FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.01.2008 14:56

Rijkaard: "We know what to expect"

David Puig

Frank Rijkaard reflected on Barcelona's last two defeats in El Madrigal to highlight the size of the task that Barcelona face in the Copa del Rey on Thursday and did not rule out Lionel Messi and José Manuel Pinto starting.

Playing Villarreal away has not been a happy experience for Barça in recent season as the Dutch coach has never guided his side to victory there. The only time that the Blaugrana have won in El Madrigal since he took over as coach was in the 2005-06 season when Rijkaard missed the game with an illness and Henk ten Cate took control for the day. "They were better in the last league game," he said. "They came out very strongly and scored early on. We were unable to turn things around and Villarreal justifiably won. They are a team that can wait for to play in their half before launching counter-attacks or can come out and attack you from the first minue. We know what to expect and we will have to go out and start strongly ourselves."

Messi and Pinto in line

As normal, Rijkaard would not comment on his starting team but he did not rule our the possibility that Pinto and Messi could both be in the side. "I have faith in Pinto," he stated. "He is working hard and is adapting to the squad. He may not have played that many games this season and we will have to evaluate that and decide what is best. As for Messi, I have spoken to the player and the medical team to evaluate his progress. I think that he is on the point of returning to the starting eleven, but I do not know if he can play a full 90 minutes yet. We will have to see if he starts or comes on."

Ronaldinho improving

Rijkaard was then asked Ronaldinho's current state and he gave a positive report about the Brazilian's progress. "Keeping in mind his situation as he has just overcome an injury, I think he is doing very well," he said. "I have talked to the doctors and physical coaches and they have said that he is in great shape. There are no longer any problems." As for the continuing speculation about Ronaldinho's future at Barça, Rijkaard stated that it was normal that a lot of clubs would want to have the superstar in their teams, but assured that he was happy at Camp Nou.