Guardiola: “These players could reach the end of the world”
Jordi Clos
Pep Guardiola is proud of how his players performed against Athletic Club. The coach has added that the next game, against Arsenal, “is the most important of the year, more important than the Bernabéu”.
In his press conference after the game with Athletic Club, Pep Guardiola said “today was a
very dangerous match, because of the side we were playing and because on Wednesday we arrived at
five in the morning, but with these players, we could go to the end of the world”, he said.
“Our first half was brilliant. And we ended the game with seven or eight home grown players.
I am more and more proud of this club”.
Strange line-up
On his choice of starting eleven, the coach said “I can imagine
there was some surprise …. It was no revolution, I wanted fresh legs and the players
responded. We are playing games every three days and everybody has to play. I have faith in
everybody … We have put on a great show in the last four games. It is a highly recognisable
team and the players have started believing in themselves again”.
Naming names
Guardiola singled out some of his players. “Maxwell and
Chygrynskiy are very popular among the squad and play well. I am delighted with Max. He’s
very talented in the one on one and has a great shot, ever since the first day I have thought he
can play as a winger. And I’m very happy for ‘Dima’, he’s very
strong.” On Éric Abidal he said “he’s great. After seven weeks he played the
whole game. I am delighted with his abilities.” And naturally, he also mentioned two-goal
hero Bojan Krkic: “He always scores when he plays in his position. I feel indebted to him
because he always responds”.
Game of the year
Next it’s Arsenal. The manager feels that the return in the Champions League will
determine the season. “This is the most important of the year, more important than the
Bernabéu. If we beat Arsenal, we’ll reach the final to become champions of the League and
Europe.” But Pep Guardiola, who realises his side has injury problems, made it clear that
“on Tuesday, nobody should be left alone. We know Arsenal will be doing everything they can
to win”.
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Laporta only thinking about Arsenal
President Joan Laporta was delighted with “a very good result after such a tiring game at the
Emirates … I value three points against a side that’s doing so well as Athletic
Club”. As for the next two games, he feels “we have to focus on the Champions League,
it’s very important. We should think of nothing more than Arsenal. We have to get through the
round”. Finally, Laporta also spoke about the naming of Johan Cruyff as president of honour.
“He has earned it as a player, coach and person. He deserves every honour, that’s why
we decided it so unanimously”.