Legend
05-15-2011, 12:17 AM
The Catalan coach says he believes his midfielder is innocent, despite claims he racially insulted Real Madrid's Marcelo in the sides' Champions League semi-final first leg clash
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists Sergio Busquets is innocent of racism charges alleged by Real Madrid, as the Spanish champions gear up for their penultimate league match against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.
The midfielder is accused of calling Marcelo a "monkey" in the first leg of the teams' fiery Champions League semi-final tie. The Catalan outfit, however, have stood behind their player, and Guardiola reiterated that he believed the charges against the Spain international were unfounded.
“I won’t tell you what he told me, but I have known him for a long time and I believe him,” the Barca boss told reporters in a press conference held on Saturday afternoon.
The coach also says he would have no hesitation in picking Busquets for the Champions League final against Manchester United, scheduled for May 28.
“If I believe him, which I do, he will play in the final.”
Sunday's opponents Deportivo lie just three points clear of the relegation zone with two games remaining, but a win against Barca would almost ensure another year of top-flight football. And although Guardiola's side have already sealed the title, the coach says there will be no soft-pedalling from his team.
“Whichever players we pick, we will set out to win,” he assured.
“We are taking these games seriously, so Osasuna, Zaragoza and Getafe can relax because we will be going out there to compete.”
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insists Sergio Busquets is innocent of racism charges alleged by Real Madrid, as the Spanish champions gear up for their penultimate league match against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.
The midfielder is accused of calling Marcelo a "monkey" in the first leg of the teams' fiery Champions League semi-final tie. The Catalan outfit, however, have stood behind their player, and Guardiola reiterated that he believed the charges against the Spain international were unfounded.
“I won’t tell you what he told me, but I have known him for a long time and I believe him,” the Barca boss told reporters in a press conference held on Saturday afternoon.
The coach also says he would have no hesitation in picking Busquets for the Champions League final against Manchester United, scheduled for May 28.
“If I believe him, which I do, he will play in the final.”
Sunday's opponents Deportivo lie just three points clear of the relegation zone with two games remaining, but a win against Barca would almost ensure another year of top-flight football. And although Guardiola's side have already sealed the title, the coach says there will be no soft-pedalling from his team.
“Whichever players we pick, we will set out to win,” he assured.
“We are taking these games seriously, so Osasuna, Zaragoza and Getafe can relax because we will be going out there to compete.”