Ronnie backs AWOL Eto'o

Ronaldinho has defended Samuel Eto'o after after he went absent on Sunday.

The prolific striker did not take kindly to being replaced by summer signing Eidur Gudjohnsen at half-time and promptly left Camp Nou to miss out on picking up his medal following the 3-0 victory.

However Barca team-mate Ronaldinho has now stated that Eto'o's reaction was 'understandable', and even evidence of his hunger to succeed with Los Cules.

"What happened is understandable because he's the sort of player that wants to be on the pitch all the time and if he isn't he's unhappy," said Ronaldinho.

"It's better that he's like that than if he didn't mind not playing and we all hope that he continues to retain the same hunger to play.

"Anyway these things are best sorted out in the dressing room."

Los Cules boss Frank Rijkaard also declined to criticise the former Real Mallorca striker as he reflected on a winning start to the new campaign.

"It is true he left early," said Rijkaard.

"After a match emotions are running high and it is better to sleep on it and talk about it the following day.

"Barca played well and there were some moments of spectacular football.

"But it was only one game and we have to keep working hard.

"I'm very pleased that Barca made such a good impression, though."

Meanwhile current Barca president Joan Laporta is expected to be named the Camp Nou supremo for another four years as his rivals for the prestigious post have seemingly failed to raise the necessary support of 1,804 club members.

Laporta was ordered to hold another election in July after a judge ruled he had exceeded his four terms in control of the Catalan club, but now rivals Jaume Guixa and Jordi Medina have said they will stand down.