A dual presentation

The Estadi Johan Cruyff was, for the first time ever, the venue for the traditional preseason speeches ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy game with Juventus. Or better put, in between the games with Juventus, for in another first, not only was the men’s game preceded by one involving the women, but the two teams were officially presented at the same time. 

The players came out in shirt number order, the women and the men together, followed by not four but eight captains (Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba for the men and Alexia Putellas, Marta Torrejón, Sandra Paños and Patri Guijarro for the women).

And then came the speeches: 

Sergio Busquets

"I’m so happy to be able play the Gamper in front of fans. I am proud to be captain of this team. I have been set such fine examples by the likes of Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. Thank you Leo, for taking Barça to the top. We shall always be very grateful. We will miss you because you have made individual and team history. Eternal thanks, Leo."

"A new season is beginning with hope and ambition and we will fight for everything. We need the fans’ support to do that."

Alexia Putellas

"It is a pleasure to be back here in our stadium and also to play and win the Joan Gamper for the first time. We have come from a difficult year without the fans in the stadium, but little by little you could start coming to support us on the road to the Champions League final. We want to do it again but with you in the terraces.”

Ronald Koeman

“First of all, I hope we can be in the big stadium very soon. It has been a very hard year playing without all of you. We are delighted to be here. Despite the departure of Leo Messi, we are very excited about this new season. With the squad we have and with the signings we have made. And with the young players coming through and who are this great club’s future. We are convinced that we’ll bring you a lot of joy this season. With a lot of help, work and sacrifice, we shall achieve the maximum. We know what a duty it is to represent this club. Visca el Barça and Visca Catalunya"

Jonathan Giráldez

"I hope you have enjoyed the win against Juventus. We’re coming from a historic season in which we won the Champions League. We missed you and we need you. We want you near us so we can be the best team in Europe again. My hope is to have a celebration at the end of the season of all the titles together.”