..have done what he's done at FC Barcelona? You'll find that within the realms of his managerial career, having managed the Oranje in Euro 2000 and Sparta Rotterdam in 01/02 (Whom he lead to relegation) that there are still doubts as to whether he really is a top class manager, or whether the fact that he had Henk Ten Cate and what can be described as one of the most cohesive yet individually brilliant team in the world did most of the work for him.
In Euro 2000, having only previously served as an assistant coach, his abilities as a coach weren't known and he managed to take the Oranje to the semi-finals, losing out to eventual finalists Italy on penalties. As with Barça, that Dutch side played some tantalising football but his resignation following defeat put an end to that tenure as an NT manager. From there he took over Sparta Rotterdam, from whom he left under less friendly circumstances, having guided them to relegation for the first time in their history, and from where they only managed to escape from in the 2005/2006 season. His appointment at FC Barcelona raised eyebrows, but in a time where everything seemed to be changing, a refreshing manager with new ideals looked necessary.
Despite having who can only be described as an artist, in Ronaldinho, the first half of the season as everybody knows, was disappointing with Barça looking set to repeat the trauma's of the past year. Madrid was dominating and there were, as always, calls for Rijkaard's head on a platter. He remained however, and the loaning of Edgar Davids seemed to turn everything around with Ronaldinho being allowed the freedom he craves as a player to create, to attack and to torment the opposition and from then on, the rest is history.
Now, when you look at this team;
● Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Messi, Giuly, Ezquerro, Lopez (and now Gudjohnsen)
● Xavi, Deco, Iniesta, Edmilson, Motta, van Bommel
And though considered the weakest point of Barça, a backline that boasts;
● Puyol, Marquez, Gio, Sylvinho, Belletti, Oleguer and Victor Valdes (& Jorquera)
It's easy to say that 'Any team with Ronaldinho will win' but that hasn't been the case with the NT where Parreira's tactics seem to never suit what Ronaldinho needs and he doesn't flourish there like he does for Barça. Is Rijkaard still among the best managers in the world, in comparison to men like Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez, Fabio Capello, Carlo Ancelotti and so forth? Where does he rank amongst all these famous managers?
For anybody who doesn't know, Rijkaard employs a 4-3-3 or, what has said to be, a 4-1-2-2-1, encouraging a versatile front three attack.
-----------------------Eto'o---------------------
------Ronaldinho------------Lionel Messi-----
--------------Deco-----------Xavi--------------
--------------------Edmilson--------------------
-Gio------------------------------------Oleguer-
-----------Puyol-------------Marquez-----------
---------------------Valdes----------------------
Full Version: Moltes Gràcies Frank.
I think Rijkaard should thank his team, I don't beleive his tactics are the reason why Barça has won it for these two years.
Then again, thats my humble opinion.
Then again, thats my humble opinion.
QUOTE(Carlos™ @ Jul 3 2006, 09:41 PM) 
I think Rijkaard should thank his team, I don't beleive his tactics are the reason why Barça has won it for these two years.
Then again, thats my humble opinion.
Maybe not from his tactics, but his well grounded nature with the media during any 'crisis' or even success, and the respect he gets form players for his treatment of them could have a lot to do with getting the best out of the players he does have.
I guess on the one hand he had to deal with a team in horrible debt and about to colapse, but on the other hand he had the advantage of villar's help..... so who konws.
QUOTE(Confucius @ Jul 3 2006, 10:45 PM)
Maybe not from his tactics, but his well grounded nature with the media during any 'crisis' or even success, and the respect he gets form players for his treatment of them could have a lot to do with getting the best out of the players he does have.
I guess on the one hand he had to deal with a team in horrible debt and about to colapse, but on the other hand he had the advantage of villar's help..... so who konws.
Nice one Roga, very nice.
Although he did have Villar's help, I still think you need more than that to win the league, and the team was nothing short of great.
Plus, Villar can't help you in the CL, and the team won it.
I think Rijkaard should count his lucky stars the players were as hungry as they were, but now that some have won everything, could this hunger subside?
You could say that the players were hungrier for the CL, but they still retained the league. When does it come to the point when hunger subsides? What happened with Madrid, though it's said to be that the more successful players lost their hunger, is that they were also spoiled, they weren't made to work. It seems Rijkaard has struck a balance between enjoyment and work, thus Barça working hard but enjoying themselves as well. The dressing room atmosphere is excellent, thanks primarily to players like Ronaldinho who keep everybody happy and the man that is Rijkaard, who despite how he was in his playing days, has exerted a calming influence when the team looked set to break through the heavens.
I feel this team still wants to win more and more, and though it'll only get harder (with the opposition improving all the time), as long as their heads are down and they're focused and dedicated they can keep winning.
I feel this team still wants to win more and more, and though it'll only get harder (with the opposition improving all the time), as long as their heads are down and they're focused and dedicated they can keep winning.
How could you not smile after seeing such bad teeth?
Ronaldinho will always make people happy, and dentists fight over his insurance card.
Ronaldinho will always make people happy, and dentists fight over his insurance card.
QUOTE(Carlos™ @ Jul 4 2006, 01:10 PM)
How could you not smile after seeing such bad teeth?
Ronaldinho will always make people happy, and dentists fight over his insurance card.
I'm happy to have him.
I think in general there's a very caring attitude within the team. Everybody seems genuinely concerned for one another, and I don't remember any confirmed talks of bust-ups and problems, that you hear every month coming from other teams (United with Ronaldo and Ruud, Inter with Adriano and Veron, etc.)
The 'bad' experience of the world cup for players like Messi, Ronaldinho, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Gio, Van Bommel, Marquez, Giuly (by not getting picked), Edmilson (by missing out at the last minute due ot injury), will make them all hungry to dominate at club level.
Add to that the Gudjohnsen hunger to earn a place in the team, and we should be in a great spot.
Add to that the Gudjohnsen hunger to earn a place in the team, and we should be in a great spot.
He tried im my opinion as a coach, his tactics were spot on and we saw in the CL how his changes made impact to the game. Ten cate was a good assistant and this will be the season that defines Rijkaard best of whether he can stand on his own.
QUOTE(Carlos™ @ Jul 3 2006, 07:41 PM)
I think Rijkaard should thank his team, I don't beleive his tactics are the reason why Barça has won it for these two years.
Then again, thats my humble opinion.
Really? Because many people, including yourself, questioned his signings quite a bit. Heck, I questioned some of them too but things turned out all right.
While you can't deny that there are quality players in this side, I don't think that most of them have that 'mega-star' appeal. Most of them are just talented, hard-working players. The way Rijkaard has guided & motivated them is impressive. The unity in this squad is self-evident, both on and off the field.
And as far as tactics go, let's not forget that the 4-3-3 we employ relies a lot on having the right players. Even though Ten Cate is thought of as the mastermind behind the 4-3-3, Rijkaard is greatly responsible for making it work.
He's a coach that has learned from his mistakes, and that shows progression and the ability to learn. He's not stubborn like certain high-profile coaches out there, and his willingness to give the young players (from the cantera) a chance is admirable. He also knows how to handle the media and not come out looking like a sore loser, a la Moaninho.
I doubted Rijkaard at times (and he still makes mistakes at times), but I think that he can now be classified as one of the best coaches in the world. I'd say more, but I don't have time.
According to Sport Frank Rijkaard wants to have a small squad for next season. He prefers to have only 20 players in his first team, which means that only two players will be left out of the squad for each game. In case of injuries and suspensions in the first team, he wants to rely on players from Barca B.
the question that we need to ask is whether Frank Rijkaard would have brought Barcelona this much success without the squad he had at his disposal.The current squad has more quality than any club team in the world.
However i will give him credit for the fact that he doesnt screw up .He has definitely not done a bad job because if he did , the team wouldnt have been soo succesful irrespective of the quality.So he is definitely an above average coach - whether he will rate there with the best , only time will tell.
However i will give him credit for the fact that he doesnt screw up .He has definitely not done a bad job because if he did , the team wouldnt have been soo succesful irrespective of the quality.So he is definitely an above average coach - whether he will rate there with the best , only time will tell.
La Liga is tough on managers, but did you realize that Frank Rijkaard, just starting his 4th year as the manager of Barca, is the lonest serving manager in La Liga's current crop of managers/teams!?!?
That's what I read. Does anyone know of a manager with more than 3 years in their current team?
That's what I read. Does anyone know of a manager with more than 3 years in their current team?
I'd imagine Pellegrini at Villarreal comes next, now that Aguirre has moved to Atleti.
Why drop him? He's been successful and his attitude (calm yet focused) influences the players as well, allowing them to ignore the outside distractions and focus on the game. Tactics wise he's matured and could very well be regarded as one of the best in the world in that department, though then again when he's perfected a certain system and yes, I say perfected because the team is playing fluid attacking football with a great understanding that flows from the backline to the offense, which imo translates to a perfected formation. Even more so if this system wins games, and eventually trophies.
The value of experience
This is Frank Rijkaard's fourth season in charge at FC Barcelona, and that means he is the longest standing manager of any of the clubs in the Spanish First Division.
The 2006-07 league has started, and once again Barça are the team to beat. The longest serving manager of any of the twenty teams, Frank Rijkaard, has created a strong team and is aiming to make it three league titles in a row in 2006-07.
Other 'veterans'
The only managers that come close to Frank Rijkaards four years are Fernando Vázquez, who starts his third season in charge at Celta tonight against Barça (21.00, Barça TV), Manuel Pellegrini, in his third year at Villarreal for three years and Luis César Sampedro, who spent two years with Nastic Tarragona in the second division.
