FC Barcelona Blog presents a summary of some comments made by FC Barcelona players, coaches and officials ahead of the Championsleague final between Arsenal and FC Barcelona in Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris tonight.


FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard:
"I don't believe in psychological advantages. The squad knows that we have to play a great game. It's fine that people believe in our possibilities but to think that we're favourites is a mistake. We're happy to be playing the final. It's special to be here and I'm keen for the game to start. Playing the final is a unique opportunity. You can't compare it with the game against Chelsea. Arsenal are playing at a high standard and we mustn't think about the past. We just have to show on the pitch how we can play. That's the only key".


Respect to final opponent Arsenal

"Arsenal got to the final in great form. Their results have given them confidence. In addition, they're playing as a team. The fact that they've only conceded two goals in the whole competition says a lot about this team".


About Arsenal´s Dennis Bergkamp, Henry and Barca´s Messi:
"It's because of players like Bergkamp that people go and watch football. Because of his goals and his marvellous assists. He's influenced many admirers of football. I value him highly.

Henry is the leader of this Arsenal team but we won't change everything for one single player.
Messi will train and we'll see if he can play. We're all happy that he's recovering".


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:

"Barca is a great team. I believe that if we play at our best we can win and that's what we have to work for. They're definitely the best team we've come up against in this season's Champions League. In a final you have to take your chances but you never know when they can come and you have to be very alert". We would be delighted to win. I'm convinced we will give everything we've got. We've worked very hard to be here and we have improved a lot and now we want to reach the final objective. I've believed in all my teams. Sometime I've been alone because people didn't share my opinion. But I believe this is a strong, united team, with talent".


About defender Eboué facing World player of the year Ronaldinho:
"This will be a great match for Eboué because he'll be up against Ronaldinho, one of the most dangerous footballers in the world. Barca has a great team and that kind of team has players who can decide a match and Ronaldinho is one of those. We'll have to do everything possible to stop him".


Barca Captain Carles Puyol:

"It's more important than ever that the team functions as a unit. In a final there's always a 50% chance for both teams and you have to respect your rival. You just have to concentrate on winning. We have to stick to our style of play and make sure we take our chances. Arsenal know how to hit you on the break, where they are very dangerous, but they are also strong in defence.


About Henry and Cesc
"for me Henry is one of the best in the world right now. He's got so much quality and when he gets in front of goal, as a rule he doesn't miss. He's not Arsenal´s only danger, they have a lot of quality players behind him.

Cesc had a great season. He's the player who leads the Arsenal midfield and he's got a freedom of movement on the pitch and plays really well. The manager clearly has confidence in him and that's so important".



FC Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés:

"Arsenal have had a great season and they have players who are really exciting, which should make for a really great final. Even so, I'm confident we'll win. For me, Ronaldinho is the best in the world. A player like him can win the game and his quality is something that improves the game of all of us".


Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva:
"I've never played against Ronaldinho. I've only played with him in the international side. The fact is, Arsène Wenger has never asked me to stop an individual player but the entire opposing team. In the final we don't just have to stop him but Barca as a whole. Apart from Ronaldinho, they've got some great players such as Eto'o and Deco".


FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta:

"We have confidence in the team. We're coming here with high hopes, just like the rest of the Barca fans. We have confidence in the team. The key will be to keep our balance. We have experience in finals. The coach has won a few of them as a player and Txiki also won the Wembley final. We've done our homework for the final. We've won the league and now we're going for something extra. The Champions League is the most you can aspire to in footballing terms. But with the league already won, we're more relaxed. This team has come a long way, win or lose. It has put the club in the media spotlight".


About Arsenal
"In a final there are no favourites". We're playing against a quality and strong opponent."


Message to all Barca fans:

"I expect a festival of football. The Barca fans must give an example of good behaviour just as they have always done in all the finals. I admire all those who are making a big effort to come to the Paris final".