FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.08.2008 13:24

"The Gamper is a festival of Barça"

David Puig

Josep Guardiola has invited all Barcelona supporters to attend the Trofeo Joan Gamper game against Boca Juniors this weekend after the team's convincing and entertaining performance against Wisla in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Blaugrana coach is looking forward to the match against the Argentinian giants and hopes that the stadium will be full for what is always a special time of year for the club. "It is not only good for me, but also for the players and the fans," Guardiola said. "The Gamper is always special. It is a Barça festival to which many people that are not club members can come and we like to see a lot of children in the stands. It is a night to enjoy the game for everyone."

Many reasons to watch

During the press conference after training on Friday, the Barça trainer stated that he expects to see an entertaining game against impressive opponents. "Historically, very good team have come to play in this event and Boca Juniors are one of the biggest clubs in the world. We will officially present the new players and the public will be able to see the team. There are lots of reasons to come along, including having dinner and watching the match."

Improving things

After the victory against Wisla in midweek, Guardiola said that there were still aspects which needed improving upon and that he would tell the players the following day. Now he has explained what he said: "Against Wisla we pushed up and applied pressure that we will not be able to sustain," he said. "There were also individual aspects that I have talked to the players about, but nothing extra special, normal things that over the course of the season will be sorted out."

A lot of work to be done

Expectations are high at Barcelona after the game against Wisla followed on from a 100 per cent record in the club's pre-season friendlies, but Guardiola is remaining prudent. "These are things that cannot be controlled because of the feelings of the people and the media," the coach said. "We have to remain prudent because it is not the first time that a coach has won six consecutive games. In these situations always the positive dynamics will be created, but there is still a lot of work to be done."