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| Mexxx |
Posted - Aug 18 2003 : 1:11:16 PM
Exclusive interview with Rijkaard
Why did you accept FC Barcelona's offer?
When a club like Barça offers you a job, its not very difficult to answer. FC Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world, with wonderful fans.
It was an easy decision...
Yes, because apart from anything else, it's a great opportunity professionally.
What footballing philosophy do you want to impose on the team?
First, it's very important to know who's in the squad. I need to know which players I've got. We'll have to wait and then decide. I want a winning team that plays attractive football. People want players who give 100% but who also know how to play attractive football. It's very important to win because people want good results.
It's four years since we've won anything. Does the pressure to win a title make your job more difficult?
Pressure in a club like this has to be taken as normal.
What positions do you think need to be reinforced?
We've got good players, but in recent years the team has conceded too many goals. We have to work hard on the defence, but without forgetting how to play attractive football.
As a player, you spent most of your career in Holland and Italy. Which school of football do you identify with most?
In most cases the players define the philosophy. I prefer the Dutch school but the first objective has to be to win. You have to find the right combination of success and good football.
Michels, Cruyff, Neskens, Van Gaal... Barca and Holland have always been closely linked. How do you explain this historic relationship?
We all have the same idea of football. Barca has always had a lot of Dutch players and managers. I hope this lasts a long time
Will the presence of Dutch players in the squad help you adapt?
I don't think so. The philosophy of the Club is to build a new team, with important players, with homegrown players, who form the backbone of the team. Not just Dutch players. The mentality of the team is important, and the players who are the soul of the team should be from this country.
How do the youth teams fit into your project?
It's important to maintain a close contact with the managers of the youth teams. You have to see what they can bring to the team.
Do you think the new dynamic in the Club, with a new Board of Directors, can make your work easier?
Yes. I have a good relationship with them. We're relaxed in our work, but there's a lot of respect. It's a hard job, because you can't win anything without suffering.
What do you know about the Spanish league?
It's a difficult competition, with teams and with players who have a really tough mentality. Together with the Italian league, it's the strongest in Europe.
How will you approach the UEFA Cup, the only title FC Barcelona has never won?
It's a clear objective. International games are always interesting for our Club. We're not in the Champions League but the UEFA Cup is a good chance to get this new project off to a brilliant start.
How would you win over the people who say you haven't had much management experience?
I hope I'll convince people with work. It's very easy to talk, but actions speak louder than words. Now we have to wait and see the results of Rijkaard the manager. But in any case, I want to make it clear that I have a lot of respect for other people's opinions and for the press.
How would you define your assistant, Henk Ten Cate?
I'm very happy that Henk Ten Cate is with me here. In Holland he has worked with smaller clubs but he has always been able to get the best out of the teams he's managed. This season, for example, he finished fourth in the Dutch league with Nac Breda. |
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