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First Published: Aug 02, 2007
Barcelona's new French striker Thierry Henry (R) and Brazilian Ronaldinho during a training session at the Camp Nou in Barcelona prior to their departure for their Asian tour, 30 July 2007. Ronaldinho says the club's pre-season training programme is too intense and has complained to Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard, Spanish media have said.Barcelona striker Ronaldinho says the club's pre-season training programme is too intense and has complained to Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard, Spanish media said Thursday.
"Keep calm, keep calm. Life's not like that," said the Brazilian when Rijkaard demanded "more intensity" as he put the squad through their paces under a hot sun during a session on Wednesday.
Ronaldinho admitted late last season he was struggling for form and missed out on Brazil's Copa America win to have a summer break.
But there will be no let-up for Barca, who were pipped to the league title last season and also lost their European crown, as Thursday saw them head out to China for an eight-day Asian tour which has itself drawn criticism from players such as French defender Lilian Thuram and Italian Gianluca Zambrotta.
Chairman Joan Laporta justified the trip as one which would bolster the club's international image and also, according to media reports, pour some six million euros into the coffers.
The club hierarchy has already called for greater discipline in the ranks this season to avoid another trophyless year.