Henry's fitness improving

Henry’s fitness improving

Barca’s French striker told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s game that he’s feeling stronger and has settled in fine with the rest of the squad, who, he stressed are “world class players”.Henry is getting back to full fitness and he puts his improving performances very much down to his improved physical state: “I can get fitter, but I felt very happy after the Zaragoza game for example, though I know there’s still room for improvement”. “World-class” squad Despite his hat-trick heroics at the weekend, Henry stressed the importance of the whole team in achieving victory: “it’s not the goals that matter, it’s the team winning that’s important”. That team has clearly impressed the ex-Arsenal man, who claimed: “playing for Barca is fantastic!” paying special praise to Leo Messi: “he’s in great form. What he’s doing is incredible. We didn’t play together on the Asia tour, but we’re really clicking now. That’s no surprise though, because he, and the rest of the squad, are world-class talents”. Ronaldinho Henry also spoke of Ronaldinho, who he reckons is: “really motivated whenever he plays”. Criticising the treatment he’s received from some parts of the media, Henry insisted that the Brazilian: “always gives 100% on the pitch”.

"We have to demonstrate that we’re the favourites”
The Barça coach is determined not to take on the role of favourites before the game has been played. He told reporters that there are no easy matches in the Champions League but insisted that Barça were looking for a win against Stuttgart. Frank Rijkaard is looking forward to the Stuttgart game but remains cautious and full of respect for the German champions: “People say that we’re favourites but we’ll have to demonstrate that on the pitch. Obviously we want to finish top of the group. We’re working to win all the matches we have to play”. Ronaldinho, a luxury The return to the team of Ronaldinho is, according to Frank Rijkaard “a luxury”. However, though he assured reporters that the Brazilian is a vital member of the squad he refused to confirm that he would figure in the starting line-up: “I haven’t chosen my team yet. Ronaldinho still has to train this afternoon. It’s the same case with Milito”. The Argentine defender is still troubled by a groin problem. Stuttgart a strong team The German champions are currently in a mediocre tenth place in the Bundesliga and were beaten 2-1 by Glasgow Rangers in their opening CL Group E match in Scotland. Despite this unimpressive start to the season, Frank Rijkaard believes Stuttgart will create plenty of problems for Barça: “There are no easy matches in the Champions League. We have to play against a very strong team. They’re playing in front of their own fans and they have to get the fans back on their side”. Injury woes Touré Yaya is the latest Barça player to fall injured. Asked why the players were picking up so many injuries in recent matches, Rijkaard told reporters: “Everybody is looking to apportion blame but we have to remember that we have to play a lot of matches and we have a full calendar. The important thing is that the players let us know when they’re overloaded. We have a strong enough squad to rest any player”.