FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.03.2008 21:20

“The squad is working with desire and attitude”

Roger Bogunyà

Frank Rijkaard explained at his press conference that his players are working hard to return to winning ways. The manager pointed out that the team “fight hard and remain true to his philosophy”.

The Dutchman added that FC Barcelona always try to “play good football” and this Sunday will be no different: “I hope the team can make the fans happy because they deserve it”.

Difficult game

Sunday’s game against Valladolid in the Nou Camp, however, won’t be easy, admitted Rijkaard. “We have to fight because these types of games are the most difficult. Valladolid is a well organised and dangerous team”.

On the question of the number of goals conceded lately, the Dutchman said that “a short time ago our defence was working very well, but now we have the desire and attitude” to return to conceding fewer goals.

Better than Valencia

Asked about being knocked out of the cup by Valencia, the manager said that “we are upbeat despite the blow” in Mestalla. Rijkaard, however, believes that “Barça were better football-wise” than their opponents because they “had control of the game for the 90 minutes”. He added, therefore, that it shows that they “can lose a game but are capable of winning all their remaining games”.

Three injuries

Giovani, Márquez and Ronaldinho will be out for the Valladolid game due to various injures. With regard to Giovanni, Rijkaard explained that “he’s progressing well and finished his first training session on Saturday and came close to being selected”. Rijkaard said that Márquez was “close to returning to the team” and that Ronaldinho’s abductor problems in his right leg have returned but he finished training at about 99%.