Frank Rijkaard backs Barcelona to stop Manchester United

Published: 18 May 2009 - 12:40:44

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Frank Rijkaard backs Barcelona to stop Manchester United

The Dutchman is convinced that Catalans will have what it takes to stop Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League winners from becoming the first club to successfully defend their European crown since the Champions League was launched in 1992. "I think it's going to be about goals, and more goals," Rijkaard said. "However, if Barcelona defend well, I think they can beat United. If they can keep their shape and not make mistakes, then I can't see how they can lose it. But this is football, you never know. Rijkaard, who guided Barca to Champions League success over Arsenal three years ago, added in an interview with FIFA.com,: "This final is extraordinary, it features two of the world's best teams. It's going to be a very interesting game to watch. You have some of the world's best players playing against each other. Manchester United have been looking good lately. "They have Cristiano Ronaldo, a good quality player who is able to win games for them. But there is Barcelona, they play beautiful football. They are good and are attack-minded." The Argentine forward Lionel Messi is expected to pose Barcelona's greatest attacking threat but Rijkaard expects Xavi and Iniesta to menace the United back-four. "I have been fortunate because I have worked with some of the most remarkably talented individuals in the world," said the former AC Milan and Ajax player. "At Barcelona, I was exposed to talent. You had Ronaldinho, who was a marvel to watch. Deco is skilful and talented. Then there are players like Xavi, a good and hardworking man who gave his all. Iniesta is another. Then the name of Messi will come up in that list. "He is an exceptional kid. I saw him a few years ago and I was amazed with what he could do with the ball. The way he handles and controls the ball is outstanding and very few people can do that. "Messi is still very young and that is good news, because that means he can only get better as a footballer. Football should make people happy and that is what Messi does: he makes people happy, he makes people enjoy the game. I like him a lot. He brings so much happiness to football." The 46-year-old Rijkaard has been out of work since leaving the Nou Camp a year ago but is keen to return to management. "I can't say exactly where I will end up," he continued. "I can't talk about that now, maybe in the next few weeks. I don't want to fuel the speculation. I respect all the coaches in the game. "I can't say I want to go to that particular club, because at the moment that particular club might have a manager and I have respect for fellow coaches. But if someone comes up with an offer, then we can talk. I still want to coach, but at the right time. I still want to coach at club level, but if something else comes, then we will deal with it."