Pep Guardiola and Barça are looking forward to the derby with Espanyol, and the idea is to keep up the momentum against what the manager considers a very good side.
Barça have such a hectic schedule at the moment that they have not been able to approach the derby
as they might do normally, but Pep Guardiola has said “it is always special and difficult.
There is a lot of history behind this and it is always an honour to play.” He has still not
forgotten the game last season, which ended in defeat at the Camp Nou. In today’s press
conference, he said “this is not about revenge.” He expects to face a “similar
Espanyol, playing with a strong dynamic that will be coming to get us.”
Utmost respect
Guardiola, as usual, only spoke of his opponent’s virtues.
“More than a derby, we are playing a very good team. I don’t think there is as much of
a difference between us as the table suggests. With Pochettino they have been impeccable, apart
from the last few games … he is Argentinian and knows how to get aggression out of his
players.”
No time to recover
That is why Guardiola knows what kind of game it will be. “It
won’t be rough, but I know there will be contact. We’ll try to limit that, and commit
very few fouls and to make the game flow.” His main concern is for the team to be
“mentally and physically prepared” because they have a heavy fixture schedule.
“We have just played a terribly tough match, we used up a lot of energy. And we haven’t
had much time to recover.”
Call to the fans
That is why Pep Guardiola has this message for the fans: “We need a hand, whatever
happens. We will need them … The players are as ready as ever. And we will still be ready
tomorrow. It is a joy to watch them.” A good result is important going into the World Clubs
Cup, for as he says “it will do us good to win before we play the semi final”.
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Joking about directors supper
Asked about the Espanyol directors refusal to attend the pre-match meal, Pep Guardiola spoke with
irony. “I guess they’re not hungry” he said. Then in a more serious tone, he
added, “It’s poor taste, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll see them at the
match”.