Barcelona

Los Cules appoint unknown Cardall as manager!

Following last seasons disastrous term, Barcelona have gambled and taken the unprecedented step of appointing a 16 year old as manager. AJ Cardall, speaking exclusively to the Catalonia Times, has said:

"I'm thrilled to be given this chance to turn around the fortunes of this illustrious club. For too many years now our trophy cabinet has had no new editions, and with last seasons appalling league campaign we find ourselves, for the first time, settling for a UEFA cup place. I aim to bring in some new players, as well as re-vamping the backroom staff, in hope of brining the glory days back to Los Cules"

Fans react with hostility

Fans of FC Barcelona are said to be disgusted with the boards decision to appoint Mr. Cardall as manager. They feel that such an illustrious club deserve a more experienced manager. Cardall aims to silence his critics by promising league glory in the first season! With high ambitions, Senor Cardall now has his work cut out, and word is that a few players are bemused by their new managers promises.

Board Outline Ambitions

The Barcelona board have made their desires clear for this upcoming season, qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Failure to achieve such a task will no doubt result in the departure of the new manager, AJ Cardall. As Barcelona holds her breath, the final run up to the season begins with a pre-season friendly...

Cardall opens Transfer Market - 24/7/03

Cardall has opened his managerial career at the Camp Nou with the purchase of two big name signings, Vincent Candela from Roma for a fee of £17 million, and Jaap Stam from Lazio for a fee of £15 million. Fans gathered outside the Ministadi training ground today as the two new signings were unveiled. The fans react with a buoyant mood, claiming the latest signings have reassured them in the ability of the young manager.

Cardalls' first game in charge (non-competitive)

AJ Cardall opened his Barcelona career in emphatic style with a home friendly victory of French side, Lens. Barcelona ran riot in the Camp Nou in front of 6000 spectators, bagging 5 goals before the 90 minute mark. After the game, Cardall is quoted as saying:

"Yes, it was only a friendly match, but the squad really displayed their strengths. It was a great team effort, and Ronaldinho freekick on the stroke of half time was pure genius. Already, I've built up a good idea of the first team selection. I'm proud of the performance and hope we can keep such performances throughout the season!"

Los Cules battle for a point in the Bernabeu. 22/11/03

Barcelona showed amazing spirit and resilience as they took part in the centre piece of Spanish football. Millions world-wide tuned in to watch this epic game, the first real challenge in his career. The question hanging on the lips of many was, how would young Cardall faire under the hostile atmosphere and intense pressure. Barcelona have an appalling record in the Bernabeu, would the manager join the rest? Or would he inspire a victory?

Things started great for the young manager, Barcelona enjoying possession in the first half. Great team moves strung together and executed against a mediocre looking Madrid. In the 28th minute came the break-through. Kluivert, taking the ball into the box was brought down unfairly by Michel Selgado... penalty! 65,000 Madrid fans screamed blue murder at the ref and up stepped ex Madridian Luis Enrique. The fans did their best to shake his nerves, but he cooly slotted it to the keeps right! 1-0 Barce and there are jubilant scenes on the Barcelona bench! Cardall is cheering, the subs are roaring, and meanwhile, 60,000 fans fell silent...

Madrid equalised through an individual effort by Ronaldo. It was a day when ex-players would be netting against old clubs!

Barcelona hung on to the point, and in Barcelona, jubilant fans roared! Cardall spoke after the match:

"I am delighted with the teams effort today. We came here expecting a drubbing, and we got a hard earned point. I can have no complaints about the result and I aim to build on this when they come and pay us a visit in Catalonia. This is the start of a new era in European football... we're back!"

Seasonal Update - 14/1/04

Its a new year and Barcelona currently lie in 3rd place in La Liga, one point behind 2nd place. The current form Barcelona are in is beyond all expectations, most people would have been willing for a place of about 5th or 6th. The new manager has settled into the Camp Nou, winning the support of even the most critical fans. Barcelona are in good form for advancing through to the semi-final of the Spanish cup as they currently have a 5-1 advantage over Ferrol, with the return leg fast approaching. Also, UEFA cup is looking good as Barcelona have the third round tie against Hertha BSC (Deut) approaching fast. Cardall is optimistic about his chances:

"I said I aimed to win the league, and that still stands. We WILL have silver ware this season!"