FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.03.2007 11:30

A step in the right direction to take control

The squad have emphasized the importance of the victory aganist Recreativo as "the first step" to have things in their own hands and only depend on themselves. There are now eleven games left and the players feel confident of adding a third title.

Positive vibes after the goal fest in the New Colombino stadium. The team, nevertheless, want to stay calm, given that "La Liga is very complicated", as Deco put it. In spite of that and as the Portuguese player stated the victory against Recreativo is the first step. Barça no longer depends on anybody else. The other squad members agree. If we continue to score like in Huelva, "we can win a third Liga", assures Iniesta.

Below are some of the players comments:

Deco:

"The first half was very good. We had chances and the win was deserved."

"We had to win as well as play well. We know that La Liga is complicated but we are top.

" Talking about Etóo and Messi: "They are very important and when Etóo is in this form he makes a great difference."

"Barça doesn't depend on anybody else. We have taken the first step. From now on we have to give it everything."

Leo Messi:

On his goal: "Andrés put them under pressure more than I did, I got the ball and I put it in; it was practically a one-on-one with their keeper"

"The team is doing things as we hoped and we hope it continues."

"We have done the job today and now we depend on ourselves and we must stay on top."

"The team always pressurises up front and the forwards are the first to press."

"Today we have interchanged positions a lot between the three of us (Etóo, Ronaldinho and Messi)."

"The goal by Etóo calmed us at the beginning of the game, and we have been able to play and keep possession as we like to, as well as make chances."

Andrés Iniesta:

"The whole team has played well. We controlled the whole game."

"The will to win is what it takes to win games."

"Now there is a two week shutdown and we are conscious that we can get a third Liga."

Víctor Valdés:

"It is an important victory. The game worked out well for us."

"The first goal by Etóo was very important. And we took advantage of our chances really well."

"Still there is a lot of League left. It is important to be winning all games because we only need to worry about ourselves."

"Recreativo played well but we concentrated really well."