31.01.2011 13:53

Abidal: “seven points are not many”

Anna Segura

Éric Abidal has demanded caution over the seven point lead the team have established over Real Madrid, warning: “a defeat can come along when you least expect it and that could leave Madrid right behind us again”.

The fans’ euphoria over the big lead the team have established over their eternal rivals at the top of La Liga isn’t matched amongst the players, who are determined to keep a clear head and focus on the next few months of hard work they’ll need to put in. Abidal insisted at a press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva this lunchtime: “seven points are not many. If we lose a couple of games, they’ll be right on our tails. We have to just keep working to try and win, there are a lot of games left and we shouldn’t be looking at what other teams are up to”•.

Guardiola’s message

The French defender explained that Guardiola, who had a long talk with his squad before training this morning, had made it clear that: “if we end up not winning anything, it will be our own fault. I know that if we carry on working as we have from the start of the season, it’s tough for anybody to beat us, or for another team to win the title”.

Keep the lead

The players are clear on the need to maintain their current lead though and Abidal believes that it’s not time to draw too many conclusions just yet: “there are still 17 games to go and that’s a lot. In 10 or 11 games time maybe we can look at where Madrid are in relation to us”.

Good form

On an individual level, Abidal is enjoying some great form and has been filling in for the injured Carles Puyol at centre back, but he puts his own performances down to the fact that: “the whole group is playing well. Things are working out fine for me” and although he admitted he preferred playing at full back, “the confidence the boss has in me is key. Also playing so many games means you get into a dynamic, you get on the right track and it’s easier to play”.

Keen to stay

Éric Abidal also commented on his ongoing contract negotiations with the club, explaining: “I want to finish my career here. I’m only 31 and football goes very fast. I’m studying what the Club have offered, but I feel fine here and I want to stay”.