Louis Van Gaal

[Olesen10]

President gaspart has announced that Louis van Gaal will be new Barca-coach next season! He said in the pressconference:
"We talked long and hard about the decision and after a series of meetings we all decided that it would be better to make a change. I proposed Van Gaal as a candidate and Rexach considered it to be the right decision. Over the last few days Sr Rexach and Mr Van Gaal have even spoken on the phone about things."

Why van Gaal?

"Well I know my answer won’t satisfy everyone, but he’s a hard worker and a great professional and we won titles with him when he was here before. I know he did have some problems with some of the press, but I’m convinced that he’ll come back aware that he needs a different approach in a number of areas not directly connected with his coaching. This has been a decision taken by the club and the board as a whole.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What do you all think about this decision? Should Gaspart out?
Or is van Gaal good enough?

[Skualo]

i dont know man...that its true...barca won tittles with van gaal thats a fact..on the other hand...fans dont like him well some fans and prenss too...rivaldo does like him either so Barbosas days in FCB are counted...

[BLAUGRANA]

Like I said on my Louis V thread, like him or not it's time we all got behind him for the good of the club. In my opinion, the Nou Camp faithful are a bit too fickle. About Rivaldo, no one player is bigger than the team!!! If van Gaal is the boss, then van Gaal is the boss. It's not rocket science.

[BLAUGRANA]

I'd still like too Gaspart out. This is in my opinion the best move he's made since he became president. I'd still get rid of Gasart though.

[alex_10]

i hate this guy,but i hope he wil do something good for barca

[BLAUGRANA]

Here you go all. It's from onefootball.com which is a fairly reputable site. Very good piece in my opinion and along the lines of what i've been arguing. :)

http://www.onefootball.com/index.phtml?page=fullstory&newsid=113044&country_id=45

[BLAUGRANA]

in my previous post?!??!?!?!

[BLAUGRANA]

in the post just before this one!?!?!?

[BLAUGRANA]

I think this sounds like a good idea. I hope he keeps Sergi and Frank De Boer around though. I think they'd help educate the younger players and be reliable backups if they lose their starting positions.

http://www.onefootball.com/index.phtml?page=fullstory&newsid=113423&0

[BLAUGRANA]

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/news/feature.sps?id=2047725&languageid=9

[BLAUGRANA]

Well Skualo, what do you think??

[nismo]

hey azulgrana you seem to know alot about baraca
what's your opinion on rochemback????
i hear he's gonna join inter (that's what the gossip is)
i've seen him play in a few games, but not enuff to make an accurate judgement. still the times i've seen him play he's been solid and conisistent but that's not enuff to make a good judgement.

[BLAUGRANA]

Rochembach is a tough one. As I just got done posting on the Inter board, he hasn't really had much of a chance with Barca. Rexach rotated the squad last season way too much for my tastes. I know he had injury problems to deal with, but he still used too many different lineups. Anyway... Rochembach would be like C Zanetti and Di Biagio as he's the type who adds steel to the midfield. He's got a rocket of a shot in terms of power, but not the most accurate shooter. He can pass alright too. Truth be told, living here in the states I don't get to see Barca play too much. I think with the proper guidance and regular runs of play, he's one for the future. I think he'd be like Edu of Arsenal, who really came good this last season. Hope that helps a bit.

[Roberto Abrego]

Lets hope he will make a good job,and bring allot of Dutch players.

[BLAUGRANA]

Let's hope he does a good mix of Dutch and Spanish players. Specifically, let's hope he gives the youngsters a chance. He did the last time around.

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by azulgrana
Let's hope he does a good mix of Dutch and Spanish players. Specifically, let's hope he gives the youngsters a chance. He did the last time around.

he should bring Simao back.

[BLAUGRANA]

Roberto Abregoooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me buy you a beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

If you go through some of the more recent threads you'll see I've said the same thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRING BACK SIMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

LVG was the one who brought Simao in in the first place only for the inept Serra Ferrer to sell him after not even giving him a chance!!

I hope he does.

[BLAUGRANA]

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/news/feature.sps?id=2047818&languageid=9

[Azerkid]

I think he'll get along with the players and plus he coached this team before

[BLAUGRANA]

So do I. I'm glad he's back. As for his successor some day, I'd like to see Koeman.

[ItalianBoy]

Simao in Barca sucked bad. IMO.

[BLAUGRANA]

He was great the times I saw him play. IMO he didn't get enough of a consistent run in the side to really show his stuff. This past season, he tore up the Portuguese Premier League for Benfica and was considered by most Benfica's best player. You know Juve have been linked with him a number of times don't you Italian Boy?

[ItalianBoy]

I have heard it once but nothing serisou. I heard a lot of Quaresma and Viana.

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by ItalianBoy
I have heard it once but nothing serisou. I heard a lot of Quaresma and Viana.

I heard that Viana was linked to Celta de Vigo.

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by azulgrana
Roberto Abregoooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me buy you a beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

If you go through some of the more recent threads you'll see I've said the same thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRING BACK SIMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

LVG was the one who brought Simao in in the first place only for the inept Serra Ferrer to sell him after not even giving him a chance!!

I hope he does.
hahahah thanx
I eil like and Old Millwaukee pliz :D

[BLAUGRANA]

LOL! :D An Old Mil??? How bout a Newcastle Brown Ale or a Grolsch? That's all I got in the fridge.

[BLAUGRANA]

I forgot to mention that I still want Simao back if that isn't plainly obvious.

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by azulgrana
LOL! :D An Old Mil??? How bout a Newcastle Brown Ale or a Grolsch? That's all I got in the fridge.



:D :D

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by azulgrana
I forgot to mention that I still want Simao back if that isn't plainly obvious.

yes he is a very promising player,he is better than Geovanni,instead of loosing our time buying him,we should keep Simao.

[BLAUGRANA]

Agreed. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll see Simao in a Barca shirt ever again.

[ItalianBoy]

Viana was followed by many teams but Celta will get him next season.

[Roberto Abrego]

Playing at the Spanish League will make him a better player.

[nismo]

but just wait till he comes to serieA it'll a different ball game :D

[BLAUGRANA]

Nismo, browse this thread and read my posts about LVG. Also read any links in the posts. The most important thing is that all Barca supporters give LVG a chance and support him and the team.

[Olesen10]

Van Gaal is okay, after all. Fine with me that he want's Van Bommel! I remember the Holland-England friendly. What a shot!:thumbsup:
I just saw Frace-Senegal...pretty bad for the french team! But i liked El Hadji Diouf from Senegal! Maybe LVG should target him?

[BLAUGRANA]

Where have you been??? You've not been on for days, weeks even. Stick around this time.

[Olesen10]

Well, I have worked on my website about Barca, and I've had a lot of homework to do lately...

Denmark just won against Hungary! Just felt like saying it...:)

As I posted in my last thread, Diouf seemed like a good player, even though we already have Kluivert, Rivaldo and Saviola.
This worldcup is the best place to check out new young players. I'm a Dane, so i feel sorry for Barca that they didn't buy Jon Dahl Tomasson! He just scored two goals against Hungary today...
But Barca should not look after new attackers! They need to find some good young defenders, now that Abelardo, Sergi and Coco leaves.

PS. I've just read that Liverpool want's Diouf. He seems to be interested...Hurry up Barca!

[Roberto Abrego]

Originally posted by Olesen10
Van Gaal is okay, after all. Fine with me that he want's Van Bommel! I remember the Holland-England friendly. What a shot!:thumbsup:
I just saw Frace-Senegal...pretty bad for the french team! But i liked El Hadji Diouf from Senegal! Maybe LVG should target him?

he will probably play with Liverpool next season :(

[BLAUGRANA]

Re-posting on this thread. I'm not too happy with LVG's transfer targets of late (assuming they're all true). I don't like the idea of Kily at all. Good news though is that he'll cost too much with his fee and salary demands. I also don't like the idea of bringing Mendieta in. I think he just costs too much given Barca's current financial situation. I think that sort of money could be better served buying younger players like Joaquin or Vicente.

[BLAUGRANA]

Could you please edit the title of this thread to Louis van Gaal. I want to keep it up and going so we can discuss his tactics, ideas, comments, etc. throughout the season. I just think we should rename thread to Louis van Gaal.

[BLAUGRANA]

I'm also going to combine this thread with the Louis V thread I started as soon as I become moderator. Just waiting on Omar and Tariq to make the upgrades, then I'll really try and get the ball rolling.

[Olesen10]

Originally posted by azulgrana
Could you please edit the title of this thread to Louis van Gaal. I want to keep it up and going so we can discuss his tactics, ideas, comments, etc. throughout the season. I just think we should rename thread to Louis van Gaal.

Sure! Ahhm, how?

[BLAUGRANA]

Dunno. Maybe I'll be able to do it if and when I'm moderator. So long as you don't mind of course.

[Olesen10]

Fine with me!

[BLAUGRANA]

This will now be our LVG thread to discuss Louis II's tactics, comments, etc.

[BLAUGRANA]

In addition to this article, I read somewhere else that all the players will be made to work very hard this year. :D Good!!! Louis is the man. Make em work! We need a trophy.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/news/feature.sps?id=2048983&languageid=9

[BLAUGRANA]

The Spanish international will spend the next season on-loan from Lazio and he said last night: "After such a long year away, I am very happy to have the opportunity to return to Spain with Barcelona and to work with the trainer, Van Gaal. He is the best.

"I am very proud of the fact that Van Gaal insisted on signing me. I am thankful.

"When one arrives at a club and the trainer wants you, it is the best endorsement someone can have."

[nismo]

the best??? LVG the best hahahah
man he couldn't even get hollaand to qualify for WC, losing to ireland (no offense to irish fans) on the way out.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
the best??? LVG the best hahahah
man he couldn't even get hollaand to qualify for WC, losing to ireland (no offense to irish fans) on the way out.

Being a NT manager is a lot different than being a club manager. He's been a great club manager throughout his career.