Many changes
As usual, this summer has seen plenty of the habitual changes in management in the Spanish league. Results matter, and if they arent coming, it is only too common for a new manager to be seen as the solution. Nearly half the teams in the Spanish top flight (nine in all) are starting the season with somebody new in charge, namely Real Madrid, Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Zaragoza, Athletic Club, Betis, Espanyol, Racing and Levante.
Consolidated project
Barça have also made considerably less changes to their squad than most other teams, with just three new signings in Thuram, Zambrotta and Gudjohnsen. Only Athletic Club Bilbao have brought in as few newcomers, while Deportivo La Coruña have signed as many as 13 and Racing Santander 11.
So many changes simply have not been required at FC Barcelona. The team is already gelling to perfection and there is no ned to risk changes to a winning formula that has already achieved so much.
QUOTE
IN DETAIL
Just 43 years old
Although he is the league's longest standing coach, Frank Rijkaard is anything but the oldest manager in the tournament. The Dutchman forms part of a small group of ex-players that have only recently turned 40 but have won their fame on the bench. Rijkaard (43), is joined in this group by Bakero (43), Valverde (42), Ziganda (40) and Quique Sánchez Flores (41). All considerably younger people than, for example Capello (60) and Irureta (58).
Just 43 years old
Although he is the league's longest standing coach, Frank Rijkaard is anything but the oldest manager in the tournament. The Dutchman forms part of a small group of ex-players that have only recently turned 40 but have won their fame on the bench. Rijkaard (43), is joined in this group by Bakero (43), Valverde (42), Ziganda (40) and Quique Sánchez Flores (41). All considerably younger people than, for example Capello (60) and Irureta (58).
This is Frank Rijkaard's fourth season in charge at FC Barcelona, and that means he is the longest standing manager of any of the clubs in the Spanish First Division.
The 2006-07 league has started, and once again Barça are the team to beat. The longest serving manager of any of the twenty teams, Frank Rijkaard, has created a strong team and is aiming to make it three league titles in a row in 2006-07.
Other 'veterans'
The only managers that come close to Frank Rijkaards four years are Fernando Vázquez, who starts his third season in charge at Celta tonight against Barça (21.00, Barça TV), Manuel Pellegrini, in his third year at Villarreal for three years and Luis César Sampedro, who spent two years with Nastic Tarragona in the second division.
Many changes
As usual, this summer has seen plenty of the habitual changes in management in the Spanish league. Results matter, and if they arent coming, it is only too common for a new manager to be seen as the solution. Nearly half the teams in the Spanish top flight (nine in all) are starting the season with somebody new in charge, namely Real Madrid, Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Zaragoza, Athletic Club, Betis, Espanyol, Racing and Levante.
Consolidated project
Barça have also made considerably less changes to their squad than most other teams, with just three new signings in Thuram, Zambrotta and Gudjohnsen. Only Athletic Club Bilbao have brought in as few newcomers, while Deportivo La Coruña have signed as many as 13 and Racing Santander 11.
So many changes simply have not been required at FC Barcelona. The team is already gelling to perfection and there is no ned to risk changes to a winning formula that has already achieved so much.
I suppose when you have continuity, you have a system that you can only improve.
This is the advantage that Rijkaard enjoys, he only needs to tweak here and there, while people like Capello need a whole new team to fit his style of coaching.
I think that maybe (and this is VERY VERY VERY hard for me to say) if Lux would had stayed, and his system would had worked, maybe he would had prospered... but I don't like the idea of learning "magical geometry" just to understand the coache's tactics, I'm sure the players agree.
This is the advantage that Rijkaard enjoys, he only needs to tweak here and there, while people like Capello need a whole new team to fit his style of coaching.
I think that maybe (and this is VERY VERY VERY hard for me to say) if Lux would had stayed, and his system would had worked, maybe he would had prospered... but I don't like the idea of learning "magical geometry" just to understand the coache's tactics, I'm sure the players agree.
QUOTE(Carlos™ @ Aug 28 2006, 11:22 PM)
I suppose when you have continuity, you have a system that you can only improve.
This is the advantage that Rijkaard enjoys, he only needs to tweak here and there, while people like Capello need a whole new team to fit his style of coaching.
Yea but he worked hard in order to be able to enjoy that continuity. When he first started, things weren't as rosy as they are now. Eventually he found a system that worked and it all took off from there. Three full seasons in charge now and 2 Ligas, 1 CL, 2 Spanish Supercups to show for it. May he continue to bring us that kind of success.
QUOTE(Carlos™ @ Aug 29 2006, 01:22 AM)
I suppose when you have continuity, you have a system that you can only improve.
This is the advantage that Rijkaard enjoys, he only needs to tweak here and there, while people like Capello need a whole new team to fit his style of coaching.
I think that maybe (and this is VERY VERY VERY hard for me to say) if Lux would had stayed, and his system would had worked, maybe he would had prospered... but I don't like the idea of learning "magical geometry" just to understand the coache's tactics, I'm sure the players agree.
Magical Geometry is good tactics though. Sure Lux wanted a magic box, but the system Rijkaard uses is all based on triangulation (seriously). All the space and movment and ball movement in the Barca system is based on triangulation. Lux had the right idea, just the wrong shape.
QUOTE(Barca 4 Life @ Aug 29 2006, 04:06 AM)
Yea but he worked hard in order to be able to enjoy that continuity. When he first started, things weren't as rosy as they are now. Eventually he found a system that worked and it all took off from there. Three full seasons in charge now and 2 Ligas, 1 CL, 2 Spanish Supercups to show for it. May he continue to bring us that kind of success.
And his 'bad' year was a second place finish (above Real Madrid!).
I have never seen Rijkaard like he was yesterday. He actually showed emotion! And I loved it! Everything I felt, he showed. When they scored he would get upset. When we scored he was jumping up and down. When we missed a chance he was sad again. It was great. He usually doesn't show any emotion. But yesterday he was jumping up and down when we got the winning goal. I would love for him to show that kind of emotion every game.
QUOTE(Carles Puyol @ Aug 29 2006, 10:06 AM)
I have never seen Rijkaard like he was yesterday. He actually showed emotion! And I loved it! Everything I felt, he showed. When they scored he would get upset. When we scored he was jumping up and down. When we missed a chance he was sad again. It was great. He usually doesn't show any emotion. But yesterday he was jumping up and down when we got the winning goal. I would love for him to show that kind of emotion every game.
I have to agree with u on that i would love a coach like that BTW Gudjohns goal was out oo this world. but yeah i think that thats how a coah should be when real played real zaragoza in the second match when ever real scored lopez caro did not show that joy and happiness that frank was showing yesterday even after RC scored the frouth goal an we needed one goal left lopez caro looked like he did not care at all i would be jumping celebrating. and i liked that alot about frank yesterday that was real nice that he was showing emotion like that
that just proves that this goes beyond just a job they are like a family
Rijkaard one of UEFA's top coaches
Frank Rijkaard has been selected by UEFA to take part in the 8th annual forum of elite coaches from around Europe, which will take place on the 31st of August and 1st of September.
The rise of FC Barcelona in recent years has not gone unnoticed by UEFA. A week ago Puyol, Deco, Eto'o and Ronaldinho took top honours in Monaco, now it's the turn of Frank Rijkaard. Rijkaard received an invitation to take part in the 8th annual forum of top coaches, organized by UEFA.
Themes of the debate
Many themes will be discussed regarding play and other rules of competition. The point of the meeting between coaches is to take decisions and to underpin the changes that will be made in the future; The format of the champions league, the role of the coaches and that of the referees and what course of action will have to be taken.
Rijkaard will not be alone
Barça coach, Frank Rijkaard, will share ideas and concepts with other trainers from across European football scene. Frank Rijkaard, current world cup winner Marcello Lippi, Champions league finalist Arsene Wenger, current UEFA cup winner Juando Ramos etc., will be some of the protagonists present along with Fabio Capello (Real Madrid) and Felix Magath (Bayern Munich).
QUOTE
IN DETAIL
Barça always represented
FC Barcelona has always been represented through one form or another at the forum of top coaches in the last 8 meetings. Louis Van Gaal, Carles Rexach or Llorenç Serra Ferrer all previous coaches of Barça, have all been present at one stage or another.
Barça always represented
FC Barcelona has always been represented through one form or another at the forum of top coaches in the last 8 meetings. Louis Van Gaal, Carles Rexach or Llorenç Serra Ferrer all previous coaches of Barça, have all been present at one stage or another.
Frank Rijkaard has been selected by UEFA to take part in the 8th annual forum of elite coaches from around Europe, which will take place on the 31st of August and 1st of September.
The rise of FC Barcelona in recent years has not gone unnoticed by UEFA. A week ago Puyol, Deco, Eto'o and Ronaldinho took top honours in Monaco, now it's the turn of Frank Rijkaard. Rijkaard received an invitation to take part in the 8th annual forum of top coaches, organized by UEFA.
Themes of the debate
Many themes will be discussed regarding play and other rules of competition. The point of the meeting between coaches is to take decisions and to underpin the changes that will be made in the future; The format of the champions league, the role of the coaches and that of the referees and what course of action will have to be taken.
Rijkaard will not be alone
Barça coach, Frank Rijkaard, will share ideas and concepts with other trainers from across European football scene. Frank Rijkaard, current world cup winner Marcello Lippi, Champions league finalist Arsene Wenger, current UEFA cup winner Juando Ramos etc., will be some of the protagonists present along with Fabio Capello (Real Madrid) and Felix Magath (Bayern Munich).
I love rijkaard.. He's the reason Messi's still himself and stays pure and get's the room to grow at a good pace.. he protects him and i'll always be thankfull for that ..
he protects him and i'll always be thankfull for that ..
