Rijkaard: 'We will beat Chelsea'

Last updated : 22 February 2006 By Paul Lagan
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard is convinced his players can beat Chelsea.
"We have the resources to surprise Chelsea," he said.


"They're complicated opponents and their system works very well. Their style is predictable but at the same time consistent and strong but I have a lot of confidence in my players. Now its about demonstrating that were strong as a team.

"We have to work hard and fight to change the result. We have to function well. It'll be an interesting match and will be followed the world over. There'll be no feelings of revenge because we can't wipe out the past. We simply have to do our job, not change our attitude, play our way and go for them".

Rafa Márquez and Thiago Motta are both available for the match, much to the delight of the Dutch coach: "It's important [Márquez] can be with us as he's playing splendidly. At the same time I'm happy to have Motta because he could play an important role. Respect for Mourinho Rijkaard made it clear that he holds rival coach José Mourinho in high esteem: "I don't know him personally but he's done a good job and is one of the trainers who have won the most titles in recent years".

Frank Rijkaard admits that playing the second leg in the Nou Camp could be an advantage: "The team that plays the return leg at home is slightly favoured". As for his prediction of the result in London: "A draw would be a good result but before the match you cant talk about these things". Turning to the subject of the pitch, he told us: "It's not in the best of conditions given the importance of the match but you have to accept it".