Speaking to the media after training on Sunday morning, Carles Puyol admitted that against Racing, “we didn’t play brilliantly, but it was practical . The win will give us a morale boost” ahead of the Stuttgart game.
After the slip up against Atletico Madrid, the win against Racing has
put the team back on the right track and was perfectly timed ahead of the Champions League game
against Stuttgart , whilst club captain Carles Puyol admitted it wasn’t one of the
team’s most brilliant performances, he insisted the win would give the team a fillip.
Ready for the Champions League
This week sees the team back in midweek action with the return of the Champions League and
Puyol commented: “it’s always good to play in midweek. That means we are still in the
running for titles. Let’s hope it’s that way right up to the final”.
Goal against Stuttgart
Carles Puyol has already scored against the Germans – getting on the
scoresheet, together with Messi, in the 0-2 2007/08 Champions League win –“and I
don’t score that many!” quipped the captain.
Need for focus
It’s a different story now though, with Stuttgart much improved since the tie was drawn
and Puyol insisted: “they’re playing better now and they are a dangerous team”.
Saturday’s 1-5 thrashing of Cologne at the weekend hasn’t gone unnoticed by the squad:
“if we don’t go there focussed, we could really have a bad time”.
No room for errors
Echoing Guardiola’s message from last week, Puyol warned that the
season was approaching its decisive phase: “we’re not at the business end just yet, but
we’re close. All the teams are very much at the same level and any mistakes could prove
costly. Now we need to give everything because what lies ahead could be really great”.
Guardiola’s demand for more
Responding to Guardiola’s demand for more from his players, Puyol reckons:
“if he wants more from us, it’s because he knows we can give more. We always have to
look to improve”.
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Regal Barça to take the Cup
Carles Puyol is also a big fan of the club’s basketball team and asked for his predictions
for this evening’s King’s Cup final between Regal Barca and Real Madrid, the captain
was clear who he saw as favourites: “it’s going to be close, they are two great teams,
but I think Barca are the better team. They’ll have to show it on court, but I hope
we’ll see a great game and Barca win”.