What's with all this nonsense about his team? I suppose people think that his team simply dropped on his lap? Before Rijkaard came to Barcelona, the team had spent more money on 'superstar' players and failed. Van Gaal had spent on Saviola, Riquelme, Overmars, Petit, Kluivert, etc etc and had failed. Mourinho buys any player he wants, so does Ferguson. Ancelloti inherits the most talented squad, and makes crazy buys for Nesta, etc. Capello buys every available superstar on the market, and yet when these teams win, no one ever talks about the manager lacking in tactical skill, being lucky,or having to thank his team.
Frank always gets doubted for his tactical skills, and yet as a player he was one of the most tactically aware to play the game; in his last years at Ajax when they won the CL, he was essentially the second coach. Perhaps he doesn't get the credit because he is black. Perhaps he doesn't get the credit because people expected him fail, or perhaps he doesn’t get the credit because he appears so humble and shuns the light. What people forget is that it is precisely this public image that allows egos like Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Deco, etc to coexist. Or even the media whore that is Laporta who wants every credit for Barca’s resurrection. If Frank were to leave Barcelona today, you would see the team's success drop.
You ungrateful twerps who seemingly take everything for granted need to better appreciate a manager who will turn out to be the most successful in modern Barca history.
Frank always gets doubted for his tactical skills, and yet as a player he was one of the most tactically aware to play the game; in his last years at Ajax when they won the CL, he was essentially the second coach. Perhaps he doesn't get the credit because he is black. Perhaps he doesn't get the credit because people expected him fail, or perhaps he doesn’t get the credit because he appears so humble and shuns the light. What people forget is that it is precisely this public image that allows egos like Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Deco, etc to coexist. Or even the media whore that is Laporta who wants every credit for Barca’s resurrection. If Frank were to leave Barcelona today, you would see the team's success drop.
You ungrateful twerps who seemingly take everything for granted need to better appreciate a manager who will turn out to be the most successful in modern Barca history.
Whoa calm down there. Regardless of how much tactical nous the man holds, he does make tactical errors at times just like any manager could. I don't think theres any cule that doesn't appreciate Rijkaard.
QUOTE(Puyol_Vieira @ Sep 2 2006, 12:09 PM)
What's with all this nonsense about his team? I suppose people think that his team simply dropped on his lap? Before Rijkaard came to Barcelona, the team had spent more money on 'superstar' players and failed. Van Gaal had spent on Saviola, Riquelme, Overmars, Petit, Kluivert, etc etc and had failed. Mourinho buys any player he wants, so does Ferguson. Ancelloti inherits the most talented squad, and makes crazy buys for Nesta, etc. Capello buys every available superstar on the market, and yet when these teams win, no one ever talks about the manager lacking in tactical skill, being lucky,or having to thank his team.
Frank always gets doubted for his tactical skills, and yet as a player he was one of the most tactically aware to play the game; in his last years at Ajax when they won the CL, he was essentially the second coach. Perhaps he doesn't get the credit because he is black. Perhaps he doesn't get the credit because people expected him fail, or perhaps he doesn’t get the credit because he appears so humble and shuns the light. What people forget is that it is precisely this public image that allows egos like Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Deco, etc to coexist. Or even the media whore that is Laporta who wants every credit for Barca’s resurrection. If Frank were to leave Barcelona today, you would see the team's success drop.
You ungrateful twerps who seemingly take everything for granted need to better appreciate a manager who will turn out to be the most successful in modern Barca history.
This was a good post till you made that comment. Who ever said that we didn't appreciate Rijkaard? Chill out man...he isn't the coach for nothing...he and his coaching staff brought a system to Barca that needed a certain cast of characters to work. Now he has his cast and it's wonderful times now for Barca. It's just like Total Futbol with Cruyff in the 70's. You need all the pieces of the puzzle to fit to have a finished product. Everyone understands this. I've never doubted Rijkaard even when things didn't start out all grand and perfect... I knew that with the right players he'd have success.
Hey guys tell me what archievements does Ten Cate have as a Coach that would make people think he is responsible for Barca Tactics??
I'm not defending Frank, i just wanna know about Ten Cate, thats all.
And how is Ajax doing since he has take over there?? Really dont know much about Ten cate history i will be grateful if someone can tell me about him and the reason why people hold him above Frank interms of tactics.
Thank you.
I'm not defending Frank, i just wanna know about Ten Cate, thats all.
And how is Ajax doing since he has take over there?? Really dont know much about Ten cate history i will be grateful if someone can tell me about him and the reason why people hold him above Frank interms of tactics.
Thank you.
From Wikipedia:
"Earlier Ten Cate was successful in leading Sparta Rotterdam, Vitesse Arnhem and NAC Breda. With Sparta he won the Dutch Cup in 1996, he led Vitesse to a third position in the Dutch Eredivisie in 1998, and he successfully guided NAC Breda to a European ticket in 2003."
"Earlier Ten Cate was successful in leading Sparta Rotterdam, Vitesse Arnhem and NAC Breda. With Sparta he won the Dutch Cup in 1996, he led Vitesse to a third position in the Dutch Eredivisie in 1998, and he successfully guided NAC Breda to a European ticket in 2003."
He won the Dutch Super Cup against PSV with Ajax this season quite convincingly. 3-1 win.
QUOTE(Mujeriego @ Sep 2 2006, 10:52 PM)
He won the Dutch Super Cup against PSV with Ajax this season quite convincingly. 3-1 win.
But also got knocked out early from CL
, right?
Indeed. Though Ajax are back in, seeing as Portugal are suspended from European competition meaning there are three new spots available, taken by Osasuna, Chievo and Ajax.
If the suspension stands of course.
If the suspension stands of course.
Portugal are suspended from European competition? 
When and why did this happen?
When and why did this happen?
No, it's not funny. 
Well basically, Gil Vicente who got relegated last season and were found to have an ineligible player playing for them took an appeal to a civil court, which is strictly against FIFA statutes in involving those courts with footballing matters. As a result FIFA has been strongly pushing for suspension from European competition for the clubs (Benfica, Sporting and Porto) and even the NT from Euro 2008 as long as Gil Vicente (the biggest nothing club you could ask for) continue this appeal. The president refuses to let up, and everything will be settled by the 23rd apparently, but if he doesn't budge those three clubs will be suspended and the NT from Euro 2008, in which case Osasuna, Ajax and Chievo take their spots. I don't know what happens with Portugal, I assume they just drop from the group.
Bit ridiculous considering they're punishing clubs that didn't do anything wrong, and how lenient they were on Italy.
Well basically, Gil Vicente who got relegated last season and were found to have an ineligible player playing for them took an appeal to a civil court, which is strictly against FIFA statutes in involving those courts with footballing matters. As a result FIFA has been strongly pushing for suspension from European competition for the clubs (Benfica, Sporting and Porto) and even the NT from Euro 2008 as long as Gil Vicente (the biggest nothing club you could ask for) continue this appeal. The president refuses to let up, and everything will be settled by the 23rd apparently, but if he doesn't budge those three clubs will be suspended and the NT from Euro 2008, in which case Osasuna, Ajax and Chievo take their spots. I don't know what happens with Portugal, I assume they just drop from the group.
Bit ridiculous considering they're punishing clubs that didn't do anything wrong, and how lenient they were on Italy.
Found this article on Rijkaard, quite a good read:
Mister Cool
Marcus Christenson
Sunday October 15, 2006
The Observer
He manages the world's most popular club side, he is expected to deliver trophies every season, yet he turns up for work totally relaxed - the ultimate chilled Dutchman. His players at Barcelona love him, his wife says he's 'a bit weird'. What is the secret of Frank Rijkaard's success?
He is the feted coach of the reigning European champions, admired by professionals and fans alike, but remove Frank Rijkaard from the safe surroundings of football and his absent-mindedness reaches staggering proportions. 'There are some empty spaces up there,' his former Milan team-mate Marco van Basten once admitted. 'His memory is not his strongest point, if we put it like that.'
His wife, Monique, gives a similar insight into what life with Rijkaard, 44, is like: 'He is a bit weird. You'd sit there and ask him a really important question and he will turn around and say, "You know what, the ice cream up here in Lake Como is really good".
Rijkaard's detachment may dismay his wife but, according to Dolf Roks, who worked alongside Rijkaard for a season in Holland, it is one of the main reasons he thrives in football. 'He never gets angry in front of the players,' says Roks, who was assistant coach to Rijkaard at Sparta Rotterdam five years ago. 'He is always calm and that makes the players feel calm and confident. He is able to completely switch off when he leaves the training ground or the stadium after a game.
'The pressure? I don't know where he puts it, but it is certainly gone by the time he gets home. I don't understand how he does it. I thought about football 24 hours a day but he doesn't, and because of that he comes into work completely relaxed the next day.'
Nowadays Rijkaard can afford to be relaxed. His Barcelona team come to London this week to play Chelsea in the Champions League as probably the most admired team in the world. But the Dutchman has not always had it so easy. He struggled in his first six months in charge at Camp Nou. In December 2003, after a dismal run of three defeats in four games, the papers called him a 'coward' and splashed the word 'guilty' alongside pictures of him.
It was not the first time questions had been raised about Rijkaard's ability as a coach. 'He was a great player but I think he might be too quiet to become a great coach,' Johan Cruyff once said. It looked as though Cruyff had a point after Rijkaard's second job in management, at Sparta, ended in May 2002. Sparta were relegated and Rijkaard was accused of being too placid, too relaxed. He was more Sven-Goran Eriksson than Jose Mourinho - and it did not seem to work.
