FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.12.2009 14:28

“A derby is special and difficult”

Jordi Clos

Pep Guardiola and Barça are looking forward to the derby with Espanyol, and the idea is to keep up the momentum against what the manager considers a very good side.

Barça have such a hectic schedule at the moment that they have not been able to approach the derby as they might do normally, but Pep Guardiola has said “it is always special and difficult. There is a lot of history behind this and it is always an honour to play.” He has still not forgotten the game last season, which ended in defeat at the Camp Nou. In today’s press conference, he said “this is not about revenge.” He expects to face a “similar Espanyol, playing with a strong dynamic that will be coming to get us.”

Utmost respect

Guardiola, as usual, only spoke of his opponent’s virtues. “More than a derby, we are playing a very good team. I don’t think there is as much of a difference between us as the table suggests. With Pochettino they have been impeccable, apart from the last few games … he is Argentinian and knows how to get aggression out of his players.”

No time to recover

That is why Guardiola knows what kind of game it will be. “It won’t be rough, but I know there will be contact. We’ll try to limit that, and commit very few fouls and to make the game flow.” His main concern is for the team to be “mentally and physically prepared” because they have a heavy fixture schedule. “We have just played a terribly tough match, we used up a lot of energy. And we haven’t had much time to recover.”

Call to the fans

That is why Pep Guardiola has this message for the fans: “We need a hand, whatever happens. We will need them … The players are as ready as ever. And we will still be ready tomorrow. It is a joy to watch them.” A good result is important going into the World Clubs Cup, for as he says “it will do us good to win before we play the semi final”.