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24.05.2009 14:28
Piqué: “Messi more determinant that Ronaldo”
Anna Segura
Gerard Piqué believes that Lionel Messi could outshine Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League final and has back his team-mate to be decisive for FC Barcelona against Manchester United in Rome on Wednesday evening.
In what is expected to be one of the best finals in recent seasons, the two best teams in Europe, if not the world, face up to each other in the Italian capital and much of the focus is being placed on Messi and Ronaldo in the build-up.
Creative force
Having played with both players, Piqué was asked about his
thoughts on the two stars and put his support behind Messi. "He can be more determining because he
alone can create a chance and win a game and a final," he explained. "What Lionel can do is pass
three or four players and that is unique."
Two in a year
Inside a year, Piqué has been a member of two Champions League finalists' squads as last term he was with Manchester United in Moscow as they beat Chelsea. But he did not play in that and has only had to wait 12 months before making up for that disappointment. "Last year it was almost certain I would not play, but on Wednesday I have a better chance."
Big build-up
In the build-up Piqué believes that the atmosphere at clubs
changes and he is enjoying the moment. "It is always different," he said. "People are only talking
about this game and everything that happens is related to it. But the players have to try and focus
on the sporting side. We will train with the same tranquillity."
"We are preparing for the most important game of the year. As the days go by we will see the tension build even more," he added."
Giggs and Park
As well as Ronaldo at Manchester United, Piqué believes that there are some players that have not been spoken about as he feels that Ji-Sung Park is "a very hard working player who contributes so much to the team. I think he will start", he said. On Ryan Giggs, the Barça defended stated: "He is such an important player in the dressing room."
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No rest
After celebrating the league and cup double with FC Barcelona, the players trained again on Sunday
morning as the focus on the pitch also turned to the Champions League final. Pep Guardiola chose to
close the doors to the media inside Camp Nou and Thierry Henry and Andrés Iniesta worked with the
squad for the first few minutes as they look to continue their recuperation from injury.
The Blaugrana players will train again on Monday morning at 11am in Camp Nou and, once again, the session will be behind closed doors.
The Blaugrana players will train again on Monday morning at 11am in Camp Nou and, once again, the session will be behind closed doors.
