Thursday, May 12, 2011

Guardiola savours Barcelona title

Josep Guardiola

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was enjoying the moment after his side claimed a third successive Primera Division title.



A 1-1 draw at Levante was enough to ensure Barca could not be caught by second-placed Real Madrid. Guardiola's men are now six points ahead of Real with two games remaining, but boast the better head-to-head record, which is the deciding factor if the teams are level on points.



Guardiola said: "After a difficult season we've competed against a great team (Real) and now we should enjoy what we've achieved. We want to enjoy it, eat well, dance a lot, sing a lot ... do a lot of everything.''



Barca can now concentrate on preparations for the forthcoming Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley.



"Now is the time to party, that's what winning this title deserves, and we have time to prepare for the final in London,'' Guardiola added. "We have to really savour this and celebrate it with family and friends. These are things that you never forget.



"I also hope people have enjoyed watching us play, that would be the best reward. In the league the reality is that if you are champions at the end it's because you deserve it. Once again we have done an excellent job in this competition.



"I dedicate the title to the squad. We've done things really well and all this is thanks to the players and the effort they've made. They are unique. They are an enormously strong bunch of players.''



However, Guardiola claimed it was not all smooth sailing for his side, who suffered with injuries towards the end of the campaign.



"Three-quarters of the season was spectacular," he said. "At the end we've not been quite so good, but we've always continued being competitive.



"There are things to improve. We need to take into account the incredible schedule these players have had over the last two years.



"We've also had a lot of difficulties with regards absentees. Every year it takes a huge effort (to win the league), and this is the lesson.''



Lionel Messi said: "I'm very happy because it's been a very tough title. It's taken a lot of hard work to be champions and more so against a great rival like Real Madrid. Now we have to enjoy it.''



Barca midfielder Xavi was delighted after becoming only the third Barca player to win six league titles, following in the wake of Antoni Ramallets (between 1947-1960) and Guardiola (1990-1999).



"It's taken a lot of hard work and this team deserves a lot of credit. We need to congratulate everyone associated with Barcelona,'' he said in AS. "The fans deserve it and I imagine that today we will celebrate with them in the streets.''



Captain Carles Puyol now has five Primera Division winners' medals. The Spain centre-back, who missed the game at Levante, said: "I have to be calm but I'm very happy, it's different when you experience it from outside.



"I've been in the stands but I'm very pleased. We've worked very hard and today we've got the rewards. Now to celebrate it and rest a little to prepare for the (Champions League) final.''



View the Original article

Related Posts by Categories



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Share

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More