20.10.2010 23:59

Guardiola: “The goals will come”

Vanessa Forns

Josep Guardiola believes that FC Barcelona will start to convert the chances that they create in every game after seeing his side have to wait until the 92nd minute to net a second goal against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday evening.

The Blaugrana coach was pleased with the attitude that his players showed as they struggled to convert in front of goal and find a second that would have meant that the tension would have been lifted as they played with only a one goal lead for so long. "We played very well and I am more than delighted with the players," he said. "We play to do well and we did that. The goals will come.”

Chances missed

On the touchline Guardiola recognised that the crowd in Camp Nou wanted a second goal to ensure victory. "I know because we did not kill the game off and at 1-0 anything could have happened," he explained. "We created enough chances to score a second goal, but things will start to go in."

Defensively strong

Copenhagen gave a good account of themselves and Guardiola was suitably impressed. "I imagined it would be a difficult game," he stated. "They are a great side with a well organised defensive unit and are positionally sound. They are a very good team."

Dear prudence

Barça are top of their Champions League group, but the trainer was keen to remain prudent. "There are still nine points to play for and anything can still happen," he added. "It is an important step forward, but we have to keep going."

Mascherano compliments

Javier Mascherano looked solid and Guardiola was pleased with the midfielder. "He is a fantastic player, a great person too," he commented. "It is no coincidence that he is captain of Argentina. He knows his game very well, is highly competitive and has a lot of technical ability. I am very pleased with him, he was a good signing. Besides, he is also very supportive."

Iniesta and Villa

"He is feeling good and has recovered from all the hard work that he puts in," Guardiola then said of Andrés Iniesta. "I am very pleased with how he is playing. I delighted to see he is happy and playing well." On David Villa he added: "I will never worry about him in front of goal."

Pinto praise

José Manuel Pinto played in goal and Guardiola was pleased for the keeper. "I am happy with him, he is a great person," he explained. "He helps us so much as a group and only thinks about helping us and he deserves everything."