Thuram: “The important thing is that we are top”

Thuram: “The important thing is that we are top”
Frenchman Lilian Thuram has highlighted the fact that one more week has passed by and Barcelona are still top of the league. But it is important not to let any more games slip by them.

Lilian Thuram does not feel that one game against Zaragoza is enough to draw any conclusions from. It is never easy to play sides that have the added motivation of facing the league leaders. “When Barça lose an important game, and the Zaragoza game was a very important one as far as this season goes, people invent all kinds of things” he says. “But for the moment, the team is playing quite well and with one game less left to play, we are still top, and that is the most important thing”.

Madrid edge closer

The league is anything but decided, with Sevilla and Madrid right on Barcelona’s heels. But Thuram feels this is only normal, and claims that “fear isn’t the word, I think Madrid are a great team and that’s why they are just two points behind. But the important thing is that we are top of the table”.

No margin for error

Thuram admits the team cannot afford to relax, but understands the benefits of having their destiny in their own hands. “We have one point more than the others and there are nine games left” he observes. “We have to prepare well for the games because the teams below us are playing well. The important thing to worry about is ourselves”.

No advantage in fixtures

The defender is not convinced that the fact that Sevilla, Madrid and Valencia all still have to play each other is an advantage for Barça. “I think every game tells its own story. There is every chance that one of those teams could win all their games. I think it is a mistake to think the situation benefits us. We have important games ahead that will be difficult to win”.

Any system works

4-3-3 or 3-4-3? Thuram has played in both systems, but feels that tactics are not the key to getting good results. “It is not as important for me as the players’ attitude. The team is definitely much more used to the 4-3-3, because that’s how we have played until now. But against the same team, Zaragoza, we played with three defenders and won. Attitude is the important thing, and the team is not lacking in attitude”.

Away from training

Thuram, was asked what he felt about the players that seem to be missing more training sessions than might be considered acceptable. He sees nothing wrong with players working out in the gym or following separate programmes if that is the way things have been decided. “The important day is the match day” he insists. “I have always played in big teams and players have always been missing from some training sessions. It doesn’t matter. What matters are Sundays and winning our matches. Whenever we lose a game, people will about everything and nothing.”
Conclusions to be left for June
Thuram does not want to make any decisions about his future until the season is over. “It is difficult to make evaluations now. I am playing more, and that’s good for me. But the important thing is for the team to win”.