FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.06.2007 20:49

Two very different games

Miriam Nadal

Rijkaard admits that the two games against Espanyol this week are going to be very different affairs. The absence of his international players and the ongoing Ronaldinho suspension saga were two of the main topics of Monday’s press conference.

Frank Rijkaard was speaking on the eve of the Copa Catalunya final at the Nova Creu Alta, and realises that the two derbies this week will have very little in common. “They are two different games” he said. “They chose for the Copa Catalunya final to be played now, so that’s what we have. I think we need to prepare well for both games. They are different games because tonight we will be missing a lot of players. But it is also interesting to play Espanyol twice in the same week.”

Odd Copa Catalunya dates

Rijkaard is not sure that the dates chosen for the Copa Catalunya are ideal for either the clubs or the fans (something the organisers are looking into), but is taking on the challenge with relish. The side that played in the semi final against Nàstic may have been a curious blend of first team players and members of Barça B, but they showed that they were taking the competition very seriously. “When we participate, we want to do the job well, but that’s not easy without all of the squad” said Rijkaard.

Chances for the youngsters

Rijkaard is aware that these games give him an excellent opportunity to size up some of the reserve team players. He was quizzed in particular about the future of Giovani Dos Santos, and replied that the Mexican’s potential promotion to the first team is a matter for the club’s directors of football to debate. “We have not made any decisions, but I think he is good enough to play in the first team” he said.

Ronaldinho suspended?

The Barça boss is happy that the club has done all it can to ensure Ronaldinho is allowed to play in Saturday’s derby. “Barça as a club has done all it can to support the player and try to avoid the suspension. But we will have to respect whatever decision the Commission comes to”, he said.

Remaining fixtures

And Rijkaard once again lamented the way the international schedule has interrupted his plans at such an important part of the season. “It is a pity that we won’t have to time to prepare as we would have liked because so many players are away playing international matches, but that’s the way it is.”