The current contract stipulates that the contract renewal could be taken by the Club at any time before June 15th 2011.

“A demanding, but rewarding challenge”

Following the news, Andoni Zubizarreta spoke to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona about the new deal and expressed his satisfaction with the contract extension: “it’s not easy to make a valuation of a new contract extension when it is for you yourself. I have been very lucky to have been here since last July doing the job that Txiki did. I’m thrilled to be here and happy with what the future holds, knowing that the challenge is demanding, but very attractive”. As for the best and worst of the job so far, Zubi explained that “the injuries, especially Abidal’s illness have been tough and the good times are just too many to mention”.

“Remain competitive”

Zubi went on to explain what his job will involve over the next two seasons: “in professional football, the aim has to be to remain competitive, stay loyal to our style and evolve our way of playing, giving the professional teams all the resources they need. Next season we will have the new Masia and with the facilities we have, (Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper), we have to be capable of creating synergies together to help make the project grow”.

Happy with Bernabéu performance

Andoni Zubizarreta also commented on Saturday’s game in Madrid.: “I’m very happy with the impression we gave because we stuck to our own style in a game that was very tight and full of fouls. From the moment they went 0-1 down, Madrid needed to call on all their history and tradition, but the draw leaves us closer to the title’.

As to Wednesday’s Cup Final. Zubi reckons: “ a final is a one off game and it all comes down to little details. We have to be capable of creating situations so that those little things happen. The two teams know each other well and whoever can keep to their game plan will have the upper hand”.