FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.08.2009 13:59

“Txiki also thinks we’re missing a few pieces”

Berta Brau

Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday that there are no disagreements between the coaching staff and the director of football regarding new signings. He also spoke about Ibrahimovic and the quality of the squad.

“Txiki also thinks we’re missing a few pieces”. Putting the emphasis on “also”, Josep Guardiola denied that the coaching staff and the director of football are working along different lines: “There would be disagreements if I believed we were missing a few pieces and he didn’t”. In a serious tone of voice he repeated his belief that he is “privileged” to be able to work with such talented players: “I can’t complain and it isn’t my style either”.

A squad you can rely on

There are 13 days left before the transfer window slams shut but although he would like to welcome a few more reinforcements, Guardiola assured reporters he wasn’t worried. “I’m not worried. If it’s possible some reinforcements will arrive and if not they won’t”. However, he is convinced the players he has already can do a good job: “This is a squad you can rely on. Just as I felt last year, I feel that we will be competitive this year as well”.

Names for the Gamper

Although the Gamper trophy match isn’t the first game of the season this year, it remains a very special event for the fans. Tomorrow’s match should feature the long awaited debut of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as Guardiola confirmed today: “He’s OK and we’re thinking of playing him for a bit”. Leo Messi has also been cleared by Club doctors and should make an appearance against Manchester City.

Preparations

Guardiola believes the Gamper is “a match to carry on preparing ourselves for the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup. There’ll be people that will play more or fewer minutes. The main thing is that it’s good training and a good match”.

Caution in Monaco

The European Super Cup will be played in Monaco, which will also host the Champions League awards, for which six members of the Barça squad have been nominated. Guardiola congratulated them on their achievement but called on them to remain focussed on the match: “My congratulations to the six nominees but we’re not going there to collect prizes but to win the European Super Cup. On these occasions the European champion often ends up getting beaten by the UEFA Cup champion”.