FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.02.2008 23:46

Neeskens: “We’re happy with the win and the performance”

Anna Segura

Rijkaard’s assistant was in charge of the team in Celtic Park as Frank Rijkaard had to serve out the second match of his two-match touchline ban. Neeskens told reporters that he was pleased with the result and the way the team had played.

FC Barcelona have taken a big step towards the quarterfinals with this win over Celtic but Johan Neeskens was also delighted with the all-round performance: “We’re happy with the win and the performance”.

Coming back from behind

Barça dominated the game from start to finish and were capable of equalising after the home side had twice taken a surprise lead: “We dominated the match. We had a lot of chances. But they took us by surprise and scored in their first attack. But even so, we quickly equalised”.

A tough opponent

Neeskens knew that it wouldn’t be an easy match: “Celtic hadn’t lost at home since Barça beat them three seasons ago. They were confidence”. But for Neeskens, one of the keys to the match was the control of the ball: “We dominated possession, especially in the second half”.

The return of Ronaldinho

After his injury layoff and a number of matches on the subs bench, Ronaldinho returned to the starting line-up. Johan Neeskens explained: “A prestigious match like this was a great moment to give Ronaldinho a place in the starting eleven. He played very well for the team. He’s on the right track”.

Although Messi and Touré are just one yellow card away from a suspension, Johan Neeskens explained that there had been no intention to force a card: “The important thing was to win this match. We only substituted Deco so that he didn’t get a second yellow card”.