Andrés Iniesta spoke after the game on Tuesday night and admitted that the squad were “pretty down, but we will be back and fighting for every title again”
Iniesta reckoned that football wasn’t fair to Barça, but that the team missed too many chances.
Andrés Iniesta visited the Barça TV studios after Tuesday night’s game to speak on the “El Mirador” programme and he explained” it hurts us as players for all the people who are suffering for the defeat – all the people that are behind us. Still feeling the fans are with you, even though we have missed out on the Champions League final, is great. All we can say right now is that we will be back and be fighting for every title again - we just fell a bit short tonight”.
The first thing that Iniesta did was to congratulate Chelsea on their qualification, whilst lamenting the defeat and pointing out some of the reasons behind it: “football wasn’t fair to us – we had so many chances that didn’t go in and Chelsea had three over both legs and scored three times”. As to Tuesday’s game, Iniesta revealed: “we tried everything, but even when they were down to 10 men they defended en masse”.
After the disappointment of the league and Champions League, Iniesta admitted: “we have been up there in both competitions, but we just fell short of the line”. With the Spanish Cup final and the last few league games to come, Iniesta assured the fans: “we are Barça and we know what that represents, so we will be going out to win all our remaining league games- that’s the best way to prepare for the Cup Final”.
Hopes Guardiola will stay for “a long time”
With Pep Guardiola announcing that he will be meeting President Sandro Rosell to discuss his future, Iniesta made his position clear: “it’s a decision between him and the Club. He knows what we all want and let’s hope he stays here for a long time. Pep knows that, not just for tonight, but always”. (via FCBarcelona.cat)
Showing posts with label Andrés Iniesta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andrés Iniesta. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Iniesta: “We'll try to be more effective at the Camp Nou”
The midfielder believes that the result against Chelsea is “unjust” but he’s confident that the team “can overturn the scoreline” in the return leg at the Camp Nou.
Pedro: “We had a lot of goal scoring chances, we’re pleased with how we played but not with the result”.
Barça came away with a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Despite the numerous amount of goal scoring chances the team created, Barça were not able to score. “The result is unjust but we knew that Chelsea are a team that take advantage of their opportunities. We were off target in front of goal but we still have the return leg at home,” said Andrés Iniesta.
The hopes of many Barça fans for a last-minute goal, like in the match three years ago, faded away when the referee blew the final whistle. However, the players are upbeat despite not getting the all-valuable away goal. Iniesta said, “we have the feeling that we created a lot of clear chances, the only thing we were lacking was the final touch. Sometimes this happens. We’ll try to be more effective in the return leg, we have confidence in our ability to overturn today’s scoreline. We have an adverse result and we have to work harder seeing that we're capable of doing it. It’s not an issue of luck.”
Barça fans, key in the retun leg
Chelsea’s defensive strategy will probably be employed in next week’s match at the Camp Nou. Iniesta believes the match “will be similar to this one” because they “will be waiting at the back but I believe that we’ll be more aggressive with our fans behind us.
“We hope that in Barcelona things will be different and the support from our fans will be an added plus. Our fans will be there like they always have been. Even more so now. It’ll be 90 intense minutes and we need their help to get to the final.”
Focus on El Clásico
Despite the defeat, Barça need to look forward and focus on their next match, El Clásico, which will be played this Saturday. According to Iniesta, this Wednesday’s result in the Champions League “will not influence” the all-important La Liga showdown with Real Madrid. The midfielder believes that the team “is prepared” despite the fact that there are “two very important matches in very little time” and that Barça’s objective will be “to prologue the team’s title chances in the Liga.”
Here are some of the statements made by FC Barcelona players after today’s match:
Pedro
“The team isn’t happy but we have confidence that we can fight back.
“A goal would have helped us in this important match. We can only focus on Madrid now. It’s always difficult to score when the opposing team defend so well. We had a lot of chances, we’re pleased with the game we had but not with the result.
“Next Tuesday’s match will probably be similar to this one but we’ll do everything we can to win it.
