It all got so emotional for Josep Guardiola in Abu Dhabi that he was unable to hold back his tears of joy. He had every right to cry. He has made history.
December 19, 2009 is a day this man will never forget. He was the manager who won everything. Humble, prudent, respectful and with an unconditional love for his club, Guardiola’s amazing year has been culminated by being crowned the best team in the world. And although he would never claim it himself, he was probably the one person more than any other that made that happen.
Team spirit all the way
2009-12-16_PARTIDO_088.JPGThe image of tears pouring out of the eyes of a very proud Guardiola already forms part of the club’s history. And he was joined in this moment of glory by such illustrious companions as Alves, Henry and Ibrahimovic, and even Manel Estiarte, who went straight over to show his affection for this incredible person. This was the moment when Barcelona could celebrate one of the most remarkable feats in footballing history – winning six trophies in the same calendar year.
“The merit was down to the players”
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said his tears were “things that happen from time to time”, and then insisted that it was not him, but his players, that everybody should be thanking. “It was very difficult to achieve what we achieved” he said. “It was something very hard to do. But as I always have done, today I want to thank the players for all the months they have given us. They have played very well at times, doing what people enjoy. I will never forget that it was them who have made me great.”
He also wanted to make sure that it was not just the players that are in the team now that they should remember. “I want to remind you all of the players that were with us last season too, because they also played their part in this.”
“I didn’t think I’d be strong enough”
Guardiola added that “winning six titles in a row was unthinkable; I didn’t think I’d be strong enough to do that. There have been a lot of factors involved: very few injuries, a group of players that play because they enjoy it, mental strength ... we all have the right to feel happy, and I congratulate the institution and all the people that love Barça. This was for them.”
More work to do
There was one inevitable question. “And now what?” The manager’s answer was that “we have to carry on working. We have a very nice squad and can continue competing. What will keep us among the elite is hard work, because the talent is already there. But now we can afford to simply enjoy this over the holidays, we have won a Gran Slam this year. After that, we just have to carry on.”
Pedro and Jeffren
Pedro once again came on in the second half and proved fundamental, scoring the equalising goal. “Pedro is a very hard worker. He gave us the width we needed in the second half. And a goal.” As for home-grown talent Jeffren, the manager said “he was extraordinary. I know him well; he’s very fast and plays well on the wings. He plays with humility and a lot of effort.”
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The ninth Ballon d'Or for Barça
The fact that FC Barcelona is one of the best football teams in the world is amply illustrated by the roll call of legendary footballers who have graced the team during the Club’s 110 year history.
Many of these great players have received the ultimate individual accolade - the Golden Ball award. This year the award came to Leo Messi – the ninth time a Barça player has won the Golden Ball but only the eighth individual to do so as Johann Cruyff won it twice.
Suárez and Cruyff
The first Barça player to take the award was Luis Suárez, in 1960, the first and only Spanish player to receive the award. In the 70’s, Johan Cruyff won the golden Ball in 1971, 1973 and 1974, the last two while playing for Barça. He shares the distinction of winning the Golden Ball three times with Michel Platini and Marco Van Basten.
The 90’s belong to Barça
In 1994, the Golden Ball was won by Barça’s Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoitchkov and just three years later it went to an unstoppable Brazilian called Ronaldo (he actually received the award after he’d moved to Inter). In 2002, he won again but this time as a Real Madrid player. Finally, in 1999, Rivaldo became the second Brazilian in the Club’s history to win.
Figo and Ronaldinho
In 2000, Luis Figo won the award but by that time had already moved to Real Madrid. Then in 2005, an overwhelming majority choose Ronaldinho.
Now, four years later, France Football has chosen Leo Messi.
Barça’s champions
1973 Johan Cruyff (Ajax/Barça)
1974 Johan Cruyff (Barça)
1994 Hristo Stoitchkov (Barça)
1997 Ronaldo (Barça/Inter)
1999 Rivaldo (Barça)
2000 Luis Figo (Barça/Madrid)
2005 Ronaldinho (Barça)
2009 Leo Messi (Barça)
Messi the number one
The European correspondents of France Football have voted Leo Messi the best player of 2009 with 473 votes. He’s the first Argentinean to receive the award.
Anybody who has seen him in action already knew – but now it’s official. According to the December edition of France Football, Leo Messi is the best player in the world.
473 votes
Messi came top of the vote by a clear margin. He received 473 votes, well ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (233 votes) and Xavi (170 votes). He is the ninth Barça player to take the award and the first since Ronaldinho in 2005. Since the French magazine opened up the award to cover all domestic leagues three years ago, no player has recieved such an overwhelming majority of the votes as Leo Messi. The Argentine has become the first player from the Barça youth system to win the coverted prize. In 2007 Kaká won with a total of 444 votes and last year Cristiano Ronaldo did so with a total of 446.
Third in 2007, second in 2008
He has made steady progress, finishing third in 2007 behind Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo and then second in 2008 behind Cristiano. And now he has taken that final step to finish first in 2009.
The first Argentinean
It’s hard to believe but Leo Messi is the first Argentinean player to lift the Ballon d'Or. However, until 1995 the award was only open to European players, which excluded players of the stature of Diego Maradona.1. Lionel Messi (473)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (233)
3. Xavi Hernández (170)
4. Andrés Iniesta (149)
5. Samuel Eto'o (75)
6. Kaká (58)
7. Ibrahimovic (50)
8. Wayne Rooney (35)
9. Didier Drogba (33)
10. Steven Gerrard (32)
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