Puyol: "The Gladiator video definitely motivated me"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





Can you give your opion on the former youth players? Valdes.
The best keeper in the world. I hope for the sake of Barca that he renews and stays here for many years.

Jorquera.
Great keeper. Whenever he has played, he has played well.

Pique.
One of the keys. A very important player, who gives much to the team both inside and outside the pitch. He has a spectacular future. I think that we have made a great signing.

Xavi.
He's in the best moment of his career. It's a pleasure to see him play, a true pleasure.

Busquets.
We have a midfielder to keep for many years. He's a phenomenon on and off the pitch. He has surprised me at how quickly he has adapted to the first team.

Iniesta.
A phenomenon. A few years from now I will be able to tell people that I played with Iniesta. He is "the damn crack".

Messi.
The best player in the world. He deserves the Ballon d'Or. In order to prevent repeating what everyone in the world sees, I would point out his effort in defending. He has shown that he is dedicated. He has made a great step within the team.

Bojan.
He hasn't played as much as he had hoped but his performances have been great. He has worked hard all year, like a great professional. Every day he is better. He is Barca's future center forward.

Victor Sanchez.
He is very useful to the team. He can play in many positions.

Pedro.
Another surprise. He is very fast and he is good with one on ones. He is a winger similar to many before him and he will be an important player for Barca.

Three questions about the Gladiator video. Did the video that Guardiola showed you motivate you?
It definitely motivated me. I ran onto the pitch like a motorcycle. I think that is was good. It was something new. I have to say that being in a dressing room before a final is boring. You're in there for ten minutes, without doing anything, when what you really want to do is go on the pitch. It's a very bad moment for a footballer. That video united us all a little more, and it touched everybody. The video was very well made. I thank Santi Padró, the coach and his assistants because they nailed it.

It has been said that there are people that cried in the dressing room...
I don't know, honestly. I got emotional, but right away I concentrated on the match, and my adrenaline was raised...

It seems like the video left you all emotional in the beginning. Especially in the first ten minutes...
I don't agree at all. Manchester United started strong and didn't let us have the ball but we're talking about a Champions League final and it's normal. You have to consider that. Manchester United is great and it's not like we were playing against anybody.

How is your ankle?
I've talked with the Barca doctors and they have given me the ok to play in the Confederations cup. I'm here with Raul Martinez, the physio, and I'm sure he'll fix me. I'll attempt to help the team win this title.

Isn't it too many matches?
Yes it is, but we can't change anything.

Are you sure? Can't the players do anything?
What can you do? Stay in place? Not go? No. That's how it is and it's hard to change.

And Rafa Nadal rightfully complains about the international tennis calendar and nothing happens. It's understandable though...
Tennis is an individual sport. Rafa is the best and he can do what he wants. Also, everybody agrees that it's too many matches. Ask the doctors and I'm sure that they'll say that it's too many matches to play at a high level. While the body tires, we can crash out and there will be others to replace us. I don't know... That's how things are and that's that.

How is Queca?
On the day of the triplete celebration at the Camp Nou I was about to take my sheep Queca with me, but in the end I didn't because I was afraid that it would be a mess. But I can assure you that I'll take her onto the pitch one day.

I'm sure you've been asked about what you think about your character on "Crackovia" (Catalan television program)...
I laugh a lot. I've had the pleasure to meet Jordi Rios, the actor that portrays me. He's a good guy and he's fun to talk to. Anything that is funny is great and those at "Crackovia" should be congratulated. It has helped unite everyone, to "make" Barca.


this was the third and last part of this interview, you can read the first two parts here:
Puyol: "People don't stop thanking me"
Puyol: "Barca is stronger with Eto'o"

Puyol: "Barca is stronger with Eto'o"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





With Eto'o last year, it has been said that it was the players who convinced Guardiola to keep him...
What I think convinced him was his attitude and his quality. I think he had a spectacular season and we have always said that Samu is great. To me, he's the best center forward in the world, because of how he works and what he gives to the team. It's hard to find a player like him.

I would assume that if you were Txiki Begiristain, you would give him a contract renewal?
Those in charge should do it, but I believe that Barca with Eto'o is stronger. Then you have to listen to Barca and then the player. Here, every part of the team is important and you need to find what's best for everyone.

