09.03.2007 16:18
Rijkaard: “Playing at home is an advantage”
The Barça coach believes that having the public behind his team will be a big help in defeating Real Madrid on Saturday, Rikjaard also refused to rule out Ronaldinho confirming that “he’s OK to play”.
In the press conference prior to the classic, Frank Rikjaard said that he believes both Barça and
Real Madrid have moved on since being eliminated from the ‘Champions’ and that
“this is another game, with two different teams”. Rikjaard pointed out “we have
home advantage in front of our fans. That gives un a lot of encouragement”. Also, the Dutch
coach says his team are in good shape and that the word pressure should be converted into
motivation”.
Ronaldinho, available
Ronaldinho, who missed training with the rest of the group due to muscular problems on his
left thigh, took part in Friday’s session behind closed doors. Regarding the Brazilian,
Rikjaard said “he trained with the group for the first part and then separately, but
he’s OK to play”. The Barça coach also commented that some of the other player
returning after long injuries such as Eto’o and Messi are “getting better every
day”.
Respect for the opposition
Even though the coach believes that playing at home is an advantage, Rikjaard was keen to
show respect towards Real Madrid: “It’s an interesting game, but you can’t say
who will play better, you must respect the opponent” The Dutchman did not want to make an
issue of the supposed superiority of Barça over Madrid (5 points difference in the table), Rikjaard
believes that superiority “must be shown on the pitch” and added that “we must
train with the idea of giving a good impression to the fans. We must fight for that”.
Accepts Gudjonhsen opinion
During the press conference, Frank Rikjaard also spoke about the comments made by Icelandic
striker Eidur Gudjonhsen, in which the Icelandic international suggested, “In some games
extra sacrifice is necessary”. The coach said, “it’s been clarified within the
dressing room”, and pointed out that “the player had also praised his team mates and
when he spoke of the group he also includes himself”.