As outlined by Barcelona’s official website, the Barça squad is officially beginning their deserved vacations after picking up three titles this season. Winning the Champions League means they will dispute two other competitions next season: the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

It has been an intense season. But with the satisfaction of a job well done the first team players begin their vacations. But not for all the squad. A number of players will feature in the Copa America and some in the European Under-21 Championships, while international duty will keep some players working for another few weeks. However, the majority of the squad will have a break until the team’s official return to work on July 18. The rest of the squad with their national teams will be added depending on their success in the Copa America and Europe. Then the 2011/12 campaign will start. And on the horizon, 6 exciting challenges: two Super Cups, Club World Club, the League, Copa del Rey, and Champions League.

Monaco and Japan

They love football. And they are the best. The whole world admires and wants to see them up close. In France, a country captivated by the football of Barça and the wonderful gesture of Puyol handing the cup to Abidal, the team will return at the end of August where once again they can enjoy the presence of Guardiola in Monaco. In this instance to face André Villas-Boas’ Porto, who have won Portugal’s League, League Cup and the Europa League and will play for the Portuguese Super Cup.

And Japan also experienced the joy of FC Barcelona lifting their fourth European Cup in club history. In East Asia there are thousands and thousands of supporters who are already excited for December 8 to 18, when they will be close to Messi, Xavi and company. Five years later, the club returns to Japan to play the Club World Cup.

A tight August

And with winning the Champions League there are, therefore, more games to play for more titles. August especially will be very tightly packed. The European Championship of 2012 has caused the the different leagues to advance their schedules and the weekend of August 20-21 will be the first matchday in La Liga. Before then, on the 14th and 17th of the same month, Barça and Madrid will fight for the Spanish Supercup. In the span of five months Guardiola’s side will play for three more titles before the end of the year. The club will have a lot of work to do. A blessed problem.