Barcelona coach Pepe Guardiola was once again a happy man after watching his side notch up another impressive pre-season win on the early hours of Thursday morning.
Barcelona defeated Red Bulls 6-2 in the Giants Stadium in New York. A win that follows hot on the heels of their 5-2 win over Mexican side Chivas in Chicagoon Monday.
"We scored six goals and we created a lot of chances. That is something that helps me feel secure," Guardiola told the club's official website.
The new Barca coach had only one complaint -- his side had conceded two goals, both of which came through errors from goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
"I am worried, however, that we conceded those two goals," he said.
Barcelona's next game is of vital importance as they play the first of two Champions League qualification games against Polish side Wisla Krakow, the first of which is in the Camp Nou stadium on Tuesday Aug. 13.
"That is going to be a difficult game. They are a complicated side to play against. I hope a lot of people come along and help us to fill the stadium. We will have to pressure them as much as possible," said Guardiola.
One player who won't be taking part against Wisla is Argentine striker Leo Messi. Despite a favorable ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport that the club could call Messi back from the Olympic Games, Barcelona have decided to allow Messi to stay and represent his country in Beijing.
"We wanted to have a happy player and at the moment, his happiness lies there (Beijing)," said Barcelona's Director of Sport Txiki Bergiristain.
(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)