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Barcelona puts aside transfer distractions for La Liga opener
Their highest-profile new recruit, Spain striker David Villa, scored his first goal in a 1-1 friendly draw against AC Milan at the Nou Camp on Wednesday and has settled in quickly.
“It’s very satisfying to get off the mark here like that,” he told reporters.
“I felt very comfortable in the team again as I did in the Super Cup. It’s very easy to fit in with the footballers in this squad.”
Ibrahimovic, who started against Milan but then criticized Guardiola after the game, will probably miss out.
Barca’s archrival Real Madrid travels to Real Mallorca today for Jose Mourinho’s first competitive game since replacing Manuel Pellegrini at the helm. His side have been solid if unspectacular in warm-up games as he has experimented with line-ups and formations.
Of the new recruits, Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has caught the eye with two goals in the last two games, but Mourinho’s biggest problem is in defense. With Raul Albiol, Pepe and Ezequiel Garay all injured Sergio Ramos and Ricardo Carvalho will probably act as a stand in centre back pairing.
Financially troubled Mallorca is also unveiling a new coach, former Danish international Michael Laudrup. He has a tough task to replicate last season’s fifth-place finish under Gregorio Manzano, the club relying heavily on their youth system to bolster their squad.
Valencia starts a new era without Spain duo Villa and David Silva, who had to be sold over the summer to help reduce crippling debts despite achieving a Champions League place.
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