FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.03.2007 17:36

Eusebio and Giuly opt for caution

Assistant coach and former Barca star Eusebio has joined French winger Giuly in insisting that the Club must focus on the Cup semifinal against Getafe and avoid thinking ahead to a possible place in the final.

With the opponent in the Spanish Cup semifinal confirmed on Thursday morning, Barca coach Eusebio Sacristán and French international Ludovic Giuly spoke at a Nou Camp press conference to evaluate Barca’s chances of reaching the final. They both revealed that the players are excited about the prospect.

Focus on Getafe

Both Giuly and Eusebio stressed the need to concentrate on the tie against Getafe and avoid all speculation about a possible Cup final opponent. According to Giuly: “First we have to think about Getafe - as it will be a great match - and not the final. That would be disrespectful to Getafe”. Eusebio described the Madrid-based outfit managed by Bernd Schuster as: “A well-organised team that concedes very few goals and is having a great season. Getafe is especially motivated as this is an historic opportunity for them, and we have to take this into account”.

The home advantage

The first leg of the two-match tie will be played in the Nou Camp, which would appear to give Getafe a slight edge. Giuly told us: “I would have liked to play the first leg there” while Eusebio insisted: “You have to take the tie as it is. We have to have the calm and patience to develop the tie and play at our best level. Semifinals and finals are always 50/50 and what you have to do is change that. But above all, we mustn’t think we’re superior to anybody”.

Excited by the Cup

The players are well aware of the importance of the competition and, according to Giuly, are highly motivated by the prospect: “Winning the third league title and the Cup is important”. Meanwhile, Eusebio assured us: “These players have the chance of playing and winning the Spanish Cup. Every player should experience a Cup final. It’s a very important title”.