Pep Guardiola, Manager FC Barcelona
Pep Guardiola Resigns As FC Barcelona Manager
'I have given everything and I have nothing left and need to recharge my batteries. 'The demands have been great and I have not been able to rest much. I have to recover and the only way I can do that is by distancing myself. Otherwise, we would have ended up damaging each other.
Pep Guardiola has resigned as manager of FC Barcelona effective the end of the 2011-12 campaign. Reportedly, Guardiola told the club president, Sandro Rosell, of his decision on Thursday and his men on Friday that he did not wish to sign a new one and will leave after the Copa del Rey final.
His surprising announcement came six days after a loss to Real Madrid that marked the end of Barcelona's run of three straight Spanish-league titles - and three days after Barcelona was eliminated by FC Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
"I did cartwheels of joy when I was made Barca B coach and the same when I took over the first team," he admitted. "But time wears everything down and time has worn me down. Had we not been winning so much then I would have left sooner. These projects are always built to be short, not long-term."
"Every day during four years, the demands are very high, the pressure, the necessary energy to push the players and enjoy it," Guardiola said. "I need to rest and move away."
"That passion so necessary to continue, so the players listen to you disappears after four years," he said. "You can only recover that by resting. It would have been a bad idea to continue. Perhaps we wouldn't have gone wrong but I had the perception it would. I could not run the risk that it would go wrong. It is my time to go."
"I think that sincerely that the next person will have things to bring that can't. Every day during four years, the demands are very high, the pressure, the necessary energy to push the players and enjoy it. I need to rest and move away."
"I'm very sorry for all of the uncertainty I created over this time over my future, maybe that was an error of mine," Guardiola said. "I didn't mean to create this kind of mood."
"I am proud I have done my duty," he said, and left to the applause of his audience which included many members of his squad.
The club's president, Sandro Rossell, said,: "Thank you for your work and your love."
At the same press conference, Barca president Sandro Rosell announced that Tito Vilanova would step up into the top job.
BARCEONA'S TROPHIES WON UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF PEP GUARDIOLA
La Liga 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11
Champions League 2009, 2011
Copa del Rey 2009 (2012 still to play)
Spanish Super Cup 2009, 2010, 2011
UEFA Super Cup 2009, 2011
FIFA Club World Cup 2009, 2011
Do not miss the opportunity to watch Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and FC Barcelona live. Premium FC Barcelona football tickets are available now online:
b3d46ea5-34e6-458a-b109-f1f522bef140|1|5.0
Pep Guardiola, Manager Barcelona FC
Pep Guardiola Reportedly to Leave Barca
Pep Guardiola has told Barcelona he wants to quit at the end of the La Liga season and take a break from football, according to reports in Spain.
FC Barcelona's trophy-winning manager, Pep Guardiola, is reportedly sleeping on his decision to not renew his coaching contract with Barca when it expires this summer.
Guardiola stepped up from Barca B manager to first-team boss in 2008 and has gone on to become the most successful coach in the club's illustrious history. Pep has led Barca to two Champions League crowns, three La Liga trophies, one Copa del Rey victory, three Supercopas, two UEFA Super Cups and two Fifa Club World Cups.
The former Spain and Barca midfielder is rumored to be linked to offers from FC Chelsea, Manchester United and the England National Team.
Barcelona lost their bid for La Liga and Champions League championships.
"I will speak with Tito and see what we have to do.
"Right now, we need to talk more about the emotion of our players and how they recover because there are many players that have been playing a long time.
"We have to go to Rayo Vallecano, we are still Barca, we have to continue doing things as we usually do them.
"So we will talk to the president as well and we will talk about everything - the situation what happened in these days and of course we will take a decision because it is time to take a decision now."
