FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.08.2009 08:16

Guardiola: "A very positive balance"

Anna Segura

The US tour over, Guardiola has spoken about how pleased he is with the way the 12-day stay in America has gone. Despite only drawing with Chivas, Pep said "I will remember the good taste that reminds me of certain things that happened last year."

FC Barcelona have ended their US tour and Guardiola is more than happy with the two wins and a draw, and following the game with Chivas, the manager only has good words about the way everything has gone. "I have no complaints. The training sessions have been of a very high standard". His only concern has been the injury to Márquez.

Ideal shape

The game with Chivas of Guadalajara was the last before Barça embark on their official 2009/10 fixtures next weekend with the Spanish Super Cup. Guardiola said the team “is in very good shape” and that it would be impossible to feel better about the way their last game panned out.

High level

Guardiola knows all about Mexican football after playing for Dorados himself, and knows the players deserve all the credit for the way they played. It is also worth remembering that Chivas are much more into the rhythm of things, but "were unable to string three passes together … more than the result, I will remember the good taste that reminds me of certain things that happened last year.”

Group football

Josep Guardiola wished to highlight the way the players work for each other. “They don’t play individually, but do everything with a certain intention.” He is also delighted with the performances of the youth players. "I feel confident about them all. They have adopted the defensive ideas very well, and also the constructive element."

Next training on Wednesday

Once back in Barcelona, the players will be free until Wednesday. Guardiola wants them to report for training on Wednesday at 9.30. Neither Márquez nor Gudjohnsen will be joining them. Despite his injury, the Mexican will be staying in America, as he is shortly going to be joining his national squad. Meanwhile, Gudjohnsen will travel to Reykjavik, where he is required by the Iceland national team.