|
|
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: We need the perfect game against Real Madrid to win the Clasico
The Catalan boss has channelled his thoughts ahead of the colossal encounter, insisting that his side must put on a faultless display in the Spanish capital if they are to prevail
Dec 9, 2011 4:15:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has highlighted the need for his team to conjure up the 'perfect game' in order to give themselves the best chance of beating Real Madrid on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Clasico, the 40-year-old told reporters that he is expecting Jose Mourinho's men to pursue their pressing approach once more, but will nevertheless attempt to mastermind the Primera Division champions to victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I get the impression that Madrid will opt to press. When someone achieves these results, it is normal they'll play the same way. I'll have to make a perfect game to win," said Guardiola.
"It's always [an] emotionally-charged [occasion] to play on a field as large and imposing [as the Santiago Bernabeu]. We're going to the [league] leader's home ground, to give everything we have and play the best game we possibly can."
Guardiola was then quizzed on whether his side's positional placing behind Real Madrid in La Liga would impact on proceedings, but he quickly dismissed the theory, claiming that the most important factor will be how familiar each team is with their opponent's abilities.
"I do not think [Real being top] will influence the game too much," he continued. "Playing in accordance with the league standings has no value. The most important thing is knowing your opponent and knowing your strengths and weaknesses against them. We must be attentive to their positional play, their strategy,and their counterattacks."
The Barcelona trainer then concluded the press conference by praising his Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's attention to detail, touching on the Champions League 2009-10 semifinal clash when the Portuguese boss defeated his side while in charge of Inter, before opining that both outfits will play with the sole intention of claiming the three points on offer in an open state of affairs in the capital.
"We played against a great champion in Inter then. Madrid always demand [a lot of you] and Mourinho is a highly-prepared coach, but I am not tired of playing against them," maintained Guardiola.
"The two will play to win, then we'll see how it ends. We must be fluid and functional. It won't easy, because they are an intense team, who force you back and go after you."
Kickoff at the Bernabeu is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET, in what promises to be a memorable meeting between the two giants of Spanish football.
Follow GOAL.COM USA on
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Clasico, the 40-year-old told reporters that he is expecting Jose Mourinho's men to pursue their pressing approach once more, but will nevertheless attempt to mastermind the Primera Division champions to victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I get the impression that Madrid will opt to press. When someone achieves these results, it is normal they'll play the same way. I'll have to make a perfect game to win," said Guardiola.
"It's always [an] emotionally-charged [occasion] to play on a field as large and imposing [as the Santiago Bernabeu]. We're going to the [league] leader's home ground, to give everything we have and play the best game we possibly can."
Guardiola was then quizzed on whether his side's positional placing behind Real Madrid in La Liga would impact on proceedings, but he quickly dismissed the theory, claiming that the most important factor will be how familiar each team is with their opponent's abilities.
"I do not think [Real being top] will influence the game too much," he continued. "Playing in accordance with the league standings has no value. The most important thing is knowing your opponent and knowing your strengths and weaknesses against them. We must be attentive to their positional play, their strategy,and their counterattacks."
The Barcelona trainer then concluded the press conference by praising his Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's attention to detail, touching on the Champions League 2009-10 semifinal clash when the Portuguese boss defeated his side while in charge of Inter, before opining that both outfits will play with the sole intention of claiming the three points on offer in an open state of affairs in the capital.
"We played against a great champion in Inter then. Madrid always demand [a lot of you] and Mourinho is a highly-prepared coach, but I am not tired of playing against them," maintained Guardiola.
"The two will play to win, then we'll see how it ends. We must be fluid and functional. It won't easy, because they are an intense team, who force you back and go after you."
Kickoff at the Bernabeu is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET, in what promises to be a memorable meeting between the two giants of Spanish football.
Follow GOAL.COM USA on
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.