FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.03.2007 11:52

Players happy with the system

The FC Barcelona players were delighted with the system used by Frank Rijkaard to beat Zaragoza and qualify for the semi finals of the Spanish Cup.

The 3-4-3 system employed by Frank Rijkaard was quite a change from the norm, and the players had plenty to say about it after the match. They tended to agree that the switch had come as something of a surprise, but also agreed that it had been a brilliant gamble. Such an important comeback also gives Barcelona the confidence boost they need going into an important month.

Rafa Márquez

- “We practiced this system a day ago and I had my doubts. Rijkaard went for that tactic though and the team took it well.”
- “I tried to support the midfielders during the game. I think we played well. It was a risk to use that system, but the team knew that all we had to do was keep our concentration.”

Andrés Iniesta

- “I think our way of playing surprised them. In the second half we suffered out there, but held on to the lead.”
- “Of course we should also take note of how the opposition plays, and it worked for us today.”

Albert Jorquera

- “The system was a risk, but it worked. It means the players defending the wings needed to take particular care.”
- “Now our character has changed, we have a winning mentality now.”

Leo Messi

- “We went out to win the game, and did everything right in the first half. It is the first time we have played like that and it worked.”

Ludovic Giuly

- “We are all very happy, I liked our attitude and if we carry on like that, the season is going to end well for us.”
- “We changed the system and the gamble worked. We got a lot of the ball, although scoring two goals here is always going to be hard.”
- “This is a difficult ground, and we have shown today that we are here to do well in the Cup. Now we want to do just as well in the final. We needed this win to show just how well this season can end for us.”

Oleguer Presas

- “We are pleased because we have played such a good game and with the change of system, Zaragoza didn’t know how to play against us.”

Ronaldinho

- We are going home happy. Everybody tried to do their part, today was a day for doing things as simply as possible.
- We eased off a bit in the second half, and now we have to try to get some rest and prepare for the game with Sevilla.