FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.05.2009 11:49

Txiki: “We have to finish off the job”

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Barça’s director of football knows they are going to Rome to complete “the work we have done all season”. It’s a unique occasion, he feels, and they have to get the better of what he expects to be a conservative United approach.

Winning the Champions League would be the icing on the cake of an extraordinary season. Txiki Begiristain says “we have done very well to get here and now we have to finish off the job of a whole season.” This is “a unique opportunity for the club” and they have to “enjoy it and find the right mentality to win it”.

Conservative Manchester United

Many of the players are unsure about what kind of Man United they should expect in Rome. But Txiki has a good idea. “I imagine a conservative, defensive team, and I clearly see FC Barcelona creating pressure up front. Their danger is playing a conservative style, because they have an exceptional counter attack”.

“A lot to lose”

“The team is sure they have an awful lot to lose tonight”, he said. “You don’t play in finals every year and it is very hard to get to one … the team gets the feeling that they need to take this chance and have to win the Champions League”.

Weakened by absences?

Barça are hit by suspensions and injuries, but Txiki doesn’t think that means they are a weakened team. “We have a big squad. We have got this far because the whole squad has worked all season”. Asked about the roles of Henry and Iniesta, he believes “if they play it’s because they are fit, if not there are other players that can do well in their places .. they have been important all season and I’m sure they’ll get their chances again in this final”.