The Real Madrid vs Barcelona showdown in La Liga takes place in a bit more than a week, but Coach Guardiola insists Barca will keep pushing to reduce the gap at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona’s defeat to Getafe came as a real shock to the Catalans, who saw Real Madrid establish a promising six-point margin at the top of the standings. From a neutral point of view, this can seem huge - especially considering Real Madrid’s great form at the moment.
From Barca’s prospect though, there could be much hope. Indeed, Guardiola totally understands the current situation in which his team is. The positive side of this fact for a Barcelona fan of course is that the manager - in this case - certainly knows what are the necessary steps to take in order to catch Real Madrid in the race for the league title.
The Spanish boss so far has never had to deal with such an amount of “pressure” so early in a season. In his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s game against Rayo Vallecano, he revealed:
“Yes, it’s the first time we’re at this kind of disadvantage this far into the season, although I thought this would happen in the second or third year, but we’re willing to keep on trying.”
Every follower of Spanish football has witnessed the results of Barca’s hard work year after year in the Guardiola era. This time, the Catalans are determined to take back the pole position, and needless to say, they are not used to losing. Will they succeed?
“I don’t know if we’ll be champions,” Guardiola told the press.
And no one can confirm anything at this stage. All he has asked his players to do at the moment is to keep trying as hard as they can. Keep trying not only to cruise back to the top, but also to avoid costly mistakes.
Barcelona have been above Real Madrid in El Clasico’s recent history. If this is to remain the natural order of things for the Blaugrana, then they will have to look deep inside themselves to find the highest level of their capabilities.
Just as superstar Lionel Messi asserted earlier this season, the Real Madrid side Barca are challenging this season is not a “hungry, disorganized” side. On the contrary, they are experienced, focused, efficient, and very well organized.
The results they have been snatching lately in all competitions just show how dangerous they are. Taking into account their significant improvements, it is safe to say that Real Madrid are well on course to becoming La Liga’s top club.
“We know that we’re at a good level but it’s not good enough to be first,” affirmed Guardiola. “Up until now, Madrid have been better by six points.”
It is impossible to tell how exciting 2011’s last Clasico will be. Anyway, there are still a few games to be played before the clash at the Bernabeu; and already tonight, it is Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano.
A win would cut the gap at the top to three points, temporarily. Anything less than a victory for Barcelona would better Real Madrid’s advantages and even increase Los Blancos’ chances of reigning at domestic level at the end of the 2011-12 season.
From Barca’s prospect though, there could be much hope. Indeed, Guardiola totally understands the current situation in which his team is. The positive side of this fact for a Barcelona fan of course is that the manager - in this case - certainly knows what are the necessary steps to take in order to catch Real Madrid in the race for the league title.
The Spanish boss so far has never had to deal with such an amount of “pressure” so early in a season. In his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s game against Rayo Vallecano, he revealed:
“Yes, it’s the first time we’re at this kind of disadvantage this far into the season, although I thought this would happen in the second or third year, but we’re willing to keep on trying.”
Every follower of Spanish football has witnessed the results of Barca’s hard work year after year in the Guardiola era. This time, the Catalans are determined to take back the pole position, and needless to say, they are not used to losing. Will they succeed?
“I don’t know if we’ll be champions,” Guardiola told the press.
And no one can confirm anything at this stage. All he has asked his players to do at the moment is to keep trying as hard as they can. Keep trying not only to cruise back to the top, but also to avoid costly mistakes.
Barcelona have been above Real Madrid in El Clasico’s recent history. If this is to remain the natural order of things for the Blaugrana, then they will have to look deep inside themselves to find the highest level of their capabilities.
Just as superstar Lionel Messi asserted earlier this season, the Real Madrid side Barca are challenging this season is not a “hungry, disorganized” side. On the contrary, they are experienced, focused, efficient, and very well organized.
The results they have been snatching lately in all competitions just show how dangerous they are. Taking into account their significant improvements, it is safe to say that Real Madrid are well on course to becoming La Liga’s top club.
“We know that we’re at a good level but it’s not good enough to be first,” affirmed Guardiola. “Up until now, Madrid have been better by six points.”
It is impossible to tell how exciting 2011’s last Clasico will be. Anyway, there are still a few games to be played before the clash at the Bernabeu; and already tonight, it is Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano.
A win would cut the gap at the top to three points, temporarily. Anything less than a victory for Barcelona would better Real Madrid’s advantages and even increase Los Blancos’ chances of reigning at domestic level at the end of the 2011-12 season.
