The Dutch coach has been singing the praise of the team trained by Unai Emery. “They work with humility and they’ve got some good results. They’re doing a great job”, said Rijkaard.
With 11 points from 8 games, they are currently 9th in their first season in the top flight.
Almeria has been a revelation during the opening phase, and Rijkaard has been praising the
Andalucians’ game. “In a lot of games they have dominated the play, and they have some
good individual players. What’s more, they work with humility and they’ve got some good
results”. And the team trained by Unai Emery really is doing a good job in the Primera.
Thuram to be rested
Having played in the Champions League clash against Rangers, the technical staff has decided
to rest Thuram this weekend. Rijkaard believes that with the recovery of the three injured players,
now is a good moment: “It’s not a problem of fitness. It’s just that I can only
call 18 players, and with Touré, Márquez and Zambrotta back in the squad, it’s a good moment
to rest Lilian”. Messi, however, is back in the squad. The Barça coach says the Argentinean
is fine, and could be playing tomorrow against Almeria.
Puyol versatile
He returned to his origins in Glasgow and was one of the best Barça players on the Ibrox Park
turf. Carles Puyol played on the right wing in Scotland, but it’s not his only possible
position for games in Camp Nou. Rijkaard explained that “in away games it’s logical
that he can play on the wing, but normally I see him as a central defender. He’s the heart of
the team”.
Henry’s qualities
“He’s a great footballer, and he shouldn’t be criticised. We have to be
aware of his qualities and make the most of them. His attacking movements are dangerous to the
opponent’s defence, which sometimes we don’t realise. This is how Frank Rijkaard has
closed the debate on Henry’s performances for Barça. The coach added that “our game is
one of position and touch. It’s been successful, but we need to know that we have a player
with speed and depth who can help us”.
Ronaldinho to stay on
Questioned once again about Ronaldinho’s future, Rijkaard was clear. “It’s
just a hypothesis, it’s not a reality. I feel Ronaldinho is happy in Barcelona”.
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Good luck to Juande Ramos
The Manchegan Juan de Ramos, till now Seville’s coach, resigned from the Andalucian club last
night, to sign for the English club Tottenham Hotspur. “I wish him good luck. He deserves it.
He’s done a great job and I don’t think he was thinking of the money”, Frank
Rijkaard declared.