Rijkaard delighted to be in such a position

Jeroen

19 april 2006, 10:44

Frank Rijkaard was as prudent as ever in his post-match press conference, but did accept that his side is in a "prefect position" to qualify for the Champions League Final in Paris.

The FC Barcelona coach described the win as stupendous, but recognises that Milan are always going to be a dangerous opponent, and that therefore nothing can be taken for granted yet. He claimed that his side had been intent on getting the win, and the player he singled for more praise than any other was Andrés Iniesta. "I should speak about all the players" he said. "But it's true that Andrés Iniesta had a great game. Everyone could see that." Interestingly, Rijkaard also explained that he told Giuly that the plan was for him to come off, and the Frenchman responded with a terrific goal. "Giuly looked pretty sure that he had to score" said Rijkaard. "I was going to pull him off, but he asked for more time and did what he had to do."

"It was an interesting game. The players did well. Milan also had their chances but Ronaldinhos pass was great and Giuly finished it off to perfection", said the FC Barcelona coach. "Before a game we always observe how we should approach games depending on our rivals, but the most important thing is the way the players interpret the system, and they did that very well today."

Frank Rijkaard added that "this team has been playing at a very high level for quite some time. It is important to win these games, turn over the page, and wait and see what comes next".

And speaking about next week and the immense respect he still feels for a club he represented in his playing days, Rijkaard said "In the world of sport there is always a chance for any sportsperson to get the better of another. But we need to keep working seriously, because we have only won the first game. I am happy with the win, but we can't start talking about a leap in quality. I just speak about what I see on the pitch. The companionship and talent in this squad is more important than anything else."