FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.05.2007 13:21

Thuram asks for confidence and support

Miriam Nadal

Lilian Thuram is confident that if FC Barcelona are sure that they can win the league and maintain that mentality then there is no reason why they cannot do it, especially with the backing of the fans.

"The most important thing is that the team believes that we can win the league," he said. "There are four matches left and I think that we really can win this." The French defender has been through many title chases in his career and hopes that he can pass on some of his experience in order to help the Blaugrana focus on ensuring that their frame of mind is right.

The fans' role

On Tuesday, Thuram was chosen by the 'Uno del los Nuestros' organisation to receive the Christa Leem award, which he picked up from the president of the Generalitat, Jose Montilla. After being honoured with the award, the former Juventus star asked the Barça supporters to help the team in the remaining four games of the campaign. "When a team, that is your team, foes through a bad patch, that is the time that the fans' help is needed most," he said. "The supporters have to behind us. When everything is going well it is easy to show your feelings. They may believe that winning the league is difficult now, and that is true, but they have to show us support."

Have no fear

A born winner, Thuram does not believe that there are any nerves in the Barça camp. When asked by the media whether he is fearful that Real Madrid will win the league he explained. "The word is not fear. The thing is that there are four matches remaining and it will be very difficult, but what is vital is that we win our games and retain first place in orer to triumph."

Understanding nature

The 35-year-old understands the disenchantment of the supporters after recent results, but he explained that the players feel exactly the same way. "I uderstand the fans, but the people do not know that the players are hurting also," he said. "After the game the most disappointed people are the players because we want to win the league."

Looking ahead

"Every game has a different story and nobody knows which games each team will win and where Real Madrid may lose," he continued, reflecting on predictions about whether Barça or Madrid can win every one of their remaining game.

"It is strange that every time a team does not win, then there is so much discussion," Thuram said. "It is not logical. What is important is not to conceded late goals. If Betis had not scored that equaliser then none of this would be being said."