4/21 Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid - La Liga
4/24 Barcelona 2-2 FC Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semifinal
Do not miss the opportunity to watch Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and FC Barcelona live. Premium FCBarcelona football tickets are available now online:
59f76453-1ed7-4d61-ac30-ac34c8a30e3b|1|5.0
Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea FC
Chelsea v Barcelona Tickets Champions League 18 Apr 2012
Interim Chelsea boss, Roberto Di Matteo said Chelsea needs to play two "perfect" games to win their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
Di Matteo has turned around the season for the Blues since being appointed caretaker manager just over six weeks ago, including Sunday's 5-1 FA Cup semi-final thrashing of Tottenham.
Di Matteo said they must play perfect matches on Wednesday and next Tuesday to beat the team some regard as one of the greatest of all time - Barcelonal FC.
"It's fair to say we need two perfect games," Di Matteo said. "But I think, also, that the fact we've been performing very well in the last six weeks gives us the belief we can produce two perfect games in this match."
Premium Champions League 2012 tickets are still available for sale securely online now!
ae41eba3-43ba-4695-b35d-8226f451179e|0|.0
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United in action as he scores a goal during the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.
This excellent Wayne Rooney goal vs Barcelona was the equaliser and United's only goal in the Barcelona v Man Utd Champions League final on May 28, 2011.
Wayne Rooney Celebrates With Team After Scoring Equalizer Against Barcelona
Wayne Rooney Reflects on Champions League Final Loss to Barcelona
Man Utd superstar striker, Wayne Rooney reflected on his side's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona. Manchester United was defeated in the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium on May 28, 2011 in London, England.
"It hurt," he said. "I watched the game again because you can always learn by watching football.
"It was very disappointing but you have to put your hands up and say they were the better team.
"They are the best team I’ve seen and Lionel Messi the best player.
"I think he got three nutmegs in the first-half. On my Playstation I can make him do what I want but he’s even better in real life.
"The speed he moves his legs, in fact his whole body, is amazing. Messi wins them games but Xavi and Andres Iniesta destroy you."
The United man also conceded that Barcelona are the team to catch, adding: "They are simply a fantastic team, a very special side.
"That’s the level we want to be at and we have to up our game to achieve this. The manager will be doing what he can to see we do this."
Despite praising Messi, Rooney believes the Argentine might struggle in the Premier League.
"If you bring Xavi and Iniesta with him, yes [he could be a success]. But it would be difficult, almost impossible for him to play as he does in Spain,” he said.
"The game is more physical here, going to the likes of Birmingham and Stoke away is very demanding.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is more suited to the English game than Messi. Cristiano is taller and good in the air."
Watch Wayne Rooney play live for Man Utd in the upcoming August 7th match - Community Shield 2011: Manchester City v Manchester United Tickets
Premium football tickets are for sale now.
Manchester United tickets are available online – buy Man Utd tickets now.
531713b2-7001-4f9e-acf0-87ce0294dcd9|4|3.5
Lionel Messi
FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi has finished as the UEFA Champions League's highest scorer for the third year in a row with 12 goals - scoring his 12th goal in the Champions League Final match at Wembley against Manchester United.
At this point he has equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy's competition record of 12 in a single campaign.
UEFA Champions League Top Goal Scorers 2010-11
12 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
8 Samuel Eto'o (FC Internazionale Milano), Mario Gomez (FC Bayern München)
7 Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea FC)
6 Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo (both Real Madrid CF), Roberto Soldado (Valencia CF)
5 Raúl González (FC Schalke 04)
UEFA Champions League Top Goal Scorers by Season
1993/94 8 Ronald Koeman (FC Barcelona), Wynton Rufer (SV Werder Bremen)
1994/95 7 George Weah (Paris Saint-Germain FC)
1995/96 9 Jari Litmanen (AFC Ajax)
1996/97 5 Milinko Pantić (Club Atlético de Madrid)
1997/98 10 Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)
1998/99 8 Andriy Shevchenko (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Dwight Yorke (Manchester United FC)
1999/00 10 Mário Jardel (FC Porto), Rivaldo (FC Barcelona), Raúl González (Real Madrid CF)
2000/01 7 Raúl González (Real Madrid CF)
2001/02 10 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United FC)
2002/03 12 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United FC)
2003/04 9 Fernando Morientes (AS Monaco FC)
2004/05 8 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United FC)
2005/06 9 Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
2006/07 10 Kaká (AC Milan)
2007/08 8 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC)
2008/09 9 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2009/10 8 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2010/11 12 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Watch Lionel Messi play live - Barcelona tickets are available now online.
