Puyol: "They’re one of the best teams in Europe"

Although the Champions League is just beginning, and it’s much too soon to talk about who’s leading the group, Carles Puyol told reporters on Tuesday afternoon: “It’s important to start with a win”.


Inter v Barça is the most attractive game of the first CL matchday. Not only are they two of Europe’s greatest clubs, but there is also the prospect of Eto'o, now with Inter, and Ibrahimovic, Barça’s star summer signing, lining up against their old team-mates.

Club captain Carles Puyol is aware that these two players will attract much of the attention but warned that “we have to be careful” with the other players.

Respect for the opponents

Carles Puyol rejects any talk of an Inter – Barça duel for first place in the group: “It’s too early and you have to respect all out opponents. It’s important to start with a win but there are five more matches and we have to go a step at a time”.

The dangers of Inter

Carles Puyol has a great deal of respect for Inter: “They’re one of the best teams in Europe. They’re very strong physically and have some quality players”.

Facing Eto'o

Meanwhile, Carles Puyol is “excited” about meeting up again with Samuel Eto'o, with whom he shared five great years at Barça: “It’s a challenge. He’s one of the best players in the world and it’ll be a difficult job”.

However, Puyol doesn’t believe Eto’o will be especially motivated against his old club: “He gives 100% in every match, right up to the end”.