FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.06.2007 23:59

A confidence-boosting victory

Anna Segura

The FC Barcelona players all agreed that winning the Copa Catalunya against Espanyol was the ideal lift the team’s needed ahead of the league meeting between the same two sides on Saturday.

Winning another title was obviously a delight for everybody involved, especially with so many young players getting a rare taste of first team experience. However, the result has also left the whole squad feeling more confident than ever ahead of the crunch encounter with Espanyol’s ‘full monty’ on Saturday at the Camp Nou.

The following are some of the player’s post-match comments.

Sylvinho

“The game has helped a lot in terms of morale. The boys from the reserves helped a lot. We did our bit very well.”
“The game on Saturday will be very different. We need to differentiate between the two games. It will be difficult, but at the Camp Nou we have to be the favourites.”
“The lads are working seriously, and they have fought for their places.”

Sergi Busquets

“It was a dream come true to play today. Rijkaard told me to go out and enjoy it and do what I know I can do.”

Santi Ezquerro

“Playing two games in a week and scoring two goals was nice. I felt great fitness wise. A footballer always feels best when he is playing.”
“A lot of people saw it more as a friendly than a competitive match but you could tell that both teams wanted to win it.”
“Those of us who don’t get to play as much try hard in every game and it is also important to put in a good individual performance.”
“We have to be happy and appreciate what we have achieved. But from now on, we have to go back to thinking about the league.”

Belletti

“It was important to win the title and play well. Saturday is much more important but this win will help the team’s confidence.”
“Espanyol always have that extra bit of motivation when they play against us.”
“We know it is important to build up the boys’ confidence, and they showed today just what a good job they are doing.”

Motta

“I am ready to play on Saturday and to do as well as I can to help my team mates.”
“The reserve players are great players that are only just starting out and some will be moving up from Barça B to the first team. We have to help them as much as possible but they all have the potential to play in the first division.”
“Saturday will be a hard game. We know Espanyol will be up for it but we need the three points and will fight to get them. I hope we can end the day as leaders.”