Barcelona With Difficulties Focusing On Werder

First Team
Tuesday, 22.11.2005 / 08:58

It was difficult to recognise that Monday evenings press conference related to Barcelona versus Werder Bremen, so massive is the euphoria in Catalan after the Spanish champions 3:0 win over Real Madrid at the weekend.

It was difficult to recognise that Monday evenings press conference related to Barcelona versus Werder Bremen, so massive is the euphoria in Catalan after the Spanish champions 3:0 win over Real Madrid at the weekend. 90% of all questions focused on that win with Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard receiving a round of applause from the Spanish media on his arrival. The coach himself, on the other hand, was less than comfortable with the atmosphere.

 

"We've got to stop thinking about last Saturday, the game against Werder is very important", said Rijkaard who appeared to be the only person aware of the abilities of the Bremen side. "We've got to remember that there's always a special spirit when German team s play away from home and are always difficult to play against." The trainer was insistant that his team are prepared for the task ahead: "We've got to respect them, they have a strong team which scored six goals on Saturday. Aside from that, we know that the level in the Champions League is very high - we can't afford to relax at any point."

 

It remains questionable as to whether he managed to reach his players with his comments. Defender Marquez was still brillianting on Monday: "I've never experienced a game against such an opponent as I the match on Saturday. That will go down in history." Then the Mexican was ready to praise his team-mate Ronaldinho for his outstanding performance: "We all know that he's on another level but his feet are still on the ground." Marquez saved his comments about Werder until later: "We'll look forward now and continue working. We know Werder can still qualify and that will make it difficult but we'll win anyway."

 

It was Rijkaard himself that admitted to the fact that it's not easy to concentrate on the Champions League with his comments before announcing to the media that the final training session would be opened to the fans: "We have nothing to hide and we want to be there for our supporters." The Dutchman then admitted he will be resting some of his stars: "It's a good time now to give other players a chance. We have to accept that not everyone can always play and we need to think on the collective team. I've spoken to the side about this and they understand."

 

Werder are not about to allow themselves to be blinded by the comments and relaxed surroundings in Barcelona - they are still expecting a tough tie, as Miroslav Klose explained: "They can perform at the top level with their second or third team so it would be a mistake to see that as an advantage for us. Barca remain clear favourite no matter who they put out." Thomas Schaaf agrees: "You can really talk about a second selection with he Spaniards when as trainer you have to decide if you'll play Messi or Giuli. This team is favourite to win the Champions League so the demands upon us will be very high."

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