FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.04.2010 23:27

Guardiola: “These players could reach the end of the world”

Jordi Clos

Pep Guardiola is proud of how his players performed against Athletic Club. The coach has added that the next game, against Arsenal, “is the most important of the year, more important than the Bernabéu”.

In his press conference after the game with Athletic Club, Pep Guardiola said “today was a very dangerous match, because of the side we were playing and because on Wednesday we arrived at five in the morning, but with these players, we could go to the end of the world”, he said. “Our first half was brilliant. And we ended the game with seven or eight home grown players. I am more and more proud of this club”.

Strange line-up

On his choice of starting eleven, the coach said “I can imagine there was some surprise …. It was no revolution, I wanted fresh legs and the players responded. We are playing games every three days and everybody has to play. I have faith in everybody … We have put on a great show in the last four games. It is a highly recognisable team and the players have started believing in themselves again”.

Naming names

Guardiola singled out some of his players. “Maxwell and Chygrynskiy are very popular among the squad and play well. I am delighted with Max. He’s very talented in the one on one and has a great shot, ever since the first day I have thought he can play as a winger. And I’m very happy for ‘Dima’, he’s very strong.” On Éric Abidal he said “he’s great. After seven weeks he played the whole game. I am delighted with his abilities.” And naturally, he also mentioned two-goal hero Bojan Krkic: “He always scores when he plays in his position. I feel indebted to him because he always responds”.

Game of the year

Next it’s Arsenal. The manager feels that the return in the Champions League will determine the season. “This is the most important of the year, more important than the Bernabéu. If we beat Arsenal, we’ll reach the final to become champions of the League and Europe.” But Pep Guardiola, who realises his side has injury problems, made it clear that “on Tuesday, nobody should be left alone. We know Arsenal will be doing everything they can to win”.