Triangles, triangles, triangles. Talk to some people about football and they will tell you it is all a game of triangles - the alleged secret being that the man with the ball should always have two options with which to bypass his opponent, thereby retaining possession. It is a logical and widely-held belief and so, while it was somewhat strange to see £400 million worth of Barcelona talent at the tiny stadium belonging to Durham City FC yesterday morning, it was no surprise to see them practising their triangles.
Michael Reiziger would collect the ball just inside one half, sprint 30 yards and then cross it to the far post; there Christoph Dugarry would nod the ball back to Rivaldo who would smack it, curl it or chip it in from 18 yards. Then they would do it again. And again.
Standing in the middle of this, pointing and prompting, was the new Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal, a true Dutch master. If, however, that description suggests artistry, beware, for if there is one word that sums up Van Gaal, on yesterday's evidence, it is "formidable". The impression given was that even players of the stature and ego of Reiziger, Dugarry and Rivaldo would hesitate before questioning Van Gaal.
After training, the man was then to give a press conference which by domestic standards was outstanding. Speaking in English, Van Gaal radiated authority, his words terse and tough, his gestures tight and muscular. This is a character whose philosophy on football - and one suspects, life - leaves no room for self-doubt.
His views are strong: "The disadvantage of having Rush and Barnes is that their age will count"; "I would like English football to think a little more tactically". His favourite words are clearly "habit", "system" and "adapt".
Thus, when asked about the quality of Rivaldo and Ivan de la Pena, Van Gaal replied: "At the moment, they have a lot to learn, but potentially they are very good. They have to adapt to my way of thinking, my system and that's difficult in such a little time. And nobody in Spain is waiting for the adapting."
The pressure in Spain is on already. After only three games, Valencia have sacked their coach Jorge Valdano, but although Barcelona have won their first three matches, even if they had not, Van Gaal would be safe, he insisted. "I shall not be fired because Nunez (Barcelona's president) believes in me and my philosophy." He wasn't joking.
As far as Newcastle are concerned, Van Gaal seemed underwhelmed. No, he would not be giving Faustino Asprilla special attention, and, no, he had not spoken with Bobby Robson about the game. "He is in Egypt. I have had little contact with him." The thought that Darren Peacock might make his first appearance of the season has not given him sleepless nights either.
Peacock is a likely starter, though, and with David Batty returning after missing the Wimbledon defeat through suspension, Kenny Dalglish's selection problem revolves around four men - Warren Barton, Temur Ketsbaia, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Barnes -fighting for three places.
It is, Dalglish, acknowledged, the biggest game in Newcastle's recent history, but it is also significant for Dalglish personally. He managed neither Liverpool or Blackburn in the European Cup and would probably have fancied a less-daunting task than navigating a path through the Barcelona triangle for starters.
Guardian Service
