FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.10.2007 13:53

Zambrotta: “Ronaldinho looks relaxed”

Vanessa Forns

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Gianluca Zambrotta played down the effects of Ronaldinho’s substitution against Almería and assured reporters: “He’s relaxed and focussed”.

Speaking about the substitution of Ronaldinho in the 74th minute of this Sunday’s match (2-0), Zambrotta emphasised: “He’s relaxed and focussed. It can happen that sometimes a player isn’t at 100%. Ronaldinho is a great player and he’s very important for the team”.

Zambrotta was asked how he thought Ronaldinho would react to being relegated to the subs bench. The Italian assured reporters that all the players in the squad know that they might fail to make the starting line-up on occasions. In fact, with so many matches packed into a tight schedule, the occasional rest is welcome: “I don’t know how Ronaldinho would be affected by staying on the bench. There are a lot of players in the squad and none of us have a problem with that. We have to play a lot of matches this season and sometimes a rest can be a good thing”.

Milan and Ronaldinho

Zambrotta was also quick to play down persistent rumours of a possible move for Ronaldinho to AC Milan: “I think that Ronaldinho is very well here and I don’t believe he wants to move. Right now, there’s nothing in Ronaldinho moving to Milan”.

Time for Henry

Meanwhile, Zambrotta also had something to say about Thierry Henry, who scored his first home league goal against Almeria. The Italian revealed that the entire squad was delighted for Henry and stressed: “Henry, just like all the players that come to FC Barcelona and this league, need a bit more time to adjust to the football here”.

Puyol an option at right back

Carles Puyol had an excellent game against Glasgow Rangers at right back, the position normally occupied by Zambrotta. However, Zambrotta refused to be drawn on whether this would mean more competition for him: “That’s a decision for the coach. I just limit myself to doing my job”.

Code of behaviour

Finally, Zambrotta had the following to say about the Club’s internal code of behaviour: “I don’t believe it’s so important as to justify all the talk. All the players know how we have to live as professionals, both on and off the pitch. Many players in the squad are internationals, with experience, and we’re grown up enough to know what we have to do. Barça is a great team where the more experienced players set an example to the younger players”.