FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.10.2007 12:09

Intense training session

Berta Brau / Anna Segura

The football first team had an intense training session this morning at La Masia in preparation for Sunday’s game with Atlético Madrid.

Frank Rijkaard worked with all of the players he has available for Sunday’s league encounter with Atlético Madrid (Sunday, 17.00, Barça TV and PPV). Barça warmed up for the game with only the injured players missing, namely Márquez, Touré, Zambrotta, Edmílson and Eto'o.

Plenty of activity

The session started a little later than usual because the squad had posed for the official team photo this morning. Training itself started with the usual warm up drills.

The session continued with circuit training. The first exercise focused on speed and fitness, and once that was over the ball came into action with a series of circuits based on ball control and moving it around in groups, followed by some shots on goal.

Game to end

Once the session was over, the players divided into two groups for a short game. The yellow team featured Valdés, Gudjohnsen, Abidal, Marc Crosas Oleguer, Ronaldinho, Giovani, Deco, Thuram and Bojan, while the bib-less side was made up of Jorquera, Ezquerro, Puyol, Milito, Sylvinho, Henry, Messi, Iniesta y Xavi.

Frank Rijkaard kept a close eye on the proceedings and occasionally interrupted the game to make a few comments about certain aspects. Despite several chances and the ball hitting the post on various occasions, the match ended scoreless.