FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.08.2008 13:00

Gudjohnsen: “Guardiola believes in me”

David Puig

Gudjohnsen has said he will stay with Barça because Guardiola believes in him. The Icelandic midfielder believes he can help the team a lot and remains optimistic about the upcoming season.

Eidur Gudjohnsen, speaking at the press conference after this morning’s training session, said that Guardiola convinced him to stay with the club this season. The midfielder revealed that he spoke to the manager about his future after the summer break: “I was doubtful about my future but when speaking with Guardiola he told me he believed in me and felt I could help the team a lot. I only wanted to stay if the manager believed in me and if I could bring something to the team”.

Guardiola asks for work and goals

Competition in the middle of the park will be fierce. There are a number of quality options but Gudjohnsen is clear about what he can bring to the team and what the manager wants from him: “There are a lot of midfielders in the team but they all have different qualities. Guardiola has asked me to come from deep and score goals. The season will be long with almost 70 games and the team needs all its players in top form”. Gudjohnsen has stated that he will not move on in December but will stay at least until the end of the season.

Working well

The Icelandic midfielder is optimistic about what the team can achieve this season. Pre-season is going well and the team is working hard to be in the best possible shape for the start of the season. “We’ve seen some changes during the pre-season. The manager is very clear about how he wants the team to play. He knows the club and everything around it. I think we are very well-prepared for a big season.”

Youth team players can be important

Asked if he thought the squad was a bit small for a hard, demanding season, Gudjohnsen backed the youth squad. “There aren’t a lot of us but we’re very strong. Also, Busquets, Victor Vazquez and Jeffren have shown that they can help us out at any moment. The important thing is that all the players play at their best.”