FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.02.2007 21:22

“We will have to work hard to beat Athletic”

FC Barcelona's coach is taking nothing for granted against Mane's lowly placed Athlectic Bilbao team, who arrive at the Camp Nou having beaten Getafe at San Mamés. "To do well, we will have to have a good day and to work hard".

On paper, Barça is favorite against a team placed seventeenth in the championship. But Athletic Bilbao have experienced a remarkable turnaround under the auspice of Jose Manuel Esnal ` Mane' ' and Frank Rijkaard has taken good note; he added: “They are a dangerous rival with many talented players. To win against Athletic will come through hard work.". And it is Barça that is under pressure for a victory in the Camp Nou after two consecutive defeats. "That's football. If you have one bad game, you hardly have time to brood. Another game comes along and this must be our motivation".

Etóo is back

The Cameroonian forward has had an intense work schedule in the last few days. The player is in condition to return to the team and wants to help to his team mates in this most important part of the season. Etóo has made this clear to Frank Rijkaard and the manager has included him in the squad for the game this Sunday: "He is ready to play. That means he is fit and I believe that it is a good sign, and also very generous on this behalf. But we have to remember that he is coming back after a long injury and will need time to reach full match fitness. We must take it as it comes.", said the Barça trainer, satisfied with the return of Etóo to the team.

In Ronaldinho's defence

"the player has always given great performances, and I have total confidence in him and we should be happy to have him with us. I think he is as he always is, cheerful and unaffected. For me, there's no problem ". This is how Frank Rijkaard closed the debate that has been raging over the last few days about Ronaldinho's fitness and has chosen to make full-blooded defense of his player: "It is such a pity to see how people change opinion so easily about a player who has given so much to this club. Thanks to his strength of mind Ronnie has got where he is today, winning titles and prizes on the way."

On the other hand, and while not in total agreement, Barça's trainer accepts the criticism they have received after two consecutive defeats. Rijkaard stated that "we cannot complain because in a club like Barça it is normal and at this level we can't let it affect us because it's part of the job."