Iniesta: "We have to play our game"

Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta gave an interview to the club's official media.





There are two matches left to round off all the good work already done.
We're at that time of the season when decisive matches come along. If we win on Saturday, the league title would be very close. Not losing is an important step towards it. And on Wednesday we have a place in the final at stake. The team is confident.

First there's the challenge in the Bernabéu.
We will go to the Bernabéu for a win. If there's one aspect that has characterized Barça this season it's that wherever we play we always keep the same style: attacking, looking to win the match and playing attractive and efficient football. We’ll go to win the match because a victory there will clear the path to the title.

What's the key to the match against Real Madrid?
The key is to keep on being ourselves and try and do things well. These matches are different from all the rest. Everyone's hanging on them, emotions are heightened. A match of these characteristics is different because of everything that surrounds it, the way people experience it.

Would a win on Saturday be an injection of morale ahead of the match in London?
What's clear is that a victory would help us to focus on Wednesday's match against Chelsea, a match that's life or death for us.

Is Barça the favourite on Saturday?
There are no favourites. It's very difficult. There have already been cases where the team that is worse going into the match ends up winning it. It's such a different match that statistics and form don't count.

How will the absence of Márquez in Madrid and London and Puyol in London affect the team?
The injury to Rafa Márquez is really important to us because the truth is he was having a sensational season. Rafa brings a lot of things to the team. It's a shame, I hope he recovers quickly. As for Puyol it's a pity but we have to overcome the situation and give confidence to the team-mate who replaces him and who I'm sure will do a good job.

You said earlier that Barça only knows how to play to win. Why?
We believe that playing well is the best way to achieve good results. Football is for enjoying and having a good time. Our fans wouldn't forgive us if we played the way Chelsea did last Tuesday, with all the respect in the world. We will maintain our philosophy to the end. Win or lose we won't change our ideas.

Did Chelsea get the result they wanted last Tuesday?
A goalless draw in the Camp Nou may be an important result for Chelsea because they didn't concede a goal but it could be a dangerous result because I'm confident we will get our chances to score at Stamford Bridge. We'll be brave and we know that if we score one or more goals we will have a good chance. As at all English stadiums, the fans will support their team throughout the 90 minutes and that's difficult for the visitors. But we're 90 minutes away from a final and we have to go there with the confidence that we can qualify for Rome. We have to play our game, keep possession and take our chances.

read the complete interview here


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Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta gave an interview to Catalan newspaper Avui.





How are you feeling now. Your ten days off with an injury don't seem to have made you lose the rhythm.
No, I almost didn't stop training and I kept the same level of physical fitness. I feel very good.

You're doing some specific training after your two muscle injuries?
I'm strengthening the zone where I had problems, but injuries are part of football. I've always be very careful although it's true that you're becoming more interested and cautious when you had injuries.

When you were injured for two months in November and December, the team didn't feel your absence. Last time, they did. You think that the opponents are getting to know the team better and your role as a decisive player becomes more important?
We didn't win a few games. And when you don't win and someone is not there, people always talk about those players who are missing. But it's true that those ten days seemed longer than the two months I was out before, because I saw that things didn't turn out well for the team. When everybody is there, the team is always stronger.

Against Mallorca you played up front, against Athletic in midfield, where you feel better.
Because that's my natural position. I can play on other positions, but everyone is specialized in one position and I feel best in midfield. I know that position inside out, I have the automatisms. I can do my thing at other positions too, although it's not that easy for me, even when it might seem it is (laughs).

The fact that you have played on the left wing, almost by accident, has made you progress?
It made me more complete. Some think it's better to play at one position, but I think I get better as a player. Playing itself is the main thing. The confidence that I get after having regularly played over the last 2-3 years is what makes me better every day.

Where will this end?
I hope this year will have a spectacular end for the team. But what motivates me more every year is that I feel better. I'm growing. I will get better.

Can you give an example of something you can get better at?
I can get better at everyting. Football isn't mathematics, you always have to improvise, shoot better, get more often in the box, score more.

You've experienced a change in the squad?
The most important thing is the respect of your teammates. I still feel the same, but over the years you gain more experience, the teammates are looking at you in a different way, they respect you a lot more. It's like that in normal life and it's like that in the dressingroom.

People said that you and Xavi cannot play together in midfield. Was that a mistake from the start or your progress proved them wrong?
There are so many people and so many ways to look at the game that it's difficult to say which one is the correct way. I think we always have been able to play better and I think that now nobody can question that anymore. There are always those kinds of myths, like the one saying that small players cannot play together. I think it's more about personal preferences than really about the game.

Guardiola said on Saturday that you're an example as you don't have piercings or paint your hair. You feel out of place between the stars?
No. I see football as a game and a spectacle, from what happens on the pitch to what happens in the stands. But when I leave my role as football player behind, I'm like everyone else. Everyone is who he is and does with his life what he wants.

You have a tattoo?
No, but it's true that the dressingroom is full of them.

There's a tattoo artist in the Gràcia neighbourhood who, people say, gives you special powers.
If I need that one day, I might go there but at this moment I'm fine just like this.