“Chelsea’s goal, with the few chances they had, is something that happens in football and it leaves you a little deflated. However, we’re optimistic that we can fight back.
“We know that we have to play two of the most crucial matches of the season this week.”
Víctor Valdés
“We still have 90 minutes to prove that we deserve to be in the final! Take heart, we still have a lot of time to finish off this crucial week! Força Barça.
“In the return leg, we’ll create goal scoring chances and we’ll work just as hard as we did today. We created a lot of chances against a team that closed themselves off very well at the back and that needs to be valued. We have to try and win the return leg at all cost.
“We have to focus on this Satruday’s match.”
Thiago Alcántara
“We’re going to prove that we deserve to be in the final! We still have 90 minutes left to play and [we’ll have] 90 thousand Azulgranas at the Camp Nou.”
Carles Puyol
“We’ll have to fight back at the Camp Nou after today’s defeat. I think we deserved to win this game. We need your help [fans] to get to the final in Munich.
Mascherano
“Unfortunately, this happens a lot in football. You deserve a lot more than what you leave with. But the result is what it is and we know that we have 90 minutes and it’s in our hands.
“We completely dominated the match. They didn’t create a lot of goal scoring chances save one or two from a throw in or a corner but we lost despite the chances we had.
“We have to win knowing that we cannot concede a goal.” (via FCBarcelona.com)
Pedro: “We had a lot of goal scoring chances, we’re pleased with how we played but not with the result”.
Barça came away with a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Despite the numerous amount of goal scoring chances the team created, Barça were not able to score. “The result is unjust but we knew that Chelsea are a team that take advantage of their opportunities. We were off target in front of goal but we still have the return leg at home,” said Andrés Iniesta.
The hopes of many Barça fans for a last-minute goal, like in the match three years ago, faded away when the referee blew the final whistle. However, the players are upbeat despite not getting the all-valuable away goal. Iniesta said, “we have the feeling that we created a lot of clear chances, the only thing we were lacking was the final touch. Sometimes this happens. We’ll try to be more effective in the return leg, we have confidence in our ability to overturn today’s scoreline. We have an adverse result and we have to work harder seeing that we're capable of doing it. It’s not an issue of luck.”
Barça fans, key in the retun leg
Chelsea’s defensive strategy will probably be employed in next week’s match at the Camp Nou. Iniesta believes the match “will be similar to this one” because they “will be waiting at the back but I believe that we’ll be more aggressive with our fans behind us.
“We hope that in Barcelona things will be different and the support from our fans will be an added plus. Our fans will be there like they always have been. Even more so now. It’ll be 90 intense minutes and we need their help to get to the final.”
Focus on El Clásico
Despite the defeat, Barça need to look forward and focus on their next match, El Clásico, which will be played this Saturday. According to Iniesta, this Wednesday’s result in the Champions League “will not influence” the all-important La Liga showdown with Real Madrid. The midfielder believes that the team “is prepared” despite the fact that there are “two very important matches in very little time” and that Barça’s objective will be “to prologue the team’s title chances in the Liga.”
Here are some of the statements made by FC Barcelona players after today’s match:
Pedro
“The team isn’t happy but we have confidence that we can fight back.
“A goal would have helped us in this important match. We can only focus on Madrid now. It’s always difficult to score when the opposing team defend so well. We had a lot of chances, we’re pleased with the game we had but not with the result.
“Next Tuesday’s match will probably be similar to this one but we’ll do everything we can to win it.
“Chelsea’s goal, with the few chances they had, is something that happens in football and it leaves you a little deflated. However, we’re optimistic that we can fight back.
“We know that we have to play two of the most crucial matches of the season this week.”
Víctor Valdés
“We still have 90 minutes to prove that we deserve to be in the final! Take heart, we still have a lot of time to finish off this crucial week! Força Barça.
“In the return leg, we’ll create goal scoring chances and we’ll work just as hard as we did today. We created a lot of chances against a team that closed themselves off very well at the back and that needs to be valued. We have to try and win the return leg at all cost.
