FCBARCELONA.CAT

19.12.2008 14:48

Great respect for Lyon

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Directors, coaches and former Barça players have all agreed that the Blaugrana will not have it easy against Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League

There has been a similar reaction to the draw for the first knockout round of the Champions League that saw FC Barcelona paired with the French champions.

Rafael Yuste, vice-president for sport at FC Barcelona

“I cannot hide the fact that I am pleased, but we have to play the games and give it everything.”

“I knew in my heart that Olympique Lyonnais may not be the easiest opponent but maybe for the distance, they are the nearest and they were one of the teams that I thought would be good.”

“The return leg will be very important because I am convinced that the fans will fill Camp Nou. We will need to be very focussed in the away game in Lyon and then at home too.”

“We have to continue to be humble and strong and not believe that we have already won against Olympique Lyonnais.”

Albert Perrín, head of relations with international sporting federations.

“I am satisfied with the draw because of the possibilities, also now there will be plenty of very strong teams eliminated.”

“This was a draw that in the interests of Barça has been very positive.”

Tito Vilanova, assistant head coach of the Barça first team.

“All four possible teams were strong and had experience. From now on we know who we have to watch.”

“They are a team that always play to win, they have won their league for seven consecutive seasons, they have very good players, technically excellent and they have Champions League experience. But we will focus on all that when we the time comes as we have a lot of league and Copa del Rey games first.”

“We will have to study our opponents, but we know that they have good players and that fact that they have won their league has seen them qualify. They have never won anything major in Europe and maybe psychologically that could affect them.”

“If we have the ball that will mean that Lyon will not and nor will Benzema. When they do have they will not be as fresh. But Benzema is scoring goals and looks very strong.”

“I think that the majority of teams want to play the second leg at home because we all know it is better and that if there is extra time the crowd backing you always helps.”

Hristo Stoichkov, ex-player of FC Barcelona (1990-95 and 1996-98)

“They say that they were weakest of the possible teams by they have won the French league for the last seven seasons.”

“There is time to watch Lyon’s games and to see what they can do and which players we will have be careful of.”

“It is not an easy draw because they have players that can turn a game.”

Toño de la Cruz, ex-player of FC Barcelona (1972-1980)

“I would be cautious. Nothing is will be easy.”

“They are a team that plays good football, similar to Barça.”

“They have a great team with quality players that can win them any knockout tie.”

“Lyon have reached this stage for a reason. But I am confident that Barça can win.”