FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.06.2007 14:26

“We have to think about beating Nàstic”

Sergi Nogueras

José Edmílson has no doubt that if Barça are to win the league they will need to make sure of all three points at the Nou Estadi in Tarragona.

Edmílson has never been a man to mince his words. Not afraid of self-criticism he also pointed out that all Barça can do now is concentrate on doing their own job, and leave the rest to fate. “If we drew last week, that’s because we weren’t good enough to win. Now we have to think about beating Nàstic because we could even end up out of the direct Champions League places. We have to get our job done and wait and see what happens to Real Madrid. The lads are upset because we let a great chance to win the league go to waste, but I still believe in the miracle.”

Incentives and miracles

The final day of the league season promises to offer a thrilling evening of football, and even if they were offered money, the Brazilian does not believe Mallorca would treat the game any differently to any other. “Whatever happens, the Mallorca players have their own careers and pride to think about, and they will go out to defend their colours. Apart from the money, against Sevilla last week they showed that are able to win.”

Edmílson was asked if his strong religious beliefs may have a role in what he feels might happen next Sunday. “Apart from football, I also have faith in Jesus Christ” he said. “It is a miracle that I am alive. I know where I came from and where I am now. Miracles exist, but God does not come into football. More than anything, we just have to get our job done.”

A team game

Edmílson also made a call for people to realise that everything that happens to a football team is a group effort, and to focus less on the merits and failings of individuals. “When describing a season, you cannot talk of just one player. We are a group. When we win, the big stars get all the glory, and when we lose people blame the rest of us. Things need to be sorted out for next season. We need to analyse the group as a whole because 2 or 3 players alone can’t win a league. When things aren’t going well, they need to be fixed.”

And he is not at all happy with the way this season has gone. “Barça were playing in seven competitions and only won two, the Copa Catalunya and the Spanish Super Cup, and that’s not a lot for me. I can’t say what needs to be fixed, but we all know that something needs doing, it’s a fact.”

The future

It is still not clear how much longer Edmílson is going to remain on Barça’s books. “My agent is here because I have one year left on my contract and we will need to speak to Txiki Begiristain at the end of the season” he said. “I am ready to stay here, but if I don’t come into the club’s plans for next season, then I am also willing to leave.

“If I am at 100% fit, I am able to play in this team whatever happens. I am a born winner and I have a lot of experience of squad issues. You need good players, but also good people, and here at Barça we have plenty of both.”