FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.10.2008 14:24

Guardiola: “I have a lot of faith in my players”

David Puig

Guardiola is very pleased with the team’s performances but wants them to keep their feet on the ground going into the game with Almería on Saturday. The Barça manager is happy with the team and hopes the fans respond by coming to the stadium.

After the 5-0 win in Basel, the eighth win in a row, Josep Guardiola knows that there is a real thrill surrounding the team right now, and hopes the good vibes carry over into Saturday’s clash with Almería at the Camp Nou (22.00).

But he doesn’t want the players to get carried away and wants them to stay focused on the next challenge. “We exaggerate what’s good and bad, and I understand that, but it is important to find a point of moderation. The players know we need to strengthen the values that win us games and to recover when things don’t go so well. They have trained well and have the right mentality for the game with Almería”, said Guardiola.

Almería and Chico

In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said Almería is a good team that has started the season well, so the team will need all the support they can get. “We have to remember that Almería only have five points less than we do and are a very good team. I hope the fans come to the ground because with our supporters on our side, we are so much stronger”.

He also mentioned Chico, a player that trained with Barça B last season and is now on Almería’s books, saying “I am delighted he’s playing in the first division. He helped us a lot in the time he was here and I’m sure he has fond memories of Barça. I wish him all the best”.

“I believe in my players”

Guardiola has confidence in all of his players, and that’s why there are so many rotations going on, and also why he recurs so often to reserve players. “I have a lot of faith in my players, in all of them” he said. “Of course some players get more minutes than others but I have my confidence in all of them, and they have all started games this season, apart from Jorquera and Pinto. It is the players that give me my prestige, not mine that gives them theirs”.

As for the excellent performances by reserve players, Guardiola is applying his personal touch. “The youngsters are here to complement and to gradually break into the team. I’m not surprised with their performances, because I knew them from the reserves. I was sure they wouldn’t let me down”.