FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.07.2008 20:00

"It has been an excellent week"

Roger Bogunyà

Josep Guardiola was pleased with FC Barcelona's performance in their second match in Scotland against Dundee United on Saturday and admitted he was delighted with their stay at St Andrews as part of the club's pre-season preparations.

"There was a good feeling about the game and the week has been excellent," he said. "We have done things that we have been working on and everyone did very well throughout. We have only played two games and it is not normal to win 6-0 and 5-1." Barça beat Hibernian by six goals in midweek and followed that up by putting five past Dundee United.

Collective conscience

Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick against Dundee United, but Guardiola was keen to praise the whole squad for their efforts. "It is clear that Messi brings something different, but I want to create a collective conscience. I do not see football as a game about one player, but about teams. Messi played well and created a lot. But I want to transmit that every player is important and if they know that then they will help us win games."

Messi going forward

Guardiola explained what new instructions he has given to Messi. "I was him near the area because that is where he is effective," the coach continued. "But for that to work, the rest of the team has support him and he should be given the ball in and around the area whenever possible."

Patience required

Asked about the evenness of the first half against Dundee United, Guardiola replied: "What was important was to see that work we have practices was carried out and the talent will come out. We are not always going to go three goals ahead after 18 minutes. One has to be patient because it would appear the opposition is not good, but they were strong sides and games last 90 minutes."