[nismo]

yeh i know it's different being a club and NT coach
you get less time with the players etc
but a coach with the credentials LVG had, i was so sure that holland finished at least runnersup.losing davids and deboer for crucial games didn't help as well. but all credit goes to him for TOTAL football he implemented at barca during his reign for 3 years.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
yeh i know it's different being a club and NT coach
you get less time with the players etc
but a coach with the credentials LVG had, i was so sure that holland finished at least runnersup.losing davids and deboer for crucial games didn't help as well. but all credit goes to him for TOTAL football he implemented at barca during his reign for 3 years.

I too thought they'd do better. I was disappointed, but now I don't mind as LVG is back where he belongs.

[nismo]

LVG can comeback and hopefully turnaorund barca's fortune :angel:

hey Zul, maybe you can enlighten me, since you know more about barca than me
what happened to cryff, like what really caused his departure?? i know him as a great footballer, but what was his reign like as barca manager???

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
LVG can comeback and hopefully turnaorund barca's fortune :angel:

hey Zul, maybe you can enlighten me, since you know more about barca than me
what happened to cryff, like what really caused his departure?? i know him as a great footballer, but what was his reign like as barca manager???

I can't really say anything about Cruyff's reign. Barca's official website probably touches on it. He won a lot of trophies and I'd say Barca dominated La Liga under him. Then of course there's the Holy Grail he won too. I didn't start supporting Barca until LVG came along.

[nismo]

I liked both cryff and LVG because they tried to implement total football in their game, which IMO if done properly can be very effective and efficient at killing off teams regardless of country or league.

[BLAUGRANA]

This from soccernet:

Wednesday, July 24, 2002
Louis: Rivaldo lacked commitment

MADRID, July 24 (Reuters) - Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal has singled out a lack of commitment as the reason behind the Catalan club's decision to release Rivaldo from his contract.
The Dutch coach denied that he had anything personal against the 30-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner, but said that a request from the player to extend his holidays had triggered the decision to annul his contract a year before it was due to expire.

'I liked Rivaldo when he was committed and motivated,' said van Gaal speaking from the club's pre-season training base in Switzerland on Wednesday.

'But after he asked for two more weeks holiday this weekend knowing full well that we have to play a Champions League qualifier then he showed that he did not have the necessary commitment to Barcelona.

'Winning the World Cup was a great achievement for Rivaldo, but he has to remember that it was the club that was paying him and the club must come first,' he said.

Van Gaal, who was first in charge at the Nou Camp between 1997-2000, said that he had detected a change in attitude from the player after he was given the World and European Player of the Year awards in 1999.

'I liked Rivaldo before he was chosen as the world's best player but since then he has not performed as well,' he said.

'I wanted that Rivaldo because he was the best, but from that time on he didn't deal with either his personal or sporting situation in the right manner.'

Van Gaal had a high profile run-in with Rivaldo in December 1999 -- the same month in which he was given the two prestigious awards -- when the Brazilian demanded to play in the centre of the pitch rather than out on the left wing.


IRREVOCABLE DAMAGE

The Dutchman won that test of strength and Rivaldo was forced to apologise for his comments after sitting out two games on the sidelines, but relations between the two suffered irrevocable damage.

Van Gaal has now claimed that Rivaldo appeared to show more determination and commitment when he played for Brazil rather than Barcelona.

'His level dropped more for Barca than for Brazil,' he said. 'When you saw Rivaldo play for Brazil you saw an enthusiastic player, who wanted to work for his team. That is the difference.'

Rivaldo, who is negotiating a possible move to Italian side AC Milan, said he would give his version of his departure in the near future.

'I want to say to all those people who follow me that I will soon be joining a new team in Europe,' he said on his personal website on Wednesday.

'Perhaps within the next week I will be at the disposition of the coach of a new team and I will then give a more detailed press conference.'


I think shows how serious LVG is about the club and his job. IMO, he makes very good points, especially in regards to Rivaldo's dedication to the club versus that of his dedication to Brazil.

[BLAUGRANA]

From Barca's official website:

Van Gaal: "the club is more important than any one player"

Wednesday 24 July 2002 16:30 (BCN)




Louis Van Gaal held his first press conference of the team’s summer training camp in Switzerland this lunchtime, and naturally enough he was questioned about Rivaldo’s leaving the club: "this was a decision of the club as a whole, in which I, as manager, naturally contributed. The club and the team are more important than any one player.”

Van Gaal went on to explain: “this club has a structure for decision making and the President and the board are at the top. Below the board is the director general Javier Pérez Farguell and the footballing director, which is me. There’s also the technical staff, the players, the other employees of the club, our fans and the general public. All of us influence to a greater or lesser extent the decisions taken by the club. I admit that I have played a large part in this decision, but so has Mr Gaspart, who always has the last word.”




Van Gaal was also clear about his relationship with the Brazilian star: “I’ve read that we don’t get on, but I want to makeit clear that I admired the Rivaldo who existed before he was voted the World’s best player. From that moment, however, I don’t think he’s known how to manage his new position and fame, either as a player or as a person. His play has dropped off since then with other managers in charge, not just with me – you only have to look at the statistics. I admire Rivaldo when he’s committed to his club and excited about Barca, but a player who comes along and asks for a fortnight’s extra holiday, knowing we’ve got what important games the Champions League qualifiers are for this club, is not committed to the club and I can’t allow that.”

As for the squad he has got, Van Gaal was full of praise: “I’ve seen that tall the lads, even the World Cup players who’ve just got here, are really committed and determined to work hard to make a success of things. We were looking for someone down the wing, but with Cocu and Motta, this is not a vital need.”

[nismo]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
This from soccernet:

Van Gaal has now claimed that Rivaldo appeared to show more determination and commitment when he played for Brazil rather than Barcelona.

'His level dropped more for Barca than for Brazil,' he said. 'When you saw Rivaldo play for Brazil you saw an enthusiastic player, who wanted to work for his team. That is the difference.'

.
that's funny, because brazilian supporters say the exact opposite. man everything rivlado does or doesn't do seems to be criticised more and more, i guess it's a lose-lose situation for him.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo

that's funny, because brazilian supporters say the exact opposite. man everything rivlado does or doesn't do seems to be criticised more and more, i guess it's a lose-lose situation for him.

I wouldn't necessarily say that was the case before this last season. However, last season it was the case. I think it was the same for Ronaldo in regards to Inter.

[nismo]

inter fans have always given theuir support to ronaldo. i don't know how i'll react if ronaldo was in the same position as rivaldo.
but yeah prior to all this drama, rivlado was criticised by both sets of fans club and country

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
inter fans have always given theuir support to ronaldo. i don't know how i'll react if ronaldo was in the same position as rivaldo.
but yeah prior to all this drama, rivlado was criticised by both sets of fans club and country

I always sorta felt sorry for Rivaldo a bit. He could never do well enough for either set of supporters to love him.

I'm sure from the Inter board you know my take on Ronaldo. He better perform this season or i'll be pissed.

[nismo]

if ronaldo doesn't bring any silverware to inter this season, he might be verbally abused in the same way as rivaldo.

BTW is there any confirmation that LVG plans to enlist riquelme as part of his squad??

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
if ronaldo doesn't bring any silverware to inter this season, he might be verbally abused in the same way as rivaldo.

BTW is there any confirmation that LVG plans to enlist riquelme as part of his squad??

I assume you mean as opposed to loaning him out. He'll be part of the squad for sure now.

[nismo]

yeah that's what i meant
i was just wondering why there wasn't anything official yet.
maybve it's like the gammara issue at inter, no one knows about it, until they see him in the squad sheet.
what formation would LVG opt for you reckon when riquelme is part of team?

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
yeah that's what i meant
i was just wondering why there wasn't anything official yet.
maybve it's like the gammara issue at inter, no one knows about it, until they see him in the squad sheet.
what formation would LVG opt for you reckon when riquelme is part of team?

It'll be a 3-4-1-2 or a 3-4-3 from what he's said in the past.

[nismo]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


It'll be a 3-4-1-2 or a 3-4-3 from what he's said in the past.
excellent....

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo

excellent....

Let's hope so.

[nismo]

well it can be any worse than what rexach did changing it on a weekly basis.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
well it can be any worse than what rexach did changing it on a weekly basis.

No kidding!!!! I know some of it was down to injuries, but he changed it for every match! I think they would have had an even better season if he'd been consistent.

[Azerkid]

so if its 3-4-1-2 its will be this: or ???


-------------------Enke-----------------

---------De boer-------Andersson-----Puyol--------

------Luis E------Riquelme----Xavi-----Mendieta

-----------------------Overmars---------------------

-------------Saviola-----------Kluivert-------------------

[Bier]

Van Gaal plays 4-3-3 since years. :) Maybe he changes this, but if then only for Riquelme. Here's what I suppos his line up to be like:

Enke
Puyol-FDB-Christanval-Cocu
Xavi
Luis Enrique-Riuelme
Saviola-Kluivert-Mendieta

[BLAUGRANA]

3-4-1-2

-------------------------Bonano

--------------Puyol---Christanval---De Boer

-------Enrique---Mendieta---Xavi---Overmars

------------------------Riquelme

-------------------Kluivert---Saviola

It's a possibility and what I'd like to see based on the current squad.

[Bier]

From what "El Mundo Deportivo" suggests today he could take your system, Zul, but play Saviola alongside Riquelme behind Kluivert. :)

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Bier
From what "El Mundo Deportivo" suggests today he could take your system, Zul, but play Saviola alongside Riquelme behind Kluivert. :)

Ahh, so a 3-4-2-1. Interesting. I like the 3-4-1-2 better though. Unless players get forward, it could be a lone striker and I hate that.

[Bier]

I think our new Tridente will act flexible anyway. :star: :)

[nismo]

why would saviola play behind kluivert IMO he's much better uitlised as a true striker with his pace and footwork.

