FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.11.2008 11:16

Laporta values the team’s renewed spirit

Marc Guillén / Anna Segura

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta was full of praise for the team’s ability to continue winning game after game this season.

Speaking before the Blaugrana take on Sporting Clube in Portugal, the Blaugrana supreme spoke about the game in the José Alvalade on Wednesday and reflected on the team’s league and the start made by Pep Guardiola as coach.

Full of praise

Laporta was full of praise for the trainer that took the reins at the end of last season. “He always tries to do his best and always sends his teams out to win,” the president explained. “We are playing very well with his renewed spirit that I have seen in each game and that her been recognised around the world, especially by our own fans.”

Playing to win

As well as evaluating the spirit of the team, Laporta said it was not always possible to win but it was important that “the team always tries to win”. The president went on: “Barça plays at a high tempo, but they must be alert and not let the rudder of the ship move.”

First in the group

The objective is clear on Wednesday evening as a victory would see Barça win their Champions League group. “We hope to finish it and then make the Shakhtar game not mean so much,” Laporta continued as he looked ahead to playing the Ukrainians in what will be “an important week in the league” as Barça play Valencia and then Real Madrid.

Staying focussed

“Now comes the time in the season when everyone must be paying attention,” he said. “We have to remain calm and ensure that at the same time everyone is motivated and focussed.”

Messi’s return

On the subject of the team depending on Lionel Messi, the president stated: “First this team is above individuals, but the incorporation of Messi is good news. Messi is the first to recognise that the team does not depend up on, but he has great quality. We have players of a very high level and while he is decisive, we have enough players to cope.”