09.08.2009 08:16
Guardiola: "A very positive balance"
Anna Segura
The US tour over, Guardiola has spoken about how pleased he is with the way the 12-day stay in America has gone. Despite only drawing with Chivas, Pep said "I will remember the good taste that reminds me of certain things that happened last year."
FC Barcelona have ended their US tour and Guardiola is more than happy with the two wins and a
draw, and following the game with Chivas, the manager only has good words about the way everything
has gone. "I have no complaints. The training sessions have been of a very high standard". His only
concern has been the injury to Márquez.
Ideal shape
The game with Chivas of Guadalajara was the last before Barça embark on their official
2009/10 fixtures next weekend with the Spanish Super Cup. Guardiola said the team “is in very
good shape” and that it would be impossible to feel better about the way their last game
panned out.
High level
Guardiola knows all about Mexican football after playing for
Dorados himself, and knows the players deserve all the credit for the way they played. It is also
worth remembering that Chivas are much more into the rhythm of things, but "were unable to string
three passes together … more than the result, I will remember the good taste that reminds me
of certain things that happened last year.”
Group football
Josep Guardiola wished to highlight the way the players work for each other. “They
don’t play individually, but do everything with a certain intention.” He is also
delighted with the performances of the youth players. "I feel confident about them all. They have
adopted the defensive ideas very well, and also the constructive element."
Next training on Wednesday
Once back in Barcelona, the players will be free until Wednesday. Guardiola wants them to
report for training on Wednesday at 9.30. Neither Márquez nor Gudjohnsen will be joining them.
Despite his injury, the Mexican will be staying in America, as he is shortly going to be joining
his national squad. Meanwhile, Gudjohnsen will travel to Reykjavik, where he is required by the
Iceland national team.