06.08.2007, 03:43
Cadenas Builds New Team in Barcelona

The Catalonians will send a completely new team on court. New coach, Manolo Cadenas (pictured), can count on many new stars. First step: CL qualifier against Braga.

Cadenas Builds New Team in Barcelona

Barcelona begin the work with the Champions League in their mind. The first match of the qualification tie against Portuguese Braga will be played on 1 September This will be the first match to reach the coveted place in the most important club competition.

Manolo Cadenas has a month to bring his new players to form. Cadenas will replace Xesco Espar on the bench and change his life completely after so many years working for Ademar Leon.

Six new players

The new season starts with a revolution in Palau Blaugrana. Manolo Cadenas is the first new face, but there are six others who change the team completely. Noddesbo and Garabaya reinforce the line player position after Vori and Skrbic leaving Barcelona. Kasper Hvidt arrives to Barcelona after three good seasons in Portland and completes a really strong guard with David Barrufet and Venjo Losert in the goal. Demetrio Lozano and Argentine Eric Gull reinforce the back line. The Spanish international will also give Cadenas a better defensive option.

Finally, the last name to join Barcelona was Albert Rocas. The Catalonian player was the surprise of July for the “cules”. Barcelona paid 200.000 Euros to Portland and Rocas will return to Catalonia where he was born. Victor Tomas and Rocas will share the right wing position. They are two very high quality young players, who play for the Spanish national team as well. Rocas, Lozano and Hvidt move from Pamplona to Barcelona – creating a problem for Portland San Antonio.

Stage in Andorra

Barcelona will travel to Andorra to prepare properly for the season. After this stage, the Cadenas team will play some friendly matches in Germany against tough teams. As every year, Barcelona will also take part at the Pirinees League, the last step before the real competition, the Champions League.

Ciudad Real, Portland and Ademar will play the Champions League for sure, but Barcelona must play against ABC Braga to reach the Group Phase. This round is the prime target for Manolo Cadenas. This team is made for winning all competitions and Champions League is the most important for “cules”.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi