Champions League - Hiddink: 'We can stop Messi'

Eurosport - Tue, 28 Apr 12:45:00 2009

Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa is capable of thwarting prolific Barcelona forward Lionel Messi in their Champions League semi-final first leg, coach Guus Hiddink has said.

FOOTBALL 2008-09 La Liga Barcelona's Lionel Messi 10 - 0

Barcelona's Argentina international plays on the right of a triple-pronged attack but has license to roam and is the top scorer in this season's competition with eight goals and Hiddink is missing suspended left-back Ashley Cole for the clash at the Nou Camp.

The Dutchman tried Portuguese international Bosingwa, who normally plays on the right, in Cole's spot in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham and said his options for the Barca match were limited.

"Messi is already one of the best in the world at a young age," Hiddink said.

"Bosingwa started at the weekend and I don't have many options but I have full confidence that he can do it also tomorrow," he added.

Hiddink said he was a great admirer of the attacking verve of Pep Guardiola's side but noted that Chelsea also liked to get forward whenever they could.

"Both teams have the style to attack when they can," he said. "Chelsea don't sit back and wait for things to happen and shows a lot of initiative.

"I think it'll more or less be an open clash with two teams that like to go forward."

Blues midfielder Florent Malouda said the game was a chance for the Premier League club to test themselves against the Liga leaders.

"Everybody is focusing on Jose (Bosingwa) because he is supposed to play on Messi's side of the pitch but I think he needs everyone else in the team and we need him," the France international said.

"I think Messi is the best player in the world. It's amazing what he can do on the pitch," he added.

"It's good for Barca to have him in the team but I hope tomorrow we won't see all his qualities. We will work really hard to keep him quiet."

Reuters

Comment 177 - 196 of 196

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  1. this is going to be the best most entertaining match in­ ages!!! and as far as chelsea is concerned they will­ have to work hard to beat barca who i promise are going­ to be on top form. anyway may the best team win. from a­ boro fan

    From smiley123, on Tue 28 Apr 7:01PM

  2. no team is unstoppable,that includes barca,forget­ messi,even the Almighty Ronaldino was once stopped,who­ then is messi.
    wats up? = blue
    come on chelsea; come on­ blues

    From tomtom_london, on Tue 28 Apr 6:51PM

  3. You can debate on how many teeth a crocodile has­ got:but the latter knows his dentition perfectly well.­ Chelsea are the year's Champions no doubt about it.­ Let those who doubt keep talking.

    From keafoon, on Tue 28 Apr 6:12PM

  4. Barcelona V Arsenal Final, 2006 replay. Henry will be­ on the winning side this time!

    From Koppite 1973, on Tue 28 Apr 5:19PM

  5. Prediction time: Barcelona 3 Chelski 1.

    From Koppite 1973, on Tue 28 Apr 5:17PM

  6. THIS IS GOING TO BE THE MATCH OF THE CENTURY!
    Both­ teams are great and have attacking style so it will go­ either way.
    I think that chelsea has to be careful on­ the way they play because the camp nou has a much wider­ pitch than most stadiums in europe. This gives a lot of­ freedom for the forwards to play and show their skills.­ I personally go with barca, but i know the match can go­ both ways.

    aguante el barca....vamos por la final!

    From Thierry, on Tue 28 Apr 3:36PM

  7. THIS IS GOING TO BE THE MATCH OF THE CENTURY!
    Both­ teams are great and have attacking style so it will go­ either way.
    I think that chelsea has to be careful on­ the way they play because the camp nou has a much wider­ pitch than most stadiums in europe. This gives a lot of­ freedom for the forwards to play and show their skills.­ I personally go with barca, but i know the match can go­ both ways.

    aguante el barca....vamos por la final!

    From Thierry, on Tue 28 Apr 3:36PM

  8. Chelsea - Just do it for once!
    CHELSEA V ARSENAL FINAL

    From Dred, on Tue 28 Apr 3:24PM

  9. king billy well said. ill NEVER forget what that numpty­ empower said. just a SICK individual

    From JEEMS, on Tue 28 Apr 3:05PM

  10. re comm 191. but did they conquer man u over the 90? no­ well shut it fool

    From JEEMS, on Tue 28 Apr 3:03PM

  11. Barca to win 2nite then face the mighty Manchester­ United in the final..................cmon Barca

    From the silent assassin, on Tue 28 Apr 2:25PM

  12. # 165: are you trying to pose for a gay magazine or­ something ?

    From Tim, on Tue 28 Apr 1:20PM

  13. Barca are the stronger team at the moment, but saying­ that Chelsea have defeated Barca in the Champions­ League before and knocked them out so anything is­ possible.

    If Chelsea can play like they did against­ Liverpoool, then they can win.

    From james.kane2007, on Tue 28 Apr 1:05PM

  14. Chelsea will win hands down.. they have the talent,­ defence a bit shakey at the moment but have a strong­ mid field. Lampard favorite to score first.

    Dont get­ me wrong, both teams are brilliant, 2 of the best along­ with Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal.

    Overall Chelsea­ wants to win this more than Barcelona especially after­ last year. No names mentioned lol.

    Can Honestly see­ Chlesea Vs Manchester Utd FINAL and the winner there­ (NO COMMENT)

    From KennyG, on Tue 28 Apr 12:58PM

  15. 2.2.chelsea 2 go threw

    From rex10, on Tue 28 Apr 12:55PM

  16. haha man u my foot stop barca? i guess with thier great­ defensive style, which totenham conquered in 45­ minutes. really funny.

    go chelsea, we do not need to­ stop barca we just need to score more, like liverpool.

    From ogundalu, on Tue 28 Apr 12:47PM

  17. Barca are in such a form that only the harlem globe­ trotters of football can stop them{Man U}, so i expect­ them to beat chelsea home and away. Man U V Barca for­ the final!

    From steveoni123, on Tue 28 Apr 12:41PM

  18. each and every supporter has his or her opinion and on­ the game to night with barca at their best form will­ carry the day !

    From leonkausu, on Tue 28 Apr 12:34PM

  19. pussyclart

    From paddy_buy_yours, on Tue 28 Apr 12:31PM

  20. nothing can stop barcelona..
    they not like another­­­ team in europe..
    they are very special with a short­­­ pass...
    i think hiddink know that.. not about messi­­ but­ all player in barca squad..
    i sure barcelona­ will­­ dominated their game with chelsea..
    i think­ barcelona­­ will win but maybe not easy like bayern..

    From Muhd, on Tue 28 Apr 12:05PM
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