“We have to focus on this Satruday’s match.”
Thiago Alcántara
“We’re going to prove that we deserve to be in the final! We still have 90 minutes left to play and [we’ll have] 90 thousand Azulgranas at the Camp Nou.”
Carles Puyol
“We’ll have to fight back at the Camp Nou after today’s defeat. I think we deserved to win this game. We need your help [fans] to get to the final in Munich.
Mascherano
“Unfortunately, this happens a lot in football. You deserve a lot more than what you leave with. But the result is what it is and we know that we have 90 minutes and it’s in our hands.
“We completely dominated the match. They didn’t create a lot of goal scoring chances save one or two from a throw in or a corner but we lost despite the chances we had.
“We have to win knowing that we cannot concede a goal.” (via FCBarcelona.com)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Andrés Iniesta: “The team is looking good, I'm optimistic”
Barça’s midfielder insisted this afternoon that : “the team are travelling to London looking for a win and not a draw”.
Iniesta got the winning goal the last time these two met at Stamford Bridge: “I’m very proud of that goal and happy to have been able to have that experience. It’s a feeling that is hard to describe”.
Iniesta also warned: “what happened in 2009 has got nothing to do with Wednesday’s game”.
Iniesta’s goal on 6 May 2009 was enough to send Barça through to the Rome Final against Manchester United and speaking to reporters at the Camp Nou this afternoon before the team trained and flew off for London, he revealed: “I guess it’s inevitable that that goal is being talked about again. It’s good to remember it because it was a special and very intense moment – not just for me, but for all of us. Life goes on though, and Wednesday is a different situation and a different game. I’m very proud of that goal and happy to have been able to have that experience. It’s a feeling that is hard to describe”.
Iniesta also admitted that this week: “is fundamental, important, irreplaceable – whatever adjective you want to put : against Chelsea we are playing for a place in the Champions League final and on Saturday we are playing to keep our fight for the league title on course. This is a key moment of the season and the team are looking good, which makes us optimistic. At the start of the season, all of us would have taken the situation we are in now. We’ve been fighting hard for months and now we are here still in with a chance of winning everything”.
There’s also no risk, according to Iniesta, that the team will lack focus against Chelsea, distracted by the Madrid game: “we are just 180 minutes away from a Champions League final. Our focus has to be on the Chelsea match – if we are distracted and think about anything else, we will be making a mistake”.
Iniesta compared that 2009 game with Wednesday’s and reckons that Chelsea are now a more mature outfit: “they have more experience. They were strong in 2009 and they will be stronger now – strong, dangerous and intense. That will all be multiplied by the atmosphere at their own ground” . Iniesta also stressed the strengthening of the Chelsea team with the signings of his fellow Spanish internationals Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.
Finally, Iniesta insisted the players were clear that they had to go out and get a result in London: “we are going there to get a win, to put in a good performance and commit as few errors as possible. We know it’s a two legged tie, but we are going there to win”. (via FCBarcelona.com)
Iniesta got the winning goal the last time these two met at Stamford Bridge: “I’m very proud of that goal and happy to have been able to have that experience. It’s a feeling that is hard to describe”.
Iniesta also warned: “what happened in 2009 has got nothing to do with Wednesday’s game”.
Iniesta’s goal on 6 May 2009 was enough to send Barça through to the Rome Final against Manchester United and speaking to reporters at the Camp Nou this afternoon before the team trained and flew off for London, he revealed: “I guess it’s inevitable that that goal is being talked about again. It’s good to remember it because it was a special and very intense moment – not just for me, but for all of us. Life goes on though, and Wednesday is a different situation and a different game. I’m very proud of that goal and happy to have been able to have that experience. It’s a feeling that is hard to describe”.
Iniesta also admitted that this week: “is fundamental, important, irreplaceable – whatever adjective you want to put : against Chelsea we are playing for a place in the Champions League final and on Saturday we are playing to keep our fight for the league title on course. This is a key moment of the season and the team are looking good, which makes us optimistic. At the start of the season, all of us would have taken the situation we are in now. We’ve been fighting hard for months and now we are here still in with a chance of winning everything”.
