FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.03.2007 11:16

Rijkaard: "the first goal was the key"

FC Barcelona's manager thinks that the early goal by Etóo made things a lot easier in the New Colombino. Frank Rijkaard was very content with the victory, although he recognized that the team wasn't perfect.

It's been sometime since Barça won away and at Recreativo they did it. In the press conference after the game, Frank Rijkaard emphasized the importance of Etóo's early goal on three minutes: "the first goal was the key. It changed the opponent's plans and it made things a lot easier for us ". The Dutchman also thought that "we were lucky to get the goals at the best moments and to kill off the match".

A great result

Few teams have managed to leave Huelva with three points. That's why Rijkaard valued the win so positively: "It is a great result, I am really pleased with the 0-4 scoreline and to break our negative run away from home". The coach underlined the importance of patience and the pressurising throughout the team. He made a special mention of the work done by Iniesta and Xavi.

Not totally satisfied about the game

In spite of the goals scored, Frank Rijkaard was not absolutely satisfied with the game: "At 0-1 we were comfortable, but I don't believe we played a great game". He stressed that he decided on 4-3-3 formation because "it was good to counter the opponent". With reference to Recreativo, Barça's trainer emphasized the fact that going behind made things a lot easier.

Praise for the strikers

Samuel Etóo played 90 minutes for the first time since his injury and he took full advantage to score two goals. For the coach, "Etóo's contribution has been very high". But beyond the goalscoring, Rijkaard, as is usual, underlined the tactical discipline of his three attackers. As well as this he picked out the work by Deco for a special mention, saying "he is a very important player for us".