Abidal: “we always play to win”

Aida Soriano

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Rubin, Éric Abidal, insisted that even though classification is already assured, “it’s important that the team keep on winning”.

“They are a difficult team to play against and to beat” according to the French defender, who continued: “they sit back and soak up the pressure and then hit you on the break”.

“We’ll do everything to win”

Top spot may already be in the bag, but Abidal was adamant that “the Champions League is special and we always play to win. We are playing well and will do everything to win this game. We are professionals and football is our job. We are on a good run and it’s important that we keep winning”.

Pamplona trip
Abidal was also quizzed about the events surrounding last Saturday’s trip to Pamplona and he commented: “these things happen. We are just footballers, we waited and finally went by train and coach –it was no problem”.

Happy for Messi, Xavi and Iniesta
Abidal also took the opportunity to congratulate his three team mates who have been nominated for the FIFA Pilota d’Or 2010 :“it’s important for them and a just reward. They are key players for us and we are very happy because one of the three will win the prize. We’ll be happy for whichever one of them wins”.

Best manager? Guardiola
Although he has no favourites amongst his three team mates (“if I could I’d give it to all three of them. They are all great players and should win”), Abidal was very clear about who should win the Manager of the Year award: “I’d choose the boss because he’s my coach and the best manager there is”.

“I want to stay here”

Finally, Abidal commented on his contract negotiations: “my contract finishes in 2012. I want to stay here, I feel good and this is the best team in the world”.