01.10.2007 20:42
"We have to demonstrate that we’re the favourites”
Sandra Sarmiento / Anna Segura
The Barça coach is determined not to take on the role of favourites before the game has been played. He told reporters that there are no easy matches in the Champions League but insisted that Barça were looking for a win against Stuttgart.
Frank Rijkaard is looking forward to the Stuttgart game but remains cautious and full of respect
for the German champions: “People say that we’re favourites but we’ll have to
demonstrate that on the pitch. Obviously we want to finish top of the group. We’re working to
win all the matches we have to play”.
Ronaldinho, a luxury
The return to the team of Ronaldinho is, according to Frank Rijkaard
“a luxury”. However, though he assured reporters that the Brazilian is a vital member
of the squad he refused to confirm that he would figure in the starting line-up: “I
haven’t chosen my team yet. Ronaldinho still has to train this afternoon. It’s the same
case with Milito”. The Argentine defender is still troubled by a groin problem.
Stuttgart a strong team
The German champions are currently in a mediocre tenth place in the Bundesliga and were
beaten 2-1 by Glasgow Rangers in their opening CL Group E match in Scotland. Despite this
unimpressive start to the season, Frank Rijkaard believes Stuttgart will create plenty of problems
for Barça: “There are no easy matches in the Champions League. We have to play against a very
strong team. They’re playing in front of their own fans and they have to get the fans back on
their side”.
Injury woes
Touré Yaya is the latest Barça player to fall injured. Asked why the players were picking up
so many injuries in recent matches, Rijkaard told reporters: “Everybody is looking to
apportion blame but we have to remember that we have to play a lot of matches and we have a full
calendar. The important thing is that the players let us know when they’re overloaded. We
have a strong enough squad to rest any player”.