Embarrassment of riches
Last updated: 5th September 2007
Iniesta and Henry wait patiently from the bench
Having four of the best players in the world in your side is a privilege.
Andres Iniesta
Quotes of the week
Related links
Teams
Players
Barcelona midfielder, Andres Iniesta told Revista de la Liga that it doesn't matter who plays as the Catalan club have such a phenomenal squad.
The signing of Thierry Henry has put pressure on Frank Rijkaard and his team to win silverware this season after ending the last campaign empty handed. But Iniesta believes that Henry has nothing to prove.
"He came to us after having been out of action for a while and he's had to come back from an injury," Iniesta told Revista.
"Like everyone during pre-season he has been working hard, bit by bit to get his fitness back as soon as possible to help the team."
The former Arsenal captain started Barca's opening match of the season on the bench and failed to score in the goalless draw with Racing Santander, a game they would have expected to win.
Against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, Henry started for the first time but again failed to find the net, although Rijkaard's side ran out 3-1 winners.
Iniesta says that the France international striker will soon find his feet: "I don't think Thierry has anything to prove.
"He has done everything in the game and we hope he feels happy here and that we can enjoy everything he brings to the side.
"I always say the most important thing is to have the players and then it's the manager who has to decide how to bring things together.
"Having four of the best players in the world in your side is a privilege. I don't think in any case it will be a problem to have players like that as they give so many options to the team."
Strength in depth
The Spain midfielder is also battling for a starting place with Deco, who has come in for criticism of late. But Iniesta is not worried; moreover he is excited at the quality within the squad.
"Here, we all have to fight to start games and to play the maximum amount of time possible. It's no matter if it's Deco or me. I think that here we are all united to reach the same goal.
"Just the other day I commented on the fact that we have a phenomenal squad and there will be games for everyone. The most important thing is that we are all fit and then the coach can decide.
"The real winner here is the team - it doesn't matter who's on the bench and who's not."
Comments
Oladimeji Olaosebikan (Liverpool fan) says...
Well, i dont think they have a problem... they are playing quite well, but football has improved worldwide.. there are no smaller teams now.. every teams' pride is to draw or win the "so called big teams" I think Barca needs to work as a team..
Posted 14:11 18th September 2007
Avinash Kalarikkal (Arsenal fan) says...
Henry shouldnt have left Arsenal.. i m sure he regrets it now.. He's a fantastic player who should have ended his career at arsenal.. Real is a far better team right now
Posted 11:09 15th September 2007
Bao Odessa (Liverpool fan) says...
My take on barcelona is that they are going to win the champions league again, they have so much talent on the field and on the bench, best player is the mercurial Messi.
Posted 16:38 12th September 2007
Mohamed Ahmed (Arsenal fan) says...
That is true to a certain extent but it seems that barca are the new real madrid they have much bigger names than their rivals and too many star egos on the team. Eto and Ronaldinho cant be subbed out of a game because their gonna complain so then Rijkard has no choice but to take out their best player in my opinion in leo messi.
Posted 23:44 6th September 2007
Add Comment*
All fields are required