FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.01.2008 16:09

“The goalless draw gives us plenty of options”

Berta Brau

The goalless draw in Villarreal leaves Barça needing to win the return leg in order to qualify for the semi finals of the cup, but Deco feels the result “gives us plenty of options at home”.

Deco started his press conference by reflecting on last night’s result. “True, the result could have been better, especially considering the number of chances we had, but I still think the goalless draws gives us plenty of options for winning at home” he said.

Good play

Despite the result, the midfielder was happy with their performance in a game that “was almost all about Barça”. He refuted all suggestions that it had been an unconvincing display from his team. “I don’t think our style is not entertaining enough” he said. “Yesterday, for example, we had a great second half, we are working hard and it’s paying off. I think we're playing well.”

From cup to league

It’s been tough of late, with two games every week, but Deco knows what they have to do this weekend in the Basque Country. “We know we can’t afford to drop points in the league. We have to go there to get the three points and that’s what we’ll try to do” he said.

The future of the league

The Portuguese star is still hopeful that Barcelona can close the gap on runaway league leaders Real Madrid: “There are a lot of games ahead. Yes, we do need them to drop some points but all we can do is take things a game at a time, and if we win all our matches, the time will come when we catch them up … we have every chance of winning the league, just like last year when we had a big advantage and they ended up winning it”.

No plans for the future

Deco was asked about his future at the club, which some sectors of the press seem to feel is in doubt. “I like to win and feel that I am helping my team. If I feel I can do that here, I will stay, but this is something to decide upon when the season is over” he said.

“Respect for all opinions”

He went on to explain that “there will always be people who criticise and people who like you. It is only normal for there to be differences and I respect them all. But what is most important for me is for the coach to be happy and for the people to be happy with the work I am doing … I have nothing to prove”.