This was the second and last part of this interview. You can read the first part here:
Iniesta: "We have returned to the basics"

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Iniesta: "We have returned to the basics"

Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta gave an interview to Catalan newspaper Avui.





After the last win, everything seems to be fine again?
The most important thing is that the team has left behind a series of unsatisfying results. Both the game against Mallorca and the one of last weekend were good games to start the last stage of the season with confidence.

The media all say that Barcelona has refound themselves.
I agree with that, in the sense that we have returned to the basics, to what made us a strong team. We saw a solid Barça, one that pressures, that is 2-0 ahead and goes for the third goal. We all have a great feeling, especially ahead of Wednesday's game.

Why did you lose contact with those basics?
It's very difficult to keep on winning, to keep the same level for several months and I think it's only normal that you also have some games where everything isn't turning out well. The most important thing is that when this happens, the team doesn't give up, but on the contrary makes an effort to recover and to come back with more confidence than ever. I hope those last two games have given us that.

Madrid will difficultly give up. Their campaign to destabilize will go on.
We expect a fight until the end. We don't have to be overconfident, but we shouldn't be scared either. If we're in front, we should be proud and not looking behind the whole time. We have to enjoy the moment and to be convinced that we will win the title.

Looking at the season, you think that your are you own biggest rival?
We're in a provileged situation for a while now in which we depend on ourselves. I think that's clear to everyone.

It's clear because of the results, but also because of your way of playing.
Everyone agrees that we're going for the win with beautiful football. Winning is difficult, but winning with good football is even more difficult. If we should be praised for something, then it's for always trying to attack, no matter the pitch or the opponent. That has become a rare thing these days. There's aren't many other teams with the same philosophy. I think everyone likes to play that way, so it would be nice if we could be an example for some. Football is more than results, but results have become extremely important.

What do you think about Lyon after watching the first game?
In the first half, we seemed out of place and they were able to hurt us... That shows that in Europe you should be very careful and you can only make few mistakes.

You think they will play defensively?
At this stage, they're eliminated. But we won't look at them. We should go out there like against Athletic, go for the win and afterwards we'll see how the game goes and how they play, but always with the intention to score, which will be the thing that gives certainty.

If you go through, the treble is every time less impossible?
We'll wait a bit more for that. When we're still in the three competitions at the beginning of May, then you can return and ask me the same question. I will be able to give a more solid answeer. It's true that we're in a very good situation, we have opportunities and we should be able to take advantage of it. But we also should be aware that one game can change everyting, so we should deal with Wednesday's game in a mature way.

What will have been the role of Guardiola if you win one, two or three trophies this season?
Winning something will be fundamental for the change of the team. We shouldn't forget where we come from and how radically everyting has changed in only seven months, while back then few people believed this would happen. The team has giving the fans renewed hope and enthusiasm. And that's the best thing.

What's the secret of Guardiola?
His way of being. The dedication he puts into his work, the motivation, what he transmits, how he convinces. He's doing a perfect job. I always say that when you give everything you have, the reward will follow one day.

This was the first part of this interview. You can read the second part here in the coming days with Iniesta talking, among other things, about his favourite position on the pitch and about why he hasn't a tattoo.


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Iniesta: "Each player must be a leader"

Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





The player that is likely to take the throne as best player in the world for many years seems to be Leo Messi...
Hopefully he can do it. We're all seeing that he's an impressive footballer and I don't think it'll be a problem for him to win many titles. He deserves it more than enough.

What has this Barça squad changed in respect to last year's squad that marks such a big difference?
A little of everything. The atmosphere in the dressing room, the change of players... overall many things have happened and we have much hope. Everything is going great and we’re all happy to prove how our hard work is projected onto our results. The victories and titles are what really make a difference.

To the youth products, is it an extra incentive that Guardiola will pay back you or Victor Valdes with the armband as captains?
The importance that we have at a team like Barça is greater as time passes. Right now, we have many players from the club itself in the first team and we're all determined to push the team forward. The dressing room is very united, both the players from the youth team as much as the foreigners.

Do you now feel like a leader on the pitch?
I feel a bigger responsibility, but on the field nothing has changed. I like to play and give my very best on the field. I'm one of the people that believes that each player must be a leader at their position and be responsible for their role.

What does it mean to you seeing players like Pique, Busquets, or Bojan already integrated within the elite of the team?
It's an incredible joy for everyone: the club, the teammates, and the rest of the kids that play in the youth teams... To players that come from the lower ranks, just like I did, seeing examples of players making it to the top gives lots of encouragement.

Do the youth products make their special mark on the team?
It makes sense that the players that have grown in La Masia and have been taught the importance of Barca since young feel aware of the club's background. We're all very happy and there's much to be proud of, such as the calling up of Pique and Busquets to the national team, and things are going well.

From your words, I notice that you identify with this club like few do...
Man, it's because I've been at Barça since I was 12 and this club has given me so much. Everyone has always treated me well and hopefully I can be here forever to defend these colors. I don't see myself playing for any other shirt.

