FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.05.2007 14:44

“Barça is the best team in the league”

Sandra Sarmiento

Sylvinho believes Barça are worthy leaders in the race for the Spanish league title. While he’s optimistic, he believes the players have to work hard to make it three in a row.

With just six league games left, Barça have the advantage of knowing that a third league title in a row is in their hands. And that’s a big advantage at this stage of the season. For this reason, Sylvinho cannot understand why in Madrid they see themselves as champions: “Is Madrid stronger than Barça? No. We’re leaders and we’re doing well. You can’t judge teams on just two or three matches but over the nine months of the competition. Barça are the best team in the league. It’s the team that has been leader for longest”. But of course the way forward depends on commitment, mentality and the day to day work. “We have to work hard. In the final ten match days there’s a big dose of anxiety and nervousness. All teams have to control that”.

Deco’s injury

Deco twisted his ankle on Thursday and will miss this weekend’s match. Sylvinho told us: “He’s a player with a special weight. He’s got a lot of experience but we’ve got a big squad. This week we’re recovered some players and the coach has alternatives in that position”.

The next match day

This weekend could be crucial to the outcome of the battle for the league title. Sevilla, who are just one point behind Barça, take on Real Madrid (2 points adrift of Barça) in the Santiago Bernabéu. However, Sylvinho is focussed on Barça’s match against Real Sociedad: “We’re interested in Sunday’s result but what I want is to win in San Sebastian”.

The Real Sociedad game

Real Sociedad are locked in a desperate relegation battle but have won their last three home matches. At the same time, Barça are looking to improve on their relatively poor away record: “It’s always worrying when you don’t win points away from home. Real Sociedad are stronger than before. It’ll be a difficult match but I hope to get the three points”.

Possible signings

Sylvinho was asked by reporters today about his future at the Club and the rumours concerning possible new signings. The Brazilian defender told us: “It’s normal that a top class club like Barça is always looking to sign the best players. That’s why so many titles have been won. What we have to do is work hard to show that we can continue with Barça”.