Josep Guardiola has warned that FC Barcelona will not have everything their own way against lowly Xerez on Saturday evening when the two teams meet in Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana boss believes that the visit of the Andalucians marks the beginning of a key week for
his side as they take on Inter in midweek and then go to Villarreal in the league. “This week
will decide everything,” he told a press conference on Friday. “We will not worry about
the rest because we depend on ourselves and cannot let our heads drop. It will take a great effort,
but will be short.”
Inter thoughts
With
Inter heading to Camp Nou in midweek Guardiola admitted that his players will have to change their
focus. “We are prepared,” he continued. “But that will be difficult to block out.
But we have to try and to carry on. Great mental strength will be needed and we know that it will
be hard work.”
Knock-on effect
Guardiola believes that what happens against Xerez could have an influence on the Inter game.
“Every game affects the next one,” he explained. “One has to remember that over
the past 19 or 20 months though we have done great things. But the recognition will be even greater
if we win.”
Xerez turnaround
Xerez
coach Néstor Gorosito has turned his team’s campaign around and Guardiola has been impressed.
“They are unbeaten for three matches and are still battling,” the Barça trainer stated.
“We will have to take them very seriously. Gorosito has done a great job there.”
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Kick off times
Josep Guardiola is pleased with the 6pm kick off time on Saturday. “It is a great time to
play,” he explained. “A lot of people will like that. We need them to give everything
against Inter and against Xerez.We need them now more than ever.”
The Barça boss is less pleased about the idea of heading to Villarreal next Saturday.
“We would like to have four days break after Inter but they never give us that,” he
said. “I think that there is a rule that states that any one team can only play ten games so
late at night, but we have already played 12 or 13.”