FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.03.2010 14:10

Guardiola: "Mallorca are a very strong team"

Anna Segura

Josep Guardiola believes that Real Mallorca will present FC Barcelona with a tough challenge as they are not in the top four of La Primera without good reason.

The Blaugrana boss was quick to warn that his side would not have it easy in the Ono Estadi where the host side have lost just one of their 13 home games this term. “Their results are not by chance,” Guardiola stated. “They are a strong team in every area. They have shown they are coached by a great trainer.”

Interesting players

Despite not having any household name Real Mallorca have great strength in their squad, Guardiola continued. “They have some very interesting players, dynamic who are all outstanding.” This encounter could test how well Barça can expect to do in the run-in. “They are one of the toughest sides we will meet,” the Barça coach added.

Head-to-head

FC Barcelona are going head-to-head with Real Madrid for the title and Guardiola was keen to defend his side. “After winning so much there is a tendency to lower the level that saw us lift six trophies,” he said. “But we are in the quarter finals of the Champions League and we have 71 points in the league and that says a lot about the team. If we maintain our form we cannot compete with whoever.”

Barça credit

“We have maintained out desire from last season and [Madrid] have invested in some marvellous players,” Guardiola commented. “With only one game a week to play it is normal that they will not drop many points. But we deserve all the praise. After what we have done we still have the same enthusiasm and we are competing with a team as strong as Real Madrid. It appears that Madrid are given all the merit, but it appears to be it should be the reverse.

“If we can maintain the current vibe then we will be the champions. I have great faith in these players. They have given me many reasons to believe in them.”