FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.06.2007 23:49

Rijkaard: “time for reflection”

Vanessa Forns

The Liga comes to an end with Madrid crowned champions in the last game of the season through a better head to head goal difference over Barça. Frank Rijkaard says now is “the time for reflection.”

The 5-1 drubbing of Nastic was not enough to prevent Madrid from getting their hands on the Liga title. Madrid’s 3-1 victory in the Bernabeu nullified the efforts of the Blaugrana in Tarragona. The Barça coach spoke of the sadness in the changing rooms and mentioned that now is “the time for reflection.”

“Carry on with pride”

“We’re all very sad in this moment. Times like these have to serve as motivation for every player to give their best for the club and team mates,” indicated Rijkaard. Despite everything, Rijkaard has insisted that the team must “carry on with pride, as all moments come with their feelings,” and the coach also asked the supporters to not lose pride, despite the sad times.

Assessments can wait

Frank Rijkaard was clear in that an assessment of the game “can wait until a more opportune moment.” He appeared satisfied with the team’s performance at carrying out what had to be done. A shame it just was not enough: “we left a good image, however, before the game, we knew the situation in which we were playing. We knew our objective was to win and hope. We saw the reality and it took a lot out of us”.

“All games have to be won”

The Barça coach gave a reminder that “this night was a shame, however, if we don’t win all the games, this is the end result. Consequently, Sunday “has been a sad day due to other results”, making reference towards madrid’s 3-1 victory. Finally, Rijkaard insisted “you have to always work with humility and not speak about what can happen.”