3e9f3360-538a-4c45-a8e9-2c885873e0b5|2|3.0
King Juan Carlos of Spain and Prince William Wales of Britain
Britain's Prince William and King Juan Carlos of Spain were among the excited fans at the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico on May 27, 2009 in Rome, Italy.
Thousands of Red Devils and Barca fans will be gathered world-wide to cheer for their favorite team as Man Utd and FC Barcelona take the field at the new Wembley Stadium iin London, England on Saturday to battle for the 2011 Champions League silverware.
Here are some popular Manchester United chants to learn before the big Champions League Final match tomorrow. Watch the match live at Wembley – premium football tickets are still available in a wide range of prices:
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 2011: FC Barcelona v Manchester United Tickets - Champions League Final Tickets
MANCHESTER UNITED POPULAR CHANTS
I saw my mate the other day,
He said to me he saw the white Pele,
So I asked, who is he?
He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney,
Wayne Rooney, (WAZZA!)
Wayne Rooney, (WAZZA!)
He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney.
.
Ferguson's,
(Red Army),
Ferguson's,
(Red Army)...
And so on...
.
UNI TED, United are the team for me,
With a nick nack paddy whack give the dog a bone,
Why don't city f**k off home?
.
50 years ago,
A team lay in the snow,
Battered and bloodied and some of them died,
Some of them survived,
Charlton and Matt Busby,
Took us to Wembley,
We beat Benfica and we won the cup,
All those years ago...
.
Coma, Coma, Coma, Coma, Coma United Road,
United Road, United Road!!
Coma, Coma, Coma, Coma, Coma United Road,
United Road, United Road!!
.
Dimitar Ber-ba-tov,
Dimitar Ber-ba-tov,
Dimitar Ber-ba-tov,
Dimitar Ber-ba-tov...
.
Don't sell my Park, My Ji-Sung Park,
I just don't think you understand.
And if you sell my Park,
My Ji-Sung Park,
You're gonna have a riot on you're hands!
.
Forever and Ever,
We'll follow the boys,
Of Manchester United,
The Busby Babes,
For we made a promise,
To defend our faith,
In Manchester United,
The Busby Babes...
.
f6a9818d-2c15-479d-9f2b-743b720c77fa|56|2.0
Champions League Final 2011 @ Wembley Is Match of a Lifetime
The Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday features one of the best superstar footballer lineups ever assembled on one field, including Lionel Messi, voted the world’s best player two years in a row. The value of their combined player contracts tops $1 billion. The average salaries of the players in the final dwarf those of most professional athletes in America.
Superstar footballers, genius managers and fanatic football fans will all be part of the Champions League Final “Match of a Lifetime” as Manchester United clashes with FC Barcelona in the at the new Wembley Stadium in London, England on Saturday, 28 May 2011 19:00 - when the highlight of European football’s club calendar returns to the London venue for a record sixth time, the first at the stunning new stadium.
Watch the match live at Wembley – premium football tickets are still available in a wide range of prices:
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 2011: FC Barcelona v Manchester United Tickets - Champions League Final Tickets
MANCHESTER UNITED
“I saw my mate the other day,
He said to me he saw the white Pele,
So I asked, who is he?
He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney,
Wayne Rooney, (WAZZA!)
Wayne Rooney, (WAZZA!)
He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney“_Manchester United Chant
.