After the Sparta experience, Rijkaard took a break from management and worked on a book about how to run a football club, which he spent months researching but never wrote. In July 2003, however, he made the most unexpected and dramatic of returns when he was appointed Barcelona manager by the newly elected president, Joan Laporta. Rijkaard would never have got the job unless Cruyff, now a convert, had not recommended him, and Laporta's choice was considered a huge gamble. 'Some people doubted Rijkaard as a coach [after Sparta] but I never did,' Roks said. 'True, he is a very nice, very humble man but people have to remember that he is first and foremost a winner. He has always won things and will continue to do so as a coach. We didn't have that bad a season at Sparta, despite being relegated. There were a lot of other things going on, a lot of financial difficulties, and many players knew they would be released long before the season had ended. It is not easy to work under those circumstances.
'Frank still wanted to stay after we were relegated. I think that says a lot about him. The only thing that he couldn't face was that his salary was responsible for several players having to leave. He offered to take a 50 per cent pay cut but Sparta could not even afford that. So he decided that it was best for everyone if he left.'
In December 2003 Rijkaard's coaching career was at a crossroads. Barcelona were twelfth in La Liga and he could not afford another six months of mediocrity. Rijkaard did something drastic - he turned the Catalan press against his players.
'One day, to be honest, I was forced into saying that the real reason for our bad results was too many players were going out at night,' he told L'Equipe earlier this year. 'In private we talked about it and I was fortunate enough to have a group of intelligent and responsible players. Over the following months, we made up 18 points on Real Madrid to finish second in La Liga.'
'The club had lost that winning mentality,' says Rijkaard. 'There was a mix of sadness and disillusionment when I arrived. I always thought if we were at that stage with the talented players that were around, something was fundamentally wrong. They weren't playing as a team.
'It was important to create a new framework and to develop a different atmosphere to give the players that desire to work together and to help each other. But, above all, we had to make them into a team of winners. To rebuild the culture of victory they had lost. They approved of the way I wanted to take things forward, gave me their word and we signed a moral contract.'
Almost three years later and Rijkaard still enjoys the unwavering support of his players. Last season, Barca, who outplayed Chelsea to knock them out in the last 16, went on to win the Champions League. They could be even stronger this season.
Xavi, one of the best midfielders in the world, is back after missing six months of last season with ruptured knee ligaments. Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta arrived from Juventus and Eidur Gudjohnsen was signed to replace Henrik Larsson.
Samuel Eto'o is out for five months with a knee injury, but Rijkaard still has an array of attacking options - Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Gudjohnsen, Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola as well as the youngsters Santiago Ezquerro and Giovani.
It is Barcelona's defence that holds the key to Rijkaard's coaching philosophy, though. Barca have had the best defensive record in Spain for the past two seasons. In the Champions League semi-finals against Milan, they were so effective that one wondered which team was Italian.
It is a surprising development given that Rijkaard, when he played in the great Milan team in the late 1980s and early 1990s, used to fall asleep during Arrigo Sacchi's tactical briefings. Rijkaard graced the San Siro pitch for five years, winning two European Cups. He admits that Sacchi has had a major influence on his style of coaching. 'Someone said that my coaching is a combination of Milan's defensive discipline and the Dutch propensity for attacking football and I think that is a fair description,' he says. 'I try to merge the two schools of thought. There is a part of football I would describe as "serious" and one part I would describe as more "playful", ie more technical.
'When I say serious I mean that the players have to take more responsibility, play like a team and work defensively together when it is needed. The goal is always to win. I am completely uninterested in playing beautiful football if the team doesn't win. There have to be moments when you are just looking for a result. My players are fully aware of this.'
Rijkaard extols the virtues of players such as Edmilson and Rafael Marquez, who often occupy the crucial position in front of the back four and make sure Barca keep their balance. All his players - bar one - have to perform their positional duties in order for Barca to work as a whole. The exception is not difficult to guess. 'Ronaldinho is the only one who has a free role,' Rijkaard says. 'He normally starts in midfield but then becomes more of an attacker as the game progresses.
'Because he doesn't do any defensive work I want the rest of the team to balance that. So when he leaves his flank it is important that the other three midfielders move in that direction, or we can end up with a lot of open space for our opponents to attack if we lose the ball.'
Midfielder Deco, agrees that Barcelona are well organised but says that they are still far more entertaining than Chelsea.
'Of course he [Rijkaard] likes the team to defend well, but his priority is to attack,' Deco says. 'I'm sure a defender would have a better time playing in a Mourinho team. We take more risks than Chelsea but we play better - with more quality.
'For example, when we play at home and the opposition come to close down, he doesn't think it's necessary to play with a defensive "pivot" midfielder and puts in Andres Iniesta to give the team what it needs, which is good distribution from the back so the ball gets circulated quickly. They're details which make a great difference and imprint a certain style. Rijkaard is always looking at the opposition goal.'
Rijkaard's man-management skills are facing a stern test as he tries to revive Ronaldinho, who still seems to be suffering from a mild bout of post-World Cup malaise, like Wayne Rooney. But Rijkaard has been quick to defend his star player.
'We've seen his performances drop but there's no reason to be worried,' he says. 'He's doing what he can and that's enough because he works for the team. He isn't a machine or a robot. Sometimes we forget he is a human being.'
Rijkaard is fully aware that he needs to be as much a psychologist as a football coach at a club such as Barcelona. He sees the players first and foremost as human beings - and then footballers. He knows from his playing career - he once, famously, left an Ajax training session shouting at Johan Cruyff to **** off and vowed never to play for the club again - that it is important for the players to feel appreciated.
'He can read people and knows how to get the best out of them,' says Roks. 'And even though he is very calm, he has made sure that he has a bit of a pitbull working with him, someone who can have a go at the players if necessary. Last season it was Henk Ten Cate and when he left he appointed Johan Neeskens as his assistant, someone who has a bit of bite in him.'
Deco, who chose to join Rijkaard at Barcelona rather than his former coach Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in 2004, says: 'Frank's a unique coach, different to all the rest. For me he is the ideal manager for Barcelona.'
'There won't be any ice cream in his head on Wednesday,' the goalkeeper Victor Valdes said last week. 'With us he's always focused on football. His mind never wanders off the job. He's always on it.'
Mister Cool
Marcus Christenson
Sunday October 15, 2006
The Observer
He manages the world's most popular club side, he is expected to deliver trophies every season, yet he turns up for work totally relaxed - the ultimate chilled Dutchman. His players at Barcelona love him, his wife says he's 'a bit weird'. What is the secret of Frank Rijkaard's success?
He is the feted coach of the reigning European champions, admired by professionals and fans alike, but remove Frank Rijkaard from the safe surroundings of football and his absent-mindedness reaches staggering proportions. 'There are some empty spaces up there,' his former Milan team-mate Marco van Basten once admitted. 'His memory is not his strongest point, if we put it like that.'
His wife, Monique, gives a similar insight into what life with Rijkaard, 44, is like: 'He is a bit weird. You'd sit there and ask him a really important question and he will turn around and say, "You know what, the ice cream up here in Lake Como is really good".
Rijkaard's detachment may dismay his wife but, according to Dolf Roks, who worked alongside Rijkaard for a season in Holland, it is one of the main reasons he thrives in football. 'He never gets angry in front of the players,' says Roks, who was assistant coach to Rijkaard at Sparta Rotterdam five years ago. 'He is always calm and that makes the players feel calm and confident. He is able to completely switch off when he leaves the training ground or the stadium after a game.
'The pressure? I don't know where he puts it, but it is certainly gone by the time he gets home. I don't understand how he does it. I thought about football 24 hours a day but he doesn't, and because of that he comes into work completely relaxed the next day.'
Nowadays Rijkaard can afford to be relaxed. His Barcelona team come to London this week to play Chelsea in the Champions League as probably the most admired team in the world. But the Dutchman has not always had it so easy. He struggled in his first six months in charge at Camp Nou. In December 2003, after a dismal run of three defeats in four games, the papers called him a 'coward' and splashed the word 'guilty' alongside pictures of him.
It was not the first time questions had been raised about Rijkaard's ability as a coach. 'He was a great player but I think he might be too quiet to become a great coach,' Johan Cruyff once said. It looked as though Cruyff had a point after Rijkaard's second job in management, at Sparta, ended in May 2002. Sparta were relegated and Rijkaard was accused of being too placid, too relaxed. He was more Sven-Goran Eriksson than Jose Mourinho - and it did not seem to work.
After the Sparta experience, Rijkaard took a break from management and worked on a book about how to run a football club, which he spent months researching but never wrote. In July 2003, however, he made the most unexpected and dramatic of returns when he was appointed Barcelona manager by the newly elected president, Joan Laporta. Rijkaard would never have got the job unless Cruyff, now a convert, had not recommended him, and Laporta's choice was considered a huge gamble. 'Some people doubted Rijkaard as a coach [after Sparta] but I never did,' Roks said. 'True, he is a very nice, very humble man but people have to remember that he is first and foremost a winner. He has always won things and will continue to do so as a coach. We didn't have that bad a season at Sparta, despite being relegated. There were a lot of other things going on, a lot of financial difficulties, and many players knew they would be released long before the season had ended. It is not easy to work under those circumstances.
'Frank still wanted to stay after we were relegated. I think that says a lot about him. The only thing that he couldn't face was that his salary was responsible for several players having to leave. He offered to take a 50 per cent pay cut but Sparta could not even afford that. So he decided that it was best for everyone if he left.'
In December 2003 Rijkaard's coaching career was at a crossroads. Barcelona were twelfth in La Liga and he could not afford another six months of mediocrity. Rijkaard did something drastic - he turned the Catalan press against his players.
'One day, to be honest, I was forced into saying that the real reason for our bad results was too many players were going out at night,' he told L'Equipe earlier this year. 'In private we talked about it and I was fortunate enough to have a group of intelligent and responsible players. Over the following months, we made up 18 points on Real Madrid to finish second in La Liga.'
