FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.01.2009 12:55

Moving to the Ciutat Deportiva

Vanessa Forns

From next week, the FC Barcelona first team will move all their training programme to the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper complex in the suburb of Sant Joan Despí.

With that in mind, coach Pep Guardiola oversaw the final preparations at he training ground to ensure that everything wil be in place for when the playres report for their first session there on Monday.

The same pitch

The players will make their bow at what will now be the squad's full-time home on Pitch 1 at the centre which is reported to be almost exactly the same as the grass inside Camp Nou. That has been one of the main reasons why the players will move to the complex because preparations for home games will be better.

Testing ground

Barça Atlètic have trained on the pitch in the build-up to the senior squad's arrival in order to test the grass. Luis Enrique's team had no problems and ensured that the first team will enjoy their new surroundings.

Other work

Apart from the pitch, the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper has undergone other changes that Guardiola asked for in order to make things even more comfortable for the team. Work has been completed on the changing rooms, the gymnasium and the offices and meeting areas so that the coaching staff can meet up there. The new press area has also been completed.