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Brazilian makeover for Barça

Brazilian flair rather than Dutch determination is the new guiding force at FC Barcelona.

By Andy Hall

The departures of Patrick Kluivert, Phillip Cocu, Michael Reiziger and Marc Overmars from FC Barcelona this summer signalled the end of the club's Dutch dynasty. However, the arrival of four Brazilians may indicate an exciting new era for the Catalan club.

Ronaldinho rise
Last season, Ronaldinho was arguably Spain's biggest sensation - his 30-metre strike against Sevilla FC was perhaps the goal of the campaign. Now he has been joined by Sylvinho, Edmílson, Deco and Juliano Belletti as Barça's Dutch-influenced 'Dream Team' has transformed itself into a samba side.

Happy football
With Ronaldinho and midfield player Thiago Motta already established at Camp Nou, the Blaugranas now have six Brazilian-born players. Not quite as dramatic as the 1930s S.S. Lazio side that boasted ten of them, but not far off. "The team has undergone a makeover and the new signings are showing more motivation," Ronaldinho said. "Now all the team is keen to make a new Barça - one that can become champions."

Asian tour
The club's pre-season tour of Asia has also given cause for optimism. Despite a couple of drab 1-1 draws, Barça remain unbeaten this summer. The 5-0 win against Kashima Antlers on Sunday and 3-0 victory against Jubilo Iwata on Thursday seem to be a sign that the new Barça are a potent force.

Title push
"There is still room for improvement but I have a good feeling about them," said coach Frank Rijkaard. "This side give the impression that they will be capable of winning something in the new season."

Ronaldinho's aim
For Ronaldinho, the mission is to go one better than last season's runners-up placing in the league. "We played well but came away empty-handed and that was a disappointment for everyone," he said. "I'm sure we will pick up at least one trophy and be able to give some happiness to the fans, directors and ourselves."

Rulebook problem
However, problems lie beneath the surface calm, with an excess of non-European Union players in a league which permits just three on the pitch at any time. Edmílson and Deco - who plays his international football for Portugal - have been granted EU citizenship, with Argentinian Javier Saviola soon to take Spanish citizenship. But there could still be trouble ahead.

Possible sales
Sylvinho may not be able to start the season at Camp Nou and may be loaned out while Barça wait for his application for Italian citizenship to be processed, while the club may consider offloading non-EU stars Saviola and Rüstü Reçber in order to ease the situation.

National team
And more problems will doubtless lie ahead when Brazil play international games. Belletti, Edmílson and Ronaldinho are all first choices for their country and could miss as many as six Primera División matches in the coming season due to national-team duty.

Brazilian flair
The players themselves have played down the Brazil connection insisting that it is by their skills and not their nationality that they must be judged. "We are in Barcelona, not Brazil," said Ronaldinho. "It's great to have friends in the dressing room but the most important thing is to having great players."

Joy of football
Nonetheless, Barça supporters can expect something dramatic in the coming season. As Sylvinho said: "It's the joy that is associated with Brazilian football and the desire to always be close to the opposition area and to put on a show - that's what the paying public wants to see."

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