FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.11.2007 22:23

Xavi: "It was important to return to winning ways"

Anna Segura

The FC Barcelona players were all pleased with the team's performance as Real Betis were comfortably beaten in Camp Nou on Sunday evening.

Ronaldinho was praised and Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi complimented for their part in the victory that moved Barça into second place, just one point behind leaders Real Madrid.

Xavi:

"We are pleased. The team felt comfortable. We have played a great game and now we are just one point from the top."

"What is important is to return to winning ways. We have to have to feel comfortable on the pitch and we will keep going."

"It was hard to score the first goal because the opposition sat back and waited for us in their half. We had to keep moving the ball around quickly."

"Ronaldinho has always been with us. We know that he can come good at any time and we need him."

Bojan Krkic:

"I try to make every ball dangerous. Betis opened up and their defence was tired and that allowed me to break through with more ease."

"Ronaldinho has shown that he is coming back to his level little-by-little and he will soon be back to his best."

"I have a good relationship with Henry. Before the game he said he would dedicate a goal to me."

Andrés Iniesta:

"We have to improve away from home and try to pick up more points. At home it is important that we play well."

"To play at home is always easier. We have to see it as a challenge and to know that things will even out. The team has to improve thinking that."

Lilian Thuram:

"It was a very difficult game. In the first half we had many chances, but this result is good for us in the table."

"It is equally important to play well away. In Camp Nou we do not have the same difficulties. Away from home we have trouble winning the ball back and that is crucial. At home the other teams sit back we control games."

Víctor Valdés:

It has been an entertaining game with a lot chances and great intensity. We put the pressure on them and wanted the ball and we won it back quickly."

"It is always important to pick up points and game by game we are closing in on the leadership."

"There is nothing to say about Ronaldinho. He has been focussed all the time and now we are seeing the fruit of that."