Pep Guardiola reiterated his belief that FC Barcelona must not look beyond their next match, but did state that the game against Valencia in Mestalla on Saturday evening could be just that bit special.
“I have always said the same thing,” he said. “The next game is the most
important. But maybe this one will be something more because it could give us a lift towards the
title.” With the media and fans keen to talk about Chelsea and Real Madrid next week,
Guardiola aimed the subject back to Valencia. “Every game has to be won and this Saturday we
have another tough test then on Sunday we can talk about Chelsea on Wednesday about Madrid.”
Four players to watch
David Silva, David Villa, Pablo and David Villa are four forwards that
could cause Barcleona problems, Guardiola then explained. “We know Silva and Villa
well,” he said “Mata is improving all the time and Pablo always gives the team
something extra.”
Valencia on form
The Blaugrana coach believes that his Barça team have ben slightly unfortunate to be meeting
Valencia just as they have regained their momentum. “The fixture list has not been kind to us
this season,” he explained. “We are going to Valencia when they are in their best form
and have recorded six consecutive victories.”
Albelda and Emery
David Albelda is out for Valencia and Guardiola know that is
big news. “He is a very important player for them and gives them balance and experience and
knows how to play in these games. But they have other players too,” he added.
Unai Emery also received praise from the Barça boss: He has many more years of experience
than me and did a great job in Almería. Now he is at a club where they claim it is not easy to be
the coach he has had the ability to keep things on the right track through some difficult times and
is doing well at the right time of the season.”
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Yellow cards
Pep Guardiola is well aware that he has five players that are one booking away from missing the
game against Real Madrid next week as Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Touré Yaya, Xavi and Samuel
Eto’o are all going to have to be careful. “We have to ensure that we commit no fouls,
do not go flying in and do not do anything daft,” he said. “We want to come away having
received no cards. But that is not to say that we will not be trying our best. If one does receive
a card then someone else will play next time out.”