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10.01.2010 23:45
Guardiola: First goal was decisive
Vanessa Forns
Josep Guardiola highlighted the importance of FC Barcelona’s first goal in their emphatic victory in Tenerife after Lionel Messi’s opener was followed by four more for the visitors on Sunday evening.
The Blaugrana coach was reflecting on his side’s 0-5 win in the Heliodoro that included a hat-trick from Messi. “They had three clear chances early on and we certainly had a few problems starting out,” Guardiola said. “After the first goal the game was different. When a team pushes forward like Tenerife did then they leave space and we were able to take advantage of that and we were decisive in the right places.”
Marvellous Valdés
Víctor Valdés was instrumental in keeping Tenerife out in the opening
minutes and Guardiola was impressed. “Before the goal there was only one team in it and that
was them,” he said. “Valdés was marvellous then. We went out and did not perform at the
start.”
More from Bojan
Bojan Krkic also stood out as he set up three goals and the boss was pleased. “I am happy for him,” he continued. “To see that he did so much for the team, that did not include scoring, will give him confidence. I hope he can do so much and I want more from him and if he does continue to progress then I alone will be to blame.”
Home side
On Tenerife the Barça coach added: “I am sure that if they play like they did then they will be very difficult to beat at home. They need the help of their fans. But they have a great coach who knows what needs to be done.”
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Laporta: "We are on the right path"
Joan Laporta was delighted with the way that FC Barcelona overcame their stuttering start to beat
Tenerife 0-5 on Sunday evening and record their first win of the New year. He reiterated his
"complete confidence" in the team and congratulated the players for the "fight that they showed".
The Barça president stated: "We saw that the team is on the right path and we have to look forward.
It was great to see how well our forward line combined."
On the Catalan club's opponents Laporta continued: "Tenerife faced up to us. At the beginning they caused us quite a few problems. What happened though was that when we had the ball we were very effective."
Looking ahead to the game against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey in midweek, Laporta was confident that the 1-2 first leg reverse could be turned around. "Wednesday will be a great game," he said. "We will try to turn the tie back, but that will be difficult."
On the Catalan club's opponents Laporta continued: "Tenerife faced up to us. At the beginning they caused us quite a few problems. What happened though was that when we had the ball we were very effective."
Looking ahead to the game against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey in midweek, Laporta was confident that the 1-2 first leg reverse could be turned around. "Wednesday will be a great game," he said. "We will try to turn the tie back, but that will be difficult."
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