FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.09.2009 20:52

“This win means a lot to me”

Vanessa Forns

Josep Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with the win against Getafe, mainly because “games after a break for internationals are always tricky”.

The Barca coach was happy with the team effort over 90 minutes, which he thought was a good sign for the coming 2009-2010 Champions League match on Wednesday. Josep Guardiola affirmed that “this win means a lot to me” after stating that “games after a break for internationals are always tricky”, as well as praising Michel’s Getafe.

Praise for Getafe

“We beat a great opponent at a difficult ground. Getafe have given us a hard time in all my games as coach against them, and that says a lot about them. Other teams will find it hard when they come here. They have some great players and they’re good at passing. That’s why we’re satisfied with the result”.

It could have turned out differently

As Getafe hit the woodwork twice during the first half, Josep Guardiola admitted that “the game could have turned out differently”. “We were lucky to get to half time with a draw. We were better in the second half. Games after a break for internationals are always tricky”.

A team victory

The Barca coach decided to rest most of his internationals at the outset, but Iniesta, Messi and Dani Alves came on in the second half, when Barca got their goals. Guardiola stated that “they are great players who can throw their opponents off-balance”. Yet he was clear that the victory was “a team effort over 90 minutes”.

Ibrahimovic was extraordinary

Finally, the Barca coach praised various players, including Ibrahimovic, the scorer of Barca’s first goal. “He was extraordinary. He moved away from the play and created some good chances. He could be the focus of our attack. I feel good about him”.

This is the way forward

Josep guardiola went on to praise Iniesta and Messi (“they gave a boost to our quality”), Xavi (“he never rests”) and Keita (“he eats up the field”). “They all ran their hearts out in the first half and they all delivered in the second. This is the way forward”.