FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.07.2009 14:05

Indian national side at Camp Nou

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The national soccer team of India is in Barcelona for a training camp on the FCB facilities. On Tuesday they visited the club museum.

Tuesday morning was a rest period for the Indian national side. The side coached by Bob Houghton has been in Barcelona since July 5 to train on the FC Barcelona grounds. This morning they took a break from normal routine to visit the famous stadium. “We are in Barcelona preparing for the Asian Cup. We love being here because Barça have such excellent training facilities” said Englishman Houghton.

Big fans of Barça and Messi

At eleven o’clock the internationals were given a tour of the stadium, including the changing rooms, pressroom and the pitch. The players were all aware that the turf is currently being replanted, and took advantage of this to take pictures of the field in such unusual circumstances. But where the cameras really started clicking was in the museum, where the three trophies won in the treble are on display. Said Houghton, “there are a lot of Barça supporters in this team. Because they aren’t all that tall, the player they most identify with is Messi”.

In Barcelona until August 6

The Indians are staying at Hotel Princesa Sofiaand are on a strict training programme, using the Masia pitch. They will be in Barcelona until August 6, when they return to New Delhi for a tournament. “It is very important for us because the Indian team has never been here before”, commented manager Pradip Choudhury. The side has three friendly matches in the next few weeks against UE Castelldefels, AE el Prat and Sant Boià FC.