29.07.2010 22:24

Guardiola: “We have done well”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was pleased with his team's first game of the pre-season campaign against Valerenga and explained that he felt fortunate to be able to call upon the services of such good youth players.

The Blaugrana boss enjoyed the 2-4 triumph in Norway on Thursday as he gave every one of the squad that travelled a chance to stretch their legs. "We played everyone, we showed a good level and they showed that they were ready to play against us," Guardiola said. "The game was a very interesting chance to evaluate things."

For the encounter Guardiola called upon the services of 14 youth team players to make up for the international stars yet to report back for training. All of the youngsters enjoyed at least 45 minutes of action and the coach was delighted: "It is very lucky that we have such a good youth system."
Proper nouns

Zlatan Ibrahimovic also appeared and Guardiola felt that the Swedish striker's attitude was "fantastic" as he sought to lead the line. Adriano made his debut in the game and the coach continued: "He will do well for us. I am delighted by the way he has settled in. He looks great going forward and will help us." On Jonathan dos Santos' promising display he added: "He is attentive, clean, polished, disciplined and very intelligent."

Fàbregas move

Cesc Fàbregas was again the subject of questions to Guardiola and he reiterated that there was nothing new: "He is a player that we have been interested in for some time and we will remain calm. If he does not come then we have players here already,. We may sign others or we may not. That is why it is good to know about everyone in the youth ranks."

Below is what some of the players had to say after the game.

Adriano Correia

"We have played well. It is important to start with a win and now we have to keep working."

"I felt comfortable out there because my team-mates and the coach have been great. He asks us to do things and we do them."

"I am calm and at the coach's disposal and I will fight for my place."

"The young players are very good. It is no coincidence that they have been promoted to Segunda A. I hope that they can stay in the team."

Rubén Miño

"I am delighted to have played with the first team. I have been at Barça since I was very young and today I fulfilled a dream. I felt calm on the pitch."

"Out of the three youth team goalkeepers it was my turn to step forward. I am working hard and I have to take advantage of any opportunities."

"We are preparing for the new season and it is great to train with the first team and to learn from them."

Seydou Keita

"The feeling is good. It is not easy to play after two weeks of training, but we have done well."

"We travelled for three hours and the pitch was heavy, but we won the game and it is a good way to start things off."

"The youngsters are like first team players as there is no difference when you play out there with them."

Sergi Roberto

"I am very pleased because this was my first game with the first team."

"The coach told us to play how we know how and that everything would turn out well."

"Now I must continue working hard and see if I have another chance to play for the first team."