Barcelona captain Carles Puyol believes that if any team can come from 13 points behind to win La Liga, it’s Real Madrid.
Barca’s 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid last night gave them what is widely perceived as an unassailable lead, but Puyol has echoed the sentiments of his Coach Tito Vilanova, and differed with Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho, who suggested his team were playing for pride.
“If there’s one team that doesn’t give up, it’s Madrid,” the defender stated in a Press conference today. “They will fight to the end. This already happened to us two years ago, we were 12 points ahead but had to go to the Bernabeu and win to win the League.
“Mourinho is a great Coach and has won many titles. We have to focus on ourselves and forget about the competition. The team has great confidence, we’re on fire, and the dynamics of the team are working well.”
The 34-year-old also spoke about his contract renewal, which has been complicated by injury issues this season, and a potential return to the Spanish national side.
“After my arm injury I focused on recovering. Now I am talking to the club and we are well advanced. I don’t think there will be any problems. I want to play but I will not drag down the team, when I do not feel well I will leave regardless of contracts.
“I’ve been through tough times, the arm injury was bad but now I’m back to enjoy my football. I want to play up until I’m 40.
“Spain? At the moment I want to recapture the sensations in Barcelona. I feel fine, and when the next call comes, and I talk to the Coach and he thinks I’m fit, I will continue. I do not set deadlines.”
