22.03.2007 17:36
Eusebio and Giuly opt for caution
Assistant coach and former Barca star Eusebio has joined French winger Giuly in insisting that the Club must focus on the Cup semifinal against Getafe and avoid thinking ahead to a possible place in the final.
With the opponent in the Spanish Cup semifinal confirmed on Thursday morning, Barca coach Eusebio
Sacristán and French international Ludovic Giuly spoke at a Nou Camp press conference to evaluate
Barca’s chances of reaching the final. They both revealed that the players are excited about
the prospect.
Focus on Getafe
Both
Giuly and Eusebio stressed the need to concentrate on the tie against Getafe and avoid all
speculation about a possible Cup final opponent. According to Giuly: “First we have to think
about Getafe - as it will be a great match - and not the final. That would be disrespectful to
Getafe”. Eusebio described the Madrid-based outfit managed by Bernd Schuster as: “A
well-organised team that concedes very few goals and is having a great season. Getafe is especially
motivated as this is an historic opportunity for them, and we have to take this into
account”.
The home advantage
The first leg of the two-match tie will be played in the Nou Camp, which would appear to give
Getafe a slight edge. Giuly told us: “I would have liked to play the first leg there”
while Eusebio insisted: “You have to take the tie as it is. We have to have the calm and
patience to develop the tie and play at our best level. Semifinals and finals are always 50/50 and
what you have to do is change that. But above all, we mustn’t think we’re superior to
anybody”.
Excited by the Cup
The players are well aware of the importance of the competition and, according to Giuly, are
highly motivated by the prospect: “Winning the third league title and the Cup is
important”. Meanwhile, Eusebio assured us: “These players have the chance of playing
and winning the Spanish Cup. Every player should experience a Cup final. It’s a very
important title”.
Giuly’s future with Barca
During the press conference, Ludovic Giuly also spoke about his future in the Club. Giuly still has
a year to run on his current deal and insisted: “I’m very happy here and I’ll
stay without any problem. I’d like to finish my career here”. However, when asked about
the future of a number of his teammates, he revealed: “We’re not thinking about the
future. There are still three months to end the season. We’re fine here and I hope we all
stay together”.