FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.05.2007 14:03

Rijkaard celebrates 150 league games

Sandra Sarmiento

Frank Rijkaard celebrated his 150th league match in charge of FC Barcelona with the victory over Getafe on Saturday evening.

The Dutch coach marked the milestone with three invaluable points thanks to an early goal from Ronaldinho and will not forget the encounter in a hurry as his side wqere forced to battle with ten men for over 50 minutes, but they showed pride and passion. Reflecting on the referee, Alfonso Pérez Burrull, Rijkaard made it clear that he was unhappy with the red card five minutes before half-time that saw the Blaugrana boss have to lead the Brazilian down the tunnel.

After the game had finished, Rijkaard admitted just how happy he was with his defence, after they looked strong and only allowed Getafe the odd chance in the closing minutes when the legs were becoming tired. "Barça always like to play in the opposition's half of the field," he explained. "It surprised me that we were able to do that quite so effectively with one player less. When players like Ronaldino, who love to play and entertain the crowds, are sent off it is a real injustice."

Great record

Rijkaard has a record of 92 wins, 34 draws and just 24 defeats in his first 150 matches in charge of the Blaugrana. With the win against Getafe, the Dutchman equalled the number of victories this term that he secured in his season in charge, with two games of the campaign still remaining.

Eto'o is the top scorer

The team has scored 287 goals in Rijkaard's 150 game, with Samuel Eto'o scoring most with 62 of them. Ronaldinho is not far behind, having hit 60 goals, while Ludovic Giuly and Javier Saviola have both scored 19 apiece.

Eusebio and Unzué

Rather accept all the acclaim, Rijkaard wanted to make it clear that he believes that the coaches, medics and club delegate, Carlos Naval, should all be given as much credit as him for the succes that the team has enjoyed with him at the helm. Eusebio Sacristán and Juan Carlos Unzué received special mention too as well as his former assistant, Henk ten Cate, who is not the head coach of Ajax, and his current right-hand man Johan Neeskens.