25.09.2007 14:31
“The team is really committed”
Marc Guillén
Speaking at the last press conference before Wednesday’s league match against Zaragoza, Frank Rijkaard told reporters that the team is committed to win: “When you work together, it’s easier for the quality to come out and to see attractive football”.
However, Rijkaard insisted that Zaragoza is a very good team: “Zaragoza always play well
against Barça. We always have to respect our opponents and this is no exception. It’ll be a
difficult match and we’ll have to work hard to win”.
He revealed that he’s very happy with the way the team is working: “All the
players are looking fit and they’re really committed to winning the matches together. When
that happens, it’s easier for the quality to come out and to see attractive football”.
Oleguer a good example
Rijkaard made special mention of the role of Oleguer in the team:
“He’s a very important player for us, because of the humility with which he plays and
also for his performances. We have to bear in mind that it’s been pretty hard for him to play
the entire pre-season and to play really well, and then have to sit on the subs bench once or
twice. When he comes on, he always behaves with a humility that is an example to everyone.
He’s a player that doesn’t make mistakes. We need him because he balances the team and
allows the creative players to shine”.
Respect for Ronaldinho
Most of the reporters’ questions were focussed on the form and his fitness of
Ronaldinho. Frank Rijkaard was blunt in his defence of the Brazilian and insisted that he was being
unfairly treated: “People forget very quickly that Barça is where it is thanks to him and his
connection with the fans. In the world of football, the present is whoever is scoring and you
can’t live in the past. But when he gets back to full fitness he’ll be the same as
before. He’s got all my support and confidence to recover from his injury and be with us
again. He’s a very important player for us and he’ll continue to be so”.