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The Catalan press today writes about the battles starting in the Champions League tournament, about the exceptional debut of "Barcelona," Samuel Eto'o's goals, Jose Mourinho's favorites, and the future contract of Cesco Fabregas with "Arsenal."
The Castilian media today writes about the Spanish national team, Cicinho's future, "Atletico's" mood after the loss, "Real" players' mood before the match with "Lyon."
Sports
Exceptional debut. Today, "Barcelona" begins a new Champions League season, and in a match in Bulgaria against Sofia's "Levski" champions, they will take to the field wearing jerseys with the UNICEF logo.
Samuel Eto'o said that being recognized as the best Champions League striker has given him even more motivation. The Cameroonian will try to become the most scoring player in the tournament.
Chelsea's strategist Jose Mourinho said he considers Milan's "Inter" the main favorite in the Champions League. "They have 19 players and none of them are kids," said the Portuguese.
Joan Laporta said that "Barcelona" is not the Champions League favorite, while J. Mourinho said that it will be easier for "Barca" to compete in the tournament. "They ("Barcelona) have already won this cup, so they will not be under psychological pressure, meanwhile, the Chelsea club finally has to win," said the London club's coach.
Luis Aragones - a national comedy of absurdity. The coach writes a resignation statement, but remains in his position.
Clouds form over Iker Casillas' head. The goal conceded in the match against "Levante" has increased criticism against him. It is said that Fabio Capello sympathizes more with Diego Lopez, but I. Casillas so far says he sees no reason to worry too much.
It is believed that next week Cesc Fabregas will sign a new contract with London's "Arsenal," which will be valid until 2014.
"Espanyol" player Ivan de la Pena suffered an injury, and now awaits the doctors' verdict. After that, it will be clear how much time the player will be out of the Barcelona club's lineup.
Bayern Munich's new acquisition Mark van Bommel said he hopes that the upcoming match with Moscow's "Spartak" "will pass without any adventures," and the German club will celebrate victory.
Joan Laporta said it is very important for "Barca" to maintain the core of the team - Ronaldinho, S. Eto'o, Deco, and other players, while Carles Puyol mentioned that the game at the beginning of the season is still influenced by the strength given at the World Cup.
Former "Barcelona" youth academy graduate, 16-year-old Franas Meridas stood out in the match against "Tottenham Hotspurs."
El Mundo Deportivo
Frank Rijkaard said he does not believe that "Barcelona" are the favorites of the strongest European club tournament starting and says he tries to think as little as possible about the "such a label."
Carles Puyol says he wants to play on the field constantly but must respect the decision of the team's coach. The "Barca" defender said he was asked to stay on the bench in the match against "Osasuna" and, without opposing, obeyed. "No quarrels with Puyol" - immediately extinguished the journalists' speculation by F. Rijkaard - "Carles is the undisputed team captain."
Rafa Benitez is aiming to settle the score with Ronald Koeman. Last season, the team coached by Koeman, "Benfica," eliminated "Liverpool" from the Champions League tournament. Now R. Koeman coaches "Eindhoven," which will face the same R. Benitez-led Merseyside team in Group C matches.
After a two-year hiatus, "Valencia" returns to the Champions League tournament, heading to a Greek hell where they will face "Olympiacos." Quique Sanchez Flores is convinced that it is time for his team to be among the elite European clubs.
Marca
Luis Aragones remains the coach of the Spanish national team. Miguel Angel Lotina was considered his most likely successor, who last season won the Spanish Cup with the "Espanyol" club, which gave him an advantage over Vicente del Bosque, who after coaching "Besiktas" did not coach any club.
The Italian media reports that "Roma" is negotiating a contract with Brazilian "Real" defender Cicinho, who is not part of Fabio Capello's plans and was listed for sale in the summer and tried to be exchanged for "Sevilla" defender Daniel Alves, but the clubs' negotiations failed.
"Atletico" defender Jose Manuel Jurado said the team is very disappointed after losing to the "Valencia" club, but in the next matches will strive only for victories so that they can walk with their heads held high. Asked about his position, he said he would like to play as a center back, but everything is decided by the coach. The Spanish youth team's natural defender plays as a right-back.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta said the agreement with "UNICEF" is priceless. Asked about the club's tradition of not having any advertising on jerseys, he said that club members (socios) agreed to abandon this rule for a noble purpose.
Villarreal captain Quique Alvarez said that good players do not guarantee victories, and they realized that in the match against "Recreativo."
Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop would like to see new faces in the national team and said that there are players in his club who match the level of the Spanish national team.
As
Real" defender Mahamadou Diarra said he does not want to return to Lyon to lose but will seek revenge for the 0-3 loss with his new team.
Due to a foot injury, Michel Salgado stayed in Madrid and will definitely not play against "Lyon" in the Champions League match tomorrow and will probably miss the 3rd round match against "Real Sociedad" club.
Iker Casillas said they are now better and stronger than they were last year and will aim for victory tomorrow.
Juan Miguel Villaras Miras continues to fight for the position of "Real" president and seeks to have the votes sent by mail recounted. He also opposes Ramon Calderon's plans to abandon postal voting.
