Soccer Conditioning Drills

For the last few years under the club presidency of Joan Laporta, FC Barcelona has really been at the top of their game. Laporta brought in Frank Rijkaard, who struggled at first, but started winning trophies until his spark faded out.

Rijkaard may have been sacked in the end, but at his peak his achievements were fantastic. However, Pep Guardiola won La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first season, making sure he’ll be remembered at Barça for eternity.

In his second year nobody expected more of the same, but the club took the League title after a long battle with Real Madrid but failed to make it to the Champions League final. 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. Rivalry between the clubs is legendary, each waiting for the other to slip up.

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. Catalan through and through and a true fanatic of FC Barcelona, Valdés was signed in 1992 – at the age of ten – 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 counterpart in the Real Madrid team, 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, it was only in his second year that Victor Valdes became a regular – in place of Turkish keeper, Rustu Recber. The following season saw Valdés pick up the Zamora Trophy – annually awarded to the goalkeeper with the best statistical record in La Liga.

In his early days, Valdés was subject to considerable media criticism. Obviously inexperienced and initially reluctant to leave his goal line or guide the defence, many people considered him to be the weakest link in the Barça squad. 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 defeated 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 to maintain his focus at all times. His reputation continues to grow in stature and to pass new milestones.

Although FC Barcelona fans love to see the goals brought on by Leo Messi, they always reserve a special place 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.