FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.12.2009 23:59

Guardiola: "It was very difficult for us"

Jordi Clos

Barça manager, Pep Guardiola, admitted that his team didn’t play as well as they know how in Jerez but he praised their attitude.

The Barça players had to roll up their sleeves and work hard to beat Jerez. After the match, Guardiola told reporters: “It was very difficult for us. It was evenly balanced and in the end the quality of the players decided it. We didn’t play at our level but over the year you get this type of game. In part I understand it because we had to make a great mental effort after playing to remain in Europe and then facing the leaders. The head controls everything”.

A spanner in the works

Guardiola analysed the match and admitted failings: “We started well but then we got stuck and didn’t play well. We were slow and didn’t pass the ball around well. It was a very dangerous match right to the end especially with the experience of Pamplona. I hope to make a leap forward in the upcoming matches. We have to lift ourselves because on Sunday we’re playing one of the strongest teams in the league (Deportivo)”.

Happy with the attitude

However, Guardiola also praised the Jerez performance and in particular the “defensive coordination”. Asked about Thierry Henry he told us: “He contributed more than most. He did what we needed him to do well. I hope the goal gives him confidence”. As for Bojan, he said. “I told him that I was sorry we didn’t play at our standard. He found space well”. Despite all these criticisms, Guardiola was happy with the attitude shown by the players. “I want it on record that I have nothing to complain abou