There’s also no risk, according to Iniesta, that the team will lack focus against Chelsea, distracted by the Madrid game: “we are just 180 minutes away from a Champions League final. Our focus has to be on the Chelsea match – if we are distracted and think about anything else, we will be making a mistake”.
Iniesta compared that 2009 game with Wednesday’s and reckons that Chelsea are now a more mature outfit: “they have more experience. They were strong in 2009 and they will be stronger now – strong, dangerous and intense. That will all be multiplied by the atmosphere at their own ground” . Iniesta also stressed the strengthening of the Chelsea team with the signings of his fellow Spanish internationals Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.
Finally, Iniesta insisted the players were clear that they had to go out and get a result in London: “we are going there to get a win, to put in a good performance and commit as few errors as possible. We know it’s a two legged tie, but we are going there to win”. (via FCBarcelona.com)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Iniesta closing in on 400
Barça’s Spanish midfielder is just one game short of the 400 mark and he could make that with the game against Levante or Chelsea
Already amongst the top ten players with most appearances for the Club
Andrés Iniesta will pretty soon play his 400th official game for Barça - most probably away to Levante on Saturday or at Stamford Bridge next week – as he now stands at 399 appearances for the Club. What a way to mark 400 it would be if he did it the Chelsea ground – where he scored perhaps the most famous of his 40 goals for the team.
His 399 appearances have come in the following competitions: 266 in La Lliga, 77 in the Champions League, 40 in the Spanish Cup, 3 in the UEFA Cup, 2 in the European Super Cup, 6 in the Spanish Super Cup and 5 in the World Club Cup.
The 27 year-old has just broken into the Club’s all time top ten and should become the eighth player with most appearances for the Club this season, as he is just one short of José Ramón Alexanco and three behind Joan Segarra, who lie ninth and eight respectively.
Iniesta is one of four current first team players in the Club’s top ten, alongside Xavi (who has played more than anybody with 621), Puyol (second on 552) and Valdés (fourth on 452).
Andrés Iniesta came to La Masia in 1996 when he was still only 12 years old. He made a quick rise through the various youth teams and made his first team debut under Louis van Gaal in October 2002. He came to greater prominence under Frank Rijkaard, where he showed his versatility in helping the team to two Leagues and a Champions League title.
With the arrival of Pep Guardiola Iniesta confirmed his place as a leader of the team and a first choice in one of the Club’s best ever sides. In the 2010 World Cup Final he also showed his worth to Spain, scoring the goal that gave them the trophy in the final against Holland. He’s recognised for his talent, class, reading of the game and ability to beat a man as one of the very best players in the world and it is only some unfortunate injuries that have ever dented his consistently high performances. (via FCBarcelona.com)
Already amongst the top ten players with most appearances for the Club
His 399 appearances have come in the following competitions: 266 in La Lliga, 77 in the Champions League, 40 in the Spanish Cup, 3 in the UEFA Cup, 2 in the European Super Cup, 6 in the Spanish Super Cup and 5 in the World Club Cup.
The 27 year-old has just broken into the Club’s all time top ten and should become the eighth player with most appearances for the Club this season, as he is just one short of José Ramón Alexanco and three behind Joan Segarra, who lie ninth and eight respectively.
Iniesta is one of four current first team players in the Club’s top ten, alongside Xavi (who has played more than anybody with 621), Puyol (second on 552) and Valdés (fourth on 452).
Andrés Iniesta came to La Masia in 1996 when he was still only 12 years old. He made a quick rise through the various youth teams and made his first team debut under Louis van Gaal in October 2002. He came to greater prominence under Frank Rijkaard, where he showed his versatility in helping the team to two Leagues and a Champions League title.
