The Spanish press is predicting that, starting with the coach, heads will roll at the Nou Camp now that Barcelona is guaranteed another trophy-less season, but following Tuesday's Champions League semifinal defeat, the Dutch tactician said the thought of quitting hadn't entered his head. "I have no intention of leaving," Rijkaard affirmed. "It would be different if the players were saying it is time for me to go but that is not the case."
As is often the case in games involving Barcelona, the Blaugrana dominated possession at Old Trafford, but their passing amounted to very little in the way of clear-cut chances. Manchester United, for its part, executed its game plan superbly, defending doggedly as a unit when Barca had the ball, and then launching speedy, thrusting counterattacks in possession. United went ahead in 14th minute from a brilliant Paul Scholes strike from about 25 yards.
Rijkaard praised United's performance, although he criticized them for using negative tactics. "The level of English teams is high," he said. "It is very difficult to beat them because they are very strong. They defend as though their lives depend on it. And they are very successful. But I do feel English teams have a lot more to give. I just feel it is a great pity it is not the most beautiful kind of football to watch."
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