“I know my players will be ready. The great thing about the last time Manchester United were at Wembley was that it completed Sir Matt’s rebuilding of the team and everyone wanted him to win it. The whole country was behind him. I’m not sure the whole country is behind us now.” _Sir Alex Ferguson
.
“Winning is the only option. I wouldn’t swap my career with anyone’s.”_Ryan Giggs
.
“I had hoped for this beautiful opportunity; that I would be welcomed by my team-mates, just like I am used to in Mexico. I am here and I have to enjoy it, but I also have to work very hard. I am a very lucky man. I know football is not predictable. You can have good days and bad days, like everyone. But attitude, like I said, you have in your own hands, and I hope to do very well.” _Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez
.
“Barcelona are the ultimate. They are what we all look to and want to play like. But our football can be just as good as theirs at times. We have a lot of quality too. Both teams want to go forward and score goals, so I don’t think anyone could ask for a bigger or a better final.” _Paul Scholes
.
“It doesn’t bother us who is favourite and who is not. It is about performing in a one-off game.” _Michael Carrick
.
“Nobody likes running after the ball, it’s very difficult. What we have to do is to try and steal the ball from them as soon as possible. This is the only way for us to score and to avoid them scoring against us, that’s clear.” _Nani
.
“Rooney staying was a big part of what we achieved this season. There was a sense of relief from the players. Wayne is one of the best three players in the world, so to have him on our team-sheet is a bonus.” _Rio Ferdinand
.
FC BARCELONA
“When I saw the Manchester United team two years ago my view, my impression, was it was a strong, strong team. From two years ago and the last four or five games, and the many games I have seen they are strong, they are competitive, each player knows what they have to do. It is an honour to play in the Champions League against Manchester United.” _Pep Guardiola
“I’m not sure where their weaknesses are because they are a very strong side, very physical and extremely efficient in all their lines. I’m one of those players who doesn’t look too much at the opposition and concentrates about what we need to do. This is a one-off game – but we have to think about us.” _Lionel Messi
“Rooney is one of the best strikers in the game. I will have to concentrate hard to not to give him space. It was always difficult playing against him in training as it is with Lionel Messi now.” _Gerard Pique
“Messi is not just a detail, he’s the best player in the world and that’s more than a detail. We have the good fortune to have him on our side and let’s hope we can all help him. That doesn’t mean that, because he is the best player in the world, he is going to decide the game on his own, but it’s an advantage. At the very least, I prefer to have him on my side.” _Javier Mascherano
“We’re confident we will win. We have to be. We’d be nothing without belief. We’ve achieved great things with this team and we know we can win more trophies.” _Xavi Hernandez
Manchester United Tickets – FC Barcelona Tickets
Premium Champions League Final Tickets are still available online from the world’s top football tickets provider:
UK: 0207 060 5277
Tel 1: +34 916 142 269
Fax: +44 (0) 203 357 3153
Buy premium football tickets securely online now @ Champions League Final Tickets.
Request Champions League Final tickets by email: sales@livefootballtickets.com
732b572b-d8d1-4837-9593-a9c0ef1451e5|3|3.0
Lionel Messi – Luis Lionel Andrés Messi – FC Barcelona
Alex Ferguson says that his side are fit for their Champions League Final clash with Barcelona on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London.
Fergie adamently stated that neither he nor United are scared by Lionel Messi.
Although Messi has scored an astonishing 52 goals in Barca's amazing 2010-11 season, Sir Alex is confident that his side can stop Messi from controlling the match at Wembley.
“We’ve played against Barcelona three times with Messi in the team and there’s always a solution to every good player – and we hope we can find a solution on Saturday.
“But you’ve also got to recognise that they have other good players and we have good players, and that is why it’s such an appealing game.
“But I’m sure Barcelona are aware of the threats we can offer, and hopefully that is the case.
“I’ve just got to trust my players that they can perform on Saturday and that makes a difference.
“I know they’ll be ready.”
