FC Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic expressed his dissatisfaction to the press regarding his  performances  in the last two matches.  “When I play badly, I recognise that and I think I played poorly in my last two games. I can play better” said the Swede.

Ibrahimovic , who hasn’t found the back of the net since his penalty in the derby against Espanyol said “I am not worried not to have scored for some time. If the team wins, it doesn’t matter if I score. I was very upset, for example, when we went out of the cup.”

Speaking on the recent contract renewal of manager Josep Guardiola , Ibrahimovic said “all of the players wanted him to stay, he’s doing an excellent job. This news means we can all rest easier … I never thought that a club like FC Barcelona would let a coach like Guardiola go”.

The striker was full of praise when asked about the gaffer : “He is a coach that speaks a lot to us. He is always telling us what to do better and is always on top of us, in training and in matches. He thinks football 24 hours a day and that’s why he enjoys so much success”.

Finally , he was asked to comment on the referees that seem to blow more fouls against him because of his bigger size : “When me and an opponent go for the ball, it looks like I’m going to kill him because I’m so big. I’ll just have to get used to the way they do things in Spain”  joked Ibrahimovic.

Txiki Begiristain has hinted he might leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The Barca sporting director knows his position will be in doubt as soon as president Joan Laporta steps down ahead of this year’s elections.

“I am a supporter and confidant of the president,” said Begiristain, “and he will be leaving his position later this year.

“I am tied to the president …”

It is already known that Pep Guardiola is looking to gain total control over the transfers and his recent renewal may also have been linked to Txiki’s exit.

The big news at training today was the return of Seydou Keita, who has rejoined the team after being knocked out of the African Nations Cup with Mali. Puyol, who has back trouble, was missing.

It was a day for reunions and congratulations on Thursday at Barça. Seydou Keita is back in town, and spoke to Josep Guardiola before training in isolation with two fitness coaches.

Guardiola congratulated

The other main man was Josep Guardiola, who after announcing he is staying in Barça for another year, was heartily welcomed by all. He was offered a round of applause and Milito and Xavi both gave him a warm handshake, the latter having already told the press before the announcement that he was sure Guardiola would be doing so very soon.

No Puyol

The Ciutat Esportiva was missing Carles Puyol, who has back trouble, and also Sergio Busquets, who is still resting with renal bruising.

FIRST TARGET – CESC

After Guardiola’s signature, the technical secreterial focus is on the youth in Arsenal

Would be a great reinforcement in the squad that’s almost complete

The dressing room applauded Pep’s continuance

Valladolid is Messi’s challenge

CHAMPIONS! (Sports world Gala)

Andres Iniesta and Marta Dominguez, elected as best athletes for 2009

Schumacher and Messi, cracks as stars of the night

BARCA IS THE GREATEST CLUB IN HISTORY

The dressing room cheers Pep