FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.08.2007 12:35

Eto’o not obsessed with scoring

David Saura

Samuel Eto’o has yet to score during the pre-season, but this is not worrying him too much. The team has won four out of four, and that’s what matters most to the Cameroon international.

Samuel Eto’o was speaking to the press for the first time on the tour, in Hong Kong in the traditional pre-match presentation. Joined by Frank Rijkaard and Ronaldinho, he looked back on the first few days of the tour and reviewed his personal performances.

Winning is what counts

Samuel Eto’o didn’t score in Scotland, and has failed in Asia too, but he doesn’t want people to make too much of that. “That’s football” he said. “The important thing is to win and build up confidence. I don’t mind if I don’t score because I know how to, what I care about is the team winning. The goals will come sooner or later.”

He has certainly provided some assists, including the pass to Giovanni to score in Yokohama, and most values the opportunity to get match fit. “I am feeling better every day” he said. “I have plenty of time to get ready and get back to feeling like I did before my injury. I am fairly happy”.

‘Titi’ finding form

Eto’o teamed up in attack with Ronaldinho and Henry in Japan, but rather than discuss that, he preferred to analyse the form of Thierry Henry: “I think ‘Titi’ is getting better and better. I hope it won’t take long for him to reach 85% to 90% of his capabilities, which won’t be bad considering he’s coming back from an injury.”

Rijkaard impressed with team spirit

Frank Rijkaard agrees with Eto’o that time is needed before reaching conclusions regarding the club’s new French star. “He is working harder every day” said the manager. “You must remember he has just returned from injury and needs to find his rhythm, but he’s adapting well.” He is generally very happy with his new signings, especially, it seems, the young players, saying “the group gives me a good feeling. There is team spirit.”