FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.01.2008 16:02

Rijkaard: “We’re not giving up on anything”

Miriam Nadal

Frank Rijkaard stressed that the team has not given up hope of winning the League even though he admitted that Real Madrid is in good form. He also revealed that Ronaldinho is about to come back into the squad.

“Green light for Ronaldinho. I hope he’ll be back in the squad very soon to give us a hand.” That was how Frank Rijkaard announced the imminent return of Ronaldinho during the presentation this lunchtime of the money raised from the book “37 històries solidàries al voltant de l’esport”, written by sports journalists with the help of the Dutch coach who also penned the foreword.

Real Madrid on a roll

Rijkaard also recognised that Madrid is in good form and will be hard to catch in what is left of the League campaign. Nevertheless the first team coach is not throwing in the towel. “We’re not giving up on anything,” he said. “After yesterday’s result the gap’s bigger. We’ve just got to keep at it.” He went on to point out that “when we were leaders just about everyone said we were the best” and in a reference to the pressure which can still be put on Real Madrid, added that “the hardest part for us was showing we were.”

It’s all about pride

At any event, Rijkaard is well aware that Real Madrid is going to be a tough nut to crack. “Madrid is the best side in the League as it’s winning the points. But we can’t give up on the title and we’ve got to keep playing with pride and put our backs into it.” Once again Rijkaard emphasised that the players have to work and fight for the club’s fans: “The fans want us to be in top spot, but Madrid is picking up the points and not slipping up.”