Accustomed to silence and working without spies or distractions on the Tito Vilanova field, Barcelona moved to the Johan Cruyff stadium this Saturday to train in front of 5,542 spectators in the traditional open-door training that the team always holds at Christmas.
The fans were able to see up close how Xavi Hernández’s team exercises, which emphasized above all on possession, circulation and pressing exercises, always in short and intense periods. He always played on small fields to make passing difficult and put precision into practice.
It was not the first time for Araújo, De Jong or Lewandowski, the most acclaimed since Gavi, Pedri or Ter Stegen were missing. However, João Félix, Cancelo, Gündogan and youth players such as Fermín and Lamine Yamal made their debut in the experience of the festive day.
Captain Sergi Roberto was the first to come out with the Barça anthem playing over the loudspeakers and it was already clear that Vitor Roque was not going to separate himself much from his compatriot Raphinha. For the new signing it was only his second session with the team and he is still adapting to the speed and quality of the rondos.
When the footballers had to carry out an exercise with small goals, those goal scoring problems that are hindering the team were once again evident. Raphinha, João Félix, Lamine Yamal and even Cancelo missed free shots. On the other hand, Fermín was very inspired by that much needed aspect.
At the time of the 7-a-side football games, the two nines were placed in two different teams. Lewandowski in the red and Vitor Roque with the yellow bib. The three five-minute mini games that faced them ended with a victory for the Pole, who was the only one to score in his particular duel.
The Brazilian did score when Lewandowski’s team was resting. Raphinha put in a cross-shot and Vitor Roque made a good diagonal to extend his right foot and deflect the ball into the back of the net.
Once the session was over, which lasted just over an hour, Koundé, Raphinha, Araújo, Sergi Roberto, Lewandowski and De Jong were the ones who signed the most autographs for the fans. The proceeds from the tickets go to the Pol and Joyce robots project supported by the club’s Foundation. The robots allowed two children, Mariano and Steven, to follow the training first-hand from their hospital rooms.
