FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.07.2009 17:25

Positive conclusions from first pre-season tour

Roger Bogunyà

Barca finished their mini tour of England on Sunday which has helped get them back into shape for the coming season with six days of training and a couple of games at eh famous Wembley Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s squad can look back on their time in England with satisfaction after their intensive training sessions and games ended with no significant injuries, a win and a draw and a positive image from the games played.

Fitness and tactics

Bisham Abbey hosted six training sessions, mainly aimed at building up the players’ fitness, but also including a number of tactical sessions, particularly this last weekend as Guardiola concentrated on dead ball situation defending.

Youngsters outshine Tottenham

The games also gave Barca a positive vibe. Against Spurs Guardiola used 22 players, 15 of whom had come up through the youth teams, and the team showed their superiority over a nearly full strength Tottenham team. Bojan bagged his first of the season and Henrique made his debut.

Home grown talent on target

The home grown players were even more on show in the second game with 16 in all playing. Key players such as Messi and Valdes also made their first appearance of the season and Barca again gave a good impression, dominating throughout the game with Bojan again on target, together with youngsters Rueda, Jeffren and Pedro.