Carles Puyol is keen to win the league in front of the fans, but although their opponents are in relegation danger, the Barça captain predicts a tough encounter.
There is just one hurdle more to cross before Carles Puyol can lift the league trophy again for
Barça. It would be a special moment, because it would be the first time since the 1997/98 season
that FC Barcelona have secured the crown at home, something Puyol has never experienced.
“Winning is what’s important, but doing it front of our fans is a bonus”.
Prudent approach
Despite playing at the Camp Nou, where FCB have not lost a Liga match this term,
they will be facing a team that is fighting for first division survival, so Carles Puyol is wary.
“It will be difficult playing against a team facing relegation … There are no easy
games, This will be no stroll”.
Control euphoria and anxiety
Carles Puyol knows the fans will be out in force at the Camp Nou. He
says the team “is excited and hopeful” but that one of the keys to victory will involve
controlling their “euphoria and anxiety”.
Possible Iniesta comeback
Andrés Iniesta may be ready to return on Sunday, and Puyol said that “we need to see
how he feels and then the doctors will decide, but if he’s Ok, he’ll play. He is
training and things are going well. He deserves to play in this last game”.
Missing Xavi?
Xavi may not be available against Valladolid, depending on the
club’s appeal, and Carles Puyol knows he would be a major loss. “He is a basic player,
we all want him to play, but I am sure he’ll be replaced by a player who’ll do very
well”.
Pedro and Valdés for Spain
Puyol was also pleased that Pedro and Valdés have been shortlisted for the World Cup in
Spain, and hopes they make the final 23. “They deserve it. I’d take them with their
eyes closed. I hope they are in the final list”.
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Praise for the basketball
Carles Puyol went to Paris with Xavi, Sergio, Bojan and Piqué to watch the Euroleague final. He was
thoroughly impressed with Xavi Pascual’s team. “They deserved to win, they have had a
spectacular season. They are the best and have proved that”. With the Euroleague already won,
Puyol now hopes “we can celebrate our league”.