Sylvinho believes Barça are worthy leaders in the race for the Spanish league title. While he’s optimistic, he believes the players have to work hard to make it three in a row.
With just six league games left, Barça have the advantage of knowing that a third league title in a
row is in their hands. And that’s a big advantage at this stage of the season. For this
reason, Sylvinho cannot understand why in Madrid they see themselves as champions: “Is Madrid
stronger than Barça? No. We’re leaders and we’re doing well. You can’t judge
teams on just two or three matches but over the nine months of the competition. Barça are the best
team in the league. It’s the team that has been leader for longest”. But of course the
way forward depends on commitment, mentality and the day to day work. “We have to work hard.
In the final ten match days there’s a big dose of anxiety and nervousness. All teams have to
control that”.
Deco’s injury
Deco twisted his ankle on Thursday and will miss this weekend’s match. Sylvinho told
us: “He’s a player with a special weight. He’s got a lot of experience but
we’ve got a big squad. This week we’re recovered some players and the coach has
alternatives in that position”.
The next match day
This weekend could be crucial to the outcome of the battle for the league title. Sevilla, who
are just one point behind Barça, take on Real Madrid (2 points
adrift of Barça) in the Santiago Bernabéu. However, Sylvinho
is focussed on Barça’s match against Real Sociedad: “We’re interested in
Sunday’s result but what I want is to win in San Sebastian”.
The Real Sociedad game
Real Sociedad are locked in a desperate relegation battle but have won their last three home
matches. At the same time, Barça are looking to improve on their relatively poor away record:
“It’s always worrying when you don’t win points away from home. Real Sociedad are
stronger than before. It’ll be a difficult match but I hope to get the three points”.
Possible signings
Sylvinho was asked by reporters today about his future at the Club and the rumours concerning
possible new signings. The Brazilian defender told us: “It’s normal that a top class
club like Barça is always looking to sign the best players. That’s why so many titles have
been won. What we have to do is work hard to show that we can continue with Barça”.
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Squad get-together
The majority of the squad had dinner together to foster unity ahead of these vital remaining games.
However, Sylvinho made it clear: “We stick together every day within our working
environment”. Sylvinho, who missed the dinner for personal reasons, insisted: “These
are good moments to talk about everything, about football, about life and to relax a bit”.