FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.05.2010 23:56

Valdés: “Philosophy was the key”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Víctor Valdés believes that Barça's style of play was key to the team retaining the league title as he reflected on a record-breaking campaign that ended with the 20th championship triumph.

"Thanks to our philosophy we managed to win," the goalkeeper stated. "We have 99 points which is spectacular and shows what we are capable of. The celebrations after the game were special because they were in our5 stadium and straight after the game with all the fans. It was incredible."

Coach Pep Guardiola was then credited with being the main figure in the club's continued success. "He is key and ensures that we never relax and does not allow us to stop focussing. He is the driving force."

On the fans Valdés added: "We had the supporters with us all the way this season and they played a special role. We said to them after the game that next year we want to go back to Wembley in the Champions League final."

Below is what some of the other players had to say after clinching the title:

Pedro:

"I am delighted with this year because it has been difficult."

"I played more than I did last season and feel more involved. I want to thank my team-mates and the coach."

Puyol:

"We have worked hard and want to thank for Madrid for a great season. It was exciting right until the end. But we were better."

"The fans were by our side, especially in the difficult moments."

Bojan:

"This makes all that hard work and suffering worthwhile. It was a hard-fought league race and we deserved it."

"Without the fans and the everyone behind us we would not be where we are because each season there are complications and we need them."

"Personally I am very pleased how the season finished."

Piqué

"I am very pleased and delighted."

"It is worth suffering for this ending because you can enjoy it all even more."

"Next season we will be looking to win more."

"We have maintained our position at the top even though a lot of people wanted us to slip up."

"At times you hear a lot of comments about Barcelona from outsiders and they go over the top. But that is football and we should know that happens."

"Guardiola showed us a video of ourselves before the game. We won 4-0 and that was what was important."

Dani Alves:

"The dance we did came from the song that had to with the World Cup. But we are all delighted about this and are still celebrating."

"We know we have done a good job and the huge points tally proves that. I believe we will win the league next year too."

"This team has deservedly won something important."