At the after match press conference FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard expressed his absolutely delightness to reach the final of the Champions League in Paris on Wednesday, 17th of May, and believes that this achievement is a reward for all the efforts done by the Barca team and the Club. "a prize for the work of the team and of the Club".The cool and calm Dutchman Rijkaard honoured each team member of his squad for the "teamwork" that has put Barça through to the final of Europe's top club competition, the Champions League. Barcelona´s Rijkaard believes he has got "a great team made up of players of unquestionable quality" and is very happy about the tremendous work ethic as well as footballing talent.


Barça coach analysed the match has following:

the match was very interesting. They pressed much harder in the second half and we had to be very alert so I would like to stress that we've had to work very hard to go though. I'm happy because the players have achieved the objective of reaching the final in Paris.

Again, Rijkaard pointed out Barca´s young midfielder Andres Iniesta's performance and revealed: "I've always considered him a great player and he has demonstrated that in all aspects match after match".



When asked about his achievements as a coach compared to his success as a player, Barça boss Rijkaard commented:

I prefer not to think about myself or about my time as a player because that's in the past. I'm happy for the Club and for all the fans who are always right behind us.

His simple responds to the disallowed "Shevchenko 'goal" for a prior foul on Carles Puyol: "The referee will have had his reasons".



FC Barcelona coach Rijkaard warned about Barça being the clear favourites against Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris on 17th May:

In a final you never know. Arsenal deserve to be there because they've done a great job. They'll be very dangerous opponents.