FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.07.2009 11:13

Training ground improvements

Llorenç Tarrés / Jesús Carrillo

FC Barcelona's Cuitat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex is undergoing renovations during the summer holidays with a number of projects being completed as the arena is upgraded even further.

The dressing rooms are being equipped with a pool area that will help players in the recovery process and that is the last major feature that was being planned to be installed. There was already a similar zone in Camp Nou, but the training arena will now have a sauna, hydrotherapy pool, a jacuzzi and contrasting baths of hot and cold water, with one being 14 degrees and the other 40.

Like Camp Nou

Also a small spa will be installed for the players so that they can undergo recovery work on their muscles and injuries. That will be prepared both before and after each game, like they have in Camp Nou. Next season the first team will play over 60 matches and this feature will be well-used to treat tired legs.

Most of the remodelling will be completed this month as the players are due back to pre-season training, but they will then jet off for a few days in late July and August, to London and the United States, when more work will be completed.

An intense year

These latest improvements have come at the request of the coaching staff to make the training complex as hi-tech as possible for the first team after their moved to Ciutat Esportiva last season from the pitch next to La Masia.

When the switch was made in January, some urgent matters had to be dealt with as a press room had to be created and dressing rooms for Barça Atlètic had to be found.