Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta has talked up the importance of the Club World Cup as the European champions aim to complete a wonderful 2009 with victory in Dubai.
Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta has talked up the importance of the Club World Cup as the European champions aim to complete a wonderful 2009 with victory in Dubai.
|
|
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol and French forward Thierry Henry (left) during a practice session in Abu Dhabi yesterday. pic/AFP |
Barca, who added the Primera Division and Copa del Rey titles to their continental success earlier this year, have never won the Club World Cup and Spain international Iniesta is hoping to help the club complete the set.
He told Barca TV: "This is the most important title for all of us as we've never won it.
"We're excited about taking part. We played in it three years ago, and it left us with a taste for more. We really want to win it as we'd be making history. It's always great to win a trophy."
"This year we have won every competition we have been in, this is the only one left for us to win. This is enough to give us 100% motivation."
Barca open their campaign against Mexican side Atlante tomorrow and Iniesta admits he knows little about their central American opponents.
"Most of the other sides are unknown to us, but we must remember they are still the champions of their respective regions," he added.
"We can't relax because any team could beat us. If we want to win, we'll need to be focused."
Barca coach Pep Guardiola said: "We're going to train a little, rest as much as possible and see if we can win (the World Club Championship).
"We're not going to automatically pick up anything. We have to win our right to be in the final."
Meanwhile, Barca's Argentine ace Lionel Messi, recently crowned Ballon D'Or winner, sat out the recent win over Espanyol, due an ankle injury which makes him a doubt for the showpiece in Abu Dhabi.
