FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.10.2009 23:45

Messi: “We always knew what this squad could do”

Jordi Clos

Leo Messi gave a message of confidence after the win over Zaragoza and publicly thanked his teammates, the backroom staff and the fans for the recent support he's been given.

Messi put any doubts about the team's or his own form firmly in their place with his performance in the 6-1 thrashing of Zaragoza and after the game he was interviewed on the Barca TV programme ‘El Marcador’. Messi made it clear the squad remain confident in their abilities: “we were relaxed – we knew who we are and what this squad could do”.

Grateful for the confidence shown in him

Messi also admitted: “I didn't have the happiest of times with the national team, nor in the Valencia game, but I always knew I'd bounce back. The most important thing is my teammates and they showed total confidence in me, which makes me feel more comfortable. The boss too – it's important how he makes you feel, both on and off the pitch. He takes particular interest in you as a human being, not just as a player”. Messi also thanked the fans for their support: “ they have been right behind me at all times, even forgiving me for some things I didn't do well”.

Praise for Keita and Ibra

Returning to the Zaragoza game, Messi commented: “they closed down at the back to begin with and we didn't start to find any space till the first goal went in. When we were ahead we played more relaxed and and were able to create more occasions”. It was Seydou Keita, a well loved figure in the squad, who opened the scoring and Messi was quick to praise him: “I'm happy for him, he's a great player and a great bloke, who always works hard for the rest of us. He really showed what he can do tonight”. Ibrahimovic was the other goalscorer and Messi commented: “he's got a lot of resources on the ground and in the air and we are building up a great understanding”.

European Player of the Year Award

Both Ibra and Messi are candidates for the European Footballer of the Year Award and Messi is a firm favourite for many observers, but the Argentinian insits that the important things are the collective achievements not the individual's: “last year we had a great season and now we are picking up these prizes. I hope someone from our team wins the award, it'll make the whole squad happy. I've always said that the most important thing for me is the group”.