FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.06.2009 10:51

Wembley Cup for preseason

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça will start the 2009/10 season with a tournament at the legendary stadium where the Catalans won their first European Cup. Tottenham, Al Ahly from Egypt and Glasgow Celtic will be the other teams.

The first challenge for treble-winners Barça next season will be the Wembley Cup. The squad will be in London for pre-season training from 21 to 26 July and during that time they will play two friendlies at the legendary stadium where the club won its first European Cup.

The games

Celtic v Al Ahly kicks off the competition on Friday the 24th at 6.15 pm. Barça make their debut right afterwards at 9 pm against Spurs. The other games will be on the 26th, with Barcelona taking on Al Ahly at 2.15 pm and Tottenham going head-to-head with Celtic at 5 pm.

Guardiola happy to go back

On the tournament’s website Pep Guardiola says he is delighted to start the new season at the stadium. “The Wembley Cup is a fantastic opportunity for our fans in the UK to watch Barcelona play in the incredible surroundings of Wembley Stadium,” he said. “The club has happy memories of Wembley having won the European Cup there in 1992 so it is great to be returning.”

Guardiola went on to add that “the tournament will be a very important part of our preparations for the new season”.