FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.11.2008 14:45

“It’s an important game, any slips and we’re out”

Roger Bogunyà

Josep Guardiola has reiterated the importance of the cup tie with Benidorm. “If we don’t get things right, there a chance we could go out” he said.

He also explained that “I get the feeling that we are going to have to be very careful. I have seen things that give me the impression that we could slip up one of these days, and if there are any slips against Benidorm, we’re out”. Basically, Guardiola does not think there is any room for relaxation or thoughts that the job was already done when they won 1-0 in the away leg.

Gut feeling

Asked why he should think such a thing after the thrashings Barça have been dealing out of late, Guardiola replied that “we are a very big team and a lot is demanded of us. But I saw things against Valladolid. They came forward much more just in the first half than most teams do in the entire game, we were very poorly positioned and allowed counter attacks that perhaps against other sides could have led to us letting in goals.”

Squad undecided

Guardiola also reiterated that he won’t be announcing his squad until the day of the match. “I still don’t know who will play. I want to see how training goes on Wednesday and then decide.” But one thing he does know for sure. He will not be picking any Barça Atlètic players for the game.

An important competition

The manager also spoke about the high value he associates to the knockout competition. “We are not here to throw anything away. It is 10 years since we won this title. I am trying to make an important thing out of the cup.” He also described what a brilliant feeling it is to take part in the grand final, and how much he would like to be there.