Rijkaard Sees Barça As Underdogs
(Goal.com) - Frank Rijkaard believes that his FC Barcelona side are the underdogs in the tie against Real Zaragoza as the two teams prepare for the secnd leg of the quarter final.
The Dutchman remains confident, but knows that the Blaugrana face a tough task in La Romareda to turnaround the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
"Zaragoza are the favourites," he said. "This will not be easy for them though.
"Historically, they have a very record in this competition where they have not only knocked us out, but also some other very big clubs.
"They are strong at the back and are always dangerous on the counter-attack. Overall they are a good team.
"But I am always optimistic.
“We are very keen and have a clear objective. To win and stop them from scoring from quick breaks."
Reflecting on the decision to leave Samuel Eto'o out of the squad, Rijkaard explained that all parties felt it would better not to push him to hard.
"He has been left out after discussion with the medical staff and the player," the coach said.
"It is a shame we cannot have him with us, but it is all related to the way his injury is developing”.
Carlos Diogo scored the only goal of the game as Zaragoza stunned Barça by winning in Camp Nou and they have eliminated the Catalan club twice in the last four seasons from the cup.
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Comments
they will win. has anyone heard deco might come to united at seasons end?! go to manutd.com and search him for the story
Posted by: bredred | February 27, 2007 01:48 PM
It all depends who shows up to play. Anything can happen.
Posted by: DynastySocceFC ... Rasputin | February 27, 2007 11:22 PM
yes barce will win but deco going to man utd
a joke .english soccer would not fit his stile
too rough ,he would be in a fight every game
yellow and red card. now this is the dr telling you this ok , barce for eever
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | February 28, 2007 11:55 AM
I hope the Pools tear them up & send them packing. I also hope Barca's plane goes down on the way back!
Posted by: Kevin | March 1, 2007 02:04 PM
the ship is slowly sinking
Posted by: giova * * * * | March 1, 2007 03:56 PM
Yeah not only is the ship sinking it's also stinking! A few years ago Barca & Madrid were two of the best teams in the world & now they are a bad joke. Too many egos on both teams & not enough team players. Everybody wants to be the star on those teams I hope they both bomb out of the league in Spain & the Champions League as well. These teams stink & are more spoiled than Chelsea & thats saying a lot!
Posted by: Sam Adams | March 1, 2007 11:48 PM
They need to bring back Cryuff as even at his old age he could still get out there & turn games around for Barcelona.
Posted by: Jetson | March 1, 2007 11:50 PM
lets me ask you guys which team you all cheering for. it seems like none to me , you hate chelsea, man utd, real mad, barce every body. what is going on. now cruff could not keep up with these modern day soccer too fast for him then and now. barce will win in england the ship is at the top of liga ,copa del rey .this is the best club for the decade.
now you all take that,kevin you are very sick in your head needs help.
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | March 2, 2007 01:06 AM
Barca could win at Anfield if it would be playing with Watford!But the current Liverpool team,I do not think if Barca will come out with the victory! Liverpool is now better than Barca. Sorry for that Soccer dr nyc.
Posted by: Revelian S. N | March 2, 2007 02:45 PM
man uted will take care of them on 3/3/07
then barce will do the rest on 3/6/07.
come on are you joking liverpool better than barce when . those 2 lucky goals they got the last time not going to help them this time.
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | March 2, 2007 04:32 PM
I still hope the Barca plane goes down. Those guys gotta go.
Posted by: Kevin | March 2, 2007 05:12 PM
barce turn zaragoza inside out in copa del rey sevilla is next then pool . game on
every body in red hot in barce look out
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | March 3, 2007 02:15 AM
Barca will beat Liverpool this weekend despite all the internal drama. This will be a match they have to win to unify the team chemistry and relationships. Barca 3--Liverpool 1. Anyone care to debate or challenge my prediction?
Posted by: giova * * * * | March 3, 2007 11:09 AM
You know, I would like to see that happen as well. Can you imagine! Sorry folks, the game has been cancled. Simply lovely.
Posted by: Quentin Collins | March 3, 2007 08:53 PM
you guys both kevin and collins are both sick in your head ,they website should not print your rude comments. you need to stop.
talk soccer or don,t. barce 3 liverpool 1
done drop dead you both
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | March 5, 2007 04:02 PM
Shut your mouth! Last time I checked it was still a free country with freedom of speech. So what if Kevin or myself or anybody else doesn't like Barca. We have the right to support whatever team we wish. Quit being such an over serious baby & mind your own business. One more thing, dont make threats to be boy! You hear me!
Posted by: Quentin Collins | March 5, 2007 04:25 PM
dr nyc you need to keep quiet. If you dont like others post then just ignore them. Dont be such a big baby as the world doesn't revolve around what you like dislike or want. I hope Liverpool kills Barca as Barca have turned into a squad full of overpaid brats that have ruined the reputation of the club. Go Pool! Destroy Barca!
Posted by: Reggie Bannister | March 5, 2007 05:47 PM
you know what the best is the best and it is driving you guys crazy.and you guys bring it on this harlem nycwe do run from nobody comments or anything .
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | March 6, 2007 01:41 AM
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Posted by: SOCCER.COM ADMIN | March 6, 2007 09:53 AM