FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.07.2008 12:59

Touré senses concentration and unity

Berta Brau

The Ivorian is happy with the way the preparations have gone so far and claims the team has the same objectives as last year. On a personal note, he claims to 100 per cent at the best of his abilities.

Now speaking Spanish better than ever, Touré Yaya has spoken to the media, saying the team is “concentrated and united and ready to win all the trophies possible … it is important for our behaviour to be good, to be disciplined and to work intensely”.

Full strength

The African went on to say that he is 100 per cent fit. “I am feeling fine and working at the full rate. Truth is, it’s all going really well with the boss and my team mates.” Asked if, as he was feeling so much better, we can now expect him to shoot more, Touré replied “I am slowly recovering, because with my bad back it was so much harder. But my main role is in midfield, helping the midfielders in front of me and the defence.” Nevertheless he did promise that we will be seeing a little bit more of his shooting prowess this term.

Complete squad

How would he rate this squad, assuming there are no more recruitments? Touré is happy as things are, saying “we have a top quality squad right now, we have made some great signings and, with a long season ahead, with them everything will work out fine”.

He has also been impressed with the reserves that have been joining them in training, saying “there are very young players and three or four of them are top quality, for example Sergi Busquets, Pedro and Víctor. I think it would be nice if they could stay with us because they can help the team a lot.”

Eto'o, professional and positive

Touré had no qualms about discussing the Samuel Eto'o issue, commenting that “he’s got a lot of character and we want to have him with us … He is going through a difficult period, but he is a very positive person and is acting very professionally”. Touré also said it is also worth considering the fine statistics Eto'o posted last season.

Leo Messi

The Ivorian had similar things to say about Leo Messi, who he knows is in “a difficult situation because the club needs him but so does Argentina. Being selfish, I’d like him to stay with us and be able to play in the Champions League qualifier”.