FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.12.2007 20:14

Neeskens hoping for open game

Marc Guillén

Johan Neeskens has stated that FC Barcelona will taking their final group game in the Champions League very seriously despite the fact that the team has already qualified and finsihed in the first place.

The Blaugrana assitant coach believes it will an entertain game against VfB Stuttgart. "Barça always try to play attractive football, but at times it is not possible because teams come to Camp Nou to defend and play on the break," he said. "I think Stuttgart will come to play football and it will be a good game."

Rijkaard in the stands

In the usual pre-match press conference, the Dutchman explained that he was attending the press conference and would be on the bench and back in front of the press after the game in place of the suspended Frank Rijkaard.

During Barça's last Champions League game against Olympique Lyonnais in Stade Gerland, Rijkaard was sent to the stands by the referee.

Following UEFA's regulations, the coach will be able to prepare the team and arrive with the players at the stadium, but he will not be able to go into the changing room and will have to watch the game from a seat in the stadium.

Neeskens explained how he and Rijkaard would prepare for the game. "Beforehand we will talk all together," he explained. "One the game starts, the coaches on the bench will make the decisions."

Jorquera and Dos Santos

The former FC Barcelona playmaker that it was a good time for Samuel Eto'o and Deco to be given minutes as they continue to return to full fitness after many weeks out with injuries. Neeskens then stated that Giovani Dos Santos was set to play because "Lionel Messi had not been called into the squad" and that Albert Jorquera will be in goal because "it will be positive for him and the team".

On the prospect of Bojan Krkic possible becoming the youngest player to ever score in the Champions League, Neeskens was excited by the prospect. "It would be very good if he scored," he continued. "I do not know if he will start, but I am sure he will play at some point."