23.12.2007 22:12
Rijkaard remains hopeful
Vanessa Forns
Frank Rijkaard believes that there are still plenty of games remaining for Barcelona to recover, despite admitting that the defeat by Real Madrid was a strong blow and that the seven-point gap is substantial.
The Dutch coach was visibly affected by the reverse in el Clásico as he stated that Julio
Baptista's winning goal had given Madrid an "important advantage", bt he also stated that he feels
that the race for the title is by no means over. "It is a strong blow, because we worked hard for
the win," he said. "We have to digest the defeat and then look ahead. There are still a lot of
games to still play and it is certain that Madrid have an advantage, but anything is still
possible."
Convinced of comeback
Despite playing well, Rijkaard said that "it was not Barça's night" and added that "now we
have to continue working with pride and with hope. We have to believe in our chances". The trainer
went on to praise the attitude of the players as he added that "they have fought until the last
moment and I always had a hope that we would change the result".
Key goal
Baptista's goal came as a surprise to the home side and the coach admitted that "it broke the
rhythm of the game for us". He continued: "It was a goal that hurt us and made things more
complicated. It came at a time when we had just had a clear chance and gave the opposition a boost
and made them more comfortable as they were able to sit back and close up in defence."
Compliments for Madrid
Reflecting on the performance of Real Madrid, Rijkaard said that "they worked well as a
team". He added: "I felt that that they were well positioned across the pitch, which we expected.
They did not create many clear chances, but at the same time their defence pressured our forwards
very well. In the end, madrid played well and were very organised. When they won possession they
went forward very forward and with real force."