'The club had lost that winning mentality,' says Rijkaard. 'There was a mix of sadness and disillusionment when I arrived. I always thought if we were at that stage with the talented players that were around, something was fundamentally wrong. They weren't playing as a team.
'It was important to create a new framework and to develop a different atmosphere to give the players that desire to work together and to help each other. But, above all, we had to make them into a team of winners. To rebuild the culture of victory they had lost. They approved of the way I wanted to take things forward, gave me their word and we signed a moral contract.'
Almost three years later and Rijkaard still enjoys the unwavering support of his players. Last season, Barca, who outplayed Chelsea to knock them out in the last 16, went on to win the Champions League. They could be even stronger this season.
Xavi, one of the best midfielders in the world, is back after missing six months of last season with ruptured knee ligaments. Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta arrived from Juventus and Eidur Gudjohnsen was signed to replace Henrik Larsson.
Samuel Eto'o is out for five months with a knee injury, but Rijkaard still has an array of attacking options - Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Gudjohnsen, Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola as well as the youngsters Santiago Ezquerro and Giovani.
It is Barcelona's defence that holds the key to Rijkaard's coaching philosophy, though. Barca have had the best defensive record in Spain for the past two seasons. In the Champions League semi-finals against Milan, they were so effective that one wondered which team was Italian.
It is a surprising development given that Rijkaard, when he played in the great Milan team in the late 1980s and early 1990s, used to fall asleep during Arrigo Sacchi's tactical briefings. Rijkaard graced the San Siro pitch for five years, winning two European Cups. He admits that Sacchi has had a major influence on his style of coaching. 'Someone said that my coaching is a combination of Milan's defensive discipline and the Dutch propensity for attacking football and I think that is a fair description,' he says. 'I try to merge the two schools of thought. There is a part of football I would describe as "serious" and one part I would describe as more "playful", ie more technical.
'When I say serious I mean that the players have to take more responsibility, play like a team and work defensively together when it is needed. The goal is always to win. I am completely uninterested in playing beautiful football if the team doesn't win. There have to be moments when you are just looking for a result. My players are fully aware of this.'
Rijkaard extols the virtues of players such as Edmilson and Rafael Marquez, who often occupy the crucial position in front of the back four and make sure Barca keep their balance. All his players - bar one - have to perform their positional duties in order for Barca to work as a whole. The exception is not difficult to guess. 'Ronaldinho is the only one who has a free role,' Rijkaard says. 'He normally starts in midfield but then becomes more of an attacker as the game progresses.
'Because he doesn't do any defensive work I want the rest of the team to balance that. So when he leaves his flank it is important that the other three midfielders move in that direction, or we can end up with a lot of open space for our opponents to attack if we lose the ball.'
Midfielder Deco, agrees that Barcelona are well organised but says that they are still far more entertaining than Chelsea.
'Of course he [Rijkaard] likes the team to defend well, but his priority is to attack,' Deco says. 'I'm sure a defender would have a better time playing in a Mourinho team. We take more risks than Chelsea but we play better - with more quality.
'For example, when we play at home and the opposition come to close down, he doesn't think it's necessary to play with a defensive "pivot" midfielder and puts in Andres Iniesta to give the team what it needs, which is good distribution from the back so the ball gets circulated quickly. They're details which make a great difference and imprint a certain style. Rijkaard is always looking at the opposition goal.'
Rijkaard's man-management skills are facing a stern test as he tries to revive Ronaldinho, who still seems to be suffering from a mild bout of post-World Cup malaise, like Wayne Rooney. But Rijkaard has been quick to defend his star player.
'We've seen his performances drop but there's no reason to be worried,' he says. 'He's doing what he can and that's enough because he works for the team. He isn't a machine or a robot. Sometimes we forget he is a human being.'
Rijkaard is fully aware that he needs to be as much a psychologist as a football coach at a club such as Barcelona. He sees the players first and foremost as human beings - and then footballers. He knows from his playing career - he once, famously, left an Ajax training session shouting at Johan Cruyff to **** off and vowed never to play for the club again - that it is important for the players to feel appreciated.
'He can read people and knows how to get the best out of them,' says Roks. 'And even though he is very calm, he has made sure that he has a bit of a pitbull working with him, someone who can have a go at the players if necessary. Last season it was Henk Ten Cate and when he left he appointed Johan Neeskens as his assistant, someone who has a bit of bite in him.'
Deco, who chose to join Rijkaard at Barcelona rather than his former coach Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in 2004, says: 'Frank's a unique coach, different to all the rest. For me he is the ideal manager for Barcelona.'
'There won't be any ice cream in his head on Wednesday,' the goalkeeper Victor Valdes said last week. 'With us he's always focused on football. His mind never wanders off the job. He's always on it.'
Nice article.
I've blamed Rijkaard for a lot this season, and sure he hasn't made the best decisions, but with what he has had at his disposal, I think he did a pretty good job. Anyway, I like Rijkaard more than ever now. I can't see anyone else managing Barca except him.
I've blamed Rijkaard for a lot this season, and sure he hasn't made the best decisions, but with what he has had at his disposal, I think he did a pretty good job. Anyway, I like Rijkaard more than ever now. I can't see anyone else managing Barca except him.
From The look on FR' face in the 1st training session its clear that things will be different from last year there is no room for laziness
haha serious Mr Rijjkard. daaamn, can't wait for the season to start!
Yes the relaxed FR from last year is gone, for the most part, we can tell this is a different team in terms of attitude, they are hungry again, something we did not see much of last year.
Good to see but come on, he could have had that face just for a second the the paparazzi caught it. i think Rijkaard will always be laid back and Calm but just needs to incert a slight bit of aggression and he will be one of the best managers
The Pre-Season Frank Interview from FCB official web page:
Rijkaard pleased with performances to date
Sandra Sarmiento
Four days before the league campaign gets under way, Frank Rijkaard has spoken about his expectations for the season. He seems more than satisfied with everything he has seen so far.
Santander will be the first stop this Sunday in a rollercoaster ride that won’t end until Barça go to Murcia on May 18, 2008. But for Frank Rijkaard and his squad, work started back on July 21, and today he spoke exclusively to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat and explained that he is more than impressed with the side’s performances in the pre-season.
What have you enjoyed most about the team up until now and what needs changing?
"The team’s attitude has been very good. We worked to get results, even though it was normal enough for the players not to be on full form from the first day. But I liked the seriousness, and they way we got results despite the circumstances. They have done pretty well."
But in the pre-season the results aren’t what really matters …
"It is important to develop our game. I know we have some great players, they are capable of doing great things on the pitch. But in the pre-season it is also important, before you have hit full form, to play against other teams that already have a head start, that are physically stronger, but to keep organised and not allow them to create too many chances. I think we got it right in that respect. Now we need to keep working hard and grow towards what we want."
Is the game with Bayern a good example in that respect? Is the team now ready to start the league?
"Still not completely. We are getting better and the team is improving on the pitch, but there are still things to improve. Bayern had their chances in the first half. In the second half we were better positioned. It’s a process. Our attitude was generally good, but the team still gives me the feeling that there is room for improvement."
Touré Yayá has been given a lot to do in these friendlies. What do you expect from his inclusion?
"He is one more player for a certain position and can do a lot to help the team. We mustn’t forget that we started the season without Márquez and with Edmilson injured. He has worked well and will be great for us in that position."
So, what you are saying is that just because he played all the games doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a place in the starting line up?
"It means something, just that you mustn’t forget that neither Márquez nor Edmilson were there. So there were fewer options for changes. That’s not to say that he hasn’t had a great pre-season and was a very important player for us."
The club has transfer listed Motta and Ezquerro. What will happen if they haven’t been found teams by the 31st? Will they be used like any other members of the team?
"Yes, they deserve to be. They have been with us for a lot of years and I have to say that since the start of the season they have worked very well indeed."
After missing out on the last league, do you think the players are especially motivated?
"I have to say that they are working hard, all of the players, but that includes the new ones who weren’t here last season. There have certainly been changes in players’ attitudes, but we can’t make comparisons with last year. We are working well but it is too early to draw conclusions. They are working well not just on the field but as a group as well, they form a tight unit. These things can only help us."
In Pretoria, after last season ended, you spoke about responsibility, demands and regulating players’ conduct. Is the squad aware of what you have planned for them this season?
"Up to now I get the feeling that they are. But that isn’t to say that it is not something we need to focus our attention on. Let’s see what happens, but we’ll keeping a good eye on these things, by controlling and analysing the way the team is operating. But looking at the squad right now, discipline really isn’t an issue. Everybody is committed and working hard."
Have you detected any big changes lately?
"There is no point talking about the past. Sure, everybody has had their experiences and has their motivation and honour. We are doing everything to make that pride come out, for things to go well, and we have all the ingredients. We have great players, we know a lot is expected of them. That’s they way it should be and we have to demonstrate that on the field."
Do you feel it will be a tough challenge to manage a squad containing 22 potential starters?
"I hope it goes well, but it’s not a special challenge. We want a big squad, and I think the job will be quite easy. We have intelligent players who know that in this sport you can’t win anything on your own. You need your team mates, and that means all of the players are important. From number 1 to number 25 or 26. And the more unity, respect and companionship, the better it is for the team and our chances of winning things. You can’t win anything on your own. You have to work, you have to be serious and you have to do things to help your team mates on the pitch, to get the results we need."
And they understand that?
"They do at the moment."
A lot has been said about the four forwards, Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho and Henry. What will we need to see all four playing together?
"It depends on the opposition’s line-up, fitness, injuries, training… They could play together but there are a lot of factors that can affect that."
Sevilla showed in the Super Cup that they are still going strong. Are they the team to beat this season?
"They’re among the candidates. A good side."
If the team maintains its humility and plays responsibly, are they favourites for the title?
