Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 531 Thu. November 24, 2005  
   
Sports


‘We can remain the same’


Barcelona forward Ronaldinho sees no reason why his side cannot continue their sparkling run of form following their performances against Real Madrid and Werder Bremen.

"With the quality of players we have I think we can carry on playing like this for quite a long time," the Brazilian told reporters after Barca's 3-1 victory over Bremen at the Nou Camp.

"With every game we win we are happier and more confident and our aim is to carry on like this."

It was a seventh straight victory in major competitions for the Spanish champions, leaving them with the statistic of 24 goals for and just two against.

Ronaldinho, who masterminded his side's stunning 3-0 win over arch-rivals Real on Saturday, followed up his Bernabeu masterclass with another virtuoso display.

He scored one and set up the others for midfielder Gabri and striker Henrik Larsson to lead his side to a comprehensive victory that ensured them of top spot in Group C.

"I'm still young and I think I can get better, that's why I work hard in training," said the Brazilian who is hot favourite to be named European Footballer-of-the-Year next week.

The performance against the Germans was all the more impressive because coach Frank Rijkaard decided to rest leading players such as top scorer Samuel Eto'o, influential playmaker Xavi and Argentine teenager Lionel Messi.

"It's a pleasure to have a squad like this because the way the team is working it means that whoever steps in to the team performs at the same level as everyone else," said the Dutchman.

Ronaldinho also gave his backing to Rijkaard's policy of rotating the players in his squad, saying that it helped to strengthen the team.

"It is important that everyone plays," he said. "The players that don't usually play are never sad, they never cause any problems and are always keen to play. They are always there to help us and that is what makes a winning team."