FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.09.2007 14:20

Rijkaard: “It will be a different type of game"

Anna Segura

Frank Rijkaard has called up 14 players from the Barça youth ranks to play in the semi final of the Copa Catalunya against Girona on Wednesday due to the number of first team players currently away on international duty.

The cup game in Palamós (21:45, live on Barça TV and Barça TV Online) will give several B team players a chance to show the Dutch coach what they can do. Following a training session on Tuesday that saw the seven first team players combine with Pep Guardiola's B squad, Rijkaard named a squad that will have an unfamiliar look to it.

An interesting outing

Despite that, Rijkaard is interested to see all the young players in action and is looking forward to the encounter. "We have called up several youth team players," he said. "It will be a different type of game, but an interesting one though."

The Barça coach believes that the encounter will provide the youngsters with a good chance to show what they can do. "It will be an experience for them and good for their future," he continued. "We want to play well and entertain."

Good team work

Rijkaard was then asked about Ronaldinho and he said that "he has worked very well. He is still a very important player for us". Reflectong on Éric Abidal's start to the new season, the trainer has been impressed with his "speed and he is technically very good and is a strong defender".

With Giovani Dos Santos proving to be one of the revelations in pre-season, Rijkaard revealed that he is pleased with starlet's form. Sticking to his principles though, Rijkaard was keen to praise the whole team. "Everyone has done well in pre-season. Also, in the first half against Athletic the team played very well."