Overmars
and Coco wait for their chance
Before such an important
European match as Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Roma two of FC
Barcelona’s most experienced players in European competition, Overmars
and Coco have been recalled to the first team squad. Rexach is hoping
his entire squad will be available for selection. The Dutch winger and
Italian defender will be hoping to get a chance to show what they can do.
At Monday’s press conference both players talked about their chances of
playing and also pointed out Roma’s strong points.
Overmars
"The important thing
is that the team is in good shape, the League is wide open and that we
also remain in contention in the Champions [League]. This is the main priority
and on a personal level I am ready for when the team needs me. Being a
substitute doesn’t make me happy but it’s better than not being in the
squad."
"One is never totally
happy with his contribution but it’s obvious that if I don’t play I can’t
show what I can do. I’m having a difficult year with injury and illness.
This time I’ve been called up into the squad and it would be good for me
to play a few minutes."
"Rexach has changed
his style of play and doesn’t require men down the flanks preferring to
have more players in the middle of the park. This means sacrificing the
wingers."
"Roma are a very
tough team that possesses all the characteristics and qualities of an Italian
team but believe this type of rival suits our style of play and have a
chance of winning. You always have to win your home games."
Coco
"Roma are a team
that use the ball well, work hard and always go onto the pitch with a winning
mentality. We will need to fight for every ball, be patient, play a great
game and be prepared for anything."
"They are an incredible
team with great quality players and also have Capello, a coach who instils
virtues such as fight, will to win and the belief in never giving up right
up until the final whistle."
"I am going through
a difficult time at the moment and spent January getting over injury and
chickenpox. Now the team is in good shape and what I want to do now is
work to the maximum of my ability and train hard. The decision rests with
the coach and it is he who decides who is playing. If he needs me I will
be there to help out the team."