Friday, May 27, 2016

Messi and Suarez did not attend the celebration at the Camp Nou

The Argentine star was laid low by a late illness, while Luis Suarez, who has injured his right hamstring, was kept out of it on the recommendation of the medics.

Messi and Suarez did not attend the celebration at the Camp Nou

Two of Barcelona's best two players this season were not at the Camp Nou party on Monday night. Leo Messi and Luis Suarez. 

The Argentine star was laid low by a late illness, while Luis Suarez, who has injured his right hamstring, was kept out of it on the recommendation of the medics.

Lionel Messi arrived at Camp Nou with his team-mates, but started to feel bad and with the permission of the club went back home to rest.

Rafinha, meanwhile, has flown to the United States to join up with the Brazilian national team at the Copa America, so was not there either.

Likewise Arda Turan and Thomas Vermaelen, who were given permission not to attend for personal motives. 

Messi and Suarez did not attend the celebration at the Camp Nou


The rest of the club's squad and technical staff were there to enjoy the party, with around 50,000 fans.
On the other hand, Gerard Pique and Neymar fired messages to the Madrid media cavern as Barcelona celebrated their double win with a party at Camp Nou.

They presented fans the Spanish Cup and La Liga trophies on Monday night and some members of the squad gave speeches.

As well as manager Luis Enrique and captain Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Neymar and Daniel Alves were among the players to take the microphone.

Gerard Pique and Neymar both looked to settle some scorers. The former said: "They always complain that we play against 10 and yesterday we were the ones who had to play with 10. And what happened? We won again."

Messi and Suarez did not attend the celebration at the Camp Nou

Neymar, meanwhile, put an end to the rumours being spread that he might leave the club.

"I am very happy at this club," he said. "It's an honour to win titles and share them with Cules. I am Barça. Visca Catalunya."

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Marc ter Stegen replace Claudio Bravo in goal

The Chilean may miss next Sunday's derby against Espanyol, the first of two games left in La Liga with the Catalans fighting to win the title.

Marc ter Stegen replace Claudio Bravo in goal

Claudio's injury against Real Betis on Saturday has swung the door wide open for fellow goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to make his mark.

He suffered muscle pains in his right leg during Saturday's game against Real Betis and was replaced by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Tests on Sunday showed he has injured his right calf but Barcelona will not say how long he could be out for, merely suggesting that "his recovery will determine whether he is available for the next games."

The Chilean came off with two minutes remaining at the Estadio Benito Villamarin due to a calf strain and was replaced by ter Stegen, who helped see out a 2-0 win for the Catalans. The German came to Catalonia ready-made for the final three crunch games of the season for Barcelona.

Three crucial games that could land the club the league and cup double.

Marc ter Stegen replace Claudio Bravo in goal

Of the five finals played by the Blaugrana last year, Ter Stegen missed just one after being unexpectedly unseated by Bravo for the Club World Cup in Japan. He also only lost the Supercup of Spain to Athletic Club thanks in part to conceding four goals in the first-leg, leaving Barcelona without a second calendar year finish of six trophies in their history.

Ter Stegen shouldn't have any nerves going into the closing stages of the season given his experience, and coach Luis Enrique has already said he is confident in the 24-year-old's abilities.

If a final flourish is still not enough to force his way into the number one spot permanently, ter Stegen will start to look elsewhere for other opportunities - and Pep Guardiola is already reportedly keen to take him to Manchester City next season.