FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.05.2007 21:06

“We have confidence in the team’s ability”

Jordi Clos

Technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, and spokesman for the board, Xavier Cambra, spoke to the press following a recent board meeting. Both appeared convinced in their being a positive reaction from the team.

The recent defeat at the hands of Getafe and the remodelling of the Camp Nou were the key points discussed. Both Txiki Begiristain and Xavier Cambra appeared confident during the press conference in the team retaining the Liga title.

Joan Laporta in the changing rooms

Txiki Begiristain started off by explaining President Joan Laporta’s visit to the changing rooms on Friday morning: “He wanted to transmit his feelings of frustration at the loss and the image it portrayed. He also gave the team his full confidence in them winning the Liga title”.

Criticism of mentality

Txiki Begiristain recognised that the defeat in the Coliseum Alfonso Perez was due to “a drop in attitude of the team”. The technical secretary lamented the team’s elimination: “It was difficult due to the way it happened. It is worrying because there wasn’t any reaction following their goals”. Despite the magnitude of the loss, the man from the Basque Country wanted to move on and remind everyone that Barça is still topping the Liga table.

No changes

“The game against Getafe has not mapped out the future of anyone on the team; we will analyze the season as a whole.” When asked if the team’s cycle had come to an end, Txiki was blunt in his response: “I don’t think there is a change when you are talking about a team at the top of the table with 5 games remaining”. According to Txiki, “the problem is the amount of effort it’s taking to achieve the performances needed to be in the fight for the title.” For the technical secretary, “the solution lies within the team and we have absolute confidence in the team’s and the staff’s abilities.”

Sorry to the fans

Begiristain also felt “bad” due to being knocked out, and sent a message to the club’s members: “you will see an immediate improvement in the team and you will remember the good times the team gave you only a short time ago”. Txiki also stressed that “the players are fully aware of the mistakes they made.”

Cambra sure of success

For his part, Xavier Cambra spoke of the elimination of the Copa del Rey and also the remodelling of the Camp Nou. The defeat “was a missed opportunity to make the final”, however, he echoed Txiki’s words by saying “the team will respond and will give the fans something to cheer about by winning the Liga.” For this reason, Cambra said “now is the time to be united in order to help Barça gain success in the challenge ahead.”

Remodelling competition

Xavier Cambra also went into the details regarding the competition for the remodelling of the Camp Nou and the ten finalists which have been chosen. “The board is very satisfied with the process and the quality of the results.” The winner shall be announced in September, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the stadium.