29.09.2007 23:57
Rijkaard: "We played very comfortably"
Vanessa Forns
Frank Rijkaard believed that his FC Barcelona team looked comfortable throughout the 4-1 victory over Levante on Saturday evening, a game that saw Thierry Henry score his first league goals for the club.
The Dutch coach pinpointed the opening goal as the key to the Blaugrana's victory as it opened up
the home team and allowed a more fluid encounter to take shape. "Levante left us more space and we
have made very good use of that," he said. "We played very comfortably." Although never easy to win
matches, Rijkaard admitted that "at specific moment it was easy, especially when were four goals
ahead and they did not press us much."
Touré and Milito
Despite the emphatic victory, the Barça boss said that he had been left with "a bitter taste
in the mouth" after Touré Yaya limped out of the action with a thigh injury towards the end with a
victory after Gabi Milito had already been replaced because of a hip problem.. "We have to live
with that," Rijkaard continued. "We have other players who can play in these positions, even though
everyone has a different way of playing in each of them."
Other options
Reflecting on Touré's injury, Rijkaard continued: "He has been a very important player for us
and it is a pity that he has picked up an injury." He then talked about Milito's withdrawal at
half-time. "Milito told us he had problems at the break, while Márquez has had to stay in
Barcleona. It is a hsame, but we have to live with these things and remember that there are other
options."
Congratulations for Henry
Finally, the Barça coach congratulated Henry on his hat-trick as the Frenchman netted twice
before the break and then added a third just after the interval to put Barça firmly in control.