14.09.2008 12:30
Busy day at Camp Nou
Sergi Nogueras/Roger Bogunyà
Camp Nou will a hive of activity on Monday as the Champions League returns in full swing with the arrival of Portuguese giants Sporting Clube ahead of the match in midweek against FC Barcelona.
After flying in to the Ciutat Contal at midday, coach Paulo Bento and a player, yet to be decided,
will speak at a press conference which is scheduled for 18:30. An hour later the visitors will
train on the pitch in the stadium with the first 15 minutes being open to the media before the rest
of the session continues behind closed doors.
Barça’s agenda
Barça will hold their press conference first as Pep
Guardiola and Lionel Messi are due to speak to the media throng at 17:00 before training begins an
hour later, again with the opening quarter of an hour being open. Once the session has finished,
the Blaugrana squad will go back to the NH Constanza to continue their preparations for the game.
On Tuesday morning, at 11:00, Barça will train once more, behind closed doors, and then
return to the hotel for lunch at 13:00 and make any last minute plans ahead of the evening
encounter.
Matchday officials
UEFA revealed on Sunday which referees will be taking charge of the Champions League games on
Tuesday and Frenchman Laurent Duhamel has been assigned to take charge of the Barça game with
Stèphane Duhamel and Christophe Capelli being his assistants and Olivier Thural the fourth
official.