After two days of training with only a minimum number of players, things returned to normal on Thursday with the return of the internationals. With the entire squad once again at his disposal, Guardiola was able to turn the focus completely to this Saturday’s game in El Molinon against Sporting Gijon.

On Thursday, the players involved in international friendlies with their national teams have all returned to work with Barça’s first team. The complete team gathered at 6 pm on field number 2 of the Ciutat Esportiva to exercise under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola. 

 This was also the first opportunity for many of the players to congratulate Guardiola on his renewal with the team through 2012. One by one, the coach was able to greet and chat with his players, who also applauded him as a group when the team met in midfield to start the session. There was even a little time to joke with Victor Valdes inviting the man responsible for the uniforms and kits, Chema Corbella, to participate in the circle. 

 After expressing their joy for Guardiola, the team went to work, preparing for Saturday’s game against Sporting Gijon (at 20:00). Besides the 18 players from the first team, also exercising were Deulofeu, Balliu, Espinosa, Rosell, Masó and Palau from Juvenil A.  

Jeffren and Carles Puyol, both injured, continue to work on recovery and were once again absent from the pitch. 

The team will return on Friday, beginning at 11 am, for another training session at the Ciutat Esportiva. Afterwards, Pep Guardiola will discuss the game and other topics with the press.