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22.09.2009 23:59
Guardiola: “We kept it simple”
Vanessa Forns
Josep Guardiola pointed to the “simple game” that the team played in the Sardinero as one of the keys to the Tuesday night’s performance in Santander. “We played so simply that we were able to generate this good performance”.
FC Barcelona chalked up the fourth consecutive league win on Tuesday. But unlike the match against Atlético Madrid, Guardiola was happy with his team’s performance: “We were a serious team that played with a lot of sense. We played so simply that we were able to generate this good performance. We can say that we have recovered what we did last year. We played very simply, passing the ball about”.
Satisfied with the 90 minutes
Three of Barça’s four goals came in the first half but Guardiola was happy with the performance over the 90 minutes: “This time we wanted to generate chances but in an orderly way”.
The opponent
Josep Guardiola revealed that he had studied the videos of
Racing’s previous three league games: “I’m convinced they make a good team. What
happened is that we built very well from the back and created a lot in midfield, which makes life
difficult for any team. They tried and had to run a lot”.
“The important thing is that Ibra is OK”
Ibrahimovic and Messi played a starring role in the match. Guardiola is happy to see the Swedish striker getting on the score sheet regularly: “They’re good for his confidence. We hope that he’ll gradually improve. He’s a top class player. This has only just begun and the important thing is that he’s ok”.
“Messi sets his own ceiling”
Messi has received a certain amount of criticism back in Argentina for his recent performances with the national side. However, Josep Guardiola defended Leo’s commitment to his national team: “I didn’t know about these comments and what was said in his country. He’s getting better and better. You only have to see him play. His behaviour, his commitment. Argentina has to understand that”. As for his performances for Barça, he told us. “He sets his own ceiling”.
Laporta: “In the first half everything worked for us”
Joan Laporta was particularly happy with the first half performance: “In the first half
everything worked for us”. He also pointed out that goal difference is having an important
influence on the top of the league table at the beginning of the season.
As for Racing Santander, Joan Laporta emphasised. “They never gave up [but] Barça deserved the win”.
Once again, Laporta praised Guardiola for maintaining the pressure on his players: “The manager is very demanding. He never relaxes. For Barça and for any team it’s key to have a coach with so much healthy ambition”.
Finally, referring to rumours that Samuel Eto'o is claiming 15% of his transfer fee to Inter Milan, Laporta stated. “It’s a matter for the Club’s legal dept. I understand that when it’s an international transfer the 15% isn’t relevant. We’re look into it”.
As for Racing Santander, Joan Laporta emphasised. “They never gave up [but] Barça deserved the win”.
Once again, Laporta praised Guardiola for maintaining the pressure on his players: “The manager is very demanding. He never relaxes. For Barça and for any team it’s key to have a coach with so much healthy ambition”.
Finally, referring to rumours that Samuel Eto'o is claiming 15% of his transfer fee to Inter Milan, Laporta stated. “It’s a matter for the Club’s legal dept. I understand that when it’s an international transfer the 15% isn’t relevant. We’re look into it”.
