Guardiola: “I value this win a lot”

 
Josep Guardiola emphasised the importance of FC Barcelona’s victory against Benidorm in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday in Camp Nou that saw them progress to the quarter finals.
Before the game the Blaugrana coach highlighted the problems his team’s opponents could pose and the Segunda B side proved him right in a tight encounter. “That was one of the most important games we have played,” he said. “I am more than happy with my team and I feel proud of the players.”

Difficult opponents

Having been in charge of Barça B for a year, Guardiola was well aware of what Benidorm could offer and felt that too many people underestimated how good they could be. “I know these leagues,” he explained. “People do not know these teams and they underestimate them. There are young trainers that prepare their players very well and they deserve complete respect. It is a case where the teams have nothing to lose and a lot to win and that is why these games are always difficult.”

Praise for Benidorm

For those reasons, the Blaugrana boss insisted on placing importance on the win. “We are in the last eight and that is great news for us. In the first half of the match we wanted to impose out rhythm, but they played close together and we were unable to move the ball around well. There was a good intensity to the game though. Benidorm have all my respect and admiration. In the second half we have raised the pressure, won the ball back more and played better.”

The best team possible

Looking ahead to the draw for the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey, Guardiola stated that he would rather play against “a team from the first division and the bigger the better”. He continued: “We want the strongest team to come out of the draw with us.”

Good goalkeepers

Guardiola then reflected on the two goalkeepers in the game. “Pinto is a very good keeper and he played a great game, although it is certain that in the first half his defence made things difficult for him. The goalkeeper of Benidorm was extraordinary.”