Rijkaard, Txiki Turn Page, Talk Unity
All talks of a crisis have been nipped in the bud within 24 hours, with Barcelona getting their act together and solving the crisis internally. It was left to Frank Rijkaard and Txiki Begiristain to close...
"He [Rijkaard] is very happy that everything has been resolved so quickly," Begiristain told the press. "The problem arose due to the lack dialogue from the moment last weekend's game against Racing ended."
He insisted that the issue has been dealt with appropriately, and stressed on unity in the dressing room: "A sign that the squad is united is that Ronaldinho is the best friend of Eto'o.
"Everything happened as a result of the difficult personal situation of Samuel, after a very long injury lay-off, and his desire to play. It is important to understand how every person feels. This should never have reached the public."
Rijkaard, meanwhile, confirmed that "there will be no sanctions for Etóo, because I believe in solving things amicably in the dressing room."
He insisted that he was not looking for any apologies, because the issue has already been put behind: "I am not waiting for apologies, it is all already water under the bridge, and we have to look ahead.
"There is no issue. The squad is united, and that is enough motivation to continue working.
"I am delighted, because the dressing room is very sensible. When moments like these arrive, they still choose to learn from it."
He had a special mention for skipper Carles Puyol, who is said to have stepped up and played a pivotal part in ensuring things were sorted out swiftly and with maturity. He also took the lead in speaking to the media earlier this afternoon, and pulling down the curtains
"When people like Puyol are around, it affects the team very positively," said the Dutchman. "They [the players] have all trained with a lot of intensity today.
"In fact, we are very happy, because the dressing room has shown amazing professionalism. The only thing I want to think about is to work so that the fans are satisfies.
"It has all turned out very well, and I have to congratulate my players"