FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.04.2008 20:50

Rijkaard: "We can make history"

Marc Guillén

Frank Rijkaard has said that his FC Barcelona squad are highly motivated for the hotly-anticipated Champions League semi final against a Manchester United side that he respects.

The Dutchman revealed that his "dream" is that the game will make it a magical night in Camp Nou and that Barça can take a step towards reaching the final in Moscow.

"Tomorrow is the time"

With a place in the final just two games away, Rijkaard stated that believes "this can make history". He continued: "This is no time to look back. Tomorrow is the time to strive for a good result in order to allow us to end up going through."

On the subject of whether Barça are favourites, the coach replied: "I do not believe that there is a favourite. This Wednesday there will be two big teams playing each other and we shall who wins."

A game of two teams

Lionel Messi's appearance has been the subject of a lot of interest, but Rijkaard would only say that "maybe he could" play the full 90 minutes. Whether Messi plays the whole game or not, the media have built up the encounter as him against Cristiano Ronaldo, but the trainer does not agree. "It is not a game between two players, it is a game between two teams," he added.

According to Rijkaard, the absence of Carles Puyol through suspension will be noticed. "To make up for him not playing, the rest of the players will have to put in some extra effort," he explained.

On the fitness of Deco, the Barça boss stated that "he is fine" and stated that he worked hard in the previous training session.