FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.04.2008 19:33

Puyol optimistic on eve of Schalke clash

Marc Guillén

The FC Barcelona captain has stressed that the players are responsible for the poor results and that they alone can change the situation. The defender added how optimistic he is ahead of the game with Schalke 04.

In a press conference given before the Champions League match with Schalke 04, Puyol said he can still picture himself collecting the trophy in Moscow, and that the responsibility for the results and the protests from the crowd during the Getafe match rests on the players. He is also convinced that against Schalke “we have a great chance to turn the situation around”.

“We don't need to defend”

Although they have a useful lead to defend, the Catalan does not think it would be a good idea to fall into the trap of playing for a draw, because that is precisely what the Germans will want.

“We have to play a very serious game, play our football, keep the ball and stay as far away from our goal as we can because they can be very dangerous with crosses into the area. We have to respect our opponents” said Puyol.

“We respect the fans 100%”

The captain is also convinced that “the fans will support the team all the way because it is such an important game and the supporters know that”. Puyol said that as long as they can present a good image of themselves tomorrow, then the fans will still be positive about their Champions League hopes.

“We respect the fans 100%. The other day they were fine. They supported us until the final minute and then showed that they were unhappy with the result. That is normal, because we aren’t happy with our league results either”, explained a very sincere Puyol.