FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.12.2007 21:22

Edmilson: “Team in high spirits”

David Puig

José Edmilson believes they have to forget about 2007 and look to the future with optimism. The midfielder says the team is in high spirits and are looking forward to cutting the distance between them and Real Madrid.

FC Barcelona midfielder José Edmilson says the team have recovered from their defeat to Real Madrid and are looking forward to improving things in the league. During the press conference after training on Saturday Edmilson recommended forgetting about 2007 and looking forward. “For sure the team is a little sad after losing to Real Madrid but now we have to forget about that blow. What we have to do is look forward and see that we have all the second half of the season to reduce the lead of the league leaders. Despite everything, I see the team in high spirits and eager to return playing and winning games.

Hoping to play against Alcoyano

Edmilson is keen to return to the field of play after six months out with injury. The Brazilian was given the medical all clear before the Christmas break and now hopes to play a few minutes next Wednesday against Alcoyano in the return leg of the last 32 of the King’s Cup. “I fell very good. I’m happy with how my recovery is going. It’s been a very long process, six months, but I preferred to extend the recovery period in order to return fully fit without any niggling problems. Now I hope Rijkaard will give me a few minutes against Alcoyano to gain match fitness.”

Controversy cleared up

The midfielder also wants to clear up the controversy caused by his interview on TV3. “When I speak about the team in an interview I always include myself as part of that team and for this reason I think my interview was misinterpreted because what I said I applied first and foremost to myself. Anyway, I want to close that chapter. I want to look forward and work to get the necessary results in 2008.”