08.03.2007 18:38
Stoichkov: “The fans must get behind the team”
Ex-Barça player Hristo Stoichkov says that fans should not be too critical of the team after the European elimination and that now is the time to get behind Rikjaard.
Hristo Stoichkov was participating in the Sant Cugat del Vallès golf championship between
ex-players of Barça and Real Madrid - one of the events organised ahead of this Saturday’s
classic. After the tournament, the mythical Barça number 8 paid a visit to Barça TV to share views
ahead of the classic.
According to Stoichkov “now is the time to get behind the team. Its difficult to accept
the elimination from the Champions League, but people should remember how difficult a competition
it is to win. As evidence, Stoichkov pointed out that Barça have won it only twice in their
history. That is why he thinks that criticism of the team is not justified: “The players must
be respected now, the coaches and the directors also, and there should not be any talk of
changes”.
The League and the Cup
The objectives for Barça from now will be retaining the league title and winning the Copa del
Rey. For Stoichkov, “they are two important titles and now we must focus on that.” The
current Bulgarian national coach also used his visit to call in on Frank Rikjaard, who he said was
“relaxed”. As for Real Madrid, Stoichkov believes that they could be affected by the
elimination from Europe and also the possibility of falling 8 points behind Barça in league –
the only competition in which Madrid are still involved.
An expert on the classics
If any player lived the classic derby with intensity at the start of the 90’s it was
Stoichkov. The Bulgarian acknowledged that it was a special game for him and said, “in those
type of games Barça has to show what they are made of”. Stoichkov also said that
today’s classics cannot be compared to those in his era. He has no doubt when predicting the
result for Saturday “we will win and I don’t care by what score”.
Unbeaten at the Camp Nou
During the six and a half season at Barcelona, Hristo Stoichkov played in five Barça-Madrid
games at the Camp Nou. The balance is very favourable: four victories and one draw. The only goal
he scored was in a last minute 2-1 win in the opening weekend of the 1992/93 season.
Bebeto backs Barça
José Roberto Gama de Oliveira, better known as “Bebeto”, also visited Barça TV to
analyse the classic. The Brazilian considers Barça favourites for Saturdays game, “for Madrid
it’s more difficult, if they loose they will be 8 points behind. For Barça it’s easier
they will be more relaxed”. Regarding whether Ronaldinho will play in the derby the
ex-Deportivo La Coruña said “I’m sure he’ll play, it’s a game not to be
missed”.