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Super Barca prepared for expected dip in form
Source: Agencies |
December 21, 2009, Monday
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BARCELONA has reached such heady heights in 2009 that it must be prepared for a fall, coach Pep Guardiola said after its Club World Cup victory.
The European champion beat Argentina's Estudiantes 2-1 after extra time in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to lift its sixth trophy this year, adding the world crown to La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey and Spanish and European Super Cups.
Soon after Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi scored a 110th-minute winner to seal the extra-time win, Guardiola was already worrying about how to defend the six titles.
"This is my target, this is my responsibility. I have to do it," the Barcelona coach said. "I don't know how."
"Now we're going to descend a bit from our stardom, but we have talent and we got here with hard work. We're going to be alright," he told the post-final news conference on Saturday.
"Six titles is unequalled, this brings more responsibility. We have to continue working to remain among the elite."
"I'll never forget it's the players who achieved this and the ones who gain me my prestige (as a coach)," added Guardiola, who lost world club finals once before with Barcelona, as a player in 1992 in the former Intercontinental Cup.
Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella, whose team was looking for its second world title, praised Barcelona's "tactical variety" and "calmness".
He also pointed to the Catalans' strength in depth, adding that not even injuries could throw them off their game as they had international players on the bench.
Barcelona was hit by another injury during the match, with midfielder Seydou Keita injuring his thigh. He would be out for about three weeks, the club said.
Estudiantes had gone ahead in the 37th through Mauro Boselli's header at Zayed Sports City stadium before the Spanish champion's late pressure paid off as Pedro Rodriguez headed home an equalizer against the South American champion in the 89th.
Earlier, South Korea's Pohang Steelers beat Atlante of Mexico on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The European champion beat Argentina's Estudiantes 2-1 after extra time in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to lift its sixth trophy this year, adding the world crown to La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey and Spanish and European Super Cups.
Soon after Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi scored a 110th-minute winner to seal the extra-time win, Guardiola was already worrying about how to defend the six titles.
"This is my target, this is my responsibility. I have to do it," the Barcelona coach said. "I don't know how."
"Now we're going to descend a bit from our stardom, but we have talent and we got here with hard work. We're going to be alright," he told the post-final news conference on Saturday.
"Six titles is unequalled, this brings more responsibility. We have to continue working to remain among the elite."
"I'll never forget it's the players who achieved this and the ones who gain me my prestige (as a coach)," added Guardiola, who lost world club finals once before with Barcelona, as a player in 1992 in the former Intercontinental Cup.
Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella, whose team was looking for its second world title, praised Barcelona's "tactical variety" and "calmness".
He also pointed to the Catalans' strength in depth, adding that not even injuries could throw them off their game as they had international players on the bench.
Barcelona was hit by another injury during the match, with midfielder Seydou Keita injuring his thigh. He would be out for about three weeks, the club said.
Estudiantes had gone ahead in the 37th through Mauro Boselli's header at Zayed Sports City stadium before the Spanish champion's late pressure paid off as Pedro Rodriguez headed home an equalizer against the South American champion in the 89th.
Earlier, South Korea's Pohang Steelers beat Atlante of Mexico on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
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