FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.12.2007 23:56

"Playing like that we will win away"

Vanessa Forns

Frank Rijkaard stated that the run of results away from home would change for FC Barcelona if they played like they did against Espanyol on Saturday, even though he was unhappy with only earning a draw.

After Andrés Iniesta had opened the scoring for the Blaugrana in the Olímpic Estadi, Ferrán Corominas drew the home side level after the break to earn a share of the spoils. Rijkaard was pleased with his side's performance, however, "at a difficult stadium". He assured that "working like that, the moment will came when we will achieve our goal. We have to break the run of results away from home and the team is battling to do that".

Missed chances

The Dutchman thought that the derby against Espanyol "was a special occasion", but considered that throughout the first half of the game Barça dominated and then after the break, the hosts came out strongly. "They were more aggressive and had to fight hard," he said. "In the second half they changed their style and played even more strongly. We did not maintain our composure in any position, in contrast. There is always a chance of this happening when you have many chances to finish the game off, but do not take them."

A good run

Rijkaard then stated that he felt the "defence stayed too deep and the attack was too far forward". He added: "With slightly more patience we would have been able to do more damage." Reflecting on the opposition, the trainer continued: "Espanyol grew as a team, that had confidence and some players that are in good form. Their forwards are strong and the whole team has a good mentality. We cannot forget that we played against an Espanyol team that in a very good run of form."

Ronaldinho coming back

When asked why he opted to keep Ronaldinho on the bench again, Rijkaard was forthright in his answer. "We have to start with eleven players and I chose the team I did. (Ronaldinho) came on and worked well. He improving physically and has a good attitude." Finally, the coach talked about Messi's strong performance. "The way he controls the ball is incredible, he is spectacular," he explained. "With a little more experience we could have won the game."