BARCELONA coach Frank Rijkaard has denied that his club’s hectic fixture schedule in the run-up to their Champions League last 16 clash with Liverpool will count against them.
For once, a Premiership side will go into a big European tie against continental opposition well rested as Rafael Benitez’s team play just three games between now and their trip to the Nou Camp on February 21.
In contrast, the European champions face a gruelling six-game schedule in just 23 days.
However, former Dutch international midfielder Rijkaard does not feel that his team will necessarily be at a disadvantage.
He said: “That maybe good for us. It could give different players the chance to pay and find their rhythm and to reach match fitness. But it is true that they can focus on the game against us. In any case, we are used to this.”
After relinquishing their FA Cup crown early with a 3-1 home defeat to Arsenal in the third round, Liverpool have two blank weekends, tomorrow and February 17, ahead of the tie which pits the past two Champions League winners against each other.
Benitez’s side go to West Ham on January 30, host Everton in the derby on February 3 and visit Newcastle United on February 10.
As a former Arsenal player, Barcelona’s Sylvinho knows all about Premiership schedules and he admits while his own side are busier in the next month, Liverpool played far more matches over the festive period.
He said: “I do not think that will make much difference.
“They did not stop for Christmas and we did. For that reason I think that, although they play less games now, things will even themselves out.”
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