Henry: Barcelona underdogs in semi-final

Despite the fact that the dust is just installed on his team at the aggregate 2-0 quarter-final victory over FC Schalke 04, Thierry Henry agrees that most neutrals have already relegated FC Barcelona to the status of underdogs in their semi-final against Manchester United FC.


The French is a veteran of many battles with the English champions and understands the reasoning behind these judgments, but he believes Barça gain strength at the right time and drew confidence from their victory over a pugnace German side. "Schalke played well against us, and we expected them," said Henry. "They
attacked in a hurry, and we did well to come out with another victory.

"I guess that after our victory over the look and compare Schalke us at Manchester United, a large number of people, not just have them as favourites to reach the final, but they say that we are not a team as good as them, "Henry said. "I understand that United are strong and that Cristiano Ronaldo had an incredible season.

"But two weeks ago to the present tie with United, and I also think that if you watched their recent Premier League match against Middlesbrough [FC - a draw 2-2] you can see that if you press – and that you attack them vigorously, then you can score, " he added.

"Let's wait and see how the ties go - does not bother me if people want to predict that United will be better than us."

For the French, coming towards the end of his first season at Camp Nou, there is no thrill to play against United, apart from the attraction of another UEFA Champions League final. "I did not particularly hungry to beat them because of all the time I spent at Arsenal [FC]," he said. "Incitement of a semi-final for a club like Barcelona is enough. "

Henry left the field to a reasonable Barça ovation from the faithful, but was not surprised by the immense jeering and hissing that greeted the substitution of Bojan Krkić midway through the second half. He knows that the coach Frank Rijkaard the main objective was to keep 17 years of energy. "Bojan went very well and have helped to create the goal, and if the crowd did not seem pleased that he has been replaced, it is natural," he said. "He is a son of Catalonia, fans of the excellent season of love in which he production and it is natural that they were disappointed.(*) "

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