FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.01.2010 23:35

Tough opponents and a fair result

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The squad accepted that Villarreal’s quality proved a little too much and was the main reason for the draw tonight.

From the more experienced players, such as Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol or Henry to the youngster Jonathon who made his league debut, the opinion was the same: Villarreal’s tactics were spot on.

The pressure Villarreal applied in the middle of the pitch, their one touch football and their quick counter attacking were the key points in giving them a point at the Nou Camp. Busquets also pointed to: “the fact that we’ve just come back after a break” as a possible cause for the dropped points, but in general, the squad’s respect for Villarreal was summed up by captain Carles Puyol: “we’ve drawn against one of the best teams in the league right now”.

Henry

“We were pretty good in the first half, but their second half goal hurt us”.

“We couldn’t play our normal game because they put so much pressure on us”.

“I’m not happy, because we didn’t win”.

“I’d rather not comment on the ref. Villarreal played a great game”.

Iniesta

“It’s a pity we didn’t take the three points, but we’ve taken one in a very close game”.

“We knew about Villarreal’s quality. They have some great players who want the ball and also a good counter attacking game. They are always a tough rival”.

“I feel good and I’m keen to get back to training and playing better”.

Puyol

“We knew we’d be facing a good time and we suffered out there”

“We’ve made a good start to the season and we have to continue to work hard and build on that”.

Xavi

“We dropped two points after a good first half and a second in which they took the ball away from us”.

“They looked to play football deep and they pressured us and forced us into a more direct game”

“The draw is a fair result”.

“We suffered from not playing well in the second half - they said they were coming to take the ball from us and that’s what they did in the second half”.

“The refs seem to see everything the wrong way. The problem is that they have never played the game. They do the best they can, but tonight the ref took more from us than he gave”.

“Jonathan did well on his debut, he played well and looked relaxed – he’s got a lot of talent”.

Pedro

“It’s a pity we drew, because we really want to stay on top - now we just have to concentrate on the next game”.

“They were really well organised and played well – a draw is fair”

“For the goal, I was just in the right position, the ball fell to me and I put it away”

“I’m excited about the Tenerife game, but first we have to concentrate on Seville”

Sergio Busquets

“Villarreal made it hard for us, pressuring us and stopping us from playing our normal game which forced us to play the long ball. I think a draw was the fairest result”.

“It’s always hard to come back after a break and face a team like Villarreal”.

“I played well myself, but if we don’t win, I can’t be happy”.

Jonathan

“I was very nervous at first, but then I calmed down. I was shaking when the boss gave his pre match talk, Pep just told me to play as I know how to”.

“I found out I was playing just 2 hours before and in truth I hadn’t expected it!”

“We tried to play our game, but their pressure stopped us”

“You can always do better, but I was very happy to make my debut in front of so many fans”.

“ Giovani is not having a good time because he’s injured, but we all hope he’ll be back to his best this year”.

“Messi has always been a role model. I don’t expect to reach his level, but I’ll try”.