Soccer Training Tips

For the last few years under the club presidency of Joan Laporta, FC Barcelona has really been at the top of their game. First of all under Frank Rijkaard, and when his star waned, Pep Guardiola, the club that had languished for so many years regained its spark and started to win trophies all over the place.

While Rijkaard’s achievements were fantastic enough, Pep Guardiola made sure nobody was going to forget him fast, with the Spanish League, King’s Cup and Champions League all taken in his first year.

His second year wasn’t quite so good, but FC Barcelona still retained the La Liga trophy, in a hard fought battle to the end against Real Madrid. But while both teams seemed to be in a different competition entirely to the rest of the Spanish first division clubs, Real Madrid’s achievement wasn’t good enough for fans or directors and the coach unceremoniously dumped – once again.

With the World Cup in everyone’s mind at the moment 2010 is an exciting time to be involved in football, whether it’s at club level or watching on TV. And that passion is sure to translate into more demand for Barcelona football tickets as it does each year at this time. The Spanish fixture list is drawn in July and ticket sales from official Barça agents follow shortly after.

Naturally the “big one” is El Clasico against Real Madrid. The match is hyped up beyond belief throughout Spain and it is certainly one of the biggest in European football. The arch-rivals watch each other closely, waiting for the other to drop some points.

The result of this is a packed stadium, with the 98,000 places in the Nou Camp all taken and the “cules” – Barça supporters – giving it all they’ve got at the top of their voices.

If you are in Barcelona when El Clasico takes place be sure you don’t miss it and book your tickets for FC Barcelona in advance.

Victor Valdés is one of those players that supporters always hold especially close to their hearts – the local lad playing for his ‘own’ team. A true Catalan and a Barça fanatic, Valdés signed for the club in 1992 – at 10 years of age – and has worked his way through to the first team, making the goalkeeper’s spot his own – to see his extraordinary talent you can buy FC Barcelona Tickets online.

Valdés, like his Real Madrid opposite number, Iker Casillas, made his way through the youth ranks at the club and was given the opportunity of first team football perhaps earlier than might have been expected.

In fact, stepping up to the first team for the 2002-2003 season, Valdés became a regular in his second year – in place of Turkish keeper, Rustu Recber. The next season saw Valdés awarded the Zamora Trophy – annually awarded to the goalie with the best statistical record in the Spanish League.

In his early days, Valdés was subject to considerable media criticism. Clearly lacking experience and showing reluctance to leave his goal line or really command his defenders, many people thought he was the weakest link of the Barcelona team. Gradually, however, he won over his critics. Internationally, he is best known for two fabulous saves from current team mate Thierry Henry when FC Barcelona beat Arsenal in the Champions’ league Final of 2006.

It was the 2005 – 2006 season in general that ensured Valdés was accepted more by the football pundits of Spain as well as the Barcelona supporters. Helping the team win the outstanding double of Champions’ League and La Liga, Valdés truly came of age, with some memorable performances.

One of his strongest assets has always been his temperment – which allowed him to quickly put aside the inevitable mistakes goalkeepers make and get on with the job at all times. He continues to develop his reputation and to pass new milestones.

Although, of course, Barcelona fans, los culos, adore the goalscoring exploits of Messi, they always reserve a very special welcome for Victor Valdés – they feel that he is ‘their’ representative in the team – the local lad made good.

Victor Valdés would certainly be a hard act to follow in the eyes of the FC Barcelona faithful.