"Yes, of course they are."
Rijkaard pleased with performances to date
Sandra Sarmiento
Four days before the league campaign gets under way, Frank Rijkaard has spoken about his expectations for the season. He seems more than satisfied with everything he has seen so far.
Santander will be the first stop this Sunday in a rollercoaster ride that won’t end until Barça go to Murcia on May 18, 2008. But for Frank Rijkaard and his squad, work started back on July 21, and today he spoke exclusively to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat and explained that he is more than impressed with the side’s performances in the pre-season.
What have you enjoyed most about the team up until now and what needs changing?
"The team’s attitude has been very good. We worked to get results, even though it was normal enough for the players not to be on full form from the first day. But I liked the seriousness, and they way we got results despite the circumstances. They have done pretty well."
But in the pre-season the results aren’t what really matters …
"It is important to develop our game. I know we have some great players, they are capable of doing great things on the pitch. But in the pre-season it is also important, before you have hit full form, to play against other teams that already have a head start, that are physically stronger, but to keep organised and not allow them to create too many chances. I think we got it right in that respect. Now we need to keep working hard and grow towards what we want."
Is the game with Bayern a good example in that respect? Is the team now ready to start the league?
"Still not completely. We are getting better and the team is improving on the pitch, but there are still things to improve. Bayern had their chances in the first half. In the second half we were better positioned. It’s a process. Our attitude was generally good, but the team still gives me the feeling that there is room for improvement."
Touré Yayá has been given a lot to do in these friendlies. What do you expect from his inclusion?
"He is one more player for a certain position and can do a lot to help the team. We mustn’t forget that we started the season without Márquez and with Edmilson injured. He has worked well and will be great for us in that position."
So, what you are saying is that just because he played all the games doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a place in the starting line up?
"It means something, just that you mustn’t forget that neither Márquez nor Edmilson were there. So there were fewer options for changes. That’s not to say that he hasn’t had a great pre-season and was a very important player for us."
The club has transfer listed Motta and Ezquerro. What will happen if they haven’t been found teams by the 31st? Will they be used like any other members of the team?
"Yes, they deserve to be. They have been with us for a lot of years and I have to say that since the start of the season they have worked very well indeed."
After missing out on the last league, do you think the players are especially motivated?
"I have to say that they are working hard, all of the players, but that includes the new ones who weren’t here last season. There have certainly been changes in players’ attitudes, but we can’t make comparisons with last year. We are working well but it is too early to draw conclusions. They are working well not just on the field but as a group as well, they form a tight unit. These things can only help us."
In Pretoria, after last season ended, you spoke about responsibility, demands and regulating players’ conduct. Is the squad aware of what you have planned for them this season?
"Up to now I get the feeling that they are. But that isn’t to say that it is not something we need to focus our attention on. Let’s see what happens, but we’ll keeping a good eye on these things, by controlling and analysing the way the team is operating. But looking at the squad right now, discipline really isn’t an issue. Everybody is committed and working hard."
Have you detected any big changes lately?
"There is no point talking about the past. Sure, everybody has had their experiences and has their motivation and honour. We are doing everything to make that pride come out, for things to go well, and we have all the ingredients. We have great players, we know a lot is expected of them. That’s they way it should be and we have to demonstrate that on the field."
Do you feel it will be a tough challenge to manage a squad containing 22 potential starters?
"I hope it goes well, but it’s not a special challenge. We want a big squad, and I think the job will be quite easy. We have intelligent players who know that in this sport you can’t win anything on your own. You need your team mates, and that means all of the players are important. From number 1 to number 25 or 26. And the more unity, respect and companionship, the better it is for the team and our chances of winning things. You can’t win anything on your own. You have to work, you have to be serious and you have to do things to help your team mates on the pitch, to get the results we need."
And they understand that?
"They do at the moment."
A lot has been said about the four forwards, Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho and Henry. What will we need to see all four playing together?
"It depends on the opposition’s line-up, fitness, injuries, training… They could play together but there are a lot of factors that can affect that."
Sevilla showed in the Super Cup that they are still going strong. Are they the team to beat this season?
"They’re among the candidates. A good side."
If the team maintains its humility and plays responsibly, are they favourites for the title?
"Yes, of course they are."
Have you seen the pictures of FR in the official website? He looks different, I'm not talking about the stubble and extra weight he put on, there's something different about his face. He looks more determined or angry even...
Rijkaard looks extra badass. Looks like he isn't going to take bullshit this year. I have to say I like his attitude.
And thanks for the interview Confucius. Rijkaard seems confident and it is like he has everything under control. He seems just as ready as the players to kick ass this year. I can't wait.
I missed this part of the interview, sorry:
Have you been surprised by Giovanni during the pre-season?
"Not surprised because he played for us during the last pre-season and you could immediately see that he is a talented player with a strong future. I wasn’t surprised but what we need to find out now is whether he is able to do all that again, how he performs. I have to say he is doing very well so far."
Bojan played well in Scotland. Now he’s at the Under 17 World Cup. Do you think the fact he has been away has affected his chances in comparison to other players?
"Fear never helps. You just accept the situation. It’s the way things go, he has to play for his country. No problem. When he comes back, he will be on strong form and then we’ll have to wait and see what happens. I think we are all happy that Bojan is a Barça player and hope he keeps improving like he is. But personally I don’t think he’s lost any advantage. I hope he has a great tournament and then comes back to do things for us."
Have you been surprised by Giovanni during the pre-season?
"Not surprised because he played for us during the last pre-season and you could immediately see that he is a talented player with a strong future. I wasn’t surprised but what we need to find out now is whether he is able to do all that again, how he performs. I have to say he is doing very well so far."
Bojan played well in Scotland. Now he’s at the Under 17 World Cup. Do you think the fact he has been away has affected his chances in comparison to other players?
"Fear never helps. You just accept the situation. It’s the way things go, he has to play for his country. No problem. When he comes back, he will be on strong form and then we’ll have to wait and see what happens. I think we are all happy that Bojan is a Barça player and hope he keeps improving like he is. But personally I don’t think he’s lost any advantage. I hope he has a great tournament and then comes back to do things for us."
This new season seems to bring FR to show his badass face. It's like everytime the cameraman clicks, he shows a badass face. I like. I think to say this season is gonna be our retaliation against Madrid's title last season will be an understatement. We'll make em look like lil girls with ponytails cryin'. Heehee.
Rijkaard: "It all looks very positive"
Frank Rijkaard is looking ahead to the new season with a renewed sense of excitement and expectancy and the hope that last year's mistakes are not repeated. He is also pleased with the rise of the club's youngsters and the professionalism of his team
The Dutch coach has revealed that he has been pleased with the way things have started this year for the Blaugrana. In an interview with Spanish news agency EFE, the Barça trainer talked about his feelings at the beginning of the term: "There are new elements, new ways of doing things that are working very well," he explained. "During pre-season I have seen a good attitude from everyone and the arrival of young players like Giovani (Dos Santos) Bojan (Krkic) and Marc Crosas have to be taken into account. With everything added together, it all looks very positive."
The same winning philosophy
A club like FC Barcelona has to maintain its status at the highest level, according to Rijkaard: "My task continues to be one of working as hard as I can," he continued. We have the squad to be successful and for the club and our supporters it is important that we are always at the top. One season you can win three or four trophies and the next year only one but you always have to be up there competing and giving your best. You have to maintain the philosophy that the board and the technical director want and to always be there competing for honours."
Giovani and Bojan
The rise to prominence of Dos Santos and Krkic is something else that has pleased Rijkaard. Looking at the Mexican starlet, the coach said: "He has improved a lot physically. We knew about what he was capable of last season, but now I think he is much stronger. He is a great talent and has improved even more." On Krkic, the Dutchman admitted that the maturity of the 17-year-old was unusual. "I have seen Bojan during pre-season and we have seen very early on what a talent he has. He has not had much of a break and that is maybe why in some games has tired, but for the way he reads the game and his decision making ability shows what a mature player he is for his age."
Touré and Deco
Reflecting on the new arrivals to the club over the summer, Rijkaard highlighted Touré Yaya. "He has made a great start," the coach said. "He has adapted very well and I am happy for both him and the team. I do not know yet whether his arrival was the most important, but we have to remember that with other players, like (Rafa) Márquez, Edmílson or (Thiago) Motta, in his position we won trophies."
Rijkaard was also keen to focus on Deco: "He is in great form," he continued. "In the last game against Athletic Bilbao he helped give us rhythm. He is still a very important player for us and gives us something special that not everyone is able to do."
Down to experience
Looking back is not one Rijkaard's favourite pass-times as he prefers to talk about the present and the future and he was not prepared to reflect on last year for too long. "When happened last season now forms part of our experience and we have to look forward," he said. "I believe that failed on too many occasions, although I do not believe that we gave the league away as we never had it to begin to give away. The most difficult moment was against Getafe in the Copa del Rey. That affected us a lot."
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"I have not seen much of Madrid this season"
When asked about the new-look Real Madrid and their start to the season, Rijkaard had little to say: "I think that they have started well," he explained. "They have done well so far, but their is a long way to and we all have to work ahead. I do not think that they will be our only rivals in the fight fot the league, although I have to admit that I have not seen much of them this season."
When asked about the new-look Real Madrid and their start to the season, Rijkaard had little to say: "I think that they have started well," he explained. "They have done well so far, but their is a long way to and we all have to work ahead. I do not think that they will be our only rivals in the fight fot the league, although I have to admit that I have not seen much of them this season."
