Frank Rijkaard is well aware of the threat that Real Zaragoza pose after recent results against them and has warned his players that they will have to be at their best to take all three points from this weekend's game.
The Dutch coach believes that Víctor Muñoz's side will be highly-motivated for the match on Saturday in La Romareda and is preparing his squad. "My team ormally plays well and we did against Zaragoza in the cup too," Rijkaard explained. "But we know that they grow in confidence against the big teams. They are a strong and forceful side and they will be fierce in the tackle against us. They lift themselves when they play us and we shall be ready for that."
Despite losing in the Copa Del Rey against Zaragoza, the Barça trainer does not think that will influence this game. "When a team has already beaten us it is impossible to change. But football always gives you a second chance. My team does not need any extra motivation. We only want to focus on this Saturday's match with Zaragoza and that has nothing do with other games."
Recovery time
With only 72 hours between the game against Chelsea and the match in Zaragoza, Rijkaard has had to ensure his players are ready for the next outing. "The team has had to recover quickly and we have worked hard to achieve that with light training sessions. We all know that Zaragoza are a good team and that against us they are always strong." Ronaldinho received a knock on the ankle at Stamford Bridge, but has been given the green light to play this weekend: "He received a strong blow against Chelsea, but he is already back and will be able to play," Rijkaard said. "Even so, it still hurts him a little."
Right and wrong
While Barça face a tough task, Valencia entertain Getafe and Real Madrid host Mallorca, but Rijkaard does not think that the fact that the Balugrana's nearest rivals have, arguably, easier games, will add any pressure. "I do not believe in definitive outcomes," he said. "I also do not think that it is right to be thinking about right or wrong. In football these things sometime happen. Against teams lower down you have to pay more attention."
Oleguer and Ezquerro rested
After announcing the 18-man squad for the game, Rijkaard explained why he chose to omit Oleguer and Santiago Ezquerro. "I have rested them because I have more players. Oleguer has played a lot of games. In Ezquerro's case the choice has been more difficult, but I have other players.
"I am very pleased with how Oleguer has been playing. He is one of the players who always gives everything. He is always ready to help the team and in a winning side you need players like that."
Mature Messi
Barcelona's game against Chelsea saw the spotlight turn on Leo Messi, but Rijkaard believes that the young Argentinian will take it all in his stride and commented on the maturity of the rising star. "For his age, he is doing phenomenal things," the Barça coach said. "But that does not surprise me because it is part of his character. It does not seem to matter to him if he is playing in a stadium full of his own fans or full of people whistling him. He is intelligent, well-balanced and has many other qualities. I said last summer that he was like a new signing for the team. When everyone started to talk a lot about Messi, Sylvinho helped him a lot along with all the other players. Everyone at the club has always treated him with respect and humility and that has not changed, everything is the same. I think it is very important that there are generous people in the squad who know that all the young players are still learning. It does not worry me that he is now the centre of attention."
ZARGOZA LUCK HAS RUN OUT WE GOIN CUT DEH TAIL DIS EVENING
