FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.03.2007 13:00

Three keepers and a physio

The Wednesday training sessions, as the day before, focused mainly on physical aspects. Third choice keeper Rubén worked out along with Valdés and Jorquera.

Skills work was put aside once again as the squad was put through its paces in a fitness sense this afternoon. Whether playing with the ball or not, what most seemed to be of interest to Frank Rijkaard, Eusebio Sacristán and Johan Neeskens was the players physical condition, and hence the protagonism was handed over to the fitness experts. With all three goalkeepers in attendance, Unzué also played a more prominent role than usual.

Three keepers

The three main FCB goalkeepers were present, namely, Valdés, Jorquera and Rubén (who generally appears for Quique Costas' B team). The three were of particular importance this afternoon, and not just because of the tough fitness drills Juan Carlos Unzué subjected them to, but also the veritable barrage of shots they would be facing in subsequent exercises.

Shooting practice

The final stage of the session was a fitness circuit ending with shots on goal, with the players crossing the width of the pitch before testing Jorquera, Valdés and Rubén. The squad was divided into three groups for this, although they were frequently rotated and the exact nature of the circuit was modified continually.

Possession

The session ended with the players forming two groups and practicing possession in 4 on 4 situations against the clock and in small areas. One of the groups included ten players that started against Madrid (8 playing and 2 resting), although Ronaldinho's place was occupied by Thiago Motta.

Ronaldinho and Zambrotta in isolation

The only missing player was Ronaldinho, was worked out alone in the gym. Gianluca Zambrotta also appeared at La Masía but did separate and gentler activities, as he had of course played on Tuesday night in UEFA's commemorative match in Manchester.