FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.09.2007 14:17

Puyol returns with his batteries charged

Miriam Nadal

Back after three months on the sidelines, Carles Puyol has a good feeling about the team and was pleased with his individual performance. He feels the team’s sense of unity and motivation is just right.

Carles Puyol played the entire second half of Barça’s away fixture at Levante, and everything he took out of the game was positive. “Yesterday I felt great” he said. “I have been training with the team for a few days and now what I need to do is play games.”

Motivation

Puyol has been keeping a close eye on all that was going on while he was undergoing treatment. He has a positive feeling about the way the side is gelling, and doesn’t understand why the press is being so critical of the side. “I was surprised. We have just started the season and drew two games, but these things happen. It is more important to see how the team is working together and how enthusiastic everybody is.” He added that “this is FC Barcelona and sometimes you face criticism, but these things happen. We have to keep out of it and be stronger than ever, stick together, and among the squad, that is what we are doing.”

Speaking about his experience of spending three months off the pitch, the Spanish international said “I didn’t enjoy watching it all from the sidelines, but I did enjoy watching the team. I like their attitude and the way they work as a unit” he said.

Praise for team mates

Puyol is especially astounded by all the criticism that has been aimed at Ronaldinho, a player he describes as “the team’s flagship player. Ronaldinho has always faced up to his responsibilities.” He is also impressed by Leo Messi’s season and by the contribution being made by new signing Henry.

But the injury to Touré has not come as good news. As the team captain said “all injuries are important, and he is playing very well and we hope he makes a quick recovery.” But Puyol knows there are plenty of other players in the side who are quite capable of providing the cover Barça need in the pivotal role.