Pedro: "The team is strong and eager"

The Spanish striker laments Guardiola’s decision to leave the Club at the end of the season but he said that the team is looking forward to working under Tito Vilanova Dani Alves and Thiago Alcántara apologized to Rayo’s fans for celebrating Barça’s fifth goal with a dance Thiago congratulated Afellay on his return to the football pitch after being injured for more than seven months Pep Guardiola’s team put in a spectacular performance in Madrid as they thrashed Rayo (7-0) to take the three points from Vallecas. The players highlighted the team’s commitment and professionalism as key factors in today’s victory. “After a difficult week because of our elimination from Champions League and the game against Real Madrid, this match was proof that the team is strong and eager,” said Pedro Rodríguez, who scored a brace against Rayo. With Guardiola to the end, excited that Tito will be next The Spanish striker said that the team is with Guardiola “100%” until the end of the season, but that the squad is optimistic about Tito Vilanova’s appointment as manager for next season. “It was a hard blow for the players, after everything Guardiola done for the Club, but we have to respect his decision. However, we’re very pleased that Tito will be manager. We wish him the best,” said the player. “We’d like to present the King’s Cup title to the fans and to Guardiola. We’ll see how we come into that match,” said Pedro. The canterano also evaluated Lionel Messi’s insatiable goalscoring appetite: “he demonstrates game after game that he’s the best in the world. We all have to help him finish the season as top scorer.” Congratulations to the futsal team Pedro also analyzed the game against Rayo: “we found the goals very quickly, we pressured them high up the pitch. It was an open match and we’re pleased with the victory.” On the other hand, the footballer said that he’s fighting to be included in Spain’s Euro Championship squad. He also congratulated Barça Alusport for their conquest of the Club’s first European Cup. “It’s a very big joy,” he said. Here are some of the statements made by Barça players after the match (some of them were made on Twitter): Víctor Valdés: “The team played a great game and we showed a lot of ambition and perseverance. Now we have to focus on our next match.” Dani Alves: “I want to apologize to the Rayo fans if I offended them with my goal celebration. I never wanted to offend anyone.” Sergio Busquets: “The most important thing is the team, but we have to do everything we can so that Leo Messi finishes the season as top goalscorer. He’s broken all the records, he’s the best in the world. “Pinto is the keeper in the Cup and this match was a good opportunity for him to get a bit of game rhythm.  The game we have left [Cup final] is very important, I hope Pep can leave the Club with the Cup title.” Thiago Alcántara: “Before anything else I want to congratulate Afellay for his return. He deserves the best. “I want to apologize if I offended Rayo’s fans with my goal celebration. I made a mistake when I was overjoyed with my goal. It won’t happen again.”