21.09.2007 15:21
Frank Rijkaard wants a united Barça
Berta Brau
Frank Rijkaard has leapt to the defence of Ronaldinho after the Brazilian's form was criticsed recently and stated that the player does not need to prove anything and will continue to be a key member of the FC Barcelona squad.
"Ronaldinho is showing that he is one of the best players int he world and I do not think he needs
to hear any advice from me about that and neither does need to hear how he can improve," the coach
explained. "He is working hard to be at peak fitness and his quality should never be doubted. He is
incredible at set pieces and that is a very important weapon for us and I think that Ronaldinho is
capable of doing what we all know he is capable of. He is a truly magnificent player and he has to
come back and we are working to ensure that he does."
Making changes
Rijkaard then moved on to explain why he chose to substitute the Brazilian in Barça last two
games. "There are a lot of games throughout the season and it is quite normal to make these
changes," he said. "Everyone here are good players and we have to think about everything that we do
and decisions have to made likethis from time to time. It is just as difficult to replace any one
player as it is another."
United front
"Barça is dependent on everyone being together, hard work, a good
mentality, a great attitude and for all the players to know each other and be friends and it all
comes together when they go out and play well on the pitch," the Dutchman continued, as he
reflected on his beliefs about how to make the team stronger.
An important encounter
Looking ahead to the game against Sevilla at the weekend, Rijkaard said: "It is a very
important match as Juande Ramos' side are always very competitive. Even though it will not be easy,
everyone is looking forward to it and the motivation is there to go out and earn a good result. In
order to win we have to be aware of their individual qualities and how they work as a team and that
they have great united. They are a team that plays close together."
One too many
Rijkaard has named 19 players for the squad, one more than is actually allowed and he
explained that "some of the squad are carrying knocks, but they are not serious injuries and we
will wait until the morning before we decide who is to be left out".
The trainer then stated that he did not believe the rumours of Ronaldinho going out partying
the day before a game. "The rule is that for 48 hours before a match the players are not allowed to
go to certain places," he said. "We have to believe in the honesty of the players and if he says
that it is not true then I believe him."