FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.08.2007 21:31

Rijkaard: "We are improving"

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Frank Rijkaard was pleased with FC Barcelona's victory over Bayern Munich in the Franz Beckenbauer Cup and described Lionel Messi's winning goal as spectacular.

The Blaugrana coach was unable to reflect on the game for long as the squad made a dash for the airport after the encounter, but he did express his satisfaction at the win. "We are continuing to improve," Rijkaard explained. "It was a friendly and we have continued our good pre-season form."

Messi’s goal

Asked about his thoughts on Messi's volleyed winner, Rijkaard said that "it was spectacular". That strike ensured that Barça maintained their 100 per cent record in pre-season games this year.

Player quotes:

Leo Messi:

"I think that Barça were superior to Bayern. Throughout the whole game we had control of the ball and in the end my goal came and justice was done."

"I feel fine, a little tired maybe because I have not played for quite some time. Even though I have worked hard during the week, I am still not completely fit just yet.

"The game went well for me and I am beginning to find my rhythm again."

Rafa Márquez:

"I am very pleased to return to the team and also with the victory."

"I am still lacking rhythm slightly, but there is time to find that again."

Xavi Hernández:

"We are pleased with the win because it came against a very strong side. I think that Barça played a serious game, we made plenty of chances and in the end it was decided by a great goal from Messi."

"We constantly had possession, but sometimes they caught us on the break. We have been working hard on the whole team tracking back and today I think we saw that it is starting to pay off."

"Bayern did not manage to catch us out on any counter-attack and they had very few opportunities to score."

Thierry Henry:

"It has been an important game for us against a very strong team."

"We have defended well and played a good game. We are growing stronger on a daily basis and today we saw that."