BARCELONA, Spain _ We're not in Cantonigros any more, Toto.
From the comfortable but one-field confines of Unio Esportiva Cantonigros to the seemingly incomprehensible expanse of FC Barcelona, the Princeton gang received another taste of Spanish football, training in the shadow of the famous Estadi Camp Nou.
After receiving their training gear of red shirts with blue shorts, and blue shirts with orange shorts, it was time to suit up in the the changing rooms of Barcelona's second-division team -- next door to the massive Camp Nou stadium -- and head out for practice.
(Suiting up for training)
This is FC Barcelona's newest training gear, the uniforms Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi are wearing, stuff so new even the training staff hasn't yet received it. The Princeton gang was assigned to Field No. 4 adjacent to the stadium where FC Barcelona's reserve -- or second-division -- side, plays.
(Emerging from the changing rooms onto the pitch)
Three of Barcelona's 16-man training staff introduced themselves to the team: Ruben Della, Jordi Perez and Inaki Andreu and quickly started drilling the players to assess them.
Jordi and Ruben split the campers into two groups to work with them, while Inaki took Eric Ciancagliniaside for an individual goalkeeping session. Initially using possession drills, Ruben and Jordi focused on technique, scrutinizing each player for even the most minor flaw -- including if their touch was an inch off.
(jordi Perez works with Collin Hayes on possession)
(A little 4-v-4)
(Inaki Andreu works with Eric Ciancaglini on handling high balls)
Each group also was drilled in shooting, getting their chance at goal, some against Eric Ciancaglini, some against Paul, who threatened to leave behind those who made him look bad. By that measure, more than half the side is investigating obtaining Spanish citizenship.
(Nick Diamantoni takes a crack at goal)
(Whoops, there goes another)
The two-hour morning session ended with Ruben, Jordi and Inaki all complimenting the Jerseyans on their technical skill and ability to quickly incorporate their coaching. It isn't the first time they've impressed the locals.
They'll get another chance in a Monday afternoon session.
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