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06.11.2007 18:31
“We have to score as soon as possible”
Jordi Clos
Puyol believes an early goal is the key to tomorrow’s Champions League match with Glasgow Rangers, a side that are expected to play a very defensive game at the Camp Nou. “We have to continue with what we did in the last game” added the Barça captain
A 0-0 draw at home to Barça was considered a good result for Glasgow Rangers, who will be hoping to get at least another point in tomorrow night’s return clash. Carles Puyol is aware of just how important a role the Scottish defence will play in the game. “We have to try to score as soon as possible to force the opposition to open up” he said. “But it isn’t always easy to create chances. We are up against a good side that plays it very tight. I hope we can find our way through this time. We have some top quality forwards.”
Winning and playing well
Puyol would also like to see a similar
performance to the one against Betis at the weekend. “We have to play the ball around and put
pressure on the opposition” he said, before reminding listeners that his club’s
philosophy is to “win by playing well.” He considers a win against Rangers to be of
utmost importance because “if we get the three points we will take a big step forward. But we
will still want to top the group because that means that in the next round we get to play the
return leg at home.”
Full or centre back?
Puyol has played both as a full and a centre back in recent games, and said the ultimate decision lies in the hands of his manager. “I want to help the team and don’t have any problem with playing in the middle or out wide. The boss is in charge and he will decide” he said.
Contented with Ronaldinho
After a series of questions related to the way Ronaldinho
seemed to have reencountered his form against Betis, Puyol explained that “I have always said
he is an important player for Barça. He works hard in training and in matches, and everything will
work out for him because he is the best player in the world.” The Brazilian has come in for
considerable criticism this season, to which Puyol responded by saying “constructive
criticism is good, but the kind that causes hurt is not, and he’s had to take that kind.
Footballers should be judged on what they achieve on the pitch.” He ended his conference by
stating that ultimately this is a team game. “If the team plays badly it is not only
Ronaldinho’s fault, it is everybody’s” he said.
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Dream come true for
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Carlos Cuéllar appeared in the pre-match conference along with his
manager, Walter Smith. The former Osasuna player spoke of how “it is a dream to play in the
Champions League at the Camp Nou against one of the best teams in the world, but I am only here to
win. Our team is good enough to win and we have shown that.” Cuéllar reminded the press that
Rangers have already won unexpectedly away to Lyon and that “it would be good to go out using
similar tactics.”
On arriving at El Prat Airport, Galician striker Nacho Novo commented that a draw would be a good result. “We will try to win all three points, although a draw would practically be enough to ensure qualification.” He does feel that a surprise could be on the cards. “We know we are facing a strong squad but we are motivated enough to do the best we can at the Camp Nou” he said.
On arriving at El Prat Airport, Galician striker Nacho Novo commented that a draw would be a good result. “We will try to win all three points, although a draw would practically be enough to ensure qualification.” He does feel that a surprise could be on the cards. “We know we are facing a strong squad but we are motivated enough to do the best we can at the Camp Nou” he said.
