FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.08.2007 13:26

Sylvinho: "The squad has great desire"

David Puig

Sylvinho believes that the belief in the Barça squad ahead of the new season is one of the main things that has excited during pre-season. The Brazilian has also been very impressed with the quality that Frank Rijkaard now has his disposal this term.

The 33-year-old believes that the desire being shown by all the FC Barcelona players is as important to the team's success as the ability that the squad undoubtedly has. "I see a strong desire among the players that have been here a long time as well as the new signings," he explained. "As long as there is belief, we will have a great chance of winning trophies, because there is also so much quality here. We have a very, very strong squad, but I think is even more important is that everyone has desire."

Avoiding euphoria

Sylvinho moved to dismiss the congratulations that he received for his performances in pre-season and, instead, looked to play down the euphoria that has surrounded the club after the arrival of the four new players and the fact that the team has won all six of their friendlies. "We will not fall into that trap," he continued. "It is true that we have a squad with a lot of quality, but we need to work very hard to achieve success. It will be a very tough season. All our opponents will want to beat us even more now and we will find it hard wherever we play. We just have continue to work and put in the effort and be very conscious of how we play throughout the campaign."

The best must play

One of the keys to success this term will be the right mentality when players are left out of the starting team for some games, according to Sylvinho. The veteran defender recognised that nobody likes to be on the bench or to not be included in the squad, but he believes that everyone must remember that the in-form players will always play. "Every player will take it in a different manner," he said. "From my point of view, when I am not starting I work even harder to earn myself a place in the team. It is a situation that will difficult for the coach, but the players should remember that competition is positive and that every game will be played by those players that are in the best form and condition."