FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.03.2008 14:26

"We have to be positive"

Jordi Clos

Eidur Gudjohnsen has said that he was sad to see Lionel Messi limp of against Celtic with an injury, but believes that the quality in the squad will be able to cover during his absence.

The Icelandic international was asked about only one subject during the press conference on Wednesday afternoon, as Messi's injury made all the headlines and covered over Barça's progression to the quarter finals of the Champions League. Gudjohnsen admitted that the blow had put a dampener on the team's display. "We are pleased to have gone through and sad because we know what playing means to Messi," he said. "We hope that he will recover quickly. Now we cannot look for anyone to blame. We have to be focussed and remain positive in the games that we have coming up."

Faith in the team

Gudjohnsen then reacted to all the speculation that Messi's injury has thrown up. "The coach chooses the team and his decisions should be respected a bit more," he stated. Carles Puyol spoke out against the media criticism of the choice of team for the game Atlético de Madrid and his teammate agreed. "When the captain speaks, he must be listened to and respected," Gudjohnsen added.

Strong squad

The injury news eclipsed Barcelona's performance, but with the quarter final now coming up a replacement on the right for Messi will have to be found. "Messi is unique," Gudjohnsen continued. "He is one of the best on the world, but we have players that can come in and play there." On his chance of returning to the team, the former Bolton and Chelsea forward said. "I am continuing to work hard. We have a squad with a lot of quality and I respect the decisions of the coach. I believe that I have taken advantage of my chances and I will continue to wait."