FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.10.2008 23:58

Alves: “The goal’s for my Dad”

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“The goal’s for my wife and my Dad, who’s in Brazil,” said Alves after the game. “He always says that Barça scores a lot and I never do. So this one’s for him because he deserves it as well.”

Like the other players, Dani Alves also highlighted the commitment and effort of the entire team. It was Barça’s second 5-0 win on the bounce after Basel but Barça’s players are keeping their feet on the ground and they all agree that the team kept up its intensity for all 90 minutes. Other factors are pressure on the pitch and keeping a clean sheet.

Below are the players’ comments after the game:

Leo Messi

“We’ve played just like we did in previous games, keeping hold of the ball and pressuring up front and keeping a high tempo.”

“More important than the actual scoreline is the fact that we won.”

“We’re finding the net a lot at the moment but you can also win 1-0 like we did at Bilbao.”

Bojan Krkic

“I’m not worried about being in the starting XI but of course you want to play from the kick-off. But I’m cool and I try to do what I can with the time the boss gives me.”

“The fans are being great. They back me to the hilt and that makes things a lot easier.”

“You’ve got to be patient. Like when things were going badly and we said it’s a long season, now they’re going well we’ve got to say the same. We’ve got to keep cool and see where we are in May, because it’s a long campaign.”

“It’s great seeing this type of game. Even when we’re winning 5-0 we keep pushing right up to the end because that’s the type of team we are.”

Thierry Henry

“The result’s important but keeping a clean sheet is as well. There’ll also be games like the ones with Betis, Espanyol and Bilbao.”

“I scored because I thought I should stay at the back post because Messi wanted to put the ball in the box again, and I was there to stick it away.”

“My celebration is a personal thing with one of my friends.”

“Eto'o is an amazing player. He’s always scoring and we hope he continues that way.”

“The boss has laid down the law here, and he made it clear at the start of the season that anyone who didn’t like it was free to leave. He’s got the squad he wanted and we’re really up for it.”

Andrés Iniesta

“We’re happy with the final score and especially the way we did it with a great first half. We’ve got to go on that way. I’m very happy with the three points.”

“At the end of the day the most important thing is that things turn out well. We’re working to make sure that happens.”

“I usually play on the inside and that’s where I feel happiest.”

(On the drag back move)

“It’s a pity, it’s a very quick move and today it didn’t really come off. Still, I’m happy with the way everything turned out in the end.”

Samuel Eto'o

“I’m pleased with the three goals but even more so because we won. We’re doing a good job and that’s the most important thing.”

“Leo deserves the credit for the back-heel goal. The defender had blocked the ball and I put it away in the only way I could.”

“When you get injured twice it’s hard to get back to your previous level, but now physically I’m good and I’ve tried to do my best.”

“Keeping up the pressure means we respect our opponents. The problem comes when you’re three nil up and drop your game.”