Thaindian News

Madrid, Dec 7 (IANS) Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was optimistic over his chances of taking the points in Saturday’s “El Clasico” against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Guardiola spoke in Diario AS the morning after a side made up of Barcelona B-team players had beaten BATE Borisov 4-0 in the Champions League, Xinhua reported.

“Real Madrid are always a strong side, they were when I used to play and they are now. Now we will start to prepare the game,” said Guardiola, whose side are three points behind Madrid in the table, having played an extra game.

“They have had a great season, and we will try and play as well as we can, so that our fans are proud of us. If we lose they will go nine points clear and it will be harder for us to win the league, but we are only thinking about playing well and creating chances,” he added.

Barcelona have not been at their best away from home this season, dropping nine points on their travels, with a defeat and three draws away from the Camp Nou, but Guardiola was positive ahead of the weekend.

“Things are looking good. Playing well and creating chances is the only way to compete with Real Madrid. We have some big days ahead of us and we have to concentrate and give a good impression,” he said.

Guardiola also discussed the win against BATE Borisov in which Pedro Rodriguez scored twice, as well as youngsters Martin Montoya and Sergi Roberto.

Barcelona had nothing to play for, but still dominated from start to finish in the comfortable 4-0 win.

“I don’t know how the future of the club will be, but we have made a big effort to renew a lot of these players. The club will depend on them in the future and they are a very valid generation of players. I want to thank all of my players for the serious way they have played. It all helps bring dignity to the club,” said the Barca coach.