FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.07.2009 23:49

Guardiola: We did well

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Pep Guardiola was pleased with all 22 FC Barcelona players that appeared in the club's first pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in the Wembley Cup in London that ended 1-1.

"The players are working well and there nothing but that to say," the trainer explained after the game against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. "I think that both in the first half and in the second half everyone did well."

Guardiola was asked about his thoughts on the youth team players performances. "All of them are young and they were excited and wanted to earn themselves a place," he added.

Lionel Messi did not play as he was left out of the matchday squad because of "some small pain in his leg," the coach explained. "We did not want to force him. We shall see if he can play on Sunday."

On Zlatan ibrahimovic, the trainer stated: "We are speaking about a very good player, but we expect that it will take a few more days before it becomes official."

Below are some of the Barcelona players' comments after the game:

Andreu Fontàs

"The feeling is a good one. Playing in a stadium like that with a team like Barça ... it was great."

"When you go out on to the pitch you forget about your nerves and it is another game, although you know where you are and playing for Barça."

"We are happy with the way we played and it was a shame to concede a late goal, but a lot B team players appeared."

"It is great to play with so many good players."

Henrique Adriano

"I was a bit nervous at the start, but I gained more confidence and I was able to calm down."

"There was some anxiety with my first few touches, but I will continue working."

"The team has done well and we played the ball around well."

"For me it is easier to come out from the back with the ball. There is not a lot of difference [to how Bayer Leverkusen played] and I will work on my game."

Albert Jorquera

"I have been the team captain in pre-season before and was also in my last Champions League game too. I was delighted to be captain and it was an honour."

"I thought it went well as I have not played for some time, but the feelings have been good and I enjoyed the game."

"We played well in the first half. I was able to keep a clean sheet, but that does not mean anything. The game was about finding out rhythm and to give the coach confidence."

José Manuel Rueda

"It was a comfortable game. We all played 45 minutes each and I enjoyed that."

"It was a tough game, but we played well and we enjoyed playing in such a stadium and with the players we have."