FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.11.2009 20:01

Guardiola has blind faith in team

Jordi Clos

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was unable to confirm if Ibra and Messi will be fit in time for the Inter clash but insisted that whoever plays, Barça will be up to the task.

Just 24 hours ahead of Barça v Inter, it seems that all eyes are on the injury problems of Ibrahimovic and Messi. However, at this evening’s press conference, Pep Guardiola declined to clarify the situation: “We won’t know until tomorrow. We’re doing everything possible to get them ready. The doctors haven’t promised me anything, nor ruled anything out”. However, whatever happens, he’s convinced the team will respond: “I don’t now if Ibra and Messi will be there, but we’ll play. They’re very important but if it can’t be then others will take their place. Remember that everything we’ve done we’ve done together”.

A message for the fans

Guardiola spoke directly to the fans: “If they’re nervous when they come they’ll see that they’ll be excited after 5 or 10 minutes. The important thing is us. If we generate good sensations the fans will help us”. As for the return of former Barça striker Samuel Eto’o to the Camp Nou: “We have marvellous fans and he’ll get the reception he deserves – which is great”.

Inter a great team

The Cameroon striker is the main attraction of an Inter Milan side Guardiola defined as: “A great team. They’re leaders of the Italian league, with the most prestigious manager of the moment, who changes systems a lot during the match. They’re all internationals so it’s a very strong team”. Given the strength of Inter Milan Guardiola isn’t ruling out an attacking approach: “Their virtue is that they can play every way possible”. One thing is for sure; Barça will definitely take the game to the Italian champions: “Whatever happens in Kazan, we will try to win the match. There’s no other way to play here”.

A difficult group

If Rubin beat Dynamo Kiev, Barça will have no room for error. Even so, Guardiola is staying calm: “There are two matchdays left. We have to get four points and I think we can. The squad’s strong. When I saw the group I thought that it would be decided in the last two matchdays”.