Adios, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen...Bog!

The Fifa Players Association would just like to bid Barcelona manager SB and Company a safe and happy trip abroad.

Rumours have it SB will be basing himself in beautiful Croatia as he attempts to scout new and exciting talent from across Europe. As well as spend time to mentally evaluate a season which has not exactly gone to plan thus far before returning to finish one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.

Well on behalf of the team here at the FPA - all the best champ. 



Picturesque Croatia



SB Scouting new talent in Croatia



SB hard at work making deals

  









    

Champions League draw revealed

The world's media gathered in Zurich over the weekend for the draw of the next round of European Champions League matches. 

With a difficult time qualifying from their group, Barcelona made life even tougher finishing 2nd and as a result have landed Manchester United in the round of 16 stage of the competition.

A former team of SB's big rival JM, Manchester United will be extra motivated to deliver the killer blow to SB's hopes of a 2nd Champions League title with Barcelona this year.

JM's current team, La Liga leader Real Madrid have themselves a difficult task of getting past Edinson Cavani's Napoli.

"This will be difficult, yes. " JM spoke after the draw announcement.

"But there is no easy games at this stage of the Champions League, and we must expect to play the best of Europe to win this title."

Barcelona boss SB looked concerned as he heard the draw, with his Barcelona team struggling on all fronts this season and will go into this tie only slight favorites.

Champions League action will resume after a forced break for International duty.

Barcelona pitted against English Giants Manchester United in the Round of 16

Real win Classico & show Liga Dominance

Real Madrid comprehensively defeated their main Spanish rivals Barcelona in La Liga's final Classico of the season.

The team from Madrid dominated from start to finish with 2 goals from striker Karim Benzema, including a bomb in the first half worthy of one of the goals of the season.
Barcelona managed a late goal in stoppage time but this was only a consolation after a very disappointing showing.

In fact Barcelona have had a terrible run of form which has seen them drop from 1st to 5th place in a matter of 6 games. A very concerning fact indeed.

Real Madrid on the other hand have taken control of La Liga and is now their's to lose heading into the international break.

"Yes this is where would hoped we would be at this stage of the season." JM spoke on Saturday

"Destiny is in our hands and if we keep winning games the title will be our's."

Both SB and JM have only ever won one league title each, neither coming close to a 2nd.
Perhaps history is in the making.

Benzema scores one of the goals of the season in the Classico

Barca boss SB confirms season will resume in September

Barcelona manager SB called a press conference today only hours after Spain's heavy defeat in the Confederations Cup. Although he confirmed he had not actually watched the game live, he did say he taped it and we assume he would watch it later.

On the back of speculation that the current La Liga, Champions League and Copa Del Rey season may be rushed due to International duty, SB confirmed he was committed to fighting it out well and truly into September if necessary.

"If this season must stick it out to September then it should, I wouldn't want my treble chances (or anyone else's) thrown in the bin on a rushed season - when it looks like its going to be an epic season and so far has been exceptional."

From the Real Madrid camp, manager JM was asked for comments on the same matter and he indicated he did agree with his collegue's opionons.

SB also spoke today about what it takes to win a Treble, after having successfully managed the superhuman feat several seasons ago with Barcelona.


SB dictates to the spanish press

 



















"You need hard work, motivation and team harmony." SB then continued.
"As a treble winner myself I believe JM (Real Madrid Manager) has potential, but I think hard work will let him down - lack of."


When told of the remarks from SB, JM refused to be drawn into the discussion, only saying he respects his opposite manager and would rather talk once this season is complete. However he looked visibly agitated after the interview.



JM reacts to the comments of SB earlier today





SB: "My Hardest Game Ever"

Barcelona suffered their second loss of their Champions League campaign overnight with a 2 nil defeat at the hands of Group leaders Benfica.

It leaves Barcelona in the nervous position of a must win or draw match up in their last group encounter in freezing Russia to avoid elimination.

"Why do we have to get a match like this in the Champions League?" A frustrated SB spoke to the press about the Benfica loss.

"This was my hardest game ever...seriously!"

Pressure will surely be on to get a result in Russia - this being SB's first year back with the club, after previously winning the Champions League, in a glorious treble winning year.

Barcelona also currently lead Spain's La Liga ahead of league rivals Real Madrid by 1 point.


A stressed SB talks about his hardest game ever.



Barca, Madrid take control of Liga

As the La Liga season closes in on the half way point, the league giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have done what most predicted they would and taken control of La Liga.
After a slow start, Barcelona have found a consistent groove to take pole position on the La Liga ladder this week and this comes after suffering their first loss of the season, and a humiliating one at that.

They lead their main rivals Real Madrid by only a point after 19 games, with a resiliant Sevilla sitting precariously in 3rd.

It seems a two horse race now with any drop in points vital as we move into the 2nd half of the season.

In Champions League news, Real Madrid have all but secured a Round of 16 birth with an unbeaten start to their group stage. They will look to consolidate top spot when the reverse fixtures begin in the coming days.


La Liga rivals Barcelon haven't done it quite so easy, with a loss against their Russian opponents ruining a perfect unbeaten start to their season. They now have a nervy battle to ensure they progress, however with a side as talented as Barcelona, boss SB shouldn't really have any problem.

The form of Messi has been crucial for Barcelona as they hit top spot



Solid Start to La Liga as Classico Ends In Draw

La Liga finally kicked off at the weekend and with it saw a return of two of the most high profile bosses in recent memory - SB and JM both return to their respective former clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, with unfinished business listed as official priorities.

SB found the going alittle tough in his return to Barcelona, a club which saw him reach the greatest of heights, a prolific Treble in what seems like many moons ago. Some might say a solid start, with zero loses after 8 games, however far too many draws at this stage, including a late goal to take split honours in the Classico - perhaps buying SB alittle more time with the fierce Barca media and fans.

Real Madrid have also started the season solid, and in somewhat sizzling form at stages, JM obviously relishing the chance to work with some of his favourite talents in particluar Cristiano Ronaldo.


Ronaldo in sizzling form for Real Madrid

"I'm just glad to be back where I am loved - here in Madrid." JM said to a packed media conference. Perhaps in reference to his somewhat difficult time in England.

"We have trophies in mind here and I believe with this team we can acheive great things."