SPAIN: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Press conferences by Liverpool and Barcelona coaches Rafael Benitez and Frank Rijkaard after Liverpool defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of their Champion League match
Record ID:
1534810
SPAIN: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Press conferences by Liverpool and Barcelona coaches Rafael Benitez and Frank Rijkaard after Liverpool defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of their Champion League match
- Title: SPAIN: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Press conferences by Liverpool and Barcelona coaches Rafael Benitez and Frank Rijkaard after Liverpool defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of their Champion League match
- Date: 23rd February 2007
- Summary: FRANK RIJKAARD ARRIVES IN PRESS ROOM SOUNDBITE (Spanish) FRANK RIJKAARD, BARCELONA COACH, SAYING: "Honestly I think that after 20-23 minutes, the tempo has gone down, and I think that was the moment to push a little bit further, but the tempo has gone down and the goal we received, put us morally down, it was in a complicated moment and gave more strength to Liverpool, and I think from that moment on we haven't had, simply the strength or capacity to change the destiny of the game." WIDE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM SOUNDBITE (Spanish) FRANK RIJKAARD, BARCELONA COACH, SAYING : "The situation is complicated, but we still have to play 90 minutes and anything can happen, we've seen it tonight. The only advantage for Liverpool is they can keep playing in their style, very well placed in the pitch, tactically and we have to have a great night and everything has to work out well" VARIOUS RIJKAARD LEAVING
- Embargoed: 15th March 2007 10:55
- Keywords:
- Location: Spain
- Country: Spain
- Topics: Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA23I37FH4TCM60B155GGOEC918
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Liverpool's preparations for Wednesday's (February 21) 2-1 first leg win were marred by an altercation between striker Craig Bellamy and defender John-Arne Riise, who both scored to make Liverpool the first side in nearly four years to beat the Barcelona in Europe at their own stadium.
"I think that the training camp in Portugal was really helpful for us because we were training well, very well," said Benitez. "The commitment of the players was very good, before and after the problems, and then I think it wouldn't talk bout this, it wouldn't have any problems, it would be the same because the atmosphere between the players is very good."
"You see (John Arne) Riise and (Craig) Bellamy scoring the goals, I think it was a coincidence, you must be really happy and pleased for them."
Despite Liverpool becoming the first English side to win at the Nou Camp since they beat Barca in the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1976, Benitez remained cautious about his side's chances of deposing their successors as European champions.
"It's clear that we have a good chance now, but as I said before we need to be careful," said the former Valencia coach.
"Barcelona is really good playing counter-attack, they have very good offensive players and we need to do our best."
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said they face an uphill battle to turn the tie around at Anfield on March 6.
"The situation is complicated, but we still have to play 90 minutes and anything can happen," said the Dutchman referring to the second leg. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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