It's also your turn. Your contract expires the summer of 2010...
I'm very relaxed. I have a year left but I'm not worried. Now it's time to celebrate the triplete, play with the national team and then we'll see how everything turns out.

What if they offer you a short contract and a slight raise?
I don't know what the club is thinking because I haven't talked to them. When we talk, we will see.

Is it possible that you fulfill this contract and nothing more?
I really don't know. I have a contract and we'll see. My hope is to stay and then listen to what the club says. If they still think I have something to add to the team, I'll stay.

Do you maintain the desire to begin and finish at this club?
The idea is grand, aside from difficult. It's a goal that keeps me motivated.

How many years do you have left of playing football?
I feel well physically and I'm hopeful. But I can't guess how many more years I'll play.

This season, how have you felt playing at so many positions, versatile or dizzy?
Not one thing or the other. I have felt like an important player and I have played many matches. I have been changed positions often, but I'm here to help the team and the coach decides what is best to win matches. I have always respected the manager because I understand that he looks for the best.

It has been said that you don't have decent possession of the ball, something that is key in Guardiola's style...
I don't have anything to say. What I do is try to improve every day and do the best I can with what I have and that's it. Then the coach decides. This isn't a problem. I have played often and I'm happy.

Speaking of central defenders, what can you say about Piqué?
I think that he is a key to this group. He's a very important player, who gives much to the team both in and off the pitch. He has a spectacular future and I think that we have made a great signing.

And Messi?
Pfff! Saying more things about Leo is complicated. I value everything that he has done with the team. That's very hard to do and people don't realize, but us who have been there knows the obligations and he has done them. That's what stands out the most, and it is certainly important in this case.

Give us an example.
Leo often goes down the field to try to defend on the wing. It's rare to see players do something like this but he has done it. I know that many say that it's his job, but it's complicated for important players to work so much for the team, but it's the only way. If you want to win, you must do it.

Have you thanked Messi?
Yes. Everyone and I. Because we know that if we don't all feel like we're together, it's hard. You can win one day but it's almost impossible to win the triplete. That's why we won.

Iniesta, the man of the year. He is more important more than ever thanks to his football... and because of how he is imitated in the media.
Andres is relaxed but very silly. To me, he's a phenomenon. I laugh at the imitation but it's clearly an exaggeration. He isn't so lifeless. He's a great friend and I'm lucky to play with him.

Pep Guardiola. The best?
Now it's easy to say that he is a phenomenon. You need to congratulate him for what he has done and also those who counted on him. It was a risky decision. He has earned everything because he has worked hard and because he got his message to the team, and well... you've seen what he has done.

He's the best coach you've ever had?
Without a doubt, one of the best. I think that every day you learn something new from him. Every day he teaches you something and it's great. We need to appreciate him. Also, he is obsessed, he is always thinking about football, matches, and analyzing the opponents. I think that he and the rest of the team have done great work. All that remains are results.

After all of this, who would you give the Ballon d'Or to?
I really don't like the Ballon d'Or. It's difficult to award only one player. I'd give it to Barca. To the entire team. And to Maldini, for his entire career. And to Messi, of course.


read the first part of this interview here:
Puyol: "People don't stop thanking me"

Puyol: "People don't stop thanking me"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





What would you have said a year ago if I had asked you to pick only one between the Copa del Rey, Liga, or Champions League?
I would have told you that we would fight for everything but it would be difficult. Whenever you begin a season, you begin with new hopes. But careful, anything that happened in the past could still happen in the future past the treble. We should enjoy this during the summer but move on once preseason starts.

When was the first time you dreamt about the treble without fear that anybody would hear, especially Guardiola?
I think there were two moments. The first at the Bernabéu. And after that, the end of the second leg at Stamford Bridge. There, we cemented our place into the final and there was little left to win the title. Well, "little" really is a lot, but you still see it closer.

You're all aware of what has been organized in Barcelona, Catalunya, and in every culé household...
Yes, you see it in the streets. I think that all year there has been much joy. You could see the people looking happy. Now, after seeing them happy, you now see them proud. You see more jerseys than ever before and flags on balconies. That is great and it pleases us. Nowadays, people don't stop thanking me. It's the best that somebody can say.