[Bier]

Well, I've been at the Camp Nou last year at Saviola's and the squad's presentation. They had the team divided in two parts and a little match so. And the first thing I thought when seeing Saviola play there was: Wow what a offensive midfielder, though knowing he was a striker. It's mainly because he's perfectly ablet to do my beloved one-touch football. He's got the vision and 5the skills to pass a ball directly on. Same goes for his both offensive partners Riquelme and Kluivert. They'll be a real threat to their opponents next year, no matter how they are played on the papers. These are players who find their role on the pitch. :star: ;)

[Der lustige Rod]

Originally posted by Bier
...role on the pitch
We are not talking Inzaghi here... :D :D :D ;) ;) ;)

[Bier]

Yeah ... thank god we're not ;) :D

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Bier
Well, I've been at the Camp Nou last year at Saviola's and the squad's presentation. They had the team divided in two parts and a little match so. And the first thing I thought when seeing Saviola play there was: Wow what a offensive midfielder, though knowing he was a striker. It's mainly because he's perfectly ablet to do my beloved one-touch football. He's got the vision and 5the skills to pass a ball directly on. Same goes for his both offensive partners Riquelme and Kluivert. They'll be a real threat to their opponents next year, no matter how they are played on the papers. These are players who find their role on the pitch. :star: ;)

I just don't think we have a natural goalscorer though. I know they all can score, but we need a Vieriesque or Van Nistelrooy type player.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Der lustige Rod

We are not talking Inzaghi here... :D :D :D ;) ;) ;)

LOL. Now I know why you call yourself lustig.

[Der lustige Rod]

The name itself is a little joke, too. Normally i call myself only Rod. :) But how come you understand German? :)

[nismo]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


I just don't think we have a natural goalscorer though. I know they all can score, but we need a Vieriesque or Van Nistelrooy type player.
kluivert is a goalscorer???
or do u mean someone of the same calibre of bobo and niseelrooy??

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo

kluivert is a goalscorer???
or do u mean someone of the same calibre of bobo and niseelrooy??

I think Kluivert is a goalscorer, but he needs more chances than say a Vieri or Van Nistelrooy. I think he's better a partnering a poacher than actually being one. It'd be cool if Barca could get Van Nistelrooy to partner him, but that's not gonna happen. I'll settle for Tristan though.

[Bier]

Kluiverts main problem is that he scores the hard ones with the same ease he misses the easy chances in my opinion. ;)
I think he's practicing a lot on that ... if he manages to only make 2/3 of his easy chances (now he maybe makes half of them) he can be a 30-goal-man I think. Hence season for season I'm waiting for his final breakthrough as Pichichi. Now Van Gaal is back and he is alone upfront (in case Saviola plays behind him) just as he wants it. It' KLUIVERTIME! His time has come.
BTW: I think his goalrecord after all is very impressive. We seldomly had a player who made 15 goals at least with that reliability. :star:
Vamos Kluiverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt! ;)

[Juanele]

Originally posted by Bier
...It' KLUIVERTIME! His time has come.
BTW: I think his goalrecord after all is very impressive. We seldomly had a player who made 15 goals at least with that reliability. :star:
Vamos Kluiverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt! ;)

Not to be anti-Kluivert or anything but a donkey could score 15 goals as the striker for Barça. Kluivert will have to step up big time this season in order to make up for the loss of Rivaldo. 20 to 25 goals should be the minimum for Kluivert. If not then time to look for another striker (PS: Having Kluivert as a lone striker is a bad idea, look at what happend to the Dutch under VG with that system).

[Juanele]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


I think Kluivert is a goalscorer, but he needs more chances than say a Vieri or Van Nistelrooy. I think he's better a partnering a poacher than actually being one. It'd be cool if Barca could get Van Nistelrooy to partner him, but that's not gonna happen. I'll settle for Tristan though.

Tristán is not a poacher. He is more similar to Kluivert if anything. Those two would not work well together IMO.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Juanele


Tristán is not a poacher. He is more similar to Kluivert if anything. Those two would not work well together IMO.

Tristan is a bit more of poacher than Kluivert though. I think they'd be fine together.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Juanele


Not to be anti-Kluivert or anything but a donkey could score 15 goals as the striker for Barça. Kluivert will have to step up big time this season in order to make up for the loss of Rivaldo. 20 to 25 goals should be the minimum for Kluivert. If not then time to look for another striker (PS: Having Kluivert as a lone striker is a bad idea, look at what happend to the Dutch under VG with that system).

A bit harsh this time Juanele. The 18 he scored last year was good and second in the league. He's consistent for 15 and considering the Barca squads he's played in for the last few years, there were many other players contributing. That's not including the fact that he doesn't take spot kicks.

Besides, I don't see any of the donkeys at Real Madrid scoring much more.

[nismo]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


Tristan is a bit more of poacher than Kluivert though. I think they'd be fine together.
tristan is more like raul to me IMO, he's not as opportunistic as say ronaldo (34 goals in 37 games :D ) but a supporting striker.
Nisteelroy would be a perfect partner or hasselbaink as well. seen em play for Olanda, they compliment eachother.

[psh03]

It doesn't seem that Van Gaal is the most popular person in the Barca dressing room at the moment. Rivaldo left supposedly due to personality differences with Van Gaal. Riquelme had a problem early on with Van Gaal didn't he? and now Rochemback is the latest person to feel Van Gaal's wratch. You'd think if he is not sucessful early on, particularly with Rivaldo going, he may not last the season.

[Olesen10]

I sure hope they're gonna work it out! If we look at the Parma game I would say it's long time ago I've seen Barca play that good...Riquelme is our man! And I hope for Barca that Mendieta will play as good as he did when he was in Valencia!

[psh03]

I think you will struggle without a genuine ball winning defensive midfielder. I also prefer Riquelme and Saviola in more central positions rather than wide forwards but Riquelme was brilliant wasn't he? But don't get too carried away it is still preseason.

[Olesen10]

Sure it's preseason, but if Barca keeps up this play and can make the season without many injuries, I belive we might have a good chance. Of course we also had that last season, but backthen it was all about Rivaldo being genius, otherwise we would lose. But today it seems more like a team (with good players as well).

[BLAUGRANA]

Note what LVG says about teamwork and wanting to emulate what Bayer Leverkusen did last season.

FC Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal speaks to uefa.com's Adrian Harte

In July 1997, Louis van Gaal arrived at FC Barcelona as the world's most wanted coach after having led AFC Ajax to the 1995 UEFA Champions League title, the 1996 final and the 1997 semi-finals. Five years later, he returns as coach to the Catalan capital after a much more sobering Dutch experience, a disappointing 14-match reign as national team coach.



Van Gaal previously spent three seasons with Barcelona
(©empics)


Good spirits
However, as the Amsterdam-born Van Gaal, who celebrates his 52nd birthday on Thursday, supervised Barça's pre-season preparations on the shores of Lake Geneva this week, he was in hearty good spirits. His previous tenure as coach may have ended in discord, but harmony abounded in sunny Switzerland, where Van Gaal preached his new mantra that attitude and teamwork matter more than individual talent.

'Happy to be back'
Van Gaal's departure in 2000 was unlamented by Barça fans despite his consecutive Primera División triumphs in 1998 and 1999, and although misgivings may persist on their part, Van Gaal is delighted to be back at the Camp Nou. Indeed, he was positively beaming when he spoke to uefa.com this week, even if his comments were tempered with the caution of someone well aware of the fickle nature of success "I'm very happy to be back because it is an ambition for me to train big clubs and I think Barcelona is a big club with a lot of passion," he said. "I want to train one of the top ten clubs in Europe and I am happy that a club who I have trained asked me back for a second time - that is a big compliment I think."



Van Gaal was unable to guide the Netherlands to the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals
(©empics)


Honours abounded
He added: "I don't think I have any unfinished business here because I won a lot of titles with my players. In the first year, we won the double, the second year, we won the league and, in the third year, we were in the semi-finals of all the competitions like Bayer [04] Leverkusen this season, more or less."

Leverkusen the benchmark
Clearly, the efforts of Leverkusen last season in reaching the Champions League and German Cup finals, as well as finishing second in the 1. Bundesliga have struck a chord with Van Gaal. Like most clubs this summer, Barcelona have been prudent in the transfer market, Juan Román Riquelme arriving for an initial €6m and both Gaizka Mendieta and goalkeeper Robert Enke being snapped up. Clearly, Van Gaal sees getting the best out of his existing squad rather than buying an off-the-peg team as his role on his return. And Leverkusen are the benchmark.



The less-than-happy end to Van Gaal's first reign
(©empics)


'Played like a team'
He said: "Bayer went further than us in reaching the three finals and I think that is fantastic. You can win or lose in a final. Because of that I like Bayer Leverkusen and I want to replicate more or less the attitude of the Bayer Leverkusen players because they have played like a team and they won nearly everything."

Attitude important
That theme is repeated when he speaks of his hopes of the season ahead, with grandiose promises of silverware significantly absent. "My expectations are that we have to form a team, that we will have to work a lot and improve the quality of our game; the level of the individual players but, even more, the level of the team," Van Gaal says. "Maybe with that work and the attitude of the players, we can win something."

Champions League priority
Similarly, there are no pledges of more signings before the season starts, merely admission that left-sided cover remains a must. For now, the priority is the forthcoming Champions League third qualifying round meeting with either FK Vardar or Legia Warszawa, the latter holding the first-leg advantage from their current tie.

Words of warning
He said: "We have not fully analysed our opponents, but normally Vardar or Legia are not as strong as [AJ] Auxerre, for example, or [FC] Dynamo Kyiv and in that aspect we were a little bit lucky. But the lesson of the [FIFA] World Cup was that the difference is not the talent but the attitude."

[BLAUGRANA]

SAF said LVG is "an exceptional coach... One of the best in the World."

Fergie also stressed how important it is for the fans and the press to be patient with LVG.

In regards to the decision to let Rivaldo go, Fergie echoed LVG's sentiments on the topic saying that the team and teamwork is more important that individualistic players.

High praise from one of the best of all time.

[BLAUGRANA]

Anyone notice LVG lately? He's looking pretty tubby! :D He reminds me of this coach I used to have. He used to tell us we were out of shape and that we had to train harder while he drank a Coke and ate an ice cream bar. I can see it now.

