Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has challenged Ronaldinho to
reproduce his best form ahead of Saturday's Primera Liga clash with
rivals Sevilla.
Rijkaard substituted the Brazilian in last week's goalless draw
with Osasuna and withdrew the player again in Wednesday's 3-0
Champions League win over Lyon.
The Dutch coach nevertheless insists he will stick by his star and
hopes the forward will rediscover his best form in the next few
weeks.
"I believe Ronaldinho is capable of doing the things he has done in
previous years," he said. "I think we can get him back (to his
best). It's all about action-reaction and sometimes that implies a
bit of suffering, but when he reacts he is a phenomenal
player.
"There is no doubting the quality he has, but he must react and
demonstrate that quality."
Rijkaard maintained that Ronaldinho is a "very, very important
player for the squad", but defended his decision to substitute the
South American.
"He is one of the best players in the world and he has shown that,
but sometimes a change is necessary to add new life to the team,"
he said.
Despite being hauled off in the last two matches, Ronaldinho will
keep his place on the left of Barcelona's three-pronged attack,
alongside Frenchman Thierry Henry and Argentinian Lionel Messi.
