FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.09.2007 16:12

Tough introduction (0-0)

Jaume Marcet/Roger Bogunyà

Pep Guardiola began his reign as FC Barcelona's B team coach by earning a point from a goalless draw against Ricoh Premià in the Camp Municipal.

The encounter was watched by the club's president, Joan Laporta, and technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain. After relegation at the end of last term, Barça have geared up for life in la Tercera and knew that conditions would not be has comfortable as they have been. In a small stadium, the pitch was uneven and the opposition was not as technically gifted as the visitors, but the Blaugrana rolled up their sleeves and dug in. While trying to impose their short passing game, Guardiola's side found life difficult at times and had to become more direct in order to gain ground.

Wasted opportunities

In the first half, Barça B had a number of chances to break the deadlock with Tenerife-born forward Pedrito going close as he made the Ricoh Premià keeper work hard to keep things level. Eneko had an opportunity with a free-kick while Xavi Torres took aim from distance, only to see the ball fly just off target. The home team only created chances from set pieces and posed problems with the heigh of their two forwards, Ángel and Molina. After one run with Molina, Barça's Víctor Sánchez had to be replaced with only 18 minutes on the clock, which gave a chance to Andalucian player Rueda.

Losing rhythm

The rhythm of the game diminished in after the break as the defences of both teams limited options for the forwards at either end of the field. The first half-hour of the second period was an even affair, with little creativity, before both teams picked things up before the end. Oier Olazábal kept out two efforts from Ricoh Preià, while the hosts' custodian also had work to do in the closing moments.

Crowded house

As well as Laporta and Begiristain looking on, Guardiola's official debut as Barça B coach attracted other directors, like Rafel Yuste, Evarist Murtra and Albert Perrín. Also in the stands were Quique Costas, Albert Capellas, Joan Barbarà and Pep Boada, as well as the head of the club's youth teams, Alexanco.