Henry eager to end Rangers resistance
Monday, November 5, 2007
Article summary
Thierry Henry hopes FC Barcelona can "turn pressure into goals" as the Catalan side face Rangers FC again on Wednesday after a 0-0 away draw on Matchday 3.
Article body
Thierry Henry is hoping FC Barcelona can book their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a victory at home to Rangers FC on Matchday 4.
Cutting edge
Despite dominating proceedings at Ibrox a fortnight ago, the Blaugrana were forced to settle for a goalless draw which leaves both clubs on seven points and requiring a further victory to progress beyond the group stages. The French striker expects a similarly tight encounter at the Camp Nou on Wednesday and is backing his team-mates to rediscover the cutting edge they lacked in Glasgow.
'Better result'
"Hopefully, we can get a better result at the Camp Nou," Henry told uefa.com. "I don't know if we can expect a different Barcelona. To be honest the only thing that was missing in the first game was a goal. We had a lot of possession and I'm sure it will be the same at home. What we have to do is make sure we turn that pressure into a goal or goals that will take us to the top of the group."
Scottish jinx
Scottish teams have been a thorn in Henry's flesh over the past 12 months with the national side beating France twice in their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign, while Rangers also surprised the 30-year-old with their 3-0 win against Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Gerland on Matchday 2. "Yes, it was a surprise to see Rangers beat Lyon so comfortably because I know myself how difficult it is to go there and get a result," he added.
'A very good time'
"Lyon have won the French title for the past six seasons and even though they have lost some important players it was still an excellent result," he added. "Celtic [FC] also beat the [UEFA] Champions League holders AC Milan and I know from personal experience how well the Scottish national side are doing, so obviously this is a very good time for Scottish football."
Teething trouble
Henry admits he has taken time to settle at Barcelona following his move from Arsenal FC last summer, but the Frenchman insists Frank Rijkaard's side remain on course for a successful campaign. "From a personal point of view sometimes I play on the right, sometimes on the left, sometimes in the middle, so it's been a bit difficult to settle," he said. "But that's the way it is when you play for a team like this."