There were many celebrations. It has been said that you have won more than three titles, much more than the triplete...
It was a moment to celebrate and to have a good time. We enjoyed ourselves often during the year but we didn't have time to stop and rest for a second. If you won a title, you couldn't celebrate because three days later you would have an important match to play. That's why, when everything was won, it felt like a bomb. It was only logical. But everybody was humble. We spent our time well. It was a celebration with everybody and the team and the supporters were perfect.

You have become the first captain to have lifted two European cups. That's legendary...
I suppose that I'll think that some day but for now I'm not thinking about that. I'm thinking that we won the triplete and not that I have lifted two European cups. I think it's very nice and also a big privilege but I don't think individualistically but more about the team.

A simple question: why did you win everything?
Well, because we deserved it. It's that simple. I believe that we were the best team. The team has worked a lot and even more importantly, they were confident. Everybody says it: we were the best.

Yeah, but, what did you differently to win everything?
We started a project with much hope. We stumbled at the beginning but the entire team knew the path they were going to take. We were confident in our way of working and little by little we saw that it was possible as long as everything was going well. Everything turned out as expected.

The image of the group's unity is real?
The entire group was very united, even those that didn't play often. Even Milito, who was injured, was there the whole time. The group was key.

You have also acknowledged those that work for the team: Manel Estiarte, doctor Pruna,...
They are like an additional part of the team. They are also very important. If it weren't for their individual work within their specialization, we wouldn't be where we are. They need to be acknowledged and the only way to do so is to reference them. It's a very sincere and true declaration from the heart.

Do you remember when people said that one of the problems in the past two years is the captaincy? Do you have anything to say?
When we score goals, there are certain things that aren't said anymore. Now we're the best and last year was a disaster. I think that we need to silence many critics, and if we can improve, we should. But it's a subject that doesn't worry me much.

Now it's transfer season. Signings, sellings, and renewals. Basically, renew or die?
We should do the best we can for the team. Those who direct and decide, should do so when decisions are difficult, but they eventually have to. What cannot be done is to consider something, then not do it and later regret it. That's the worst. If they have an idea, call it "X", they have to work for it, and I think that they will eventually find what's best for the team.

translated by: al


this was the first part of this interview, you will be able the following parts later.

Read more:
Messi: "I'd like to finish my career in Argentina"
Xavi: "We have to go out there, win it and that's it"
Pinto: "Nobody touches my tail!"

Puyol: "Blue snails with cream in Miami"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to the offical website of Powergym, a brand of dietary supplements that also sponsors Puyol's website.





Some quick questions. A color.
Blue.

An actor and an actress.
Julia Roberts and Pedro Léon.

A movie.
300.

A book or a writer.
The Shadow of the Wind. Carlos Ruiz Zafón.

An album or a band.
Swarma. Universo.

A television program.
Crackovia.

A radio station.
Kiss FM.

A newspaper.
No preference.

A hobby.
Paddle tennis.

A console and a game.
Pro Evolution PlayStation.

A car.
Audi S3.

A language.
Catalan and English.

A country to live.
Catalunya.

A place to relax.
Miami.

A meal.
Snails.

A drink.
Water.

A dessert.
Strawberries with cream.

A fruit.
Strawberry.

An unforgettable memory.
The final in Paris.

A time of the day to make love.
Either.

A public figure.
Lance Armstrong.

An ideal woman.
Elisabeth.

A historical figure.
Neil Armstrong.

A superstition.
Entering the pitch with the right foot.

A vice.
Blackberry.

A frustration.
I don’t have any.

A dream.
To play until 37.

A utopia.
To play to 37.

Translated by: Riis

This was the third and last part of this interview. You can read the previous part here:
Puyol: "I don't want to become a coach"
Puyol: "I think I could play until I'm 35 or 36"


Read more:
Venables advises Manchester City to buy Puyol
The man who changed Henry's luck
Puyol: "At the end, the best team always wins"

Puyol: "I think I could play until I'm 35 or 36"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to the offical website of Powergym, a brand of dietary supplements that also sponsors Puyol's website.





What is the secret to keep so many years in the elite of a professional sport like football?
Many things, first try to be very professional, to take care of yourself, to train hard and off the pitch it's very important to be aware of your diet.

It costs you more now than before to stay in shape?
No, more or less the same. Just as the years pass you must change training a little, you should be more careful and selective when you do the training. At the moment I am very well and I hope it lasts for many years.

