28.11.2007 15:15
Eto'o: "If it is not today, I will be back tomorrow"
Xavier Rocamora/Roger Bogunyà
Three months after suffering a knee injury, Samuel Eto'o is on the verge of playing again. Before his comeback, he spoke to Barça TV about his current state and about his thoughts on the team this season.
The Cameroonian international damaged his knee on August 29 in the Joan Gamper match and after a
long recuperation period he is almost ready to return to action. In an interview with the
‘Zona Mixta’ programme on Barça TV, he revealed his thoughts on many personal aspects
and about the club.
How are you?
"I am very well. Improving little-by-little."
In the last few days we have seen you on the training pitch and you appear to be completely
recovered. It will not be long before you can play again?
"Not long? I do not know about that. I hope so. I feel good. I have
worked hard and it seems like I am on the final straight now."
This time you want to take it easy and return when you are really ready.
"I suffered the second big injury in the same leg and I think that it was going to be a
mistake then. We have taken all the time needed for the benefit of everyone; Barça, myself and my
family. And I am pleased by the recovery has gone."
Everyone has been asking you when you are back, no?
"A lot of people want to know if I will play on Saturday. All I know is that I have worked
hard up until now. In football everything changes very quickly and moves so fast, that nobody
knows. I know that I have worked hard and if it is not today, then I will be back tomorrow."
You have been out of action for three months. What are your thoughts about the team during
that time?
"Very good. Apart from the away games, where we have been
slightly inconsistent. I am pleased about yesterday because we ran a great deal and we put pressure
on further up the pitch. With out play and our way of playing the team was impressive, just like in
the second half against Recre."
Barça have been very strong in Camp Nou winning every game, but all the talk is about the
away games. What is the problem?
"At home the pitch is bigger and we can open up the play and play as we want to. Quite often
the fields are smaller away from home and we have been unable to play our normal style, which is to
push up and win possession. Yesterday, like in the second half against Recre, everyone was running
a lot and putting pressure on, which is great."
Despite that, the team is only two points behind Madrid in the league and they are coming
to Camp Nou in less than a month.
"Yes, in three games time. But our focus is now on Saturday in Montjuïc. Before Madrid, we
have to think about that. That is the game we should be focussed on. It will be a complicated
match. I know that if we are focussed and ready, then we can take the three points."
What do you think about Espanyol?
"Espanyol are doing very well and playing well. They are up there on
merit. Albert Riera has reached the level that we all thought he could, because I remember seeing
him playing for the Mallorca youth teams. He is a good player and can achieve great things. He is
up there and cannot drop back. But in football, in each game, it depends on the form of the
opposition and there will be a lot of pressure. If we are prepared though, I think we can win."
In the Champions League the team qualified for the first knockout phase of the competition
yesterday.
"What is important is that we are though and we have finished top of the group. I want to
congratulate my teammates and the coach. But we also have to finish strongly by winning the last
game. We are playing at home and we have to win."
People are already talking about possible opponents in the next round. Do you prefer a
strong or a weak team?
"There are no teams that are harder or weaker. Sometimes the team with not such a famous name
is the one that causes you the most problems. The advantage we have is that the second leg will be
at home. It is an important advantage, but we cannot lose focus as if we lose the first leg 4-0
then it would be very difficult to score five at home because the other team will just defend. But
we know we have already taken a big step forward."