Frank Rijkaard is optimistic about the Champions League quarter final second leg. The Dutchman believes the team is well prepared to beat Schalke and that the fans’ help will be important.
Rijkaard has no doubt how important the fans will be against Schalke 04, and said that they
“have to try to play well and get a good result because that way we can achieve what our fans
want. If we can offer them a good sensation, then they will be on our side”. For Rijkaard it
is important “to all be united”. If the team can put on a convincing display “the
atmosphere will work in our favour”.
Same game as ever
Rijkaard admits that the game with Schalke deserves special
attention, as “the score is in our favour, but they will try everything, and they will surely
try to change their approach and try to create more pressure up front and look to play more direct
football”. But he will not be making any changes to his game plan, saying “we do not
need to modify our style, we should play our game.” He described Mirko Slomka’s side as
“physically very strong, they have got good results against big teams and have shown they
have a good level” .
Puyol and Eto'o
Rijkaard is pleased Puyol is so convinced his team can win the Champions League, and added
“we have to believe, I like what the captain said. But now we have to show that on the pitch,
and we are very keen to do so”. Asked about Eto'o’s form, the manager pointed out that
“in recent games he has performed very well with some important goals and assists”.
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Laporta in the dressing room
Rijkaard explained how president Joan Laporta had come down to the dressing rooms to encourage the
team ahead of such an important encounter. The Dutchman said “we have a good relationship, I
can speak about anything with the president, though mostly football, but the things we say are to
be kept between ourselves”.