FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has spoken exclusively to Barca TV about the success of the pre-season trip to Aarhus in Denmark. Rijkaard gave his view on the 5 day training camp, the importance for the 8 young, rising Barca stars to gain experience, Neeskens starting his job as assistant coach and finally Gudjohnsen making his debut in the new Barca Shirt.


Barca TV: What is your overall view of the Danish trip?


Frank Rijkaard: "We've worked well here. After last year's experience, we knew that there was a pretty relaxed atmosphere and the pitches and the hotel are fine -really we've had a good time".


Barca TV: And the way the youngsters have reacted?


Frank Rijkaard: "To begin with I thought it wasn't ideal to begin the pre-season without so many important players, but actually the most positive thing has been having the young players training with us. It's a great experience for them and gives us the chance to see how they are coming along. There's no pressure on them, but they can come and show us what they can do".


Barca TV: Will you be taking any of tehm on the tour to Mexico and The States?


Frank Rijkaard: "Well the players who are oining us after the World Cup -like Deco or Ronaldinho, won't have had the time to work with us, so there could be as many as five youngsters in the squad - particularly to play in the first games of the tour. I don't think that two days training will be enough for some of the returning players to get match fit."


Barca TV: What's your impression of Giovanni Dos Santos?


Frank Rijkaard: "Alexanco who's in charge of the younger teams, came with us to Denmark and he knows the lads very well and keeps an eye on them. It's true that some of the youngsters have shown great skill, but we need to protect them and take things slowly to allow them to develop in the best way".


Barca TV: What kind of condition will the team be in for the first official game -the Spanish Super Cup against Espanyol?


Frank Rijkaard: "You always have to wait and see a bit. Right now we're just working with the players we have -we'll have to see how the others are when they come back. I think we'll be okay - we're looking to get match fit as quickly as possible. You have to plan the work to anticipate what the players can take".


Barca TV: What impression has Gudjohnsen made during his first few days?


Frank Rijkaard: "He's settling in well. Not just on the pitch, but also off it. He's learning Spanish and communicates with the other players which is important. Sylvinho and others have been a big help for him - they are little details, but they count in the end".