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The star of the Spanish super club and defensive pillar Carles Puyol gave an interview to the official club website before leaving to prepare with the Spanish national team for the European Championship. Eurofootball.com presents this interview for the attention of visitors.
How would you sum up the past season?
As everyone noticed, it consisted of two parts - the first and second halves. In my opinion, everyone preferred the second half, but for me it wasn't a big success - it rather brought hope back to the team. Of course, we had that hope at the beginning of the season, but a few defeats took it away from us. I'm glad that the second half of the season made everyone - players and fans - believe in the team again. But in the upcoming season, we will have to work hard.
What, in your opinion, was the turning point this season?
It's important to keep in mind that at the beginning of the season, the club had a new coach and there were quite a few new players in the team. As expected, the beginning is always more or less difficult. I am one of those who believe that a champion team is not born overnight, but is created gradually. At the moment, we are laying the foundation for it.
What was the best moment of the season for you?
I would probably like to highlight the series of victories in the second half of the season. It made everyone believe in us again.
And the worst?
Every defeat. It was painful to be eliminated from the King's Cup by "Zaragoza" and to exit the UEFA Cup. But defeats are part of the game and we have to learn to accept them.
The team will play in the Champions League again next year. What can we expect?
At "Barca" we fight for all trophies. Finally, we are back in the Champions League, where such a big club like "Barcelona" should be. I believe we can go far. But we will give our all for both the Spanish championship and the King's Cup.
For the past two years, you have been the third captain of the team. Now, with the departure of the first and second captains Luis Enrique and Phillip Cocu, who do you think will be the team's captain?
When the time comes, we will consult and decide. It is a question that players, the coach, and the Board of Directors will have to resolve. In any case, the captain represents the players, so the decisive word must be theirs. When I was chosen as the third captain, I said it was an honor for me. I think it's the same being the first.
What do you think about Euro 2004?
I am looking forward to it and hope that we will finally succeed. We know that we will have to face strong teams, but we are very much looking forward to it.
