On a sunny morning, 5,280 people witnessed the return to training of FC Barcelona at the Johan Cruyff stadium in the Joan Gamper sports city, in the traditional open training session of the men's first team. A great blaugrana party that, coinciding with the Christmas season, is promoted every year by the FC Barcelona Foundation for charitable purposes. This time, the silent protagonist was Dani Olmo, about whom there is a question mark as to whether he will be able to be registered in LaLiga or will be released as of January 31st.
After seven days of vacation and without the injured Lamine, Ferran Torres, and Héctor Fort, as well as long-term absentees Marc Bernal and Marc André Ter Stegen, the blue and maroon team returned to work on a festive day. Following their defeat in the last match against Atlético this past Saturday, the team did not train. Flick canceled the last session scheduled for the 22nd due to the frustration caused by that match, which was one of the best of the season despite the result. The German coach hopes that the squad has been able to reset these days and will show the same level as they did at the beginning of the season in the upcoming matches.
The Barça players during the open training session
Gym activation, warm-up, three rounds that moved around the field so that the entire audience could see the players up close. Subsequently, Hansi Flick, the blue and maroon team coach, split his players into two groups to do ball exercises before playing a small-sided game without goals. The madness unleashed in the final part, with speed and strength exercises.
Gavi, Pedri, Casadó, and Cubarsí were among the most acclaimed by a crowd that cheered for every trick and applauded every goal. The grand finale came when Lamine Yamal, Ter Stegen, and Ferran Torres jumped in to join their teammates in handing out balls to the crowd and signing countless autographs.
Several Barcelona players during the open training session
This year, the money raised from ticket sales, which ranged from 3 to 6 euros, will go towards the Blue Bracelets program, which promotes projects to improve the long-term stay of children and adolescents hospitalized in healthcare centers. One of the great novelties was the presence of the new mascot CAT, which was introduced at the 125th-anniversary gala at the Liceu on November 29th.
Image of FC Barcelona training at the Johan Cruyff Stadium
After the charity training session, the players made the traditional Christmas visit to children's hospitals in the Barcelona area.
Aside from the party atmosphere at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, what is causing concern among all Barcelona fans is the situation of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. The judge of the Mercantile Court number 10 in Barcelona decided to deny the precautionary measure that Barça hoped would allow them to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. Now the club is awaiting the resolution of the lawsuit filed in a court of first instance, with a hearing scheduled for this Monday. If the precautionary measure requested by Barça is not granted, the club is working against the clock for a possible sale of VIP seats at the future Camp Nou.
Several FC Barcelona players during the open training session
Both Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor participated in the session as usual, unlike Lamine and Ferran Torres. The homegrown player is recovering from a grade 1 sprain of the anterior tibiofibular ligament of the right ankle that he suffered against Leganés. The club statement indicated on December 16 a recovery period of between three and four weeks.
Image of FC Barcelona training at the Johan Cruyff stadium
Image of FC Barcelona training at the Johan Cruyff stadium
Image of FC Barcelona training at the Johan Cruyff stadium
