FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.09.2007 21:33

“We have to have confidence in our possibilities”

Berta Brau

Despite the fact that Milito has had one of the longest round trips of any of the internationals in the Barça squad, he assured reporters today that he feels fine and will be OK for Sunday’s match.

Gaby Milito spoke to reporters on Thursday evening after the first training session to include most of the players back from international duty. Despite the round trip to Australia, Milito declared himself ready for action: “I was able to rest and today we did some recovery training so I believe I’ll be fine for the match on Sunday”. Asked about the consequences of only having three days to prepare the clash with Osasuna, he told us: “The most important thing is that the players come back in good shape because we already know each other and have trained together a lot”.

No pressure

He denied that the players were under a lot of pressure not to lose: “We’re not thinking about the possibility of losing. We have to be relaxed and have confidence in the possibilities of the team. Sunday’s game will be difficult but the players are always motivated and looking for a win”. He was asked what aspects the team needed to improve: “It’s still too early to make an analysis. We all have to be relaxed and happy with the work we’re doing”.

Milito, who joined the Club this summer, told reporters that he’d had no difficulty settling in: “I’ve only been here a short time but I’ve found myself with a great bunch of players who are helping all the new lads to adapt and fit in”.

A delicate matter

As for the whole question of club versus country, he stressed that it was a tricky subject: “It’s difficult for the players to have an opinion or to take decisions on these maters. If something has to be sorted out then it has to be done between the clubs and the federations”. He reminded reporters that it’s the job of the players to play football and in any kind of conflict they would find themselves in the middle. On a more personal note, he emphasised that he considers it an honour to play for his country: “I want to be present in all the matches I’m selected for”.