Barcelona´s Txiki Begiristain revealed that their have not been given any instructions to Barca coach Frank Rijkaard to leave Javier Saviola out of the squad but admits that the current situation ios entirely down to the player himself. Barca´s director of football Begiristain spoke out in a radio programe yesterday:

There has been absolutely no instruction from the club telling Rijkaard not to call him up, as it is possible that one day we might need him. There were opportunities to find a solution to his situation during the summer but he simply refused.

Begiristain revealed that Saviola himself was to blame for his personal situation because the Argentine international simply refused all possibilities, despite being told that he plays no part in Barca´s plans.


Barcelona coach Rijkaard is already struggling to give enough playing time to new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen, who arrived from Chelsea during the summer. Samuel Eto'o had a sensational start into the season and is the undisputable starter at this moment. Despite any injury problems, it seems unlikely that Saviola will be named into the Barca squad.