Frank Rijkaard is looking ahead to the new season with a renewed sense of excitement and expectancy and the hope that last year's mistakes are not repeated. He is also pleased with the rise of the club's youngsters and the professionalism of his team
The Dutch coach has revealed that he has been pleased with the way things have started this year for the Blaugrana. In an interview with Spanish news agency EFE, the Barça trainer talked about his feelings at the beginning of the term: "There are new elements, new ways of doing things that are working very well," he explained. "During pre-season I have seen a good attitude from everyone and the arrival of young players like Giovani (Dos Santos) Bojan (Krkic) and Marc Crosas have to be taken into account. With everything added together, it all looks very positive."
The same winning philosophy
A club like FC Barcelona has to maintain its status at the highest level, according to Rijkaard: "My task continues to be one of working as hard as I can," he continued. We have the squad to be successful and for the club and our supporters it is important that we are always at the top. One season you can win three or four trophies and the next year only one but you always have to be up there competing and giving your best. You have to maintain the philosophy that the board and the technical director want and to always be there competing for honours."
Giovani and Bojan
The rise to prominence of Dos Santos and Krkic is something else that has pleased Rijkaard. Looking at the Mexican starlet, the coach said: "He has improved a lot physically. We knew about what he was capable of last season, but now I think he is much stronger. He is a great talent and has improved even more." On Krkic, the Dutchman admitted that the maturity of the 17-year-old was unusual. "I have seen Bojan during pre-season and we have seen very early on what a talent he has. He has not had much of a break and that is maybe why in some games has tired, but for the way he reads the game and his decision making ability shows what a mature player he is for his age."
Touré and Deco
Reflecting on the new arrivals to the club over the summer, Rijkaard highlighted Touré Yaya. "He has made a great start," the coach said. "He has adapted very well and I am happy for both him and the team. I do not know yet whether his arrival was the most important, but we have to remember that with other players, like (Rafa) Márquez, Edmílson or (Thiago) Motta, in his position we won trophies."
Rijkaard was also keen to focus on Deco: "He is in great form," he continued. "In the last game against Athletic Bilbao he helped give us rhythm. He is still a very important player for us and gives us something special that not everyone is able to do."
Down to experience
Looking back is not one Rijkaard's favourite pass-times as he prefers to talk about the present and the future and he was not prepared to reflect on last year for too long. "When happened last season now forms part of our experience and we have to look forward," he said. "I believe that failed on too many occasions, although I do not believe that we gave the league away as we never had it to begin to give away. The most difficult moment was against Getafe in the Copa del Rey. That affected us a lot."
Rijkaard sees no favourite
Frank Rijkaard is thoroughly looking forward to the Copa Catalunya final against Gimnastic Tarragona. He says it will be “a good experience for the reserve players”.
After the semi final win against Girona, this is Barça’s first final of the season, in which they will face the side currently lying fifth in the second division. Most of the Barça side will be reserves, and Rijkaard says “you can’t speak of favourites. The truth is there are lots of reserve team players and this will be a great experience for them. It won’t be easy for them but they are all looking forward to it”.
Positive vibes.
Frank Rijkaard will not have much of a chance to get his team ready for Sunday’s game with Osasuna, as his international players will not be back until Thursday. He knows that there is still room for improvement following the 3-1 win over Bilbao last week. “Our criteria are always based on the last game we play. We started well and got worse from there on, but the team reacted well and it is important to keep working along those lines”.
Laporta’s comments
After the first official game of the season at the Camp Nou, Joan Laporta told Barça TV that “we have to keep working because the team needs to grow. We are getting into the right tone, but it is not the one we want quite yet”. Frank Rijkaard appreciates these views, and said “the president wants to show how enthusiastic we are and wants the team to work and win big things. I think that’s good, because the only thing we want is for Barça to win”. Asked how he and the president are getting on, the FC Barcelona manager made it clear that “on a personal and professional level we have a good relationship. From the start until now. I have a lot of respect for him and think he is doing a great job”.
Naming names
Ronaldinho was singled out for comment by the Barça manager, who said “I think he has a great attitude, he is committed and is gradually finding his form”. He is also glad to have Gudjohnsen back to full fitness, commenting that “he has recovered from his injury and he worked hard to do that.
He is one more member of the squad right now”. He finally added how impressed he is with Bojan and Giovani, and was asked what he made of the rumours that other clubs are after their services. “The club is working to ensure they stay at Barça” he said. Bojan Krkic has attracted plenty of attention following his outstanding performances at the Under 17 World Cup, and Rijkaard says “he is a member of our squad. That his role, and that is role and everybody’s role”.
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In favour of Catalonia v USA
Last week the RFEF decided to forbid the Catalonia v USA friendly international on October 14 from being staged. Rijkaard said “I would like the game to be played because it is always a great event when Catalonia play matches. It would be a shame if the game couldn’t go ahead”.
Last week the RFEF decided to forbid the Catalonia v USA friendly international on October 14 from being staged. Rijkaard said “I would like the game to be played because it is always a great event when Catalonia play matches. It would be a shame if the game couldn’t go ahead”.
Frank Rijkaard is thoroughly looking forward to the Copa Catalunya final against Gimnastic Tarragona. He says it will be “a good experience for the reserve players”.
After the semi final win against Girona, this is Barça’s first final of the season, in which they will face the side currently lying fifth in the second division. Most of the Barça side will be reserves, and Rijkaard says “you can’t speak of favourites. The truth is there are lots of reserve team players and this will be a great experience for them. It won’t be easy for them but they are all looking forward to it”.
Positive vibes.
Frank Rijkaard will not have much of a chance to get his team ready for Sunday’s game with Osasuna, as his international players will not be back until Thursday. He knows that there is still room for improvement following the 3-1 win over Bilbao last week. “Our criteria are always based on the last game we play. We started well and got worse from there on, but the team reacted well and it is important to keep working along those lines”.
Laporta’s comments
After the first official game of the season at the Camp Nou, Joan Laporta told Barça TV that “we have to keep working because the team needs to grow. We are getting into the right tone, but it is not the one we want quite yet”. Frank Rijkaard appreciates these views, and said “the president wants to show how enthusiastic we are and wants the team to work and win big things. I think that’s good, because the only thing we want is for Barça to win”. Asked how he and the president are getting on, the FC Barcelona manager made it clear that “on a personal and professional level we have a good relationship. From the start until now. I have a lot of respect for him and think he is doing a great job”.
Naming names
Ronaldinho was singled out for comment by the Barça manager, who said “I think he has a great attitude, he is committed and is gradually finding his form”. He is also glad to have Gudjohnsen back to full fitness, commenting that “he has recovered from his injury and he worked hard to do that.
He is one more member of the squad right now”. He finally added how impressed he is with Bojan and Giovani, and was asked what he made of the rumours that other clubs are after their services. “The club is working to ensure they stay at Barça” he said. Bojan Krkic has attracted plenty of attention following his outstanding performances at the Under 17 World Cup, and Rijkaard says “he is a member of our squad. That his role, and that is role and everybody’s role”.
Rijkaard wants unity and confidence
Ahead of Barça’s Champions League 2007-08 debut against Olympique Lyon, Frank Rijkaard has asked for everybody to stick together and be confident about the game.
It hasn’t been the best start to the season, just one home win and two away draws, but the Barça manager wants to make sure that the players and fans stay united, and also called upon the media for their support. Frank Rijkaard knows that the build-up to such a crunch match as Wednesday’s against Olympique Lyon at the Camp Nou is not the time for stirring up trouble, and also asked people to stop referring to last season.
Call for unity
“I get the feeling that both people and the press are still talking about last year. The team is working well and I sense a good dynamic. It is as if people want Barça to lose or draw, and the squad don’t deserve that. Every season there are moments when you have to suffer, and that is when we need our fans more than ever, because if we are united, we are stronger.” Strong words from the Barça manager.
Frank Rijkaard feels that it is more important for his team to put on an impressive performance than the actual result. The Dutch manager of FC Barcelona commented that “at the start of the season we have not been up to the tasks set before us and we need to work on an image of being hard-working and united.”
International commitments
Frank Rijkaard was never a big one for making excuses, but he did feel FC Barcelona were at a disadvantage before their 0-0 draws with Racing and Osasuna, because “they came straight after a large number of our players had been away on international duty, and that does affect things…I’m not looking for excuses but these are things that have to be taken into account. Some players have travelled a lot, and that takes away their strength and energy.”
How to beat Olympique
Going back to the Champions League debut, Frank Rijkaard feels his team needs “desire, eagerness, companionship, unity and help” to beat the opposition, Olympique Lyon, “who are strong and can make things difficult.” Speaking about the French side and the fact that they are better prepared at this stage of the season, the manager said “that’s something to be taken into account, but at the same time we can hardly say that we aren’t into our rhythm. That is no excuse, we have to make sure we are prepared to play against a great side.”
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Barça favourites?
Both Olympique Lyon boss Alain Perrin and his player Juninho have agreed that FC Barcelona are the favourites for the game at the Camp Nou. Frank Rijkaard is not a fan of being handed the favourites tag and added that “it is always important to get a good result out of home games. It will be an interesting game against a good side, and hope the crowd enjoys the show” he said
Both Olympique Lyon boss Alain Perrin and his player Juninho have agreed that FC Barcelona are the favourites for the game at the Camp Nou. Frank Rijkaard is not a fan of being handed the favourites tag and added that “it is always important to get a good result out of home games. It will be an interesting game against a good side, and hope the crowd enjoys the show” he said
Ahead of Barça’s Champions League 2007-08 debut against Olympique Lyon, Frank Rijkaard has asked for everybody to stick together and be confident about the game.
It hasn’t been the best start to the season, just one home win and two away draws, but the Barça manager wants to make sure that the players and fans stay united, and also called upon the media for their support. Frank Rijkaard knows that the build-up to such a crunch match as Wednesday’s against Olympique Lyon at the Camp Nou is not the time for stirring up trouble, and also asked people to stop referring to last season.