LVG eating a Haagen Daaz bar: "Damnit you monkeys, RUNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!"

[BLAUGRANA]

Even the players can see the difference. This from soccerage.com:


Motta Preferring Life Under Van Gaal
| News Archive


08/08/2002. Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta says he prefers Louis Van Gaal's style of management to that of Charly Rexach.

The young Brazilian was given his first-team chance by Rexach last season and vindicated the coach's decision with a series of encouraging displays.

However, he nonetheless prefers the new order of things under Van Gaal

"He prepares training differently to Rexach, you know what you are going to do," he told the club's official site.

"I'm not saying there was no order or planning last season, but Van Gaal takes care of the details better. I prefer things like this."
SA Europe

[Bier]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
LVG eating a Haagen Daaz bar: "Damnit you monkeys, RUNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!"
bwahahahahahahaha :D :D :D simply incredible :D

[nismo]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


In regards to the decision to let Rivaldo go, Fergie echoed LVG's sentiments on the topic saying that the team and teamwork is more important that individualistic players.


try telling that to il fenemeno and all the ronald-school girls.:rolleyes:

life goes on rivaldo will go to greener pastures, and still show samba football, even if it won't be in an barca jersey.:(

speaking of brazilians, was Motta part of the barca youth system???

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo

try telling that to il fenemeno and all the ronald-school girls.:rolleyes:

life goes on rivaldo will go to greener pastures, and still show samba football, even if it won't be in an barca jersey.:(

speaking of brazilians, was Motta part of the barca youth system???

Motta was part of the Barca youth setup, but I'm not sure for how long. He got his first chance with the big boys last season under Rexach. One of Rexach's smarter moves. Then with the way Rexach juggled the lineup, I'm not surprised he told Bakero (he was a coach with Rexach) to suit up and go out there.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Bier

bwahahahahahahaha :D :D :D simply incredible :D

Funny thing is, I really had a coach like that. :D

[BLAUGRANA]

I think it was Nis who mentioned this in a different thread, but can you imagine the squad we'd have if LVG had the cash that Serra Ferrer and Rexach did. They had about 5 times as much to spend!!! If LVG does the business again this time around, he truly is a MANAGER in the true sense of the word, not to mention a genius.

[BLAUGRANA]

Here's what Dani said about LVG:


“It’s most likely that Patrick will play on Wednesday and I’m just working hard to get on the bench for the game. I’m feeling fit and I’ve had no problems in the pre season. I’ve heard all the rumours about a club coming in to sign me, but I know nothing and I’m just keeping all that out of mind and working hard to make an impression here. I’d like to publicly thank Van Gaal for giving me the chance to get out and play this pre season. Even though he’s made it clear that I’ll not be getting too many starts this season, he’s been really encouraging in training and he’s given me quite a few opportunities so far.”

[nismo]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
I think it was Nis who mentioned this in a different thread, but can you imagine the squad we'd have if LVG had the cash that Serra Ferrer and Rexach did. They had about 5 times as much to spend!!! If LVG does the business again this time around, he truly is a MANAGER in the true sense of the word, not to mention a genius.
it seems LVG is also willing to try proven tactics and ideas. Before he was pro-TOTAL football, nothing more, nothing less, but now he's willing to adopt and incorporate other successful game strategy, like with Bayer. LVG will only get better in my opinion, he has the right attitude and correct mind-set to do great things woth barca this time round :thumbsup:

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo

it seems LVG is also willing to try proven tactics and ideas. Before he was pro-TOTAL football, nothing more, nothing less, but now he's willing to adopt and incorporate other successful game strategy, like with Bayer. LVG will only get better in my opinion, he has the right attitude and correct mind-set to do great things woth barca this time round :thumbsup:

Of course you all know I agree, but I have to say that I think he had the right mindset the last time. It was a big transition for him to move from Ajax to Barca, but he did well anyway.

[FC Barca11]

In the past few years we have seen 3 different Barcelonas. That of Ferrer, Rexach and Van Gaal. Given his new system Barcelona will undertake 3 defenders. Do you think 3 is suited for a club like Barcelona or is 4 better?

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by FC Barca11
In the past few years we have seen 3 different Barcelonas. That of Ferrer, Rexach and Van Gaal. Given his new system Barcelona will undertake 3 defenders. Do you think 3 is suited for a club like Barcelona or is 4 better?

Being the big LVG fan that I am, I think he's got it right.

I'm a bit more optimistic about the 3 man defense with our current group of guys. Puyol is amazing and can handle the job. Obviously he won't be pushing forward very much, but I feel that with the current lineup it's not really needed anyway. While Nesta or especially Rio Ferdinand would be better suited in the heart of a 3 man defense, I still like De Boer. De Boer is one of the best (if not the best) of building up the attack from the back. I know his defensive capabilities are often called into question by many fans, but I think he's a very solid defender. He's strong, good in the air and reads the game as good as anyone. Navarro is a gamble, but I think he'll pay off and FDB had high praise for him after the Legia match in regards to the youngster's defensive capabilities. I think the 3 man defense is also well supported by players such as Mendieta and Cocu. Mendieta is tireless and can mark people out of the game. He also is a handful to mark for the opponents. Cocu's contributions are very underrated. He does so much work off the ball. I think the two of them support the back 3 very well. In fact, LVG is the one who really wanted Mendigol and had a plan for the player before he came. I agree that the left flank could be a problem in terms of support from the midfield, but Motta is one who could do the job. Either way, I don't think it's that big an issue. And about the 4 man defense, when a back pushes up he leaves the defense outnumbered anyway. I also think that an attacking mind club like Barca can do the job with a man defense. So long as they maintain possession, it's not too much of an issue.

No matter how we look at it, time will tell. I'm a big LVG fan though and I trust his tactics.

[BLAUGRANA]

I'd be curious to see who Juanele would recommend for defensive targets for LB, CB and RB positions. Not necessarily as starters, but for cover as well.

[nismo]

Mendieta man mark??? are you for real Zul? :D
I suggest LVG stick with the three man, but i'd have puyol as the RWB, since he can run up and down the field in support of attack and defence, and cocu on the LWB likewise. Navarro, De Boer, and P.Andersson (christanval to deputise for him when he's injured) in a 3 man defense. And like what Zul said, a 4 man defense can be fragile if the side backs foray upfield leaving the backline with only 2 defenders, which could create problems, but a 3 man defense can hold off opposing attacks and the wing backs can link up in defence if needs be. That's my opinion anyways, you guys might see it differently :D

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
Mendieta man mark??? are you for real Zul? :D


Of course I am. Go back and look at the LVG comments I posted about the Legia game. He says Mendigol marked Legia's best player out of the game. I will admit that Mendigol's offensive prowess outways his defensive abilities, but he's still a good all around player. LVG knew exactly what he was doing bringing in Mendigol.

[Juanele]

Defense? We don't need no stinking defense! ;)

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
I'd be curious to see who Juanele would recommend for defensive targets for LB, CB and RB positions. Not necessarily as starters, but for cover as well.

Hmmm...interesting question. I haven't really thought about other than the usual big names (Nesta, Cannavaro, etc.). First off I would play a 4 man defense, not 3. I can't remember the last time a 3 man defense worked in La Liga. I'd like to see some youth introduced into the centerback position. Christanval is alright but that's all he'll ever be, IMO. Use a young player for one of the CB's (preferably a fast player) and the other CB get somebody like Naybet, who is one of the most underrated defenders in the world. Of course at RB we are set. The best RB in Spain (in all of Europe, IMO). Although a fit Manuel Pablo would give a run for his money. For cover you could have somebody like Redondo at Sevilla but I'd prefer he stays there :) At LB it is tough because there is a drop off of quality in comparison to the RB position in Spain. I don't follow the leagues outside of Spain that much so you guys would know better as far as bringing in foreign talent.

I must say defense is the hardest part of a team to put together. Even if you have great defenders that doesn't mean you'll have a great defense. Defense is more of a team concept. If you want proof look no further than Valencia. They don't have any special defenders (Puyol is better than any of them) but yet as a defense they are one of the best in Europe.

[Bier]

Now we reached the point where we miss Coco.
I think he was very impressive last year and it was sad to see him leave (at least his choice was Inter :star: ). He is a modern left bound who runs a marathon game by game winning important defensive tacklings and making his mark in the teams offence as well. Hmm whatever ... crying after those who left never helped any team. I think in a 3-men defence Christanval could fill this spot with Fernando, who looked good in some preseason games from what I read, as backup. Maybe Coco with his offensive way of playing his position wouldn't even fit in such a 3-men-defence. We can only find out if Inter-coach Cuper plays with 3 ... ehrr forget about it .... it'll never happen. ;) :D

[nismo]

Originally posted by Bier
Now we reached the point where we miss Coco.
I think he was very impressive last year and it was sad to see him leave (at least his choice was Inter :star: ). He is a modern left bound who runs a marathon game by game winning important defensive tacklings and making his mark in the teams offence as well. Hmm whatever ... crying after those who left never helped any team. I think in a 3-men defence Christanval could fill this spot with Fernando, who looked good in some preseason games from what I read, as backup. Maybe Coco with his offensive way of playing his position wouldn't even fit in such a 3-men-defence. We can only find out if Inter-coach Cuper plays with 3 ... ehrr forget about it .... it'll never happen. ;) :D
actually cuper did play with a three man defense vs spezia recently.
and it looks like he'll be trying out the 3 man defense more than once. But coco will used as wingback instead though, if cuper ever used the 3 man guard again

[FC Barca11]

well i hope the 3 man defense is the right thing to do. Atleast it insures we play more attacking football. Like they say "The best defense is offense"

[FC Barca11]

Originally posted by nismo
why would saviola play behind kluivert IMO he's much better uitlised as a true striker with his pace and footwork.

I agree, Kluivert comes back a lot to help create chances.

[BLAUGRANA]

This from Barca's official website. Note what he says about new signigns. Also, interesting what he says about Rexach.

