FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.01.2009 14:03

Guardiola: “This is all or nothing”

Roger Bogunyà

Guardiola considers the Copa del Rey encounter with Espanyol to be one of the most important games of the season. “If we do not play well then we could be out of one of the 3 competitions,” he said. “It is a vital game for us. It is all or nothing".

The FC Barcelona coach explained that he feels that knockout ties are always more problematic than the league. “In the league, if you lose then you can come back, but in the competitions like the cup you can be out in one game,” he continued. “This is very important.”

Calling the fans

Calling the supporters, Guardiola stated. “It will be very important for us that the stadium is full. If the return leg was in Montjuïc then I am sure that the ground would be. The front pages of all the newspapers should be calling the fans to go to the game on Thursday. We are one step away from the semi finals and we need the supporters. Also, the weather will be good and we pay at 9.30pm.”

Deciding the team

Talking about the team that is likely to take on Espanyol, the trainer did not want to give away any clues. I have almost decided the team,” he said. “Valdés will not play and I have not discard Márquez, as he trained normally, or Keita.” Guardiola added that training on Thursday would allow him to make his decision.

Looking for a goal

Espanyol will arrive at Camp Nou looking to win, Guardiola believes. “In games like this we have to be very focussed because the details will decide it,” he continued. “One error like the goal conceded against Numancia could be costly in the cup. We have to concentrate for the entire 90 minutes because Espanyol will look to score.”