FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.05.2007 14:54

“We are fighting from a good position”

Miriam Nadal

Frank Rijkaard believes that every team would swap places with FC Barcelona as they top the table ahead of the game against Real Sociedad this weekend and he recognised that a third consecutive title is within the club's reach now.

The Dutchman looked ahead to the final few games of the season after training on Friday as he explained: "We want to keep working hard until the final moment. We are in a good position and I think that in the end, every side would like to be in our place in the league. Right now, we have to continue battling to maintain and improve our position. We must only focus on the present. We are fighting for the title from a good position and working reward our supporters."

Winning and entertainment

"The way we play is clear," Rijkaard continued as he explained his ideas on the way the game should be played. "It is important to win matches, but also to entertain. We have a philosophy that our fans enjoy. Both things can go together. We have to remain faithful to our beliefs as the nearer we play to the way we like then the better and better our results become. In the league we have to prove how strong we are by working hard, applying pressure and using our quality."

Away day problems

Rijkaard was unable to rationalise why Barça and other teams chasing the title encounter so many problems when playing away from home: "It is not easy to explained," he said. "I think that tactically and physically everyone is doing well. The bigger team go out and have to really focus. Tactically they play in the middle of the pitch and wait for the counter-attack. If the bigger side then scores the game opens up, but if the goal does not come then the game can become complicated. There is always the risk that the opposition will score against you with a quick breakaway."

Messi learns new tricks

Reflecting on the blows that Leo Messi has received in recent weeks from opposing defenders, the former Netherlands national team coach believes that those kinds of things go with the territory. "Players know that they have to stop Messi and he has to be prepared and ready to protect himself," Rijkaard continued. "After that the referee has to place limits on things. It does not really worry me, but Messi is ready for this new stage in his development."

Defensive options

Having fielded three playmakers in the centre of the pitch in recent weeks, Rijkaard is prepared to return to employing a defensive midfielder for the game against Real Sociedad. "We have managed to play well with a defensive player and with the other formations in training," he stated. "In both cases it can help the team. Our aim is just to complete our task."