FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.11.2009 23:59

Guardiola proud of the team

Anna Segura

The Barca boss was very satisfied with his team's performance against Inter on Tuesday night and whilst he admitted to having worried about the absences of Ibra and Messi, he claimed he always knew his team “would respond”.

Barca showed last season when they took the treble that key to their success was the strong squad Guardiola could call on and against Tuesday, with two of his biggest stars unable to do more than start on the bench, the manager again showed the strength in depth of the squad.

Worried, but confident

Guardiola admitted that with Ibra and Messi on the pitch the team is more dangerous, but reckoned he knew: “that there was a risk of losing them for an even longer period if they played - if they weren't out there it was because they just couldn't make it”. Even so, the boss was. “confident that the players i sent out would respond”.

True to their style of play

One of the team's defining characteristics has proved to be their commitment to attacking football and Guardiola agreed: “there's a risk involved in playing so high up the pitch”, particularly with players like Milito and Eto' playing off the shoulders of the defenders, but that's the way Barca play and the boss expressed himself: “very satisfied. The players deserved that”..

Thankful to Messi and Ibra

Although finally they were not called on, Guardiola also praised Messi and Ibrahimovic for: “their willingness and their desire to play a part tonight. They put in a lot of effort”. As to Messi's chances of starting on Sunday against Madrid, Guardiola revealed: “I'm optimistic – if there's any chance, he'll be there”.

Finish off the job in Kiev

Barca now lead Group F with 8 points and are well placed to make the next round of the Champions. Guardiola is well aware of the next step and commented: “we've taken a big step, now we have to finish it off in Kiev”.