Barcelona vs Real.Madrid
Former Barcelona defender and captain Carles Puyol has given his thoughts on Saturday’s game between the Catalans and Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid and explains why Luis Enrique’s side were dominant in the El Classico while former boss Pep Guardiola was in charge at the Camp Nou.
Pep Guardiola who is now at Manchester City oversaw a domineering Barcelona side in the El Classico during his four years spell at the club. The Spaniard led the Catalans to six wins, one draw and one defeat in eight La Liga fixtures involving the two Spanish giants.
On how to prepare for such a game, Puyol recounts how Guardiola used to run the show before an El Classico fiuxture, noting that the most important thing is to avoid ‘anxiety’.
“It’s a game that you get into on its own, so there’s no need for any special preparation. Instead of training more and preparing more, he gave us free time.
“He wouldn’t let us go to the Ciutat Esportiva so we could switch off a little.” The centre back recalls preparations during Pep Guardiola’s time as coach.” Puyol told the club’s official website.
According to the former Blaugrana captain, the league table means nothing when these two giants of European Football come together.
“Everyone says that Madrid are coming into the game in good form and Barça aren’t, but the standings have nothing to do with it.
“It’s true that Madrid will be more relaxed thanks to their 6 point lead but there is still a long way to in the league and a lot will happen.”
