FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.10.2007 12:30

First ever training at the Ciutat Esportiva

Míriam Nadal / Jordi Clos

The four Barça first team players who are not international duty trained at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with the youth players on Wednesday morning.

While the rest of the squad are away with their countries, Víctor Valdés, Albert Jorquera, Sylvinho and Santi Ezquerro all travelled to the unfamiliar venue of the new training complex to carry out their morning session. They joined the Barça B side, who are preparing for their game against Igualada on Friday.

Joint effort

Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola joined forces to oversee the training that began with the usual warm-ups and ball games. They then organised an eight-a-side match, which focussed on retaining the ball, in which Guardiola, Ezquerro and Marc Valiente played for both teams. The B team playes then returned to the dressing rooms, leaving the four first-teamers on the pitch to enjoy some shooting practice. The club's technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, and the youth director, José Ramón Alexanco, attended training too.

Oleguer at Camp Nou

Oleguer Presas was not present at training as he was at Camp Nou working on a specific training routine. The defender was put through his paces on the pitch in front of La Masia and then went to the club gymnasium.