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28.07.2007 20:34
Krkic: "I am staying calm”
Vanessa Forns
Bojan Krkic is keeping his feet on the ground even though the euphoria surrounding his progress is set to continue after he put in another impressive display in FC Barcelona's victory over Heart of Midlothian on Saturday.
Frank Rijkaard's side maintained their winning start to pre-season with a 3-1 victory at Murrayfield thanks to two goals from Ronaldinho and a strike from Giovani Dos Santos, but it was Krkic that caught the eye after coming on as a substitute at half-time. The 16-year-old's link-up play with Thierry Henry was outstanding and he is using the window that he has been given on this mini-tour to show that he is capable of stepping up.
His rise has been rapid as the player himself remembered that this time last year he "was doing pre-season training with the youth team". His evolvement has been quick, but he is not becoming over-excited: "I have had two very good year and did not expect any of this," he said. "I am very conscious of that and it is for that reason that I am staying calm and am excited by the way things are going."
Good understanding with Henry
During the game against Hearts, Krkic combined well with Henry and he had only praise for the French star: "To play up front with Henryis very easy," he continued. "When you look up he is always by your side and very easy to find. That is why he is Henry." Reflecting on his approach to playing in the first team, the youngster explained: "When I go ont to the pitch I forget everything. I am calm and I focus as hard as I can to do everything I can as well as possible and to progress gradually."
Under-17 call
Looking ahead at the possibility that he could be called up for the preparatory phase for the Under-17 World Championships, that will be played in Korea, and have to leave Barça's pre-season programme, Krkic said: "It would be a pity because I am doing well and feel comfortable. What I am interested in is continuing to grow as a player and I am doing that here. I hope all this is solved quickly."
Deco’s view
"The game went well. We played well in pressure situations in both games."
"The most important thing is that all the players are finding their fitness."
"Now the team is not quite finished. The coach is looking at all the players and waiting for them to be fully fit."
"Everyone has to battle to earn their place. I am working hard and doing what is being asked of me."
"Henry has a lot of experience and strength. It seems as if he has played here for a long time."
"Touré is a strong players and helps us a lot."
"Abidal is playing at a very high level."
"Both Bojan and Giovani have a lot of quality."
"The most important thing is that all the players are finding their fitness."
"Now the team is not quite finished. The coach is looking at all the players and waiting for them to be fully fit."
"Everyone has to battle to earn their place. I am working hard and doing what is being asked of me."
"Henry has a lot of experience and strength. It seems as if he has played here for a long time."
"Touré is a strong players and helps us a lot."
"Abidal is playing at a very high level."
"Both Bojan and Giovani have a lot of quality."
