12.11.2008 23:44
Guardiola: “I value this win a lot”
Vanessa Forns
Josep Guardiola emphasised the importance of FC Barcelona’s victory against Benidorm in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday in Camp Nou that saw them progress to the quarter finals.
Before the game the Blaugrana coach highlighted the problems his team’s opponents could pose
and the Segunda B side proved him right in a tight encounter. “That was one of the most
important games we have played,” he said. “I am more than happy with my team and I feel
proud of the players.”
Difficult opponents
Having been in charge of Barça B for a year, Guardiola was well aware of what Benidorm could
offer and felt that too many people underestimated how good they could be. “I know these
leagues,” he explained. “People do not know these teams and they underestimate them.
There are young trainers that prepare their players very well and they deserve complete respect. It
is a case where the teams have nothing to lose and a lot to win and that is why these games are
always difficult.”
Praise for Benidorm
For those reasons, the Blaugrana boss insisted on placing importance on the win. “We
are in the last eight and that is great news for us. In the first half of the match we wanted to
impose out rhythm, but they played close together and we were unable to move the ball around well.
There was a good intensity to the game though. Benidorm have all my respect and admiration. In the
second half we have raised the pressure, won the ball back more and played better.”
The best team possible
Looking ahead to the draw for the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey, Guardiola stated that
he would rather play against “a team from the first division and the bigger the
better”. He continued: “We want the strongest team to come out of the draw with
us.”
Good goalkeepers
Guardiola then reflected on the two goalkeepers in the game. “Pinto is a very good
keeper and he played a great game, although it is certain that in the first half his defence made
things difficult for him. The goalkeeper of Benidorm was extraordinary.”