Barça name squad and discuss
Chelsea
Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006
The 4-4-2 system adopted by Chelsea for many games this season,
including the authoritative 1-0 win over Barcelona a fortnight ago,
has caused a stir in Spain.
While the more flexible approach to team shape this campaign has
not gone unnoticed in England (José Mourinho returned to 4-3-3 for
his three selections since that win), there has been little
suggestion that the balance between defence and attack has been
altered significantly.
In Barcelona that is not the case. Triggered by words from Barças
Mexican international defender Rafael Marquez, the perception among
some in the city is that Chelsea are holding back more.
Marquez said on Barcelonas official website: They appear to be
less dangerous than last season going forward. They played with
(Joe) Cole and (Damien) Duff on the wings last season and now they
play more through the middle.
José Mourinho, Frank Rijkaard and Lionel Messi were all been
questioned on the subject on the eve of the latest meeting.
Mourinho defended the ability to switch to 4-4-2 as simply a team
strength.
Last season we were always 4-3-3 as a philosophy, as a system.
This season we are able to play in different ways.
We play 4-4-2, we play 4-3-3, we play in a diamond, we play in two
lines. The team is much more mature in tactical terms so I believe
the team is better.
Neither Barça manager Rijkaard, nor their teenage attacking
protégée Messi, appeared keen to echo Marquezs words when
asked.
Chelseas playing system has changed, said Rijkaard, but it is
still a very solid squad and in terms of danger, they are still
winning all their games.
Chelsea has not lost its solidity, so in this sense it is as
strong a team as ever and the results are there.
If Chelsea have a lot of new players this year, it is still a
great squad, added Messi. Just like last year it was a great
squad.
Messi himself looks set to be involved in Tuesdays game having
missed Barças last two outings with an ankle injury picked up
against Real Madrid.I have trained well and didnt feel anything,
he said.
