FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.02.2010 11:48

Puyol: “We were ourselves again”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Carles Puyol was upbeat after the win over Malaga: “we came out strong and very focussed. Their equaliser was a blow, but we came back and took the three points which is the important thing”.

Following the dip in form of late, Puyol insisted: “we played our own game again tonight – we were ourselves again- that’s what we have been looking for and although they controlled the game for periods and got the equaliser, we reacted well and went on to win”.

Below are the players’ post-match reactions:

Iniesta

“They are three important points and we came back well from their equaliser. I think we put in a very full performance, with a lot of intensity”.

“Our reaction was quick and it was important to get a goal quickly. They were well organised, but it was a quick goal and we caught them out”.

“All games are important. From here to the end of the season, we have to make sure we make no mistakes. We have to try and win every game and the thing about tonight is that we won and we are top. Tonight we kept on after they’d drawn level and despite their goal, the team was playing really well”.

“The game was very intense. In general, we dominated, though it was tough at times as they packed the middle. We took control though, and we got the result”.

“We don’t talk about refs – too much has been said about them this season. The main thing is that we won and the team gave a good impression”.

“I didn’t see a foul in Zlatan’s goal, but since we won anyway, maybe that’s not too important”.

Alves

“I felt fine tonight. The days seemed very long when I was out and it’s one of my happiest moments to be back and on the pitch”.

“It worked well with Pedro down the right, as I think we complement each other well and we understand each other. In truth, we are doing well: our main strength is patience and not getting over excited”.

“We don’t need to get nervous – we are the same players as always. Our main aim is not to slip up whatever is thrown at us”.

“We were in charge, but they got their goal. We’d had chances to stretch our lead and not taken them, but we are a patient team and we hung on and scored. It was hard work, but we won”.

“Xavi’s pass let us work a nice triangulation which ended up with Messi scoring, that’s what we were after”.

Piqué

“It was a hard won win, even though we suffered until nearly the end, it was an important victory”.

“We are back in form again and we have to try and keep it like that. Sometimes it’s not easy, but we know that that is what has brought us success. Now we have to ensure that we get the goals in Almeria and then look to the next game•.

“It was important that Alves came back and everyone knows that. He pushes forward and makes lots of space for us to run into. It also means that Pedro came come inside and the triangulations work better”