With the arrival of Pep Guardiola Iniesta confirmed his place as a leader of the team and a first choice in one of the Club’s best ever sides. In the 2010 World Cup Final he also showed his worth to Spain, scoring the goal that gave them the trophy in the final against Holland. He’s recognised for his talent, class, reading of the game and ability to beat a man as one of the very best players in the world and it is only some unfortunate injuries that have ever dented his consistently high performances. (via FCBarcelona.com)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Iniesta goal marks the history of games against Chelsea
Barça and Chelsea have met six times in European competitions with the 2009 semi final – when Iniesta scored a late winner to take Barça into the final – the most memorable.
Chelsea and Barça are set to meet in the Champions League semis once again after a series of games between the two over the last decade, with the 2009 semi perhaps the most memorable.
Four days after seeing off Madrid 2-6 in the Bernabeu – a result that virtually ensured Guardiola’s team took the league title – Barça travelled to Stamford Bridge after drawing 0-0 in the Camp Nou in the first leg. Reduced to 10 men after Abidal saw red, Barça were up against the wall when Alves, in injury time, put in a cross from the right to the far post: Eto’o headed it back towards Messi, who laid it off for Iniesta on the edge of the area and the Spanish midfielder fired in a brilliant shot which gave Cech no chance and booked Guardiola’s team a place in the Rome final.
That meeting was the third time the two teams had met since 2005, when the Londoners, under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, began to chisel out a place in Europe’s elite. With the arrival of José Mourinho, the temperature of the games began to increase.
In the 2005 quarter finals, it was Chelsea who got through, whilst a year later at the same stage and with a young Messi and unstoppable Ronaldinho, it was Barça who had the upper hand . In the 2006/07 group stage, the English team finished top of the group thanks to the draw they achieved at the Camp Nou.
However, the excitement of the games between the two goes back further: one of the most spectacular comebacks in the Club’s European history came in the 99/00 season when Louis van Gaal’s team overturned a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Stamford Bridge to win 5-1 at the Camp Nou.
Before that, the two had only previously met in the 1965/66 Fairs Cup, when Barça needed a third play off game to see of f the Londoners in the semi finals – a forerunner of the close and exciting games between the two that were to come. (via FCBarcelona.com)
Chelsea and Barça are set to meet in the Champions League semis once again after a series of games between the two over the last decade, with the 2009 semi perhaps the most memorable.
Four days after seeing off Madrid 2-6 in the Bernabeu – a result that virtually ensured Guardiola’s team took the league title – Barça travelled to Stamford Bridge after drawing 0-0 in the Camp Nou in the first leg. Reduced to 10 men after Abidal saw red, Barça were up against the wall when Alves, in injury time, put in a cross from the right to the far post: Eto’o headed it back towards Messi, who laid it off for Iniesta on the edge of the area and the Spanish midfielder fired in a brilliant shot which gave Cech no chance and booked Guardiola’s team a place in the Rome final.
That meeting was the third time the two teams had met since 2005, when the Londoners, under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, began to chisel out a place in Europe’s elite. With the arrival of José Mourinho, the temperature of the games began to increase.
In the 2005 quarter finals, it was Chelsea who got through, whilst a year later at the same stage and with a young Messi and unstoppable Ronaldinho, it was Barça who had the upper hand . In the 2006/07 group stage, the English team finished top of the group thanks to the draw they achieved at the Camp Nou.
However, the excitement of the games between the two goes back further: one of the most spectacular comebacks in the Club’s European history came in the 99/00 season when Louis van Gaal’s team overturned a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Stamford Bridge to win 5-1 at the Camp Nou.
Before that, the two had only previously met in the 1965/66 Fairs Cup, when Barça needed a third play off game to see of f the Londoners in the semi finals – a forerunner of the close and exciting games between the two that were to come. (via FCBarcelona.com)
Iniesta goal, great day
When he mark Fuentealbilla crack Barça never falls and their aim was swift but usually brings titles.
Andres Iniesta is the first I would like to lavishing more on the goal, but one thing is undeniable: when you dial it, is a great day for football. Many posh gunners would give anything to have scored a goal like that of Stamford Bridge in the last minute, who qualified for Barça's triumphant Champions League final in Rome or as noted in the final World Cup South Africa 2010 , the more important in the history of Spanish football. Iniesta ruled Tuesday that tradition: against Milan at the Camp Nou, and the move to a Champions League semi-final at stake, thrashing again.
