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13.05.2007 22:28
“One detail decided the game”
Vanessa Forns
Frank Rijkaard lamented the lapse in concentration in the moments before the equalizing goal in the 89th minute. “It’s a shame how one detail decided the game” explained the coach.
“A lapse in concentration, they got a foul, the referee gave the yellow card and they took a quick free kick…it was small but very important moment.” This was the way Frank Rijkaard analyzed the play which led to Betis levelling the tie in the 89th minute. The draw sees Barça surrender their lead as Liga leaders.
Still with Chances
Despite the loss of valuable points, Rijkaard believes his team “still has chances” of winning the Liga title “it still has yet to be decided.” Rijkaard appeared convinced that what they have to do for the final four games of the season is “keep working” and “concentrate on ourselves”.
Lack of strength
Analyzing the game, Frank Rijkaard explained “the team started well; creating many occasions and scoring a goal. After the break, we didn’t get into the game and we lacked strength in order to find another goal. We have to pay closer attention to these details.”
“Pride cannot be lost”
Following a tough week for the players, Rijkaard was clear in saying: “they’re all disappointed. It’s great to celebrate good things together, but we have to be strong now in order to move forward. We’ve spoken and we don’t have to panic as there are still four games remaining. We have to move forward with pride because anyone can win, lose or draw a game, but pride cannot be lost”.
Camp Nou Support
Despite the disappointment at the loss midweek and the fans’ public voicing of this, the fans came to Camp Nou on Sunday showing their full support for the team. “We have to accept the reaction of the public. They want the same as us - to see a good Barça on pitch.”
Laporta: “it’s still not over”
The draw on Sunday means Barça have been knocked off the top of the table by Real Madrid, who lead due to having a better goal average. Taking everything into account, Joan Laporta gave a reminder that “it’s still not over”. “if we win the remaining four games, we’ll win the Liga.” The President also reiterated his confidence “in the team and in the coach.” At the same time, he urged the team to “keep working hard in order to remain champions” and recognised that “in order to achieve the title, we have to be on form.”
Regarding the game, the blaugrana president lamented “not being able to finish off the
game in the first half. After the restart the players were put under pressure and lacked strength
and conviction. Betis were alert in the final minutes and we had a lapse in concentration which
resulted in a goal.” Finally, the President commented on the reaction of the public inside
Camp Nou, “in the beginning they voiced their frustration, however, once the game started,
they gave their full support.”