Van Gaal to play summer signings in Gamper Trophy

Thursday 22 August 2002 19:50 (BCN)

Speaking to the press ahead of Friday’s Joan Gamper Trophy against Red Star Belgrade, Louis van Gaal assured the fans that the club’s new signings will all take part in the game. The Barca boss also confirmed: ”I may give some of the players who’ve been on international duty this week a rest and for that reason I’ve called up Dani Tortolero and Oleguer from the B team. The Gamper Trophy is traditionally a time for the fans to get see the new signings and Enke and Riquelme will definitely play. I’ll have to see how the other lads are, all but Mendieta played a full game on Wednesday. Iniesta certainly won’t be playing, as he’s only been in training for a week and needs a fortnight, like the rest of the squad. The fans are naturally excited about the team, especially following our performance against Legia, and I’m sure they’ll come along on Friday. Red Star are a good team, amongst the best in Yugoslavia. They’re a very skillful side and the fans her like that.”

Van Gaal went on to stress he wanted more new signings: “I can’t go into details about possible new players, because any publicity just complicates things, but I can say that we’re more in need of a forward than a full back right now. Any player we do sign, will have to come here before the end of this month.”

Finally, Van Gaal explained the role that Carles Rexach has taken on in the club: “he’s doing more or less the same job that Bakero or Koeman did in other seasons. He’s a trainer who’s giving us another perspective on how we’re playing. He’s advising me and for me it’s always positive to learn from other people’s knowledge.”

[BLAUGRANA]

Got this interview from the club's official website:

Van Gaal on Canal Barca

Monday 26 August 2002 16:45 (BCN)

Interviewed on Canal Barca before flying off to Poland on Monday, Louis van Gaal was cautiously optimistic about the coming season: “I’m always very positive and I’m an ambitious manager. I’ve won a lot of titles in my career, but I want more and I want more with Barcelona. The team is motivated and determined to win something this season. The Spanish league is the most difficult thing to win, but I think we’re in with a chance after a good pre-season that’s given us a lot of confidence. I’d rather not talk about our rivals, but I think there’ll be more teams in the fight than just us, València, Deportivo or Real Madrid. How every team starts is very important and that’s why Sunday’s match against Athletico Madrid is vital.”



New signings?



“I’m very happy with the squad I’ve got. We’ve got money to sign new players if I need it and if we can improve the squad , so much the better. The philosophy of the club has to be to bring youngsters into the team from below. Right now, we’ve got some top quality youngsters in the team and seven ofteh squad have come through the youth teams.



Commitment



“All the training staff, the management and the players are really determined to do well. We’re totally committed and working very hard indeed. I think the fans can be confident about the new season – as I’ve said before, I’ll not promise titles, but I can assure them that we’ll be working hard, we want to win and we’re committed to this club. As for the fans, well, I hope we can fill the Nou Camp on Sunday and they’ll give us all their support. That’s really important for the players and I’m convinced we can win lots of games at home if the fans get behind us.”

[BLAUGRANA]

Some interesting suggestions coming out of this Summit. I got this article from UEFA.com. I wonder if LVG discussed tactics or players with any of the managers, like say Topmoller.



Coaches' summit bears fruit

Wednesday 4 September 2002

Europe's top club coaches have thanked UEFA for giving them an increasing voice in European football's evolution – and are 100 per cent behind the UEFA Champions League as the world's top club competition.






Crème de la crème
The message came from a gathering of the 'crème de la crème' of the continent’s club coaches, who attended the fourth UEFA Elite Coaches' Forum at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland today.

Various recomendations
The coaches have also put forward a variety of recommendations for UEFA to consider, including the use of a fourth substitute, nine substitutes on the bench instead of the current seven, increased doping controls, and uniform balls and pitch sizes.

Star lineup
Among those present for talks with UEFA officials were Vicente del Bosque (Real Madrid CF) and Klaus Topmöller (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) – coaches of last season's Champions League finalists - Louis van Gaal (FC Barcelona), Carlo Ancelotti (Milan AC), Fabio Capello (AS Roma), Ottmar Hitzfeld (FC Bayern München), Gérard Houllier (Liverpool FC) and Arsène Wenger (Arsenal FC).

Influence development
"I'm grateful that we have the chance to exchange views with UEFA, and have the opportunity to influence football's development," Ottmar Hitzfeld said after the meeting. "I hope that some of the proposals will be implemented at some stage."

Louder voice
"It's most important that UEFA is willing to listen to the top coaches, and that we can speak with a louder voice each year," said Louis van Gaal. "Naturally, we are looking for feedback from those who are deeply involved in our top competitions," replied UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner. "We hope that we can respond to the coaches' requests."

Use of substitutes
The coaches put forward proposals for the use of an additional fourth substitute in competition matches, as well as nine substitutes on the bench, to offset the increasing pressures that modern-day top matches bring. "The speed of the game is increasing, players are under greater strain, and injuries happen, particularly in extra time," said Hitzfeld. "We think it would be fair if coaches had the possibility to introduce an additional player."

Friendly concern
Europe's coaching elite also expressed concern about national-team friendly dates, as well as world club and intercontinental competitions, which they felt created additional pressure in terms of fixture commitments.

Champions League talks
As for the Champions League, the forum expressed a variety of views about Europe's most prestigious club competition – with Hitzfeld and Van Gaal both welcoming UEFA’s recent decision to abolish the second group stage in favour of a 16-team knockout phase from the 2003/04 season.

Players' health
"I think that the health of the players is in trouble because we have to play a lot of matches, and we have to reduce the calendar for them," said Van Gaal. "I'm not against UEFA's new proposal, and perhaps the knockout system will also bring more spectators and higher TV audiences."

Good move
"We have to look after the health of the players, who are the main actors in the competitions," added Hitzfeld. "Quality suffers with too many games. I think that UEFA's move to reduce the number of games is very good."

High standards
"The coaches around the table were all in agreement that the UEFA Champions League is the top club competition in the world," explained UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh. "They think that standards are extremely high, and are increasing. Clearly, within any group, there is going to be a variety of views – but everybody is 100 per cent behind the Champions League. They think it's a wonderful competition."

Keeping football clean
The coaches suggested that UEFA should consider increasing the number of drug tests at its matches, and even introduce out-of-competition tests. "We feel that that it is very important for football to maintain its campaign to be clean," said Roxburgh. "The coaches are very much about Fair Play – that comes over in everything that they talk about."

[nismo]

I reckon there should be a universal standard on drug testting in European Competition, as i know for a fact the drug testing in italt is more strict than in other leagues. I don't want to sound like a whinger, and making excuses for serieA, but a universal drug testing standard would at least increase the credibility of CL and uefa cup

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by nismo
I reckon there should be a universal standard on drug testting in European Competition, as i know for a fact the drug testing in italt is more strict than in other leagues. I don't want to sound like a whinger, and making excuses for serieA, but a universal drug testing standard would at least increase the credibility of CL and uefa cup

I agree. UEFA should move quickly on this issue and make sure that the leagues comply.

[FC Barca11]

Eh this may be off the current topic a bit, but nonetheless its abouts LVG :) So it looks like the only reason Jardel didnt come to Barca is because of LVG. Apparently we had a knockout price for him (what a coup to follow Riquelme!!) but LVG insisted that unless Jardel was guarenteed European Citizenship (i thought he had a portugues passport?????) , he would not welcome the player because it would disrupt the squad. I think thats a class move on LVG's part and it shows his dedication to club as well as his commitment. The more the days go by, the better the season seems to look. I just wish Rivaldo would keep his mouth shut. There are no reasons to fire anymore parting shots at Barca. He's one of my favorite players and though i wish him all the luck (except against Barca ;) ) there is no need for his critizism anymore. Its neither creative nor helpful.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by FC Barca11
Eh this may be off the current topic a bit, but nonetheless its abouts LVG :) So it looks like the only reason Jardel didnt come to Barca is because of LVG. Apparently we had a knockout price for him (what a coup to follow Riquelme!!) but LVG insisted that unless Jardel was guarenteed European Citizenship (i thought he had a portugues passport?????) , he would not welcome the player because it would disrupt the squad. I think thats a class move on LVG's part and it shows his dedication to club as well as his commitment. The more the days go by, the better the season seems to look. I just wish Rivaldo would keep his mouth shut. There are no reasons to fire anymore parting shots at Barca. He's one of my favorite players and though i wish him all the luck (except against Barca ;) ) there is no need for his critizism anymore. Its neither creative nor helpful.

I think Jardel is in the process of trying to obtain a European passport. I'm glad we haven't gone and brought him in. I just got done stating my reasons in another thread.

What's this about Rivaldo's comments? Do you mean new ones? Can you post em here or elaborate a little?

[FC Barca11]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


What's this about Rivaldo's comments? Do you mean new ones? Can you post em here or elaborate a little?



Well this is translated from Spanish to English, but i hope you get the jist of it.






Rivaldo: "Go Gaal the only star is believed"



The Brazilian accuses to Go Gaal of not listening to the players and of intending to be the only protagonist. Rivaldo argumenta that the technician of the Barça cannot teach professional players to chutar or to protect the balloon.



Rivaldo has spoken since its new club, the Milán, in an interview granted to "The Gazetta dello Sport from its exit of the Barça and has been shown very critical with the I try the technical one Dutchman to the players.



The Brazilian believes that after the rigidez and the intransigencia of Go Gaal himself hidden an eagerness of protagonismo: "is believed the only star and it does not please to listen the opinion of the players. ..El technical cannot teach you to throw or to protect the balloon, and the opinion of a player should keep in mind itself in a high percentage. Who it has been a good player knows how to be behaved."



Rivaldo has alert that the contracting of Go Gaal obliged immediately to be presented his exit of the Barça already the club it offered three options: an eventual one I transfer to the Lazio, to remain in the club "with the risk that he finished facing me the technician" or well rescindir his contract with a year of anticipation.