It was a day doubly happy because it coincided with the first anniversary of her daughter Valeria. "I'm glad I was able to dedicate the goal," he admitted after the match in Barça TV studios. There, the '8 'Barça again stressed his desire to keep scoring, after the Sabbath also signed another crucial goal against Athletic. "I have sometimes and maybe I should have done more goals than I do. It's a matter of ambition for a more complete player. It is a challenge I have every year," he reiterated. Their scarcity is difficult to explain, especially for a player who is able to punch a ball that falls from the sky or make a kibble that neither Ferran Adrià. "Sometimes out of a play area is very clear goal, and in the field you opt for the pass. But this factor should not influence my game, but does it better," he said.
More than one may surprise the data: the great goal to Milan was already 40 and FC Barcelona in as many games. His balance, more scoring, is faultless: 36 wins and four draws. To play Iniesta is also a sign of success for Barça: accumulates in La Liga without losing 53 consecutive games, an absolute record in the tournament's history, having surpassed the Madrid Emilio Butragueño, which remained at 50.
Now that Barça faces the crucial stretch of the season is encouraging news that Iniesta takes aim. Before Athletic, had just signed a goal in the league. In their official season has seven: two in La Liga, two in Copa, two in the Champions League and one in the Super Cup against Madrid. But the barcelonista intuition that Iniesta's goal is alirón prelude. (via MD)
Andres Iniesta is the first I would like to lavishing more on the goal, but one thing is undeniable: when you dial it, is a great day for football. Many posh gunners would give anything to have scored a goal like that of Stamford Bridge in the last minute, who qualified for Barça's triumphant Champions League final in Rome or as noted in the final World Cup South Africa 2010 , the more important in the history of Spanish football. Iniesta ruled Tuesday that tradition: against Milan at the Camp Nou, and the move to a Champions League semi-final at stake, thrashing again.
It was a day doubly happy because it coincided with the first anniversary of her daughter Valeria. "I'm glad I was able to dedicate the goal," he admitted after the match in Barça TV studios. There, the '8 'Barça again stressed his desire to keep scoring, after the Sabbath also signed another crucial goal against Athletic. "I have sometimes and maybe I should have done more goals than I do. It's a matter of ambition for a more complete player. It is a challenge I have every year," he reiterated. Their scarcity is difficult to explain, especially for a player who is able to punch a ball that falls from the sky or make a kibble that neither Ferran Adrià. "Sometimes out of a play area is very clear goal, and in the field you opt for the pass. But this factor should not influence my game, but does it better," he said.
More than one may surprise the data: the great goal to Milan was already 40 and FC Barcelona in as many games. His balance, more scoring, is faultless: 36 wins and four draws. To play Iniesta is also a sign of success for Barça: accumulates in La Liga without losing 53 consecutive games, an absolute record in the tournament's history, having surpassed the Madrid Emilio Butragueño, which remained at 50.
Now that Barça faces the crucial stretch of the season is encouraging news that Iniesta takes aim. Before Athletic, had just signed a goal in the league. In their official season has seven: two in La Liga, two in Copa, two in the Champions League and one in the Super Cup against Madrid. But the barcelonista intuition that Iniesta's goal is alirón prelude. (via MD)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Iniesta: "Whoever we get in the semifinals it will be really tough"
Andres Iniesta, happy to have qualified for the semifinals of the Champions League, has no doubt that, whether Benfica or Chelsea are Barça’s rivals, to get to the Final will not be easy.
Referring to Messi, Iniesta said that "at the age he is, he’ll shatter all the records".
In the 53rd minute, Iniesta scored the third Barça goal to make it 3-1, the goal that calmed the team down to achieve their goal of qualifying for the semifinals of the Champions League. With the ticket for the semis in the bag, Iniesta, in an interview on the Barça TV program ‘El Marcador’, pointed out how hard it will be to get to the Champions League Final, whether it be Benfica or Chelsea in the semifinal. "Whoever we get in the semifinals it will be really tough," he warned.
