FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.02.2008 14:50

"We do not need motivating"

Berta Brau

Johan Neeskens believes that confidence is high at FC Barcelona and that the team is doing well and not taking any notice of any external pressure. The objective now to win every game is clear.

The Dutch coach spoke to the press ahead of the game against Atlético de Madrid, which takes place in Vicente Calderón on Saturday, and he explained that everyone was conscious of the fact that the Blaugrana could go to the top of the league this weekend. "We do not need further motivation though," he explained. "The team has already responded well in the last few games and has a lot of confidence and we do not need to know Madrid's result to inspire us."

No pressure

"We had more pressure on us when we were nine points behind as any mistake could have cost us the league," Neeskens continued, as he reflected on the state of the squad before the game. "We should win all our games and then we shall see what our rivals do." Asked about the players, the trainer said: "At the start of the second half of the season we have had players coming back that had had different injuries and we are now picking up some very good results."

Confidence is high

"We have had some good results at the same time that our direct rivals have begun to lose games," Neeskens explained. "But I believe that the team never lost any confidence and always believed that the situation would improve. Confidence has been a major force in the camp to do well and has pushed us to where we are now."

Motivated for Barça

Atlético de Madrid lie fourth in the table, but they have won just once in their last six matches. Despite that, Neeskens is remaining cautious ahead of the game at the weekend. "It is certain that they are suffering, but the visit of a team like Barça will be an added motivation for them to win in front of their own fans. We will have to be very focussed."

Good defence

Asked about Los Colchoneros' front pairing of Diego Forlán and Sergio Agüero, the Barça coach admitted that they were very good, but added that "Barça have some very good players in defence that know how to stop them". On Agüero, he continued by saying that he has a "great respect for the player as he has had an impressive season so far".

Precautionary measure

The assembled press pack then enquired about Touré Yaya being rested and Neeskens explained that it was done as a "precaution" as the player has had some inconveniences in his back in the past few days. The midfielder's absence started a debate about which system Rijkaard would use against Atlético on Saturday, but Neeskens was clear that no major changes were going to happen. "We have enough players to cover him and we will not have any reason to change the system."