Until which age do you see yourself playing at the highest level?
I think until 35 or 36, but I don't know, we'll see.

Throughout your career you didn't suffer major injuries... That's thanks to what?
Besides everything I do to prevent injuries, luck plays a role because football is a very physical sport, with a lot of contact and sometimes there are injuries that are inevitable.

Do you work with a personal coach?
Yes.

How does he help you?
I have a number of people around me apart from the club's coaches, who are very good for sure. Anyway, I'm happy with the results I get with the help of people from outside the club.

How are you feeling this year, physically speaking?
This year I'm very well, last season was more complicated because I was injured. This year I was able to relax in summer, I had a good pre-season and I feel really good.

How many hours a day do you train?
It depends, because when you play at Barca, you have at least two games a week and sometimes you cannot train a lot, since the games are though and you have to recover.

The physical preparation is hard for a professional player?
No, I don't think so. The hardest thing are the games and that you get kicked at training every day because there's always contact and you'll never going to training without feeling pain somewhere. I think that's the hardest thing about football.

Translated by: Riis

This was the second part of this interview. You will be able to read the following part in the coming days and you can read the first part here:
Puyol: "I don't want to become a coach"


Read more:
Puyol launches official website
Does Puyol has the wackiest football hairstyle?
Puyol wants to cut recovery time in half

Puyol: "I don't want to become a coach"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to the offical website of Powergym, a brand of dietary supplements that also sponsors Puyol's website.





First of all, thanks Carles for allowing us this interview and congratulations with the fantastic season you're having with Barça...
Thank you and let's hope this year keeps going on like this.

So many years at Barça... What did the club mean to carles Puyol? Would you like to retire here or have you not ruled out a change of scenery?
It's the team that has given me the opportunity to play football and play in the elite. I am honored and proud to be a Barca player, in fact since I was little I have always been a fan and follower of the club and feel fortunate to have been able to play in this great club. The idea is to never leave here and I hope I will stay in the club for a long time but in football you never know what can happen.

I know the question is not original, but do you see yourself becoming the president of Barcelona in the future?
No, I do not see myself as president.

Rather as coach or sports director?
The option I like the most is that of sports director, which I think is a more relaxed job. I don't like the job of coaching.

What do you think you'll do when you finish your stage of professional football player?
I have not thought too much about it, but it would have something to do with football if I had a choice.

And apart from football, what other hobbies do you have?
I like other sports but we don't have a lot of time and the club doesn't allow us to avoid the risk of getting injured.

What sports do you like as a spectator?
I like athletics, tennis, padel tennis.

Do you practice or would you like some other sports?
Yes, I like padel tennis and sometimes I'm playing it a little. You always ahve a good time, even when you're not the best player.

Tell us a little more about your new project: your official website. For when it will be active, which sections will it have...
It's already active. The address is carles5puyol.com. The most important sections are the blog and the forum, which will enable people to participate and I also will be participating myself by answering questions from fans. There will be a lot of my photos of the team, the Spanish of Catalan selection and also my friends and so on.

Translated by: Riis


This was the first part of this interview. You will be able to read the following part in the coming days with Puyol talking about how he keeps in shape and revealing who his ideal women is.

Read more:
Puyol launches official website
Does Puyol has the wackiest football hairstyle?
Puyol wants to cut recovery time in half

Puyol: "Tattoos are one of my passions"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





The training sessions have moved to the sports complex. What do you think about that?
I truly think it's a good thing, I'm delighted. I think that a club like Barça needs a place like that and I'm convinced it will be good for us.

With all those games, it seems that the team takes the cup like the minor of the three competitions...
We cannot take anything lightly and even less after two years without winning anything. Every title is important and you have to fight for all of them with the same spirit. It has been a long time since Barça has won the Copa or even reached the final, although we have come close over the last seasons. In the dressing-room we think it's a very important competition.

The system of the competition should be changed to make it more attractive?
They have tried some things but I think for us it's attractive and important the way it is. If you play one game the smaller teams will have better chances but for them it also has an advantage to do it like this since they now have the chance to play a game in the Camp Nou or the Bernabéu.

