FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.08.2007 12:35

Rijkaard pleased with performances to date

Sandra Sarmiento

Four days before the league campaign gets under way, Frank Rijkaard has spoken about his expectations for the season. He seems more than satisfied with everything he has seen so far.

Santander will be the first stop this Sunday in a rollercoaster ride that won’t end until Barça go to Murcia on May 18, 2008. But for Frank Rijkaard and his squad, work started back on July 21, and today he spoke exclusively to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat and explained that he is more than impressed with the side’s performances in the pre-season.

What have you enjoyed most about the team up until now and what needs changing?

"The team’s attitude has been very good. We worked to get results, even though it was normal enough for the players not to be on full form from the first day. But I liked the seriousness, and they way we got results despite the circumstances. They have done pretty well."

But in the pre-season the results aren’t what really matters …

"It is important to develop our game. I know we have some great players, they are capable of doing great things on the pitch. But in the pre-season it is also important, before you have hit full form, to play against other teams that already have a head start, that are physically stronger, but to keep organised and not allow them to create too many chances. I think we got it right in that respect. Now we need to keep working hard and grow towards what we want."

Is the game with Bayern a good example in that respect? Is the team now ready to start the league?

"Still not completely. We are getting better and the team is improving on the pitch, but there are still things to improve. Bayern had their chances in the first half. In the second half we were better positioned. It’s a process. Our attitude was generally good, but the team still gives me the feeling that there is room for improvement."

Touré Yayá has been given a lot to do in these friendlies. What do you expect from his inclusion?

"He is one more player for a certain position and can do a lot to help the team. We mustn’t forget that we started the season without Márquez and with Edmilson injured. He has worked well and will be great for us in that position."

So, what you are saying is that just because he played all the games doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a place in the starting line up?

"It means something, just that you mustn’t forget that neither Márquez nor Edmilson were there. So there were fewer options for changes. That’s not to say that he hasn’t had a great pre-season and was a very important player for us."

The club has transfer listed Motta and Ezquerro. What will happen if they haven’t been found teams by the 31st? Will they be used like any other members of the team?

"Yes, they deserve to be. They have been with us for a lot of years and I have to say that since the start of the season they have worked very well indeed."

After missing out on the last league, do you think the players are especially motivated?

"I have to say that they are working hard, all of the players, but that includes the new ones who weren’t here last season. There have certainly been changes in players’ attitudes, but we can’t make comparisons with last year. We are working well but it is too early to draw conclusions. They are working well not just on the field but as a group as well, they form a tight unit. These things can only help us."

In Pretoria, after last season ended, you spoke about responsibility, demands and regulating players’ conduct. Is the squad aware of what you have planned for them this season?

"Up to now I get the feeling that they are. But that isn’t to say that it is not something we need to focus our attention on. Let’s see what happens, but we’ll keeping a good eye on these things, by controlling and analysing the way the team is operating. But looking at the squad right now, discipline really isn’t an issue. Everybody is committed and working hard."

Have you detected any big changes lately?

"There is no point talking about the past. Sure, everybody has had their experiences and has their motivation and honour. We are doing everything to make that pride come out, for things to go well, and we have all the ingredients. We have great players, we know a lot is expected of them. That’s they way it should be and we have to demonstrate that on the field."

Do you feel it will be a tough challenge to manage a squad containing 22 potential starters?

"I hope it goes well, but it’s not a special challenge. We want a big squad, and I think the job will be quite easy. We have intelligent players who know that in this sport you can’t win anything on your own. You need your team mates, and that means all of the players are important. From number 1 to number 25 or 26. And the more unity, respect and companionship, the better it is for the team and our chances of winning things. You can’t win anything on your own. You have to work, you have to be serious and you have to do things to help your team mates on the pitch, to get the results we need."

And they understand that?

"They do at the moment."

A lot has been said about the four forwards, Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho and Henry. What will we need to see all four playing together?

"It depends on the opposition’s line-up, fitness, injuries, training… They could play together but there are a lot of factors that can affect that."

Sevilla showed in the Super Cup that they are still going strong. Are they the team to beat this season?

"They’re among the candidates. A good side."

If the team maintains its humility and plays responsibly, are they favourites for the title?

"Yes, of course they are."