FC Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard came out and clarified his situation after 1 week of speculation in the official press conference prior to the match against Valencia:

My intention is to stay. I'm happy at Barça and for me it's an honour to be here. I don't want to say too much, as I know what happens in football and what counts is that I bring out the best in the team. The most important thing is the respect that I have for the club. I have a contract until 2007. I have no intention of leaving and leaving the people I love.

Further he explained that it was Samuel Eto'o´s own decision to stay in Barcelona and to work individually on his fitness. Rijkaard explained:

Eto'o told me that he would prefer to stay and work hard to be in the physical condition he wishes.

About tonight´s opponents Valencia Rijkaard revealed that they have the quality to win the Spanish Championship title this year:

They're one of the teams which will be fighting for the title. Valencia have a top squad with a lot of experience and they are going through good times". The game in the Mestalla will be very hard and difficult. It's a complicated ground to play in. Valencia are capable of defending well and can play a fast and dangerous game.