Warming up

There was no change the to the training programme as the squad warmed up before breaking into smaller groups to do some ball work. Jesús Olmo and Marc Valiente trained separately with a physical coach as they bid to overcome knocks.

Endurance test

The first main exercise of the day was aimed at increasing endurance as the players had to continue running until receiving a signal from the coach to do some sit-ups or to carry out a quick sprint, before returning to a slower pace and waiting for the next command.

It was a tough schedule as the session saw no let-up in the number of physical circuits designed to build stamina and rhythm, but a football was present throughout.

End game

Training ended with a full size game between the squad. On one team were Juliano Belletti, Marc Crosas, Éric Abidal, Thiago Motta, Deco, Dimas, Maxi, Giovani Dos Santos, Thierry Henry and Bojan Krkic. On the opposing side were Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram, Oleguer, Sylvinho, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Touré Yaya, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Santi Ezquerro. The three goalkeepers, Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera and Oier Olazábal continued to alternate between the teams.