Training, Champions League draw and more

The players were back in training on Thursday after Wednesday evening’s victory in the Joan Gamper Trophy. Guardiola was able to work with the full squad except for Swedish international Ibrahimovic, who exercised in the gym due to an ankle problem.
For their part, Puyol and Adriano followed a separate programme based on stretching exercises during the first fifteen minutes of the session. Before the session got underway, Josep Guardiola congratulated Adriano for his performance in Wednesday evening’s match. A nice gesture by the manager, who had also mentioned the Brazilian in his press conference prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy.








Victor Sanchez loaned to Getafe
The young midfielder will spend this season on loan to first division club Getafe. He will be unveiled by the Madrid-based club at noon on Friday.The 23-year-old spent last season on loan to another first division team, Xerez, playing 25 matches and scoring two goals.


Barça have been drawn in Group D of the Champions League together with Panathinaikos, FC Copenhagen and Rubin Kazan. During the draw, the winners of the 2009-10 UEFA Club Players awards were announced. Reigning European champions Inter Milan scooped all four prizes - Julio Cesar (goalkeeper), Maicon (defender), Sneijder (midfielder) and Milito (forward). Milito also took the award for Best Club Player. (Five blaugrana players were nominated to awards)
Speaking immediately after the draw for the Champions League group stage in Monaco, Andoni Zubizarreta called for “the maximum respect” for Panathinaikos, FC Copenhagen and Rubin Kazan.
Assistant coach Tito Vilanova reckons the Champions League draw is anything but easy, noting that all three rivals “are national champions”. Vilanova was disappointed to draw Rubin again, but happy to begin the group with a home game.
Carles Puyol admitted that the draw for the Champions League had been kind to the club and that the squad was happy with the rivals they will face, whilst insisting on the need for prudence and respect. (Our captain also spoke about other stuff-click here to read more)