FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.02.2008 18:09

Rijkaard: “We haven’t changed our style”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Frank Rijkaard doesn’t believe that his team has changed the way they play. In his opinion, his players just have to improve their finishing in front of goal to become “a complete team”.

In an interview with Europa Press, Frank Rijkaard insisted that the team is still playing the same way as they have in previous seasons. He denied that the recent narrow wins and the lack of goals are in any way a symptom of a change in style: “We’ve dominated the matches and created chances. When you fail to score there are people that say that we’ve changed our style”. Rijkaard went on to assure the fans that he wants to continue with the same trademark attacking football that has always characterised Barça.

However, Frank Rijkaard is very pleased with his defence, the best in the Spanish league, and told the fans: “We’re just lacking the goals to be a complete team”.

Belief in the team

Next Saturday, the team travels to Seville with the aim of taking the three points and putting the pressure on Real Madrid after reducing the gap to just six points last weekend. Frank Rijkaard believes that the win against Osasuna has boosted the team’s morale: “Psychologically, the recent wins have been very important for the team. They’ve been hard fought wins that must give us confidence”.

Some players

Rijkaard also spoke about a number of his players, including Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto'o and Bojan. He revealed that Ronaldinho is still “number 1” within the squad and added: “He has to work to become a great player again for Barça”. As for Messi, he believes he can become another Maradona but that he is still too young to make comparisons.

He also admitted that the team is missing Samuel Eto'o - “He’s an important player for us” - but wished the striker all the best in the African Cup of Nations. He heaped praise on Bojan and expressed his belief that the young striker is ready to play a part in EURO 2008.