FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.10.2008 15:02

Guardiola: “It’s one of the biggest games in the League”

Berta Brau

Pep Guardiola has warned that the game against Athletic Bilbao will not be an easy one. However, he said that his side will be “up for it at a legendary ground, against a legendary team and in one of the biggest games in the League.”

Just hours before heading off to the Basque Country, Guardiola told a press conference that the Athletic Bilbao game “will be tough” and Barça will need to be fully focussed if they want to win.

An important game

“If we aren’t focussed, we won’t win” is the message Guardiola has given to his players. “If you want to win at San Mamés you have to play well in all aspects of the game,” he said. “You’ve got to be focussed because otherwise you won’t come out on top.” It is a massive match for Barça and Guardiola says the team will be “up for it at a legendary ground, against a legendary team and in one of the biggest games in the League.”

Tough opponents

Asked about the strengths and threats posed by the Basque outfit, Guardiola said it was a multi-purpose team that was always dangerous. “Bilbao has some great and very dangerous players,” he said. “They play a very dynamic, daring game, they’re good in the air and create chances out of nothing.”

The Barça manager was full of praise for his Bilbao counterpart Joaquín Caparrós, who “brings the best out of his players”.

Less time to get ready

Losing players to international duty has meant the two teams have not had the same time to gear up for tomorrow’s match. “The players came back in pretty good condition in general although they were a bit tired, but we’ve had little time to get ready for this game,” pointed out Guardiola. “By contrast Bilbao hasn’t played for a fortnight and they’ve had the chance to get ready with most of their players available.” However, Guardiola said that his side was determined to pick up where it had left off before the international break.