FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.12.2008 14:34

“We are not going to beat Real Madrid 5-0”

David Puig

Josep Guardiola has asked for respect to be shown to the reigning league champions and to avoid all the euphoria ahead of el clásico this weekend. The Barça coach has stated that his side will only win if they stay loyal to their principles of play.

The Blaugrana boss does not want to hear any talk about big wins or revenge as he believes that everyone should go into the game respecting the opposition and not to become carried away by the optimistic atmosphere that is building up at Camp Nou. “I do not deny that there is a feeling that we can beat Real Madrid,” he said. “But we must not forget that it is the current league champions we are playing and they will be looking to defend their trophy, meaning that we will not beat by five or six goals. The game starts goalles and we will see what happens after that.”

“Play, play, play”

One of the main aspects to FC Barcelona securing all three points from the game will be to ensure that they keep calm. “The key of the game is that all the players are focussed on the game, on their work, on everything that we have done until now and that has carried us to first place,” Guardiola explained. “We have to play, play, play. I want to transmit that to the team. I hope that there are no feelings of revenge among the players after what happened at the Santiago Bernabéu last season. That is in the past and will not help us at all.”

The best Madrid possible

Guardiola does not believe that the injuries and suspensions that Real Madrid have will lessen how strong they will be. “I am sure that we will see the best Madrid possible,” he stated. “The injuries will not make them any less dangerous. At Real Madrid there are no second level players, they are all very good. I expect to see a great team and I would like the fans to recognise that. We need the support of the Camp Nou and that, like the team, the fans go out and try to help us win the game from the first minute.”

Reflecting on the new Real Madrid coach, Juande Ramos, the current Barça boss hailed his success story. “He has great experience and with Sevilla won many trophies,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for what he has done and I do not know what team he will play on Saturday or how he will approach the game.”

An honour

During his time as a player Guardiola played against Real Madrid in Camp Nou ten times, but this weekend will be his first as the coach. “It is an honour to be part of a game like this,” he continued. “I am very pleased and grateful to the people that chose me and have allowed me to have the privilege of this as a player and now as a coach.”