Call for unity
“I get the feeling that both people and the press are still talking about last year. The team is working well and I sense a good dynamic. It is as if people want Barça to lose or draw, and the squad don’t deserve that. Every season there are moments when you have to suffer, and that is when we need our fans more than ever, because if we are united, we are stronger.” Strong words from the Barça manager.
Frank Rijkaard feels that it is more important for his team to put on an impressive performance than the actual result. The Dutch manager of FC Barcelona commented that “at the start of the season we have not been up to the tasks set before us and we need to work on an image of being hard-working and united.”
International commitments
Frank Rijkaard was never a big one for making excuses, but he did feel FC Barcelona were at a disadvantage before their 0-0 draws with Racing and Osasuna, because “they came straight after a large number of our players had been away on international duty, and that does affect things…I’m not looking for excuses but these are things that have to be taken into account. Some players have travelled a lot, and that takes away their strength and energy.”
How to beat Olympique
Going back to the Champions League debut, Frank Rijkaard feels his team needs “desire, eagerness, companionship, unity and help” to beat the opposition, Olympique Lyon, “who are strong and can make things difficult.” Speaking about the French side and the fact that they are better prepared at this stage of the season, the manager said “that’s something to be taken into account, but at the same time we can hardly say that we aren’t into our rhythm. That is no excuse, we have to make sure we are prepared to play against a great side.”
Rijkaard: “We deserved the win”
Frank Rijkaard was delighted with his team’s 2-1 win against Sevilla and stressed: “We deserved the win”.
Rijkaard reminded reporters of his comments before the match: “It was vital to keep growing as a team. We’ve beaten a very well organised opponent and taken three very important points. Anyone that saw the match has to say that we deserved the win”.
Praise for Messi
Lionel Messi, who scored both of Barça’s goals, was undoubtedly the star of the match. The Argentine striker dedicated his first goal to team-mate Ronaldinho, who was ruled out of contention at the last moment due to a calf problem. According to Frank Rijkaard: “Messi is playing really well. I very much liked the fact that, after the first goal, he remembered his team-mate. It shows that he’s got a cool head because when you score a goal you normally only think about celebrating”.
Pity about the Sevilla goal
Frank Rijkaard preferred not to draw any comparisons between the performance last night and the one against Lyon: “I don’t want to compare matches”. He congratulated his players while at the same time regretting the Sevilla goal in the 90th minute: “The last goal was a pity. It gave us some anxious final moments”.
Praise for Touré Yaya
Finally, Rijkaard assured reporters that he was not worried about Ronaldinho and then singled out Touré Yaya for a special mention: “Touré comes as no surprise. He’s adapted very quickly, reads the game really well and has plenty of tactical discipline. He makes life difficult for any opponent”.
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Sunday training at 11 am
The FC Barcelona senior squad will train on Sunday morning at 11 am to recover from their efforts against Sevilla. Then it will be time to focus on next weekend’s home match against Zaragoza (10 pm).
The FC Barcelona senior squad will train on Sunday morning at 11 am to recover from their efforts against Sevilla. Then it will be time to focus on next weekend’s home match against Zaragoza (10 pm).
Frank Rijkaard was delighted with his team’s 2-1 win against Sevilla and stressed: “We deserved the win”.
Rijkaard reminded reporters of his comments before the match: “It was vital to keep growing as a team. We’ve beaten a very well organised opponent and taken three very important points. Anyone that saw the match has to say that we deserved the win”.
Praise for Messi
Lionel Messi, who scored both of Barça’s goals, was undoubtedly the star of the match. The Argentine striker dedicated his first goal to team-mate Ronaldinho, who was ruled out of contention at the last moment due to a calf problem. According to Frank Rijkaard: “Messi is playing really well. I very much liked the fact that, after the first goal, he remembered his team-mate. It shows that he’s got a cool head because when you score a goal you normally only think about celebrating”.
Pity about the Sevilla goal
Frank Rijkaard preferred not to draw any comparisons between the performance last night and the one against Lyon: “I don’t want to compare matches”. He congratulated his players while at the same time regretting the Sevilla goal in the 90th minute: “The last goal was a pity. It gave us some anxious final moments”.
Praise for Touré Yaya
Finally, Rijkaard assured reporters that he was not worried about Ronaldinho and then singled out Touré Yaya for a special mention: “Touré comes as no surprise. He’s adapted very quickly, reads the game really well and has plenty of tactical discipline. He makes life difficult for any opponent”.
Rijkaard: "I have seen a great team"
Rijkaard believes that the key to FC Barcelona's emphatic triumph against Real Zaragoza was the unity shown by his side as they hit four goals in the opening 45 minutes to clinch victory. "I have seen a great team and a real togetherness," he said.
The Dutch coach congratulated his players after their third straight win at Camp Nou was secured thanks to two goals from Leo Messi and one apiece from Andrés Iniesta and Rafa Márquez. "I was impressed by the work-rate, mentality and pressure shown by the team that allowed us to play some great football," he continued. "The team worked well together and the fans reacted with enthusiasim. I thought the relationship between the players and the crowd was great to see. When the team plays well the technical side of the play is more noticable and everything has made this a very good night for Barça."
A good mentality
One fine example of the players working with each other during the game was "their capacity to react after (Alberto) Zapater had equalised", Rijkaard said. "Also when we were 4-1 ahead, we continued to try and extend our lead. Everything start with a good mentality, how we work and how we play together. "Hard work and talent went hand-in-hand tonight."
Messi and Henry
Reflecting on another strong performance from Lionel Messi, the Blaugrana coach said that the youngster "was oustanding". He then spoke about Henry's unfortunate luck in front of goal. "The most important thing is that he is creating a lot of chances and playing a big part in the game," Rijkaard said. "It is just a question of time. He did hold the ball up very well for Messi's first goal."
Praise for Ronaldinho
During the game the Barça fans chanted the name of Ronaldinho, despite the Brazilian not being in attendance on Wednesday evening. "That encouraged the players," Rijkaard said. "Showing unity is what everyone wants. We more people are together, we are stronger."
Zaragoza’s qualities
Finally, Rijkaard wanted to make it clear that despite the convincing victory "it was never easy". He continued: "Zaragoza is a team with a lot of quality and if you give them space then they can punish you at any moment. It is a pity that we did not score more though."
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Laporta pleased with three wins
Joan Laporta was also delighted with the convincing victory against Real Zaragoza as he echoed Frank Rijkaard's words of praise and encouragement to the players. "The unity was great and I hope that the players continue working like that," he said. "There are a lot of players with ability to win games and tonight the whole team played well. I could not pick out an individual."
The FC Barcelona president was also pleased that "we have had three important home game and we have won all of them and by playing very well". He was also pleased with the public support for Ronaldinho. "We are all with Ronaldinho," Laporta explained. "He is a key member of this team and I hope that he, and Samuel Eto'o, return to action soon. They have to be part of this team. I liked the fans singing for Ronaldindo a lot."
Laporta concluded by saying how satisfied he was with the first year of the agreement between Unicef and FC Barcelona.
Joan Laporta was also delighted with the convincing victory against Real Zaragoza as he echoed Frank Rijkaard's words of praise and encouragement to the players. "The unity was great and I hope that the players continue working like that," he said. "There are a lot of players with ability to win games and tonight the whole team played well. I could not pick out an individual."
The FC Barcelona president was also pleased that "we have had three important home game and we have won all of them and by playing very well". He was also pleased with the public support for Ronaldinho. "We are all with Ronaldinho," Laporta explained. "He is a key member of this team and I hope that he, and Samuel Eto'o, return to action soon. They have to be part of this team. I liked the fans singing for Ronaldindo a lot."
Laporta concluded by saying how satisfied he was with the first year of the agreement between Unicef and FC Barcelona.
Rijkaard believes that the key to FC Barcelona's emphatic triumph against Real Zaragoza was the unity shown by his side as they hit four goals in the opening 45 minutes to clinch victory. "I have seen a great team and a real togetherness," he said.
The Dutch coach congratulated his players after their third straight win at Camp Nou was secured thanks to two goals from Leo Messi and one apiece from Andrés Iniesta and Rafa Márquez. "I was impressed by the work-rate, mentality and pressure shown by the team that allowed us to play some great football," he continued. "The team worked well together and the fans reacted with enthusiasim. I thought the relationship between the players and the crowd was great to see. When the team plays well the technical side of the play is more noticable and everything has made this a very good night for Barça."
A good mentality
One fine example of the players working with each other during the game was "their capacity to react after (Alberto) Zapater had equalised", Rijkaard said. "Also when we were 4-1 ahead, we continued to try and extend our lead. Everything start with a good mentality, how we work and how we play together. "Hard work and talent went hand-in-hand tonight."
Messi and Henry
Reflecting on another strong performance from Lionel Messi, the Blaugrana coach said that the youngster "was oustanding". He then spoke about Henry's unfortunate luck in front of goal. "The most important thing is that he is creating a lot of chances and playing a big part in the game," Rijkaard said. "It is just a question of time. He did hold the ball up very well for Messi's first goal."
Praise for Ronaldinho
During the game the Barça fans chanted the name of Ronaldinho, despite the Brazilian not being in attendance on Wednesday evening. "That encouraged the players," Rijkaard said. "Showing unity is what everyone wants. We more people are together, we are stronger."
Zaragoza’s qualities
Finally, Rijkaard wanted to make it clear that despite the convincing victory "it was never easy". He continued: "Zaragoza is a team with a lot of quality and if you give them space then they can punish you at any moment. It is a pity that we did not score more though."
Sunday is Rijkaards Birthday. He'll be 45. Quite young for such an accomplished manager.
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