26.03.2010 14:10
Guardiola: "Mallorca are a very strong team"
Anna Segura
Josep Guardiola believes that Real Mallorca will present FC Barcelona with a tough challenge as they are not in the top four of La Primera without good reason.
The Blaugrana boss was quick to warn that his side would not have it easy in the Ono Estadi where
the host side have lost just one of their 13 home games this term. “Their results are not by
chance,” Guardiola stated. “They are a strong team in every area. They have shown they
are coached by a great trainer.”
Interesting players
Despite not having any household name Real Mallorca have great strength
in their squad, Guardiola continued. “They have some very interesting players, dynamic who
are all outstanding.” This encounter could test how well Barça can expect to do in the
run-in. “They are one of the toughest sides we will meet,” the Barça coach added.
Head-to-head
FC Barcelona are going head-to-head with Real Madrid for the title and Guardiola was keen to
defend his side. “After winning so much there is a tendency to lower the level that saw us
lift six trophies,” he said. “But we are in the quarter finals of the Champions League
and we have 71 points in the league and that says a lot about the team. If we maintain our form we
cannot compete with whoever.”
Barça credit
“We have maintained out desire from last season and [Madrid] have
invested in some marvellous players,” Guardiola commented. “With only one game a week
to play it is normal that they will not drop many points. But we deserve all the praise. After what
we have done we still have the same enthusiasm and we are competing with a team as strong as Real
Madrid. It appears that Madrid are given all the merit, but it appears to be it should be the
reverse.
“If we can maintain the current vibe then we will be the champions. I have great faith
in these players. They have given me many reasons to believe in them.”