Pep to decide on Eto'o

Striker may not play in Champions League

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 8th August 2008

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Guardiola: Eto'o decision

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Pep Guardiola has yet to decide if Samuel Eto'o will play against Wisla Krakow in the UEFA Champions League next week, but refused to think that it would be a major indication over whether the striker stays at Barcelona.

The Blaugrana boss has been impressed with the Cameroon international's form in pre-season after stating that he would not be in his plans for the new campaign.

Now he has to decide whether to keep him or sell him this month, but by playing him in the Champions League he would then be ineligible for any other club and would be almost certain to remain at Camp Nou.

"Eto'o is another player in the squad and we treat him like any other. I have not changed my mind and I continue to feel the same way as I did on my first day," Guardiola said.

"I have not planned that yet. I will use Eto'o if it is convenient and I will not think about anything else, like whether or not he should play in the Champions League.

"Until I have seen the videos of Wisla I will not decide which team to play."

Realistic

After maintaining their 100 per cent record in pre-season with two victories in the United States, Guardiola wanted to ensure that expectation levels remained realistic.

"It is certain that we have started relatively well, but it is only the start. There is still a long way to go though," he added.

"I think that we are ready to do just that and it is always good to begin well and not badly."