Barça has a psychological advantage these days in the sense that the opponents are scared or is it an added pressure for the team?
We've always had to win. When you are as strong as we are this season, the opponents respect you more. It has been the same in the past. In general, the bigger teams are more respected although the rivals are also more motivated.

You seem to be a balanced and calm person. Does that has something to do with your relationship with Tibet?
There are things about the culture and the religion that I like a lot. Besides that I am close with the members of the Tibetan house in Barcelona.

Do you meditate?
I've tried it several times but it's very difficult. For now I'm just doing some exercises to relax and I look for peaceful moments, but it's complicated to make my head totally empty.

You also have the image of being hard and solid.
I'm surely not insensitive. I have some memories that make me cry.

Are you superstitious?
Well, when I step on the pitch, I always do it with my right foot and I don't touch the lines.

You have any passions outside football?
I admit that I'm addicted to my mobile phone. New York and tattoos are two of my other secret passions. Now I have five tattoos, all on places where you can hide them. The last time I had three on the same day and next time I'll have some more. I want some symbols of Polynesia and Tibet. I'll look for a free day to put them.

Why did you launch your own line of watches, CP5?
So I don't get late.


This was the third and last part of this interview. Read the previous parts here:
Puyol: "At the end, the best team always wins"
Puyol: "Leo is above the rest"

Puyol: "Leo is above the rest"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





Is it difficult to switch between playing in the centre and as full back?
I don't have much time to think about it cause I'm informed only shortly before the game. You always have to be prepared for whatever will come and when you know your position you try to get some information about the player who will be your direct opponent.

You have now three assists in a corner situation, set pieces seem to be a key element this season...
It's a positive thing for the team and for myself. And if I can score a goal, the better. A team like Barça needs to know how to take advantage of this. We have the best players, guys who can put the ball where they want it and strikers who don't fail. You have to use all that because there are game that get complicated and that kind of situation can save you.

You've also said once that Barça needs to win some more Champions Leagues for the club to get the recognition. This year the whole of Europe is praising you all...
Because the team is playing very well, but to have only won two Champions Leagues, that's too little for a club like Barcelona, with their history and with the players who have played here.

There has been a lot of talk about the pasillo, the tribute to Madrid last seaon. Is it your unofficial objective that Madrid have to pay you back in their own stadium?
The most important thing is to win trophies because when you win them you're always happy. It was a difficult and hard moment but in football you also have moments like that. The rivalry exists, when you're on the pitch you want to win and when you can do it by a big win, that's even better.

Since Gerard Piqué arrived, he's one of your best friends in the dressing room. What does he add to the team?
It's a very important player both on and off the pitch because he perfectly knows the club and the football philosophy. He didn't need to adapt, he's performing very well on the pitch. Besides that, he's always enjoyable and cheerful. And that's also important in a group.

What do you think about not having the stay with the squad at the day of the game?
Personally I think it's a good thing because the player can relax a little and the games are that late nowadays that those hours in the hotel can be boring. At least now you're at your place, in your bed, with your people. If you're professional and serious, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

It's strange that the players spend less time together this season while there's a feeling that there's more unity...
If you're at a hotel, everyone is in his own room, so that's the same. You're alone or with your computer.

What do you think about the comparisons between Messi and Robben?
I wouldn't compare them. Robben is very good and he's playing good these days, it's one of those players who can make the difference. But Leo is above the rest, it's an incredible player, you should watch him play.

Rivaldo, Figo, Ronaldinho, Leo... Who do you prefer from all the stars with whom you have played?
It feels like one should choose the most recent one. But what the others have done is impressive.

What did it mean for you that Maradona came here and praised the team?
It's an honour that he speaks like that about us. It's not a player who I saw play a lot when I was young, but it has been an important player in the history of football.


This was the second part of this interview. You will be able to read the following parts in the coming days with Puyol talking -among other things- about his favourite city and about his tattoos.

You can read the first part of the interview here:
Puyol: "At the end, the best team always wins"

Read more:
Vilanova: "Iniesta is our best winter transfer"
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona
Puyol: "We haven't yet spoken about a renewal"

Puyol: "At the end, the best team always wins"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





It seems like Barça is winning their games without too much effort. How do you keep the feet on the ground?
Well, I don't think that's true and that was proven against Osasuna. We were lucky to win, we were close to losing the three points. This makes you keep the feet on the ground.

