In an exclusive interview with Barça TV, coach Frank Rijkaard, expressed his delight about the new signings of french veteran Lilian Thuram and Italy´s world champion Gianluca Zambrotta. He thinks they are the ideal reinforcements for his team that is aiming to win six titles this season.


Barça TV: What do you make of the new signings?


Frank Rijkaard: "In theory, we were quite happy with the side as it was, but we could not ignore the opportunities that came up. Frank Rijkaard: Barça have signed two players who will have something to contribute and that's good because the season is long, there are lots of games and with these two players we now have enough for our new adventure".


Barça TV: What stands out about Zambrotta and Thuram?


Frank Rijkaard: "Zambrotta is a great player. He has played at the highest level for many years. He can play on either side, works hard and will have a lot to offer. There is not much to say about Thuram, as a player he has won everything and that's important for a team like ours that plays at a high level with people who know exactly what they want the squad to do out on the pitch to guarantee those successes".


Barça TV: What do you have to say to the people who claim Thuram is too old?


Frank Rijkaard: "That is only to be expected, but that's not the case for me. Sports stars look after themselves and do all they can to stay at peak fitness. People like that are very important to have in the dressing room and out there on the pitch. And Thuram is a person like that".


Barça TV: After adding these two players, does Barca have the best team in the world?


Frank Rijkaard: "I like to go carefully. Yes, we are very happy with the squad we have, but we have not started yet and there are some tough games ahead. That's what's nice about football. Everybody is ready to achieve big things, us included. We have respect for the other teams, but we need to focus on ourselves and we are very confident".


Barça TV: If you won the Liga and Champions League with last year's squad, surely after adding Gudjohnsen, Thuram and Zambrotta the fans should be hoping for even more?


Frank Rijkaard: "In theory, yes. But I have always looked at things with common sense. I find it an honour to work for Barça and when a team like ours goes onto the pitch, they always have to project a good image to the fans. And we want to carry on in the same vein, making sure the fans are happy and working as hard as we can".


Barça TV: Is the squad now complete for the season?


Frank Rijkaard: "A big club should never close the doors to new opportunities. Like here, we took advantage of a situation that arose. The team looks good right now, but you never know".


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