After winning 3-0 at Mendizorroza in Tuesday night’s cup match, the players got back to training on Wednesday morning in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Francesc Vilanova
The Celta Connection
On Saturday, Barça play Celta, a team with very special links to Tito Vilanova, José Manuel Pinto and Thiago Alcántara Continue reading
Stat of the Day: More Direct
Pundits and fans alike have noticed, but here are the numbers to back it up. Statistics on FC Barcelona’s football this season under Tito Vilanova point to a more direct approach. Possession and total number of passes per game have not fluctuated in any significant way from other recent season, remaining around 70% and 700 respectively, but there has been a key variation specifically related to territory.
Tito Vilanova’s team thus far are playing higher up the pitch and in a more vertical manner. Only 9.7% of total passes are within the defensive third versus 13% under Pep Guardiola. This territorial advancement has seen an improved number of touches in the opponent box with 33.6 touches per game this year versus 31 last season. In order to accelerate movement up the field, Barça this season are attempting 9.6 “long balls” per game, a 1.2 increase from 8.6 in 2011/12.
Source: GuillemBalague.com; Image:fcbarcelona.com
Vilanova: Sergi Roberto is one for the future
Tito Vilanova has taken the time to praise Sergi Roberto in the aftermath of Barcelona‘s 3-0 win over Alaves on Tuesday evening.