The new player of the Milán trusted that "to the end of the World one he was sad: after all what he had done by the Barcelona and after all what he had given me, was evil to finish thus for which I chose for the third option"



Rivaldo has thought upon the potential of the Madrid and of the Milán after the incorporation of its countryman Ronaldo to the white club: "Are two clubs that are doing a great deal by the soccer and that are situated to the same level, for which will be a matter of measuring the strengths in the land of play".



The Brazilian has not hidden that he would charm to be faced to the white equipment in the end of the Champions since that "would signify that the Milán has done a good season"



The 10 of the Milán lent its support to the "Fenomeno" in its new white phase: "For my follows being a magnificent person and it desire all the success in the Real one Madrid".



The futbolista, in a clear sample of its philosophy of the soccer has declared that "to the less in a 70 percent the soccer is passion: to become professional you know that you should resign to tantas things, but for my the balloon is always one more diversion that a job". To weigh to it, the new player milanista has recognized that the concept of the soccer in Spain, as in Brazil, "is more espectacular, more desenfadado than in Italy".

[soccer fanatic]

I`m a Louis van Gaal fan and I`m not to ashamed to admit it. :)
Even after his failure to reach the WC, I still think highly of him.
He has his mistakes, but who hasn`t.
He just isn`t a national coach but a clubcoach.
Its not going very well now, but I`m sure he will recover.
(Draw against Atl Madrid and defeat against 3division side in copa del rey.)

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by soccer fanatic
I`m a Louis van Gaal fan and I`m not to ashamed to admit it. :)


LOL! Sounds like an admission from an alcoholics anonymous meeting or something.

So I was reading on uefa.com that the Nou Camp faithful have been giving LVG a good reception thus far because they realize that they haven't won anything since he last managed the club. Can any of our Spanish friends out there corroborate this?

[soccer fanatic]

I saw the way Van Gaal left after his first period as coach, so I thought more people were against him than for him.
Well I guess you have to row with the paddles you got. :)

I don`t think they won anything, definetly not the league and CL, I`m not sure about the Copa del Rey though, but I thought not. Things will be tough for Van Gaal. Valencia, Depo la Coruna and Real Madrid all look good. Lets hope he does it again.

[BLAUGRANA]

So i've read that Luis Menotti, former Barca and Argentina coach, has criticized LVG for saying that he didn't know who Riquelme was before he came to Barca. Did LVG really say that? If so, i'm disappointed even further in him. While such a comment could be taken out of context, it still can be disruptive and I would hope that LVG learned his lesson the last time and will think before he makes such comments.

Does anyone know EXACTLY what was said by LVG concerning Riquelme? By the way, we should be discussing LVG in this thread.

[relejado]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA
So i've read that Luis Menotti, former Barca and Argentina coach, has criticized LVG for saying that he didn't know who Riquelme was before he came to Barca. Did LVG really say that? If so, i'm disappointed even further in him. While such a comment could be taken out of context, it still can be disruptive and I would hope that LVG learned his lesson the last time and will think before he makes such comments.

Does anyone know EXACTLY what was said by LVG concerning Riquelme? By the way, we should be discussing LVG in this thread.


I haven't read about this either. so i strongly suppose it's taken out of context or is just invented.

as i already mentionned, i'm still able to stand behind LVG's decisions and work so far. his system isn't perfect already, but i still have faith in his abilities. he will play riquelme as soon as roman is ready to do magic in NOU CAMP. remember, riquelme was not totaly fit and his wife was giving birth to his son, which also may have been difficult..mentially...


during his last spell, people were criticizing his controlled and defensiv play. now his plans are playing attacking and entertaining football but the people want him to play more defensiv. it's not easy for him though...

[FC Barca11]

He has said that Riquelme was not a choice made by him, but rather the club and the fans. He was looking to sign a different player and hadn't even heard of Riquelme before the club had presented him with the player. Comments like that should stay inside his mouth, rather than be spit out and cause turmoil within the dressing room. :mad:

[soccer fanatic]

The media shouldn`t make such a big deal out of it. It should happen more often that a club buy a player for the longterm of the club. If the trainer leaves, the next one is stuck with him. You can better buy someone who fits the club.

I can`t believe Van Gaal never heard of him. When he trained Ajax, almost everybody who now is a star was on his shortlist. (Hakan Sukur, Jardel.) He knows a lot of players, but if Van Gaal himself said it, it must be true. He is a very honest person, almost never lies.

[BLAUGRANA]

Former manager Serra Ferrer has come out with some none to flattering comments for Barca. However, his LVG comments seem to be contradictory. :confused: He is complimenting him, yet saying he's not the man for the job all in the same sentence. You decide:

"With him (Van Gaal) there is seriousness, he fights and works hard. We can win some trophies with Van Gaal in charge, but I do not believe that he is good appointment for the future, or even the mid term."

[BLAUGRANA]

According to Barca's vice-president it sounds like Camacho was an option for the Barca manager's position, but the club didn't want to wait 'til after the WC.

[forca_barca]

Van Gaal is a crazy, arrogant fool who is doing more harm than good at Barca right now. Keeping Riquelme sitting on the bench when his team are losing 2-0 at Valladolid is utter madness. But what does he do, he takes off the captain (Enrique) and Mendieta, and brings on Geovanni (who is possibly the worst player I've seen in a Barca shirt for years) and Gerard. Neither of these players are going to have the same impact as Riquelme. What is Van Gaal's problem with the Argentinian? We need a backup striker, and we need two central defenders. De Boer is way past it, and possibly the weakest link in the team over the past two seasons. Let's hope Patrick Anderson dosen't get injured again and helps shore up that defence. Man, it's like the keystone cops watching Barca defend. Every time a ball is played into the Barca defence I worry. I don't trust them at all. Fernando Navarro is young, and ok. Valdes i'm not convinced about yet. And Puyol and Anderson are very good. Cocu hasn't been consistently good for Barca for a couple of seasons, Geovanni, like I said, is a joke, and Gabri and Gerard are good, honest players but hardly world class. In fact, the only players Barca have right now who come anywhere near the standard needed to succeed are Saviola, Riquelme, Kluivert, Mendieta, Enrique, Puyol, Anderson, Overmars and Xavi. The rest are just not good enough as far as I'm concerned. And believe me, sitting 11th in the league table as we currently are, I AM VERY CONCERNED!!!

VISCA EL BARCA!!!


PS: WHY WON'T VAN GAAL PLAY RIQULEME? WHY?

[BLAUGRANA]

I'm gonna merge this with our LVG thread.

[Juan]

One thing that bothers me is, Rexach had a similar treatment with Saviola last season, and didn´t get as much flames.

The thing is, yeah they need Riquelme in certain situations like yesterday, but "Topo Giggio" has yet to adapt to Spanish football, his performances, whenever he´s on the pitch, have been quite inconsistent.

[Atalla]

there is a weakness in the barcelona lineup that must be mainly attributed to the overall incompetence of the defence.. in theory, Barcelona overall do not impress me much, although i am a diehard fan.. in practice, in La Liga, 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, make the team very weak. and the problem remains, that the squad has not faced a team that is nearly the same caliber as say: Deportivo, Valencia or Real Madrid. Van Gaal seems to have trouble utilizing the wingers, as Mendietta is perfect on the right, and Overmars, upon his return would be a devastating addition to the left of the midfield. Van Gaal's insistence that requilme will not play go very very far to demonstrate, that as a coach, he is hard headed, and almost completely a racist towards south Americans.. the way i see it, he plays Saviola because he has no other choice of striker, and bonano, the experienced goalkeeper is benched, and rivaldo, the player of such class and talent has been forced out.

kluivert, who is excellent in heading stray balls into the goals, has not been fed from the wings.. and this is disturbing.. the wingers should feed the dutch sniper, while the remaining two midfielders should focus entirely on Saviola, who excells in through passes, and has lighting quick reflexes and great ball possesion. a new striker of great class must be purchased. i'd recommend Emile Mpenza, of Belgium, or Morientes, who would be perfect for Barcelona, despite what many Barca fans would say.. he might be A Real Madrid player, but so was enrique, and he is playing well.. furthermore, two central defenders should be purchased, and soon.. Puyol is remarkable, but he cannot play in a state where the other defenders are completely incompetent.

i am very disappointed that Ferdinand, Nesta and Cannavaro were up for grabs this summer, and Barca did not bother.. that is a stupidity that cannot be forgived.. Real Madrid have a team of all stars, and they translate results, so Van Gaal's policy of no stars is as misguided as his current tactics. stars can make a team.. a dutch Barca makes no sense to me! especially since the only dutchman the club has actually succeeded with is Kluivert.

Van Gaal needs to lower his ego, and learn from Cryuff.. it is no secret that Cryuff despised Stoichkov, but understood that he need the player on the pitch at all time.. that is what made him great, his ability to put aside personal differences for the good of the team.

sorry for such a long post, it's my first one and i just thought i'd tell some people how i felt about Barca and Van Gaal. the team has a lot of potential, but is being held down by an arrogant man who destroys players rather than builds them.. it would require hundreds of coaches to repair the damage Van Gaal has done to our great club.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Atalla
there is a weakness in the barcelona lineup that must be mainly attributed to the overall incompetence of the defence.. in theory, Barcelona overall do not impress me much, although i am a diehard fan.. in practice, in La Liga, 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, make the team very weak. and the problem remains, that the squad has not faced a team that is nearly the same caliber as say: Deportivo, Valencia or Real Madrid. Van Gaal seems to have trouble utilizing the wingers, as Mendietta is perfect on the right, and Overmars, upon his return would be a devastating addition to the left of the midfield. Van Gaal's insistence that requilme will not play go very very far to demonstrate, that as a coach, he is hard headed, and almost completely a racist towards south Americans.. the way i see it, he plays Saviola because he has no other choice of striker, and bonano, the experienced goalkeeper is benched, and rivaldo, the player of such class and talent has been forced out.

kluivert, who is excellent in heading stray balls into the goals, has not been fed from the wings.. and this is disturbing.. the wingers should feed the dutch sniper, while the remaining two midfielders should focus entirely on Saviola, who excells in through passes, and has lighting quick reflexes and great ball possesion. a new striker of great class must be purchased. i'd recommend Emile Mpenza, of Belgium, or Morientes, who would be perfect for Barcelona, despite what many Barca fans would say.. he might be A Real Madrid player, but so was enrique, and he is playing well.. furthermore, two central defenders should be purchased, and soon.. Puyol is remarkable, but he cannot play in a state where the other defenders are completely incompetent.

i am very disappointed that Ferdinand, Nesta and Cannavaro were up for grabs this summer, and Barca did not bother.. that is a stupidity that cannot be forgived.. Real Madrid have a team of all stars, and they translate results, so Van Gaal's policy of no stars is as misguided as his current tactics. stars can make a team.. a dutch Barca makes no sense to me! especially since the only dutchman the club has actually succeeded with is Kluivert.

Van Gaal needs to lower his ego, and learn from Cryuff.. it is no secret that Cryuff despised Stoichkov, but understood that he need the player on the pitch at all time.. that is what made him great, his ability to put aside personal differences for the good of the team.

sorry for such a long post, it's my first one and i just thought i'd tell some people how i felt about Barca and Van Gaal. the team has a lot of potential, but is being held down by an arrogant man who destroys players rather than builds them.. it would require hundreds of coaches to repair the damage Van Gaal has done to our great club.

Merging this thread with the LVG thread we already have.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Atalla
there is a weakness in the barcelona lineup that must be mainly attributed to the overall incompetence of the defence.. in theory, Barcelona overall do not impress me much, although i am a diehard fan.. in practice, in La Liga, 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, make the team very weak. and the problem remains, that the squad has not faced a team that is nearly the same caliber as say: Deportivo, Valencia or Real Madrid. Van Gaal seems to have trouble utilizing the wingers, as Mendietta is perfect on the right, and Overmars, upon his return would be a devastating addition to the left of the midfield. Van Gaal's insistence that requilme will not play go very very far to demonstrate, that as a coach, he is hard headed, and almost completely a racist towards south Americans.. the way i see it, he plays Saviola because he has no other choice of striker, and bonano, the experienced goalkeeper is benched, and rivaldo, the player of such class and talent has been forced out.

kluivert, who is excellent in heading stray balls into the goals, has not been fed from the wings.. and this is disturbing.. the wingers should feed the dutch sniper, while the remaining two midfielders should focus entirely on Saviola, who excells in through passes, and has lighting quick reflexes and great ball possesion. a new striker of great class must be purchased. i'd recommend Emile Mpenza, of Belgium, or Morientes, who would be perfect for Barcelona, despite what many Barca fans would say.. he might be A Real Madrid player, but so was enrique, and he is playing well.. furthermore, two central defenders should be purchased, and soon.. Puyol is remarkable, but he cannot play in a state where the other defenders are completely incompetent.

i am very disappointed that Ferdinand, Nesta and Cannavaro were up for grabs this summer, and Barca did not bother.. that is a stupidity that cannot be forgived.. Real Madrid have a team of all stars, and they translate results, so Van Gaal's policy of no stars is as misguided as his current tactics. stars can make a team.. a dutch Barca makes no sense to me! especially since the only dutchman the club has actually succeeded with is Kluivert.

Van Gaal needs to lower his ego, and learn from Cryuff.. it is no secret that Cryuff despised Stoichkov, but understood that he need the player on the pitch at all time.. that is what made him great, his ability to put aside personal differences for the good of the team.

sorry for such a long post, it's my first one and i just thought i'd tell some people how i felt about Barca and Van Gaal. the team has a lot of potential, but is being held down by an arrogant man who destroys players rather than builds them.. it would require hundreds of coaches to repair the damage Van Gaal has done to our great club.

I'll start off by saying Welcome to the WSB! It's always nice to have a new member aboard, especially a Barca fan! :D

Careful there mate, LVG is by no means "almost a racist" towards anyone. Rexach employed the same sort of policy with Saviola last season as LVG is with JRR this season. Also, Rivaldo left of his own accord. He could have stayed. Also, LVG wanted to bring in a South American this summer in Placente. I'm not saying he doesn't prefer European players, but I am saying he isn't a racist nor should he be called one. That is a very weighty accusation to make against anyone. Just look at all the players that used to play for him at Ajax.

I would welcome Morientes to Barca. Unfortunately, he didn't want to join us this summer. He is dedicated to Real, but we'll see how long his resolve lasts. He does enjoy the support of the players there though.

Ferdinand, Cannavaro or Nesta would have been great for Barca. Problem is, the club didn't and do not have the money to buy such players. We got Enke on a Free Transfer, Mendieta on loan and Riquelme for the bargain price of 7 million pounds (of which we've only paid half). So, the club didn't have the money. I'm sure LVG would love any one of those defenders if he could have them.

You can't pin everything on LVG. Gaspart is by far the biggest culprit at the club. Things have been downhill ever since he became president. LVG has been given very little from the club when compared with Serra Ferrer and Rexach, much less the other big boys in Spain. While I don't agree with everything he does, I still think he deserves more of a chance and more of a break. It's not his fault Kluivert and Saviola miss boatloads of chances every game.

[funky6]

.. it is no secret that Cryuff despised Stoichkov, but understood that he need the player on the pitch at all time..

:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
Is that true???????Never heard anything about that!!!Always thought that Cruyff was kind of narrow-minded and a bit overself-opiniated in these matters but i guess i'm wrong.

I don't think LVG has personal problems with anybody from the squad.

[Atalla]

thanks for the warm welcome.. i have to say, that while i do agree with you on several of the issues, and i might have been quite a bit unfair when i called LVG a racist...

but nevertheless, the playing style of the team recently has been quite dissapointing.. and it's true that kluivert and Saviola have been missing chances, but Kluivert's strengths are his headers, not his feet, he is not bad in the latter, but he excels in the former. and Saviola, well, he is young, and has only had one season adapting to spanish style of soccer. although i do not believe that to be a great excuse, and as for Cryuff, he disliked Stoichkov's arrogant persona, and always had denouced him for his inability to keep his temper.. in one match, Stoichkov came to pick up the ball when it had went out of the lines, Cruyff picked it up, sneered at him and threw it to Koeman.. in a very undecent manner..

thanks for listening..

Barca through and through...

[jscho]

I don't think LVG has anything agst Riquelme. I remember Cuper wouldn't play Amiar either saying he needed time to adapt. But with that said these players aren't likely to adapt to European football by looking from the bench. But I think Barca has a deeper problem than just the coach. I think the team is not balance and until you can get a balance team it would be hard to get any consistency IMO.

:)

[ItalianBoy]

Kinda agree. But still I heard that LVG is not playing Riquelme and he is getting pissed to the point that he said that if he wont play he will leave.

[Atalla]

i very much doubt that.. Juan Roman has released a statment that he "respects LVG's decision not to play him" and besides he's only been out for 8 matches, the season is still ahead, he has been at the club for a very short while, it's too early for him to be frustrated..

and besides, LVG has declared that Requilme will play alongside of Marc Overmars in the match tomorrow for the Champ. League

:)
great!!!!!!

Barca through and through

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Atalla
i very much doubt that.. Juan Roman has released a statment that he "respects LVG's decision not to play him" and besides he's only been out for 8 matches, the season is still ahead, he has been at the club for a very short while, it's too early for him to be frustrated..



Exactly. He's only been around a very short while and for very few matches. Also, I haven't heard him complain once.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Atalla
thanks for the warm welcome..

Did you get my Private Message? I sent you one.


I wanted to bring to your attention and everyone else's this article I found with Saviola in it. Note what he says about where Barca could be had they converted their chances. This from skysports website:



SAVIOLA URGES BARCA TO UNITE
BARCELONA`S Argentinian wizard Javier Saviola is refusing to panic, but knows the team must show a united front if they are to challenge for top honours.

Barca wasted chances in the first-half against Valladolid, before capitulating after the interval.

The second Valladolid goal prompted a fierce on-field argument involving a number of the club`s more high-profile stars, and was not a good advert for the Catalan giants.

The team looked devoid of ideas and a leader, and Saviola knows they need to solve the problems and work together.

Saviola said: "To be in unity is the most important thing because we are the only ones that can resolve the mistakes that the team is making.

"We have to work hard to go in the same direction."

Looking back on the weekend defeat, Saviola said: "It was a shame most of all because of the other results. We had many chances that would have taken us to the first position.

"We had everything in our favour but we didn't convert the chances we had, and then we lost."

Issuing a rallying cry, Saviola added: "This is the perfect moment for us to demonstrate that we are a big team.

"Moments like these are when big teams appear and we must all be in unity.

"Each one of us has to support each partner to get us out of this situation.

"We are not getting worried about this situation, but the sooner we get out of it the better."

[BLAUGRANA]

I read on tribalfootball (not the most reliable of sources mind you) that LVG has criticized De Boer for his comments at Navarro during the Valladolid match. He also supposedly criticized the Dutch defender for his treatment of Enke a few weeks back.

[funky6]

I don't know if tribalfootball is a reliable source but i'm sure it's true .LVG might have some strange obsessions about football but when it comes to discipline i think he is strict enough.

FDB had apologised to Enke for his statements after the N**elda game but he came back with a worst behaviour.I don't want statements or criticism i wanna see a family spirit into the pitch!

Azul,you are a real futbol maniac,where do you find all these sites?????:confused::confused:

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by funky6


Azul,you are a real futbol maniac,where do you find all these sites?????:confused::confused:

Some I found on my own, others through word of mouth and so on. In fact, I heard about the WSB from some guys here on another message board and I haven't looked back since. I can PM to you the list I check everyday. One of my old favorites, Plantetfootball has undergone some changes and it's horrible! Let me know if you want my list.

[soccer fanatic]

He is known for that, giving young talents a chance. Question is if that is possible when there is so much at stake. In Holland letting a player debutise is much easier than in Spain. Perhaps he should let some players go on loan to a minor league, like Holland. They can get some exprience and learn by playing under pressure. The next step, playing for Barca on a constant level, could be smaller to make and therefore more succesfull.

