FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.08.2008 05:03

Henry says pressure is important

David Saura (Special correspondent)

Tierry Henry is pleased with the way the preseason has started and the way the side has played so far. Keeping up pressure on the opposing defence is crucial in his view.

After the victory over Chivas de Guadalajara (2-5), Tierry Henry said Barça had played well against a team that’s already into its stride as it is playing in an official competition: “It was tough game because they ran a lot and the ground was hard and the grass very long.”

Working well

The team has been scoring a lot of goals in the preseason games with 19 goals in four matches, and Henry says he knows why. “As I said in Scotland, when we put the pressure on up front it’s a lot easier to score,” he argued. “When you win, you work better. Unlike last year we now pressurise more up front and the whole team is defending well. We’re playing well, we’re scoring goals and that’s important.”

Tendon problems

Asked about his field position, Henry said “the boss wanted Hleb in the middle so he asked me to play wide on the left”. During the game Henry appeared to have some physical problems due to his tendons and the hard ground. “What I need to do is finish preseason with no pain,” he remarked.

Rafa: “We’re all pulling in the same direction”

Rafa Márquez also commented on the continuous improvement in the team: “We’re getting better in each game, especially in terms of physical fitness. We’re all pulling in the same direction.” He also spoke about getting ready for the first competitive game of the season: “I reckon we’ll be in good nick for the qualifying games, and the boss has it all virtually worked out in his mind.”