Comfortable leaders in the Liga, the most feared opponent in the Champions league, favourites in the Copa... You remember going through a better moment at Barça?
Yes, it's better when you win trophies. The season is doing very good so far, the people are happy and we are too. But we have to win a trophy.

You think it's unfair that there is nothing left of a great season if you don't win trophies?
It's not unfair. At the end, the best team always wins, especially in a long competition like the Liga.

There can be some luck involved in such a long season?
You can be lucky at some moments, but you have to look for it. Things are turning out well for us, maybe better than we expected because it's not easy to win that many games in a row.

How did the team get there?
With motivation, desire, working a lot and, above all, by having more confidence. After the first two games of the seasons there were doubts. But little by little our confidence grew. At certain moments we needed to turn the situation around and when you are then able to do that, this give you more confidence.

What has Guardiola changed?
A new cycle has begun. Pep has brought his ideas to the team, he's doing great like the results prove and we need to continue the same way.

What did the coach asked you, being the captain, when he was appointed?
He perfectly knows what it means to play with Barcelona and to be the captain. I never talk about private conversations, but I can tell that those talks were very important for me.

Is this the easiest year since you became captain?
If things are going well it's always easier, although there have also been seasons where we didn't win a trophgy but there weren't problems either.

All those positive comments can lead to some fear to perfrom well?
There's a lot of positive talking about this team, that's right. But in the dressingroom you always have to keep the feet on the ground and be aware that we didn't win anything yet.

It seems like the players have more work blocking the tributes than playing well...
I think we're doing some great things and this has to be valued, but we don't have a trophy yet. If people are happy, it's normal that the press is positive. Our task is not to think that we are the best and to keep on doing the same as we have done so far.

You've always insisted that Barça can still get better.
The main thing is keeping the intensity, which isn't easy. The team should keep the same desire to win. If we can do that, every team will have difficutlies to beat us.


This was the first part of this interview. You will be able to read the following parts in the coming days with Puyol talking -among other things- about the role of Piqué in the squad and about his tattoos.

Read more:
Vilanova: "Iniesta is our best winter transfer"
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona
Puyol: "We haven't yet spoken about a renewal"

Puyol: "We haven't yet spoken about a renewal"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





Dani Alves has said that the strongest challengers now, more than Madrid, are Sevilla and Valencia. Do you agree?
Madrid is a rival just like the rest.

If you could choose between the Copa del Rey, the Liga or the Champions League, which one would you choose?
I'll take all three.

Could be difficult...
Very difficult. The challenge is that Barça has never done that in its history. Winning one is already difficult but the objective is to win all three.

And if you were proposed right now to assure yourself of one title...
Ooh! Complicated. Off the bat I wouldn't choose because we have a team that can win more than one title.

Does it bother you that at 30 years old and being a captain you have to play many positions, as central and side defender at both sides?
Absolutely not. And it has nothing to do with being captain or being 30 years old. It's done to help the team, as always. I intend to do what the manager asks me to.

You've said before that you can play 10 more years, you still feel that way?
I said that jokingly. It was a comment but I don't know how many years I have left of football. I hope there's many, that's for sure.

Will you retire at Barça?
It's my hope but in football you never know. I enjoy the present and we'll see then.

How is your renewal going? You're contract expires in 2010...
My reprentative nor I have spoken to the club about this, but it doesn't worry me. I have a year and a half and I'm calm.

Xavi renewed and Valdes is currently doing likewise...
Yes, good news. The club is doing good in talking with Valdes. He's the best goalkeeper that Barca can have. Hopefully he stays many years.

A quick note about the Champions League. Are you happy that you drew Lyon?
Something similar happened when we drew Liverpool and we know how that turned out. We must be at one hundred percent or we won't go through.

Was it a risk to play against Mallorca without Messi?
No. I agree with the decision. It makes sense that players from abroad who have few chances to return to their home country get to do so during Christmas. Whoever plays, the team will be powerful. We're all proud of this squad.

