FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.06.2007 10:39

Jorquera: “They will be two very different derbies”

David Puig/Sandra Sarmiento

A local derby is always special. Albert Jorquera takes a look at the two matches that Barça is playing against Espanyol this week: the final of the Copa Catalunya on Tuesday and the league clash next weekend.

Albert Jorquera is determined to win the Copa Catalunya against Barça’s historic city rival and, the fact is, that a local derby is always special for locally born players such as Jorquera: “A match against Espanyol is obviously special for a local player. Those of us who have had the chance to experience these matches ever since childhood know every well the rivalry that exists between the two teams”. However, Jorquera is disappointed that there are two derbies in the space of four days and that the international players will miss Tuesday’s Cup final: “The Copa Catalunya is a trophy that we all want to win, especially those of us who are from here, but it’s a pity that the internationals are not playing due to the international matches. I’m sure that if it (the Copa Catalunya) went back to being played pre-season then it would create more expectation as the new signings would play and the teams would be at full strength”.

Homegrown talent

Homegrown players are set to be the stars of the final of the Copa Catalunya just as they were in the semi-final against Gimnástic Tarragona. Jorquera believes it’s a great chance for the youngsters to prove what they can do: “The best thing about the last match against Gimnástic was the youngsters’ performances and the leading role they played. It was a chance for them to get better known and show the coach and also other clubs that they have the ability to play in the First Division”.

A tense derby

As Saturday’s vital league clash gets closer and closer, the atmosphere gets more and more tense and the fans are expecting a hotly contested match. Barça will be looking to take revenge for the away defeat earlier in the season while Espanyol will be hoping to pay Barça back for the defeat last season that almost condemned the club to relegation: “It’s normal that people are trying to wind up the derby a little. Last year, Espanyol missed a good opportunity to guarantee their survival and ended up losing 2-0. This year, the pressure is on us, as winning the league is at stake. That’s rivalry – and it’ll always be like that”.