FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.05.2007 13:03

Sergi Barjuan: "Attitude will be the deciding factor"

Berta Brau

Barça have four games left this season, starting with a trip to the Vicente Calderón this weekend. Sergi Barjuan, who played for both clubs, believes that the “attitude shown by Frank Rijkaard’s player holds the key to winning the match.

The Catalan star was a product of the Barça youth system and played a central role in the first team until 2002, before seeing out his professional career in an Atlético Madrid shirt. So this weekend’s game at the Vicente Calderón is of particular interest to him.

How do you see Sunday’s game?

“It is a difficult game. We have seen in recent years just how tough this match can be. But for Barça there is the added motivation of knowing that if they win they could go back to the top of the table if Real Madrid lose or draw, but the challenge is to win against a team and at a ground where there will be lots of adverse factors.”

Any advice for Barça?

“Who am I to go giving advice to a manager who has won everything? But if had to say anything, I’d say that they need to control the game, they need to play like they did last season or at the beginning of this one, because that way they can deal with anything. The attitude of the players when they go out onto the pitch will be decisive because they have a lot to play for, but so do their opponents.”

What memories do these games bring to you?

“This is really is a game for the fans, an intense match-up. There are usually lots of goals, lots of attacks and the fans tend to enjoy games like these. And the players enjoy it because the football is so open, and anybody can win.”

Why do you think Barça find it so difficult at the Vicente Calderón?

“I don’t think the way Atlético Madrid play suits Barça all that much. In fact, the two teams play almost the opposite kinds of football. Atlético move their pieces around well and know how to use any chance to create counter attacks and destabilize the opposition, while Barça like to control the ball and wait to find the right moment. The fans are also important, but not the decisive factor.”

It is an important game for both sides. How do you think they will approach it?

“I don’t know how they will approach it, but what is clear is that both sides will have to go full out. Barça can’t go dropping any more points, they have to get back to the top of the league because their fate is no longer in their own hands and that is an added problem that has made their situation worse. But Atlético Madrid also have to give it one hundred percent to qualify for the UEFA Cup, and a win would help them keep 4 points or more between them and the team directly below them.”