This Tuesday was the fifth consecutive time that Barça have reached the semifinals of the Champions League. "It’s the result of a job well done year after year and this is the only way you can put it. This team has ambition and results come with that"said Iniesta, for whom the squad is now "in very good shape", something they have to maintain.
Iniesta was pleased with his goal, and especially to "have helped the team" with it. At the same time, he’s very demanding with himself and with his performance in front of goal: "I feel that I’ve had chances and maybe should have scored more goals than I have. It’s a question of ambition, because I aim to help out in every game and become a more complete player. It's a challenge I set every year and I try to score more goals. There are times that, from off the pitch, it seems like a very clear goal chance, but on the pitch you choose to pass. But this factor shouldn’t condition my game although it might improve it, not just for myself but also for the team".
He dedicated his goal in the Milan match, as he’s done on other occasions, to his daughter Valeria. His celebration on Tuesday, however, was somewhat different, since it coincided with his little ones first birthday: "Like it or not it’s a small or great motivation for each player, and I’m really glad I could dedicate the goal to her".
Once again, Messi was decisive, this time with the two penalties he scored. Iniesta praised his teammate and, in turn, points to the importance of teamwork: "At Leo’s age, he’ll shatter all the records. For our part, we’ll just try to keep that going as long as we can. When the team works as a whole, everyone is able to give the best of themselves".
Iniesta is among the ten players with most matches played in FC Barcelona shirt: "It’s an honor and a privilege to join this list that’s so hard to achieve. It’s very difficult to reach these numbers and even more so for this club. We hope these stats continue to grow".
Now for Zaragoza
Now, with classification in the bag, it’s time to focus back on the League, starting with this Saturday's game at Zaragoza. "First up now, is Zaragoza. We’ll go there and try to play well and bring home all three points, and hope to be able to close the gap with Real Madrid". (via FCBarcelona.com)
Referring to Messi, Iniesta said that "at the age he is, he’ll shatter all the records".
In the 53rd minute, Iniesta scored the third Barça goal to make it 3-1, the goal that calmed the team down to achieve their goal of qualifying for the semifinals of the Champions League. With the ticket for the semis in the bag, Iniesta, in an interview on the Barça TV program ‘El Marcador’, pointed out how hard it will be to get to the Champions League Final, whether it be Benfica or Chelsea in the semifinal. "Whoever we get in the semifinals it will be really tough," he warned.
This Tuesday was the fifth consecutive time that Barça have reached the semifinals of the Champions League. "It’s the result of a job well done year after year and this is the only way you can put it. This team has ambition and results come with that"said Iniesta, for whom the squad is now "in very good shape", something they have to maintain.
Iniesta was pleased with his goal, and especially to "have helped the team" with it. At the same time, he’s very demanding with himself and with his performance in front of goal: "I feel that I’ve had chances and maybe should have scored more goals than I have. It’s a question of ambition, because I aim to help out in every game and become a more complete player. It's a challenge I set every year and I try to score more goals. There are times that, from off the pitch, it seems like a very clear goal chance, but on the pitch you choose to pass. But this factor shouldn’t condition my game although it might improve it, not just for myself but also for the team".
He dedicated his goal in the Milan match, as he’s done on other occasions, to his daughter Valeria. His celebration on Tuesday, however, was somewhat different, since it coincided with his little ones first birthday: "Like it or not it’s a small or great motivation for each player, and I’m really glad I could dedicate the goal to her".
Once again, Messi was decisive, this time with the two penalties he scored. Iniesta praised his teammate and, in turn, points to the importance of teamwork: "At Leo’s age, he’ll shatter all the records. For our part, we’ll just try to keep that going as long as we can. When the team works as a whole, everyone is able to give the best of themselves".
Iniesta is among the ten players with most matches played in FC Barcelona shirt: "It’s an honor and a privilege to join this list that’s so hard to achieve. It’s very difficult to reach these numbers and even more so for this club. We hope these stats continue to grow".
