14.03.2008 14:39
Eusebio calls for focus
Vanessa Forns
Eusebio Sacristán believes that if FC Barcelona are to beat Schalke 04 and progress to the semi finals of the Champions League then they will have to be full focussed and show their opponents respect.
The Blaugrana coach appeared in front of the media on Friday after the Champions League draw had
been made to voice his thoughts on Barça's next two games in the competition. Eusebio has a clear
idea of what will be needed if the Catalan side are to make it through to the last four as he
explained: "The squad should be able to cut themselves off from what is being said outside the
club. We will have to ignore the happiness and confidence from people that are not part of it all."
Complete respect
Calling for respect to be shown towards Schalke, Eusebio stated that he is sure that the
Bundesliga outfit will make the tie very difficult: "We always show respect to our opponents," he
explained. "We will have to be completely focussed and give our best while remaining conscious of
just how important this tie is. We are drawing closer to our objective, which is to reach the final
and win the trophy, all the time."
Key points
Three major points stand out for Eusebio about Schalke: "Their strength, their consistency
and their mindset which is laid down by the incredible support of their fans and by the fact that
they have reached this stage of the competition."
Playing at home
Barça have been drawn to play the second leg at home, but that would mean that should they
reach the semi finals and play either Roma or Manchester United, then the second leg would be away
then. "It is certain that playing at home in the return leg is better as it allows you to remain
slightly calmer," Eusebio continued. "But for the moment we should only think about the next round
and not beyond that."
Messi’s absence
One player that is unlikely to appear in either leg against Schalke is Lionel Messi but
Eusebio thinks that there is enough talent in the squad to cover for the skilful Argentinian
forward: "It is a shame that he cannot play, but there are quite a few games between now and then
and we should be accustomed to not playing with him in the team. We have enough strength in the
squad to beat Schalke."