Barcelona manager says side can improve
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola says that his side have a lot of improvements to make if they are to be a true force in the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Catalan giants confirmed their place as winners of their qualifying group as result of their 3-0 victory over Panathinaikos in Athens on Wednesday 24 November.
The visitors took the lead after 27 minutes when Pedro Rodriguez scored from a tight angle. FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi then doubled the advantage with a 62nd-minute strike before Rodriguez sealed the three points, seven minutes later, from
inside the penalty area.
Despite the comprehensive victory, Guardiola admits that his players still have to improve in certain areas if they are to emulate their Champions League triumph in 2009.
He told UEFA's official website, "We've had to put in a big effort in order to win here. Firstly, I'd like to say this is the third year we've advanced from the group stage as section winners with a game to spare. Facing teams like Copenhagen and Rubin Kazan
demands a h**l of a lot. We're certainly not an unbeatable team.
"In terms of Wednesday's game, I'm a little disappointed with some things, like when we lost possession, but having said that we controlled the game apart from when (Djibril) Cisse had his chance. It could have been a different match had (goalkeeper) Victor
Valdes not saved that; he continues to be a crucial part of our team. We're satisfied that we've qualified as group winners, so let's see how we do in this tournament when February rolls around."
Guardiola will now turn his attention towards the vital El Clasico clash in La Liga against title rivals Real Madrid. Los Blancos are currently at the top of the table, having been undefeated all season, but Barca are just one point behind, meaning that
the game could have a large bearing on the championship race.
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