04.06.2007 20:49
Two very different games
Miriam Nadal
Rijkaard admits that the two games against Espanyol this week are going to be very different affairs. The absence of his international players and the ongoing Ronaldinho suspension saga were two of the main topics of Monday’s press conference.
Frank Rijkaard was speaking on the eve of the Copa Catalunya final at the Nova Creu Alta, and
realises that the two derbies this week will have very little in common. “They are two
different games” he said. “They chose for the Copa Catalunya final to be played now, so
that’s what we have. I think we need to prepare well for both games. They are different games
because tonight we will be missing a lot of players. But it is also interesting to play Espanyol
twice in the same week.”
Odd Copa Catalunya dates
Rijkaard is not sure that the dates chosen for the Copa Catalunya are ideal for either the
clubs or the fans (something the organisers are looking into), but is taking on the challenge with
relish. The side that played in the semi final against Nàstic may have been a curious blend of
first team players and members of Barça B, but they showed that they were taking the competition
very seriously. “When we participate, we want to do the job well, but that’s not easy
without all of the squad” said Rijkaard.
Chances for the youngsters
Rijkaard is aware that these games give him an
excellent opportunity to size up some of the reserve team players. He was quizzed in particular
about the future of Giovani Dos Santos, and replied that the Mexican’s potential promotion to
the first team is a matter for the club’s directors of football to debate. “We have not
made any decisions, but I think he is good enough to play in the first team” he said.
Ronaldinho suspended?
The Barça boss is happy that the club has done all it can to ensure Ronaldinho is allowed to
play in Saturday’s derby. “Barça as a club has done all it can to support the player
and try to avoid the suspension. But we will have to respect whatever decision the Commission comes
to”, he said.
Remaining fixtures
And Rijkaard once again lamented the way the international schedule has interrupted his plans
at such an important part of the season. “It is a pity that we won’t have to time to
prepare as we would have liked because so many players are away playing international matches, but
that’s the way it is.”
Coinciding with Argentina
The Argentinian national team trained immediately after Barça on Monday evening at the Camp Nou. In
a jovial mood, Frank Rijkaard had the chance to chat with Barça’s two Argentinians, Messi and
Saviola and also wished the Milito brothers, who play for Zaragoza, all the best in
Saturday’s game against Real Madrid.