04.10.2008 23:58
Guardiola: “We are stronger when the fans are behind us”
Vanessa Forns
Joseph Guardiola was visibly delighted with FC Barcelona’s emphatic victory against Atlético de Madrid in the Camp Nou on Saturday and was keen to thank the fans for the positive effect that they had on the players.
“I want to thank the supporters,” he said. “I would like the people to know that
we are stronger as a club and a team with them behind us. The players go out on to the pitch
feeling lifted and much stronger and they play better. I am pleased because we have had a very good
game in front of a full stadium. We want to make it clear that we play for the supporters and not
only for ourselves.”
Playing with intensity
During the half-time interval, Guardiola wanted to ensure that his players continued their
great performance despite already being 5-1 ahead and insisted that they kept played. The coach
revealed that he told his side that the people in Camp Nou wanted to see them play for 90 minutes,
not only 45”. He continued: “We have achieved our mission and we always want to play
with the same intensity.”
On game more
After Barça had performed so well and chalked up their sixth consecutive victory in all
competitions, Guardiola insisted that “it is only one game more”. But he then stated:
“It is a good sign and was a great performance that should help us convince ourselves of what
we can do. The league is very long and there is a long way to go still.”
Recognising Xavi and Iniesta
Xavi Hernández was substituted for Seydou Keita in the 74th minute and Guardiola explained
his decision. “Xavi deserved it because he has had no rest,” the coach stated.
“He plays at a very high level. It is a fact that he never changed and so the public never
have a chance to applaud him. Today was the day. I had to choose between him and Andrés because I
could only make one more change. The two of them help us so much.”
“Messi has been marvellous
Lionel Messi had another impressive performance and Guardiola wanted to compliment the
Argentinian. “Leo was marvellous,” he said. “He really wanted to play and was
very happy and that was evident out on the pitch. He is a really decisive player.” According
to the trainer, Messi, along with Iniesta, Eto’o or Gudjohnsen “had a very good
dynamic”.
Deserving credit
Guardiola then reflected on Javier Aguirre’s Atlético de Madrid team: “We should
not forget that we have played a great team that have been playing in the Champions League and had
some injuries,” he explained. “We saw two teams that wanted to go out win the game and
these things can happen. Aguirre’s approach deserves credit, but we were strong and we scored
the goals to make the difference.”
“We have to continue playing with humility”
Joan Laporta showed his happiness after the 6-1 victory over Atlético de Madrid but at the same
time appealed for “humility”. “This is our Barça and we have confidence that the
players will continue working because nothing has been achieved yet and we cannot sit back. We have
a team with a lot of talent that has incredible possibilities.” He also valued the
“strength and hard work” of the team that he said has “a great quality”.
The president wanted to avoid giving “excessive compliments” because “there will
be plenty of time for this”.
On Atlético de Madrid, Laporta said that they had “played with incredible
sportsmanship”. “The games against them are always fun. It was a great game against a
great side. I think that Atlético de Madrid did not have any options because we went 0ut and gave
everything from the first minute. There was only one team out there tonight.”
Reflecting on the events to send the message against violence, the Barça president said that
Pep Guardiola’s team “had scored six goals against violence”. The public showed a
great public spirit,” he continued. “I am very proud of the supporters that we have,
they are role models. We should promote values of public spirit, tolerance and friendship.”