Barcelona 3, RC Deportivo 0

Last night we watched first hand, the poetic work of Barcelona. Sitting in the lower section, 19 rows up from the pitch is an experience I will never forget. For the entire first half, we watched as Barcelona relentlessly, attacked Deportivo. We sat, just to the left of the goal where we observed Bojan score, Messi hosting a dribbling clincic, Alves attempting a bicycle kick, only to be detoured by the crossbar, Pedro finishing from half field after a quick counter attack beginning with a punt from Valdez, Yaya finishing with a side volley .... It was amazing! With only 80 thousand fans on hand, we sang along with the locals as though we too belonged.

The game was certainly the highlight of the day, however, our coaching session and lecture too were quite informative and well worth it. Pau Marti discussed in more detail, the difference between Possession vs. Positional Training. What we learned on our trip to Spain in December of 2008 was heavily focused on the methodology and philosophy of Possession. This years course, could very well be viewed as Futbol 102. What was taught is now being utilized in providing instuction on how to incorporate this type of training for Positional training as well. Our eyes have been open to a whole new way of training. We can't wait to begin with implementing what we have learned.

Mike and I have become very close with one of our brother affiliates out of Virginia, Brian Robertson, Technical Director of TAP Futbol Club. He recently attended a coaching clinic in Brasil and was sharing some of his thoughts and ideas which will be helpful in the formation of PB FCBarcelona Az.

Jordi Vinyals, Albert Benaiges, Carlos Bueno, Oscar (our Instuctor last December) ... and all the coaching staff of FCBarcelona have been incredible once again in welcoming us and making us feel at home.

It has been very difficult for Mike and I to update our blogs on a daily basis simply due to our training schedule. Also, having our'99 boys playing in friendlies has also added to our already busy itineary. So far, they are undefeated, with a draw on Monday, a big win against FCBarcelon's Escola team, 4 - 2, and defeating Xavi's (Trainer we met at our Summer Camp '09) team from a local Club last night, 6 -2. Tonight will be the big test, going up against FCBarcelona's Academy team. Currently, they are in the number 2 position in their league, trailing by 2 points to Espanyol. Our instructor Pau informed us today, in preparation for their match against Espanyol next weekend, they will be playing to "Win." It will be what we have named, the "Mini Classico."

Today has been a bit more relaxing, especially since we did not have any training out on the pitch today. Due to our number of coaches participating, we could not run a practical session on todays topic, "The Philosophy and Methodology of Physical Training." Thank God! The coaches are all limping around Barcelona, because we are too old and out of shape. Not really, but we do hurt! It's almost funny.

Today though was great. We learned more about the adequate ages of certain types of training, when and how to use load and strength training, resistance training, depending on the type of matches for the week, how do you run your session plan, warm ups, cool downs, how Strength, Speed and Resistance all tie into one another ... Of course, every Club has their own idea or philosopy, but we are learning Barca's methods. That says it all.

Again, this trip has truly been amazing! I look forward to returning home and implementing what has been learned.

Once again, we are off to observe the training session of Barcelona's "B" team. We did get a peak at the First Team's new training facility yesterday, which we did not get to see last time we were here in Spain. We watched them train, along with the '99, '97, '95 and '94 teams. These players are incredible. Their first touch, composure, and individual ability is unreal. What has been helpful in retaining and understanding what is being taught, is the ability to observe their training sessions first hand of their Academy

Visca Barca!!!