[Atalla]

I fully agree with you on the youngsters issue, it's not very conveniet for a team like Barca, which has a name that is worldwide, to utilize players who are 19-21.. what the team needs is experience, and not testing. a young team is good for the long run, but in the short run, it's pretty devastating.

Barca has basically turned into a south American team, loaded with youngsters, and that is not a good thing. i mean Real Madrid's players are mostly 25 and above.. and they have enough experience to battle through the league.. and the CL..

youngsters should be rotated, but not be used as starters, as i write this it is half time, and Barca are not impressing much in the CL against Lokomotiv

[ItalianBoy]

I agree that you need experince yet you should always give the chanhce to youngsters to play with players who are more experienced. I team full of youngsters is bad but A team averaged up is good IMO.
Cambiasso is going to be great IMO, since not only he is good but he is playing with Zidane etc. Image if any of us here would play 1-2 season only training with Zidane etc, we would greater than we are now. lol.

[Juan]

Funny thing I remembered. During his first period with the club, VG was criticized for not counting on the youth team. Now, all youth products in the team came through thanks to Van Gaal, except Motta.

[soccer fanatic]

Originally posted by Juan
Funny thing I remembered. During his first period with the club, VG was criticized for not counting on the youth team. Now, all youth products in the team came through thanks to Van Gaal, except Motta.

When he first came to Barca, maybe there werent any youngsters truly ready to play with first team or even train with them.

That is why I think they should let them play in minor leagues (France or Holland for example) From sitting on a bench you don`t get much better. There is a fase between the 2nd team and the first team, you can make that step by getting experience, what is a better way to loan them out. It saves money too.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by soccer fanatic


When he first came to Barca, maybe there werent any youngsters truly ready to play with first team or even train with them.



Yeah, but he did give Puyol, Xavi and I think even Nano their chances.

[BLAUGRANA]

From uefa.com for those LVG detractors out there:



Van Gaal's changes pay off
Thursday 24 October 2002
FC Barcelona spent an uncomfortable night under pressure from FC Lokomotiv Moskva before maintaining their 100 per cent record in Group H with a 1-0 victory – and securing their passage into the second group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

Brilliant substitution
In the end, it was tactical heavyweight Louis van Gaal who turned the tables on Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin with a brilliant 65th-minute substitution and reorganisation.

MATCH ANALYSIS
Lokomotiv's formation had been true to coach Semin's pre-match warning that they would try to emulate Barcelona's recent domestic opponents Real Betis Balompié and Real Valladolid in choking the creative life out of the Catalans. The Russian side attempted to use a 5-4-1 lineup when defending and then switch, quickly, to 3-5-2 on the attack.

Wide players' role
The core of Lokomotiv's tight-knit and miserly defence was the trio of Dmitri Sennikov, Sergei Ignashevitch and Oleg Pachinine. But at the heart of Semin's counterattacking strategy was the need for wide players Vadim Evseev and Milan Obradovic to convert speedily from orthodox full-backs in the five-man defence to threatening wing-backs on the attack.

Choice of experience
Van Gaal patently anticipated the tactic. With Thiago Motta's hamstring injury ruling him out of the left-midfield slot, and Fernando Navarro having played shakily in the weekend defeat against Valladolid, Van Gaal chose to reinforce with experience, in the shape of Phillip Cocu, rather than the expected Gabri García.

De Boer tested
But it was another home player whom Lokomotiv had obviously been instructed to test. In the knowledge that Frank de Boer's defensive form has been under close scrutiny, Semin asked Nigerian James Obiorah - Lokomotiv's scorer in their 3-1 defeat by Barça in Moscow earlier this month - and Brazilian Julio Cesar to push and run past the 32-year-old Dutch international whenever possible.

Key decision
That was Semin's key decision and that, also, was what turned the match in Lokomotiv's favour for the majority of the evening. The dividends almost arrived when Cocu, under pressure, over-hit a pass to De Boer, and Cesar flew past him only for keeper Roberto Bonano to save at point-blank range from a mishit shot.

Promising tactic
The tactic looked promising again when Cesar drifted past Gaizka Mendieta and hit the bar with a volley from Ruslan Pimenov's cross after 56 minutes. And when Cesar sent Obiorah round Bonano with only defender Carlos Puyol to beat minutes later, it was, again, a product of the width, pace and counterattacking which Lokomotiv's coach had preached to his players. Only a world-class block from Puyol saved Barcelona.

Crucial substitution
That was sufficient torment for Van Gaal. He introduced substitute Fabio Rochemback and put him in central midfield, withdrew Gabri to the right of Barça's back three, moved Puyol to the centre of defence and pushed De Boer to left midfield, leaving Navarro on the left of the defensive three. Given freedom, De Boer, a 1995 Champions League winner with Van Gaal’s Ajax, responded to his coach with the only goal of the match from Juan Riquelme’s in-swinging free kick eleven minutes later.

KEY PLAYER: Carlos Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Peerless throughout the match, Puyol marshalled Barcelona's overworked defence and kept the Spanish outfit in a position to win the match.

[soccer fanatic]

The man is brilliant. :)

I`m sure he will be fired in less than two years thought.

[Juan]

With Riquelme in, play didn´t improve much from the Valladolid game. At least that´s what Spanish press says. So, the debate calms down a bit.

[Atalla]

i'd disagree. requilme created tons of oppourtunities, he ran back and forth and he played his heart out. he was clearly exceptional in the match.. besides, it was his free kick that gave us the goal, so the spanish press has no right to say that.. LVG's tactic seems to be possesion style. the problem with that is when our defenders mess up, or we loose possession, the team is very vulnerable.

Bonano played very very very well last night.. hopefully LVG will come to see that and play him regularly, and as for Puyol, he was simply astonishing the whole night..

although we won, the entire match was played in a cat and mouse sort of way, and that's not good for the club.. we should have just demolished them like we did last time.. why on Earth LVG won't use the wings, i will never, ever understand..
i'm really proud of Athens for their performance against Madrid, BTW.

hopefully, now, Barca will wise up.. we've spent far too much money on overrated players who can't seem to perform up to par, i used to love Van Gaal when he was in Ajax, but when he came to Barca and brought Ajax with him, i thought it was one of the dumbest things i had ever heard of.. here's hoping that we get someone like shevchenko and someone like Chivu or Van Bommel.

[funky6]

here's hoping that we get someone like shevchenko and someone like Chivu or Van Bommel

I would give anything in the world to see that chivu guy in Barça...Just imagine chivu,puyol, Anderrson... and FDB:D

[Atalla]

lol, yeah.. i know that u are a bit obsessive over FDb, but i think he is a liabilty to the team, he is slow. which makes him a very weak spot. i mean in yesterday's match, the other team ran at him so many times, it would've really killed us if they had buried all those amazing chances they had. again, and again, god bless Puyol..

:) no offence, besides, Barca could probably use two defenders from outside, as we do not have that many to start off with, it's true that the best defence is offense, but we have a very weak backline..

and besides, i dunno if u guys saying that barca is in trouble financially is true.. according to the economist magazine, they are the fifth richest club in the world, with sooooo much money on standby!

[soccer fanatic]

I wouldn`t go for Mark van Bommel, he is not good enough. Chivu is the best buy Barca can make, considering price/quality balance. He is exactly like FDB, but also a great defender. And younger. He will last for atleast 7 years as a key factor for Barca.

For a midfielder wait a year and buy Van der Vaart. Ten times better than Van Bommel, younger and already just as mature.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by soccer fanatic


For a midfielder wait a year and buy Van der Vaart. Ten times better than Van Bommel, younger and already just as mature.

They are different types of midfielders though.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Juan
With Riquelme in, play didn´t improve much from the Valladolid game. At least that´s what Spanish press says. So, the debate calms down a bit.

As well it should. Riquelme will get his chances. It's not LVG is just ignoring him. People just don't think sometimes.

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Atalla


and besides, i dunno if u guys saying that barca is in trouble financially is true.. according to the economist magazine, they are the fifth richest club in the world, with sooooo much money on standby!

Yeah, but they could be basing that on various things. Do you have the article???

[soccer fanatic]

Originally posted by AZULGRANA


They are different types of midfielders though.

That is true.

[Atalla]

Hey Azul,

i checked, and i do have the article.. according to the Economist, Barca has a lot of money to spend on players.. i'll get u the exact figure later, cause i can't seem to find it.. it's in the world cup issue..

this can be further proven by barca's abilty to buy Morientes, and their ability to have snatched away Ronaldo from Real Madrid (but LVG had to step in and prcolaim that: "Ronaldo does not fit into my tactics" i hope u guys know about that?
we could have had Ronaldo before Madrid got him, cause Inter wanted us to have him

[Juan]

So, why didn´t they fully buy Riquelme???? :confused:

[BLAUGRANA]

Originally posted by Atalla
Hey Azul,

i checked, and i do have the article.. according to the Economist, Barca has a lot of money to spend on players.. i'll get u the exact figure later, cause i can't seem to find it.. it's in the world cup issue..

this can be further proven by barca's abilty to buy Morientes, and their ability to have snatched away Ronaldo from Real Madrid (but LVG had to step in and prcolaim that: "Ronaldo does not fit into my tactics" i hope u guys know about that?
we could have had Ronaldo before Madrid got him, cause Inter wanted us to have him

Thanx mate, but if you have a link to the article or can copy it for me, that'd be great. I'd really like to read it for myself.

[Atalla]

Barca could not fully pay for requilme because of the kidnapping of his brother.. apparently, part of the fee had to go to paying for the hostage situation with his brother, who got kidnapped. there was so much corruption that according to the media, Barca had to pay 11 different people to obtain Requilme. wierd no?

that's why it's one of the longest transfers to be completed in History!

[jscho]

Atalla, you have got by far the most juicy er... interesting rumour. :D please tell more and where you got them.

:thumbsup: