Guardiola Defends Henry

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has declared that La Liga is now entering it's "decisive phase" of the season and that "now, one pays for errors".

In comments made to the press and reported by Marca, the Barca coach believes that if his team fails in the next few matches, they will "lose their opportunities to be champions".

"In La Liga, our direct rivals [Real Madrid] will not cede many points. And in Europe we know they will be strong. Our result against Lyon last season was not much different and we were still able to save the season. Now comes Racing, who are just as dangerous as a big team."

With respect to injuries, Guardiola acknowledged the impact of the absences.

"There could not have been any more injuries. We have done everything to avoid injuries and we went seven weeks without any. It is clear that if so many players are getting injuried, something is going on. There are many causes, but we don't know the exact problem."

Guardiola also defended Thierry Henry, who has not seen the pitch in three matches and has had a significantly diminished role in the team this year, as "one of the most important players in the team".

"Few people have as much confidence in Henry as I do. But we have over 20 in the squad and I choose what I need at certain moments. I continue to count on Henry, but I cannot respond every time eight players in the squad are not included in the squad list."

In Saturday's match against Racing, Guardiola will be coaching his 100th match as Barca coach. But despite the milestone, Guardiola warned that the match was about facing strong opponents rather than counting matches.

With [Racing coach Miguel Angel] Portugal, they have played six matches away from home with three victories and one draw. They do not wait for you to attack, but come out and attack the match."

Finally, speaking of Racing star Sergio Canales, the Barca coach had praise for the Cantabrian. "Since his youth he has shown just how much ability he has. He is very talented; if not, he wouldn't be playing in La Primera."