24.01.2008 23:59
“We’ve got to finish the job at the Nou Camp”
Vanessa Forns
Frank Rijkaard was upbeat after the draw in Villarreal and stressed that in the return game: “we’ll be at home, which on paper at least is an advantage - we have to make sure we finish off job at the Nou Camp”.
Although Rijkaard insisted on showing respect for Villarreal ahead of the return game next
Thursday, he stressed the importance of playing at home and reckoned: “we’ll be going
all out for a semi-final spot – we have to prepare the game thoroughly and then do the job on
the night”.
Praise for Valdes
The boss was adamant that: “tonight’s game wasn’t easy at all –
Villarreal had there chances”, whilst congratulating his players who: “put in a good
performance, it’s just a pity we didn’t get a goal with all the chances we
created” Rijkaard also had words of praise for Victor Valdes: “he made some great saves
in the game”.
Chances created
For Rijkaard, the game began well for Barca: “we were clear as to where we going at the
start – always looking to attack, but after the first 20-25 minutes we lost our way a bit
–maybe because we just couldn’t get the goal we were after. I think we could have
reacted a bit better to that, but with Messi on after the break, we started to create more chances
again”.
“The goals will come”
The team’s scored just once in the last three games, but Rijkaard is refusing to panic:
“that’s a problem if the team’s also failing to create chances, but that’s
not the case right now. We just have to keep on working hard –the goals will come”.
“Pinto will have his chance”
There had been plenty of speculation before last night’s game as to whether Rijkaard would
give new signing José Manuel Pinto his debut. Finally, Rijkaard decided to stick with Valdes,
though he explained: “he’s a player whose only just come into the squad and it’s
good for us to have him around just in case anything goes wrong. He’ll get his chance in the
future, I’m sure”.