Guardiola: “Ibrahimovic needs playing time”
FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was satisfied with the performance of his team against Manchester City and also the work of star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Despite the defeat at the hands of Manchester City, the Barca coach appreciated the efforts of his players, “We’ve made many changes during the match. The young players showed a good level, and some of the players who recently recovered from injuries have been given playing time. Others like Xavi have been given rest, but in general, I am very pleased with the performance. There has been some imbalances, but overall I’m satisfied,” he said.
Guardiola also talked about the work of Ibrahimovic, who played his first minutes as a Barca player after recovering from the hand surgery he suffered this summer. “Ibrahimovic has trained alot, but he lacks playing time, he needs more minutes on the pitch. We’ll see if he’ll play in the Super cup. He will gradually learn how to play with his team-mates, it is normal that he is learning now, I am happy with how he played,” he added.
The coach also assured that Ibrahimovic “did not play for a long time, he lacks continuity but he will improve with playing time. He hasn’t trained fully until only two days ago, his recovery required him to avoid any physical contact during training, but he moves well and trains hard. He has come to us for five years, not just for one day. We must have patience for him to show the same level he had in Italy.”
Guardiola also acknowledged that he is proud of the youth players, and is glad FC Barcelona has a great youth system full of talents. “I am very happy with them, all the youth players who took part so far such as Fontas, Muniesa, Montoya, Jeffren, or Gai among others will start the season with the youth team, but they could be called up. Everyone has been good, I am very pleased with all of them and the spirit they’ve shown” he said.
Guardiola also talked about Andres Iniesta who did not appear in any of the pre-season matches so far due to a muscle injruy. “Little by little Iniesta will return to the team” he concluded.
Nice.I’m satisfied with the game,too.There should be another great season.
Can we just sign new more players. We went behind because of that simple goal that is because we did not start the big boys from the very beginning. Please can sombody see that iniesta was badly missing yesterday nite. Sign cover up please. Those young boys need more time and experience. How long are we going to wait for them. Can somebody tell me what the hell is bojan doing on that pitch yesterday. The only move he did was to blast a golden opportunity away.I think ibra needs more time because he really needs to do more dan etoo. But from what i saw yesterday,he just must seat up BArCA 4 LIFe
Let’s hope time is all he needs.
i dont think he has to “do more than Eto’o” but we must be fair cuz prior to yesterday’s game he played 2 friendlies (both for 45 mins or so) and was just getting back fitness, and trying to regain form, then he got injured vs Chelsea and had not played since, hasnt trained fully until 2 days ago and lost what little form he had
he just needs more minutes and continuity as Pep said
Pep is right , Ibrahimovic must learn the “Barelona’s game ” and he need more time . But Barca should buy right defender and one or two mildfilders .
Great game ! Dont forget Man.City is now one of the strongest teams in England.Barca’s young team played very good against them. Ibra played good but he need more time on pitch and he need learn how Messi thinks and same for Messi. Ibra almost scored. We need just wait. Ibra will prove that he is the best striker in the world stage at this time. He just need get angry and when he does, opponent team got real trouble, he we will destroy them with help of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Henry and Alvez and rest of Barca’s team.