Translated by: AL


This was the third and last part of this interview. Read the previous parts here:
"Things aren't won until you lift the cup"
"Right now, I have not one complaint"

Read more:
Negotiations with Puyol, Valdés and Eto'o to start
Eto'o: "Every goal gives you more confidence"
Four players nominated for Uefa Team of 2008

Puyol: "Right now, I have not one complaint"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





How is this year going as the captain? Has there been criticism towards your work the past season?
My work has been the same this year as in the past years. I haven't changed. Considering all the critics, I try to listen to all opinions, but one must follow their own path. You can learn from everything but at the same time it's very clear that it's impossible to control what people say.

Johan Cruyff recently said that Messi wouldn't have received so many kicks if he had played closer to the box...
I never heard that. I don't usually read those things.

Anyways, must we worry about Messi?
Why?

There was a rumour about him missing a training. Now the worst is feared but the culés. You know how the cracks here don't last...
All that I have to say is that we must enjoy Messi and not think negatively. I hope and wish that he stays here many years and it's clear that you never know what can happen in football. I would tell the supporters that there's nobody like him and we must enjoy his presence.

What's certain is that here haven't been "storms" and even Eto'o, who often generated doubts, is showing model behavior...
The ambiance is good. We're all united and that can be seen on the pitch, where we play very close. Everything is easier now. When you win, everything goes well but a team shows what it really is worth when tough moments come and it stays united. There we will prove whether or not we're really a team. Right now, not one complaint.

Is the Liga already won?
We're going through La Liga well but if you relax you can lose to anybody. We must keep on playing like we are now and celebrate at the end.

And why is it so hard for the culé to enjoy being 12 points ahead of Madrid while in Madrid the phrase "together we can do it" is everywhere?
That's how we are and I think that's wrong. What we must do now is enjoy because we can't be like "but, but, but" all day because it doesn't help. Feeling fear and suffering without a reason only complicates things.

Are you jealous at how Madrid is like that?
No, never. I'm proud of being a culé and we have our defects but that's how we are.

Translated by: AL


This was the second part of this interview. You can read the third part on this blog in the coming days and the first part here:
Puyol: "Things aren't won until you lift the cup"

Read more:
Xavi: "How did this happen?!"
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona
Eto'o: "Renewal talks should wait for the summer"

Puyol: "Things aren't won until you lift the cup"

Barcelona player Carles Puyol gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





Six months ago, the job of the players was to try to increase the morale of Barcelona fans and now it's to try to lower it. How you adapt to such a change in such short time?
Man, first of all I must say that the fans' morale can't be lowered because it must always be as high as possible. If I were a supporter I would try to live the moment and enjoy it as much as possible. The ones that must keep their feet on the ground are us players.

Try to explain how the same team that fell at the Bernabeu and crashed in the league last season, in this case with the same base, now can't be matched. Defend the phrase "Players are cheeky, they play when they want to".
First of all, I have to say that the loss at the Bernabeu was one of the saddest in my career, if not the worst. What happened to us was that we were going through a difficult phase, the dynamic was bad after everything that happened and it was difficult to win our matches. But we didn't doubt for a moment: we wanted to win, but we couldn't.

Why were you in such a negative dynamic?
I've often tried to explain what exactly happened but it's difficult. Football fluctuates often and there are many uncontrollable factors. It was like a collective depression in which we couldn't escape.

In contrast, the Barca of today is very strong and it may be easy to set aside everything that Rijkaard's team did....
I agree. It's not fair to compare a team at its best, like ours is right now, with the team of Rijkaard when his time was up. It's more fair to compare both when they played winning and spectacular football. The only difference is that this Barca team needs to win titles. The other project also worked and won titles, two leagues and a Champions league in five years, and that's that.

This surprising transformation is only explained by the arrival of Pep Guardiola?
Guardiola is certainly important in this project. He's most responsible and his decisions influence much. It's also important that in a new project it's easier for people to feel more important.

Is it because there are so many youth team products that the team has such a sense of unity?
The team is well and so is the ambiance, not because there are or aren't players from here, but because everyone, no matter where they're from, feel like they have a part in this.

Is there a danger that a team, so superior, ends up relaxing? Guardiola must pester you often with that...
Right now there's no lack of us hearing that. We all find it very clear. We haven't won anything and those who have been here the past years are very aware that things aren't won until you lift up the cup.

Translated by: AL


This was the first part of this interview. You can read the following parts here in the coming days.

Read more:
Milan wants Puyol to replace Maldini
Messi: "I'm growing with every match"
Puyol wants to retire at Barcelona