.
.
Watch Lionel Messi play live in the Champions League Final against Man Utd at Wembley Stadium in London. Great football tickets are available now from the world’s premier website for football tickets. Browse their real time live football ticket inventory and buy football tickets to watch your favorite team, player or league play live - including the English Premiership, FA Cup, Serie A, La Liga, Euro 2012, Champions League Final tickets and more football tickets.
bcdd7d19-5b20-4d52-9e42-c71ba0d0be2a|2|3.5
FC Barcelona Fly to London Today for Champions League Final to Avoid Volcanic Ash Cloud
Due to the uncertainty caused by volcanic ash from Iceland's erupting Grímsvötn Volcano, the FC Barcelona first team will travel to London today.
Eruptions from the Grimsvotn volcano were enough of a concern to cause Barcelona to travel to London for the Champions League final ahead of schedule.
Probably all supporters will be able to fly, if this does prove impossible, then fans can take a 20-hour coach ride on Friday that leaves Spain at 9am and will cost €190. Around 25,000 Barça fans are due to travel to London but UEFA said that, despite the potential problems, the game cannot be postponed and that it is powerless to help.
David Taylor, general secretary of UEFA, remarked, "There's only so much that UEFA can do. We're in the hands of the elements, we have to ensure the teams and the officials are there and we have set in motion contingency plans for this. Michel Platini and I were in Morocco and flew out early just to be sure we can get to the game.
"It is supposed to be better on Friday. Whatever happens on the day happens on the day."
A spokesperson said, "There is a lot of uncertainty through the week as the weather is changeable and the wind direction is variable. But the good news might be there is a not a persistent north-westerly like there was last year. It's very fluid and dynamic, so keep a frequent check as the charts come out every six hours."
Barcelona will stay in the Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire and train at the Arsenal's London Colney on Wednesday and Thursday. Sessions will take place behind closed doors before they train at Wembley on Friday.
To explain the details of the trip and to provide all necessary information to Barça members and fans, the Board spokesperson, Toni Freixa, will appear at a press conference this afternoon, at 17.00 in the Ricard Maxenchs Press Room at the Camp Nou.
.
ccfa163f-6088-4a1b-bec1-2d3d0e3a3ad9|2|3.0
Cristiano Ronaldo
Superstar Ronaldo Sets Spanish League Record For Most Goals in One Season
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first La Liga player to score 40 goals in a single league season in the history of the Spanish League. Ronaldo scored twice in Real Madrid's 8-1 rout of Almeria on Saturday.
In his 34th La Liga game of the 2010-11 campaign, Ronaldo scored his 39th and 40th goal - setting the record to the delight of his fans on the final day against Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Ronaldo broke the outstanding 38 goals record of Hugo Sanchez and Telmo Zarra.
Ronaldo finished his campaign with a spectacular record of 40 goals in La Liga and 53 goals total. He was obsiously delighted as he danced with teamates after netting the record-breaking goal as Madrid coach Jose Mourinho grinned from the bench. The Portugal winger's second goal increased his season tally to 53 in all competitions, including 11 in the last four games.
Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are the first Spanish league players to score at least 50 goals in all competitions in one season. Last campaign, Lionel Messi scored 34 goals in La Liga play.
LA LIGA - SPANISH LEAGUE PLAYERS WITH MOST GOALS IN A SINGLE SEASON
1 Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid (2010-11) 40 goals
2 Telmo Zarra – Athletic Bilbao (1950-51) 38 goals�
2 Hugo Sanchez – Real Madrid (1989-90) 38 goals
3 Baltazar – Atletico Madrid (1988-89) 35 goals
4 Hugo Sanchez – Real Madrid (1986-87) 34 goals�
4 Ronaldo – FC Barcelona (1996-97) 34 goals
4 Lionel Messi – FC Barcelona (2009-10) 34 goals
.
0e445084-f594-4fa9-9924-d53c14336736|0|.0