FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.01.2008 21:13

"We have relaxed too much"

Jordi Clos

Frank Rijkaard has explained that he was pleased to have qualified for the next phase of the Copa del Rey, but admitted that he was disappointed that Barcelona did not finish the game against Alcoyano off.

"We have progress and that is something positive, but it is not right to draw against Alcoyano," he said. The Dutchman was evidently frustrated after the 2-2 draw in the second leg tie with the Segunda B outfit and he continued. "We have relaxed too much. At the beginning we did well, but after 20 minutes we began to run too much with the ball. In the second half we have forgotten how we should be playing. But this result should not be exaggerated."

Ezquerro brace

After Santi Ezquerro had scored twice, Barça spurned numerous chances to add to the scoreline. "We have had opportunities to finish the game and when you do that you can be made to pay," Rijkaard said. "It is madness that we did not win this game, but we should not worry. It will not make us lose confidence."

E dmílson impresses

"There should be no conclusions drawn from this game, but it is great that Edmílson was able to play and feel good," Rijkaard added, reflecting on the Brazilian's return to action. "Bojan (Krkic) and Giovani (Dos Santos) were also able to play 90 minutes and were in good form." Young goalkeeper Oier Olazábal and Víctor Sánchez also drew praise for their performances and the coach added that he would like to have won for them.