Johan Cruyff: The Pressure Is On Real Madrid

Cruyff thinks los Blancos will be feeling the heat.

By Rupert Fryer

Johan Cruyff in 1975
Ahead of tomorrow evening’s El Clasico, Barcelona honorary president Johan Cruyff has insisted the pressure will be on the squarely on the shoulders of the hosts at the Bernabeu.

“Barcelona has the same pressure as always,” the Dutchman told Barca TV. "Madrid have to justify the amount of money that they spent.

“Barca has lady luck on their side because of the quality of players coming through their ranks. That is different to buying players,” he added.

The Dutchman also said he believed La Liga wouldn’t be settled tomorrow night, regardless of the result.

“Afterward there are still plenty of games to be won,” he said.

“If we beat Madrid and move three points clear, it will actually be like four, but there will still be 18 more points to play for. With just one draw there could be problems.”

Finally, when asked whether Lionel Messi would prove to be the difference between the two sides, the former Barca coach insisted it was a team game.

“Messi has his ability but a team is always made up of eleven players and each of them are important,” he said.

“When everyone is doing that then Messi can do his thing and play so well. That is when the strength of the team comes out.”


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