And to some degree he did, guiding Barça to a sixth-place finish, ensuring UEFA Cup qualification. Without defeat since the humbling loss to Racing in January – the only blots on their copybook being a Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Zaragoza and UEFA Cup elimination by Celtic – Barça are up to third and riding a tidal wave of momentum towards what, just three months earlier, seemed like an almost impossible title challenge. The advantage of anyone wishing to be on the board was that the position afforded greater exposure than almost any local politician would receive, exposure which could then be parlayed into the individual’s other business interests. No sign of a 30-goal striker, no big-money purchase for fans to celebrate. Culés wanted a striker. In return, they would promise to “behave themselves”. Paese: Italia . Hardly a glowing CV, but Cruyff saw something in Rijkaard – perhaps a little bit of himself. Ronaldinho was setting himself apart as one of the most gifted players on the planet, lighting up LaLiga with tricks, flicks and no shortage of goals. If you have dealt with all of that as a player, then you have a huge amount of experience.”. Barcelona; 2002–03 season; President: Joan Gaspart (until 12 February 2003) Enric Reyna (until 6 May 2003) Managing Commission (until 15 June) During the 2002–03 season, Futbol Club Barcelona competed in La Liga. Patrick Kluivert and Javier Saviola had been far from prolific and the fans saw a need for goals. Adding solidity to the midfield alongside compatriot Phillip Cocu, the presence of Davids allowed Xavi to play a more advanced role, acting as the supply-line for the front three of Ronaldinho, Saviola and Luis García. Squad Barcelona Season 2003-04 First Division: Víctor Valdés, Reiziger, Van Bronckhorst, … While United dithered over agreeing a fee with the Parisians, Barça moved swiftly and lodged a €30m bid. Ansu Fati became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team on Sunday by scoring in Spain's 4-0 win over Ukraine.... more » 06.09.2020 21:30 The 2003–04 season was Real Madrid C.F. Rijkaard’s team had clicked. Barcelona lost 97 million euros ($114.3 million) last season due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the financial results presented by the Catalan club on Monday.... more » 04.10.2020 17:23 He also has to know his public, as well as managing the dressing room.”, “In truth,” Cruyff continued, “the football only really accounts for 40 percent of his work. Read  |  Rüştü Reçber: the Turkish warrior capable of the brilliant and the baffling.