Despite winning 2-0, Frank Rijkaard has words of praise for both Almeria and FC Barcelona players.


FC Barcelona's coach Frank Rijkaard was full of praises for Almeria in playing a competitive game against the Catalan giants in the La Liga match day 9. The Dutchman also highlighted the efforts made by the gallant Barca squad on that day, praising players like Messi, Thierry Henry Iniesta and Giovani dos Santos. Even before the game, Rijkaard had said Almeria were doing a great job and praised the opponents for a quality footballing techniques, predicting the match won't be an easy one for Barca. Now Rijkaard speaks to the press after achieving victory in the match.

The victory against Almeria was fundamental, mainly because it wasn’t easy but I was happy to see the Barca players fight, hold their ground and achieve a victory. When it was 1-0, I made him warm up and then I brought him on and, luckily, it worked out well. Almeria played a good game. They made it difficult for us. I was also happy because the players looked for Henry more, and they created more chances.

Rijkaard had before the match, asked the players to play a more vertical in order to tap into Thierry Henry's playing style and get more goals from the goal master.

Rijkaard then spoke on the substitution of Ronaldinho and on two other team players who were vividly seen on the pitch, namely Iniesta and Giovani

The team had worked hard, and sometimes you decide to make a change. I have great confidence in Ronaldinho. He’s very committed and has my full support. There are a lot of games left, and I’m very happy with him. Iniesta and Giovani did a great job, and Giovani was involved in both goals.

Giovani's shot canoned off the Almeria's keeper's leg for Henry to slot in the first goal, while Giovani was fould for a penalty which was converted by Lionel Messi, resulting in the second goal.