FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.02.2008 15:19

Giovani: ”A very important point”

David Puig

Giovani Dos Santos made a positive assessment of the point gained against Sevilla, given the circumstances under which the team entered the game. The forward singled out the character shown by the players in the second half.

“We’ve gained a very important point on a very difficult ground.” Giovani dos Santos has recognised the value of the draw against Sevilla in the Sánchez Pizjuán. The injuries and fitness of some of the Barça players who played with their international teams last Wednesday added to the qualities of their opponents, according to the Mexican: “The Sánchez Pizjuán is a very difficult ground, and therefore I think a draw is a positive result, given the team’s circumstances. We had a lot of players injured or carrying knocks and others who played 90 minutes with their international sides. Rafa and I also had a very long trip from the United States. The team showed character to win a very important point in a very difficult ground”.

Still a long way to go

Giovanni dos Santos firmly relieves in the team’s ability to challenge the leaders, despite continuing to depend on Madrid’s results: “There’s still a long way to go and, although we are dependent on what the leaders do, the team is very strong mentally. We have to fight game by game to make the most of every opportunity we get to get back into it”.

Possible call up for Olympic qualifiers

Faced with the possibility of being called up by Mexican manager Hugo Sánchez for the Olympic qualifiers between 11-23 March, Giovani has said that it’s a difficult situation for him: “It’s a difficult decision because I’d like to be here to help my team, but I don’t want to turn my back on my country either. It’s something that’s out of my hands and needs to be discussed between the club and Mexican federation”.