Catalunya Coach Johan Cruyff Calls Up Six Barcelona Players, Three Espanyol And Cesc FabregasCatalunya Coach Johan Cruyff has called up 20 players for Catalunya's international friendly match against Argentina and, as usual with the Dutchman, the list is not without controversy...
Catalunya coach Johan Cruyff has once again ruffled some feathers with the release of his squad list for Catalunya's international friendly match against the suspended Diego Maradona's Argentina on December 22.
The Dutchman has called up six Barcelona players just days after they will have disputed the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and has also included Cesc Fabregas in the squad after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger publicly stated that the midfielder would not be allowed to play in the friendly match because Arsenal were playing enough matches already.
The move is the latest in a string of politically charged controversies in Catalunya as last week Barca coach Pep Guardiola declared Catalunya to be "its own country with its own language" whilst Barca president Joan Laporta later stated that "Catalunya was dying and had a right to its own state".
http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/12/1...rcelona-playersArsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Rules Cesc Fabregas Out Of Catalunya - Argentina FriendlyArsene Wenger has refused to allow Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to play in a friendly game for Catalunya on December 22.
The midfielder has been named in Johan Cruyff's squad to face Argentina at the Nou Camp but Wenger, concerned about the Premier League fixture congestion around Christmas and no doubt the current injury situation, will not let Fabregas go.
"We don't allow the players to play in friendlies because we have too many games," said the Frenchman, according to the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com.
"You know what happens here in England, we play football through the Christmas period. But in all the other countries they stop and play friendlies and charity games.
"There is a demand for Cesc but there is a demand for five or six other players. We play on December 27 and I didn't rest the players against Olympiacos [to then] let them play a friendly."
Wenger’s message either hasn’t gone down well with Cruyff or the Dutchman hasn’t received it yet.
"I tried to call [Cruyff] back [to tell him but] I couldn't get in touch with him. I don't know if he doesn't use a mobile or I tried to call him in the mountains somewhere but I haven't heard back."
http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/12/...fabregas-out-ofNo homage to Catalonia from Wenger as Cruyff picks Cesc for charity clashJohan Cruyff has gone head to head with Arsene Wenger by picking Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to play in a friendly for Catalonia next week. Cruyff wants the Arsenal midfielder in a star-studded team that will play Argentina in the Nou Camp on December 22 to raise funds for grass roots sport in the region.
Club v non-country debate: Cesc Fabregas won't be allowed to play for Catalonia on December 22 even though Johan Cruyff has picked him. Fabregas is deeply proud of his Catalan roots and grew up regarding former Barcelona boss Cruyff as a footballing god. Wenger has the right to refuse permission for him to play because Catalonia are not an official FIFAFA nation, and has already said he won't allow it.
But Fabregas, 22, seems keen to take part. On Saturday morning, the day after Wenger had expressly warned he would refuse permission, Fabregas told Spanish daily newspaper Marca: 'I'll play for Arsenal this Wednesday against Burnley and three days after against Hull.
'After that we have a gap in the Premier League and so on December 22 I will play for Catalonia at the Nou Camp. We are going to have almost a week without any games in the English league, and I want to take advantage of this by going to Spain and playing for the Catalan team against Argentina.'
Wenger is more worried about keeping his talismanic midfield leader fit for a Christmas programme that includes meeting in-form Aston Villa as well as a trip to bottom club Portsmouth.
Fabregas has already played 20 games for the Gunners this season, as well as five for Spain.
http://www.football.co.uk/arsenal/no_homag...rss285110.shtml LOL. Cruyff is really stubborn. Everybody know that in December England is having its own football party. Surely AW won't let Cesc go. And yet he insists in calling Cesc up. I am pretty sure that Cesc won't turn up for Catalonia though
Seriously, Catalonia have a midfield line up that can match any national team.
The back line is also is looking secure enough. Its the forward line however that the talent is really lacking.
Dec 9 2009, 01:53 AM
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His blood is 100% Catalan, 100% Cule. So there is nothing to worry about.
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