FCBARCELONA.CAT
Main menu
Content menu
Football
14.04.2010 23:57
Guardiola: “Desire is driving us on”
Vanessa Forns
Pep Guardiola believes that the desire of his FC Barcelona squad is driving them forward and was again responsible for another commanding performance as they defeated Deportivo de La Coruña on Wednesday evening.
The Blaugrana coach was wary of recent results catching up with his players after they have qualified for the Champions League semi finals and beaten Real Madrid. "There was a certain fear," he explained. "It seemed like we had already reached a sort of milestone. But the way that we answered that says a lot about the mental strength of these players, but we are not there yet."
History makers
"We
have in our hands the chance to make history and these opportunities do not come along often,"
Guardiola continued. "One must always remember that and continue working hard right until the end.
Only by doing that can I have complete confidence that we will be able to achieve anything. We are
not looking ahead and thinking about defending the lead that we have and instead we are looking
ahead and thinking about winning the league. Madrid will not give us anything."
Pedro surprise
Pedro
scored a wondergoal against Depor and Guardiola is delighted that everyone is now seeing what a
great player he is. "I already saw what he was capable of in the third division, but his progress
is a surprise for everyone," he stated. "I expect certain things of all players, but the fact is
that he has scored 19 goals and I am delighted for him. He is one of those extraordinary people and
if you praise him in front of the rest of the squad he becomes embarrassed. He knows what his role
is and he never forgets what he must do."
Valdés’ form
"Víctor [Valdés] has stepped up again," Guardiola explained when asked about the Barça keeper. He knows how to play with his feet and that is allowing us to continue moving the ball around at the back. His pass forward that led to Pedro's goal was a spontaneous thing."
Derby day
Looking ahead to the trip to Espanyol at the weekend Guardiola added: "It will be like a final and is the key game in this part of the season. Pochettino is their coach and it is the hardest game we have left. We must prepare well because they will be up for it."
To view this content you need the latest version of the Flash Player
A great attitude
Joan Laporta could not hide his delight after the win against Deportivo de La Coruña. The team put
on a show and won and this attitude of never letting our guard down is great," he explained. "I saw
a real hunger to impose our play on the game from the very start.
"The team has not had enough credit for the lead we have at the top of the table. Now we must maintain the fight."
On Pedro's incredible second goal he added: "He is a player that is evolving very well. He is already a first team regular and shows the humility and desire needed to play for Barça. He scored a memorable goal in which one must also give Valdés some credit for his quick pass forward for Alves.
"Guardiola is doing a majestic job in charge of the team. All the players he has are there because they form part of the team. He knows exactly what to do."
"The team has not had enough credit for the lead we have at the top of the table. Now we must maintain the fight."
On Pedro's incredible second goal he added: "He is a player that is evolving very well. He is already a first team regular and shows the humility and desire needed to play for Barça. He scored a memorable goal in which one must also give Valdés some credit for his quick pass forward for Alves.
"Guardiola is doing a majestic job in charge of the team. All the players he has are there because they form part of the team. He knows exactly what to do."
Share with
