Barcelona to use St. George's Park as summer training camp

Friday 04 Jul 2014
Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Neymar
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Barcelona's star-studded squad will become the latest side to use the standard-setting facilities at St. George's Park.

The four-times European champions will arrive at the National Football Centre on 28 July and stay until 2 August.

It will be one of the first times Barca have got together under new coach Luis Enrique, with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta likely to be in action.

Andoni Zubizarreta, Barcelona’s director of football said: “We are thrilled to be going to St. George’s for a pre-season training camp. 

"The FA has magnificent facilities. We will be able to work peacefully in an exceptional football setting, with perfect indoor and outdoor facilities that make us believe that the work atmosphere at St. George’s will be excellent. 

"We are very much looking forward to the pre-season and this visit to the FA is an added attraction.”

St. George's Park's managing director, Julie Harrington, said: "I am absolutely delighted that FC Barcelona have decided to join us for their pre-season preparations later this month.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique

"This is hugely exciting news for St. George's Park and The FA, and it is a real pleasure to be able to have one of European football's most successful clubs train at our facility.

"We look forward to welcoming the players and staff, and helping ensure their visit with us is both an enjoyable and memorable experience."

Also in camp at the same time as Barcelona will be the England Women's Senior Team, as Mark Sampson's side prepare for their fixture against Sweden in Hartlepool on Sunday 3 August

The arrival of the Blaugrana will cap off an already busy summer at St. George's Park, with Steaua Bucharest the latest team to visit, while last week Ryan Giggs was among several rising stars of the coaching world to complete their Pro Licence at the Staffordshire venue.

By James Callow Content manager