Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard insists his side are ready to put an alarming dip in form behind them against Schalke on Tuesday.After crashing out of the Copa del Rey and losing ground on Real Madrid in the Primera Division, the Champions League now represents Barca's best chance of success this season and Rijkaard intends to take full advantage of that.

However, the Dutchman sees no reason to get carried away amid reports his future at the club depends on whether his side progress to the last four.

"I have got to say that nothing has changed for me and we go into the game as normal and try to score as we always do, particularly when we are away," he said.

"We have no alternative but to work hard and try to show Barcelona from its better side."

With only one win in their last seven games the pressure is increasing on the 2006 Champions League winners, although Rikjaard claims the poor run of form has helped his side bond.

"We will not start to cry because that is not the solution," he said.

"It is not an easy moment and certainly we have had better times, but we have moved closer as a squad and a few home truths have come out and now is when we have got to start working constructively.

"I will be looking for a reaction tomorrow."

Barca hit their lowest point of the season at the weekend when they threw away a 2-0 lead at Real Betis to lose 3-2 and Rijkaard admits it has taken time to deal with that disappointment.

Time is not on his side, though, and he does not expect Schalke to show any mercy either on Tuesday.

"It is very, very important tomorrow and certainly the mood would be better if we can win," he said.

"The fact Schalke is at home, with such an atmosphere from the crowd is certainly no disadvantage for them.

"They are a good team and we have a lot of respect for Schalke and know it is going to be difficult.

Rijkaard has ruled out a recovery for Ronaldinho and moved to clarify the Brazilian's condition.

"I think it has already been said enough that he is recovering from an injury and he cannot be with us," he said.

Samuel Eto'o may be in line for a return, though, and Rijkaard will assess the Cameroon forward's fitness in training on Monday night before deciding on his inclusion.

Meanwhile, defender Rafael Marquez claims he is fit and ready to step into the defence after several weeks out with an ankle injury.

"It has been hard," he admitted. "Being powerless watching what has happened to the team over recent weeks has been difficult but now I am ready to change things and I want to play my part."

And the 29-year-old realises he will have to be at his best to deal with a robust Schalke side.

"They are a very well organised team and are physically very strong," said Marquez.

"They are doing very well in the Bundesliga at the moment and it will not be an easy game.

"I am expecting it to be tough. They are very strong in the air and we have got to be careful from their set-pieces."

Rijkaard concurred his side face a tough test at the Arena AufSchalke.

"We are aware of the fact that there are enough teams throughout Europe who are physically stronger than we are, particularly in England, but also from Germany. But we have to play to our strengths," he said.

"We have collected lots of material on Schalke and feel very prepared for this game and we hope that this work now bears its fruit."

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