24.11.2007 23:20
Rijkaard: “The team has shown the patience needed”
Roger Bogunyà
Frank Rijkaard has recognised that it has been a difficult victory, but he praised the team’s patience, saying they worked hard till the first goal.
Despite the 3-0 score-line, Barçá had to work hard to get the first goal, which arrived in the 64th
minute. Frank Rijkaard saw it that way. “In the first half, the team worked really hard, and
they kept on fighting with the patience needed.”
Changes in positions
When asked about Iniesta’s position, Frank Rijkaard explained that
he started out as a striker, but as the first goal wouldn’t come, he moved back to be more
involved in the play: “Iniesta moved back to pick up more balls, to create more danger.
Gudjohnsen had started out in midfield, but I had to make changes when the first goal didn’t
come”.
Praise for Bojan
On Bojan’s first goal before his home fans, the Dutch coach said: “Bojan was
perfect in his ball control”. The goal was “a great moment for him, for the team and
for the fans”. “He’s a great resource for us. It’s good that he’s
settling into the team bit by bit”.
Recre, yes; Lyon, not yet
When asked about the line-up for Lyon, Frank Rijkaard explained that he had to “talk
about what he had seen on the pitch tonight”.
Laporta’s satisfaction
The president of FC Barcelona Joan Laporta was satisfied with the victory against Recreativo.
“The first half was difficult, Recreativo were very organised and made it hard for us, but
once we got into gear we pulled off a good victory”.
The president also expressed his contentment with Barça’s first two goals:
“I’m happy for Milito, getting his first goal for Barça, and for Bojan, a youth squad
player. I’m proud that he played and scored for the first team. He’s making great
progress, and Frank Rijkaard is giving him the right sort of treatment, and I’m sure
he’ll be a first team player who’ll give us a lot of pleasure in the future”.