Now for Zaragoza
Now, with classification in the bag, it’s time to focus back on the League, starting with this Saturday's game at Zaragoza. "First up now, is Zaragoza. We’ll go there and try to play well and bring home all three points, and hope to be able to close the gap with Real Madrid". (via FCBarcelona.com)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The four captains in the historic Top Ten games played with Barça
Iniesta, with 397 games, came on Saturday in the 'club of the ten', which were already Xavi, Puyol and Víctor Valdés.
The current Barça team is a legend and there are statistics that underscore: Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, Víctor Valdés and Andrés Iniesta, the four captains of the current campus, are already among the ten most-capped players in the 112 years of club .
Xavi, with 619 games, is the most capped player has worn the jersey of the first team with 70 games ahead of the second, Puyol. The defense, with 549, tied in the ranking with another historical myth, Migueli, who will be broken Tuesday morning Puyol if it is one of the side that faces the Milan.
The goalkeeper Víctor Valdés also has the honor to be in the 'Top Ten' presences. At the moment, is the fourth ex aequo with Carles Rexach, who as 'Panther Gavà' played 449 games. The presence of Valdes secure tomorrow's match at the Camp Nou will allow reach 450.
The latest to join this select dozen is Andres Iniesta. The '8' azulgrana celebrated with a goal against Athletic entering the 'Club 10', to play his game 397, equaling the record of Quimet Rifé. In a few months may have another illustrious representative of this template in the 'Top Ten', Leo Messi, who is also just 24 years and above the 300 games (317). (via MD)
The current Barça team is a legend and there are statistics that underscore: Xavi Hernández, Carles Puyol, Víctor Valdés and Andrés Iniesta, the four captains of the current campus, are already among the ten most-capped players in the 112 years of club .
Xavi, with 619 games, is the most capped player has worn the jersey of the first team with 70 games ahead of the second, Puyol. The defense, with 549, tied in the ranking with another historical myth, Migueli, who will be broken Tuesday morning Puyol if it is one of the side that faces the Milan.
The goalkeeper Víctor Valdés also has the honor to be in the 'Top Ten' presences. At the moment, is the fourth ex aequo with Carles Rexach, who as 'Panther Gavà' played 449 games. The presence of Valdes secure tomorrow's match at the Camp Nou will allow reach 450.
The latest to join this select dozen is Andres Iniesta. The '8' azulgrana celebrated with a goal against Athletic entering the 'Club 10', to play his game 397, equaling the record of Quimet Rifé. In a few months may have another illustrious representative of this template in the 'Top Ten', Leo Messi, who is also just 24 years and above the 300 games (317). (via MD)
Barça has never lost when Iniesta marked
Andrés Iniesta you confirms as the great talisman of Barça. If he, marks, the team doesn't lose.
As reported by the official website of FC Barcelona, where Andres Iniesta mark, the team doesn't loses. Specifically, there are now 38 games in which the manchego and they marked the team has achieved 35 wins and 3 draws, but no losses. And so does Andrew by the Spanish selection. He has scored in 11 games, sold off 10 wins and 1 draw.
The Saturday was a special game for the squad midfielder. There are now 53 consecutive league matches in which knows no defeat. And if anything is missing, the goal against Athletic was number 50 on his football career, marked with Barça 39 and 11 with the Spanish team.
Finally, as we reported after the game, Iniesta has played 397 games with the Barça shirt. With this mark, equal to Quimet Rifé and placed in the Top Ten players with more games played in Barcelona. (via SPORT)
The Saturday was a special game for the squad midfielder. There are now 53 consecutive league matches in which knows no defeat. And if anything is missing, the goal against Athletic was number 50 on his football career, marked with Barça 39 and 11 with the Spanish team.
Finally, as we reported after the game, Iniesta has played 397 games with the Barça shirt. With this mark, equal to Quimet Rifé and placed in the Top Ten players with more games played in Barcelona. (via SPORT)
