FCBARCELONA.CAT

19.02.2008 20:57

Neeskens: “We have to play our way”

Sandra Sarmiento/Berta Brau

Glasgow Celtic face Barça on the back of an unbeaten home record, which for Johan Neeskens is merely “added motivation”. The Dutchman knows that a win in Scotland would work wonders for the Catalan outfit’s European aspirations.

Johan Neeskens appeared in the press conference in Glasgow because Frank Rijkaard is serving a suspension picked up after his sending off against the other side from the Scottish city, Rangers. He has to sit out two games, having already served the first at home to Stuttgart.

Match essentials

Neeskens commented that “it is important for us to play well and win here. Celtic have not lost at home and that is an added motivation for us.” The assistant manger went on to say that he appreciates the dangers in a Celtic side that contains such quality players as Mcgeady, Nakamura and Venegoord of Hesselink, plus a great goalscorer in McDonald.

“No room for comparisons”

Johan Neeskens did not want to fall into the trap of making comparisons between Celtic and Rangers, as they “are two very different opponents”. Neither did he think any major conclusions could be drawn from the four games played between the two sides back in 2005, as “a lot of things have changed since then.”

Eto'o and Touré

Neeskens also said the coaching staff were “very happy” to welcome back Touré and Eto'o, although “Barça does not depend on Samuel Eto'o, we are a team with quality in depth.” As for the Ivorian, Neeskens said he is “better physically than when he returned from Africa and he has proven that on the field of play”.

“We always play to win”

He also shunned any theories that his side would do anything other than go full out for the win at Celtic park. “Winning games is good for morale and we always go out to win and play well. The five points difference is very good and we are highly motivated to reduce the deficit, every game is important, and we want to win them all”, he said.