Recently, it was speculated that Florentino Pérez would try to sign Messi, a rumor that your teammate immediately snubbed. If any Real Madrid presidential candidate knocked on your door, what would you say?
The answer is clear and I wouldn't even bother responding. Barça is my club and I wouldn't like anybody to use my name to support their campaign.

I notice that you didn't like that the candidate Jose Antonio Camacho used your name for a previous campaign.
I don't like those kinds of situations and time eventually puts everything in its place. I'm happy at Barça. It's my club and anybody can say what they want.

Translated by: Al


This was the second and last part of this interview. Read the first part here:
Iniesta: "The Liga title is the most important one"

Iniesta: "The Liga title is the most important one"

Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





It's been a month since you re-appeared against Mallorca in the league. How are you feeling? (note: the interview dates from before his new injury)
Very well. I was focused on gaining my form little by little and getting back into the rhythm of matches. The matches in January and the training sessions have helped me improve to get into top shape.

What are your personal expectations in the current 2009 season?
My goal is to show the best I have. The team is working well and this helps each player to play at their best.

Do you get the impression that the supporters appreciate you more now than before you got injured? It seems like after losing you for a few months, there have been culés that have valued you much more...
To me, it's been important to notice all the support on behalf of the fans every time that I've played in the Camp Nou after my injury. I always knew that the supporters cared, but you never knew how they would react after some time without playing and it's been very special. I'm very grateful.

On top of that, your comeback couldn't be better, a goal against Mallorca and three important points...
It was very emotional. Since I was promoted to the first team, the fans have been with me and without a doubt, it's motivating when the fans appreciate you. Although, the satisfaction of the supporters enjoying the team is much more important. We're playing well and we hope to maintain a good streak until the end.

Are you one of the people that dares talk about the treble or is it better to stand by Guardiola's message of caution?
Everyone dreams and I think that it's good to hope to do something great. Obviously, there are many matches left, and the path is still long and it's true that everything is going great, but we're still far from any treble. Still, we're aware that a club like Barça can't go a third year without winning any title and we're going to aim for it in any way possible.

If you only end up winning the Liga title, which is the title that gets closer by the day, do you think that the supporters may feel a bit disappointed?
To me, the Liga title is the most important one. It's a result of an entire year's work and it would be a great achievement to win it. The Spanish league is a difficult championship to obtain and it's very prestigious.

In the last FIFA World Player voting process, your name finally came up within the first nominees and your worldwide recognition has finally taken off. Is this finally fair? After many years with the spotlight on other players that seemed more important to the media.
That's something that I never stopped to think about before or now. What I'm interested is in playing well with my team and winning many titles with Barça. Obviously, everyone wishes to have their work recognized and to be on those lists, even though I insist that first and foremost I'm concentrated on the team's game and the best for Barca.

Translated by: Al


This was the first part of this interview. You'll be able to read the second part in the coming days.

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Iniesta: "Victor Valdes is great at one on one's"

Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta gave an interview to the club's official media.




Eight points ahead of the team in second place and twelve ahead of Madrid. Now what?
Well, we need to keep going in the same way in the last match before the break. The most important thing is the team’s mental toughness and we have to keep it that way until the end.

Without that mental toughness, when Eto'o missed the penalty you might not have won. Instead the players kept on going.
That’s one of the key things about this team. Right from the start we played our game and went out to win. Some games are easier and others are harder, but it’s that mental toughness which keeps you going unil the end.

What were you thinking when Drenthe had that great chance?
I have a lot of faith in Víctor Valdés and he’s really good at one on one's. Fortunately for us he blocked Drenthe’s shot and we won.

And then everyone went mad when Barça scored twice?
Madrid had had two chances and then we missed a penalty. That’s why Eto'o’s goal was crucial. And then Messi’s strike was the icing on the cake to get 12 points ahead of Madrid and keep pushing on.

With an eight point advantage over the team in second place, how is the team aiming to maintain its good form?
Eight points is a big gap but there are still a lot of games to go, and we need to keep that at the front of our minds.

It’ll be six weeks tomorrow since you got injured. How are you feeling?
I’m feeling good and getting to the end of my layoff.

What’s your impression of the team when you’re out?
You can’t do much from the outside, and that’s not a nice feeling. But I’ve been okay because the team has been doing really well.

What do you think of the season so far?
The team’s doing really well. We’ve worked hard from the start and we’re now reaping the benefit. But we still lost at Numancia and drew with Racing in our first two games and people were worried. Since then the results have got better and we need to keep working to make sure it continues that way.

What would you say to the fans to rein in their euphoria?
People know how hard it is to win the league and win every game. It wasn’t that long ago we weren’t winning things, so that shows we need to keep our feet on the ground.

Can you get across to the new players what happened last season?
That’s easy because it was a really bad time. Now we have to make the most of the good times and enjoy them. Plus at the end of the season we want to do what’s really important and win things.

You’ve experienced a lot with Barça and you’re still quite young. What’s it been like?
There have been good times and some really bad ones but they’ve helped me grow. You learn from the good and the bad times from which you can take the positives. Now we need to enjoy ourselves and know that at the end of the season things could be even better.


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