Rijkaard Comfortable With Uncertain Fate

Mar 2 2008 By Mark Guidi

Rijkaard Fires Back At Critics By Proving He's No Soft Touch When Dealing With Barca Stars Barcelona V Celtic Tuesday, Kick-Off 7.45pm Live Itv

FRANK RIJKAARD doesn't expect to be in charge of Barcelona next season and will accept his fate with good grace - even though he can still win the Primera Liga and Champions League this term.

But he does take exception to being branded a soft touch who has allowed his players to run riot off the field this campaign as they over-indulge in the party scene.

Barca ace Edmilson spoke out recently about too many of his teammates being more interested in money and possessions than their careers.

The Brazilian's criticism was aimed mainly at flamboyant compatriot Ronaldinho whom he labelled a "black sheep".

In return, the Barcelona squad presented Edmilson with a toy sheep in the dressing-room!

Ronaldinho has had a tough season, losing form and gaining weight so drastically that Rijkaard dropped the gifted playmaker several times.

But the former World Player of the Year is back on form and ready to prove it in Tuesday night's Champions League clash at home to Celtic.

Rijkaard is delighted with the timing of Ronaldinho's return to brilliance. He believes the player's resurgence has vindicated his tough stance - and proved he's no pushover when dealing with world-class stars.

The Dutchman said: "As a person I am calm and have always been.

"It is only occasionally I read what people write and say about me. If they are critical it doesn't change my attitude or make me aggressive.

"I accept praise and criticism, it makes sure I always have a balance.

"It is important to have that because this is the most complicated club I've ever been involved with.

"There is a lot of politics here and you must try to adapt. The most important thing is you enjoy being a part of the club. You have to make decisions every day and some are not easy.

"I dealt with Ronaldinho's loss of form by trying to protect him and creating conditions for him to help find his form again. After that he has to react by himself.

"It is not a difficult decision to leave a player out. Eventually you say enough is enough and drop him.

"I have been told that I lack the decisiveness to make big decisions. I don't agree. I am reasonable and firm. I do what I think is best for Barcelona.

"I think it would be soft - a sign of weakness - if I allowed myself to be influenced by others.

"You must remember players are all the same, all part of the group, even if you are a world superstar or a guy who never gets recognised in the street.

"Players and the coach of a big club are put under the magnifying glass and there are more comments made about them, more criticism. That is the essential difference."

Rijkaard has enjoyed success as a coach and is one of the highest rated in the business. When his time at the Nou Camp ends he will have plenty of offers to go elsewhere.

But being revered is not something he has searched for, it has always been about challenging himself and satisfying his personal demands.

Speaking in top Dutch magazine LAF (Life After Football) - owned by former Celtic star Regi Blinker - Rijkaard explained: "I wasn't afraid of a life without football. My motivation to go into management came from a challenge within myself.

"As a player I liked to stay in the background and analyse the trainers. I would sometimes try to make a fool of them - but with humour.

"I thought I'd be able to do what they were doing but I asked myself if had the courage to stand in front of pro footballers and speak to them, coach them, prepare them. I've now done it. I'd never say I am the perfect manager but I do my best.

"If I didn't win a single cup as a coach I wouldn't say I failed. I just wanted to give myself the challenge of coaching even though it's against my nature to be in the spotlight."

Rijkaard enjoys a close friendship with Barca president Joan Laporta but knows that guarantees him nothing if results aren't going well.

After five years with the Spanish giants it's likely Rijkaard will welcome a new challenge next season.

He said: "I have not thought about life after Barcelona. I will stay for as long as the people are happy with me.

"I have a good relationship with Joan but that does not mean I do not understand what he has to do in his job. If he has to fire me I understand.

"As long as two years or so down the line we can share a warm embrace. If decisions are made for the good of the club I'll never complain."

Rangers flop Peter van Vossen is one of Rijkaard's closest friends in football. But the Barca boss revealed he rarely looks for company and often prefers to be alone.

He said: "I have always been a bit of a loner. I have friends but don't always keep in touch.

"I'm happy to see guys I used to play with.

"Football is different from 30 years ago. Back then the players would come from the same region and grow together. That doesn't happen now due to squad changes.

"I do see some of my former team-mates. I have dinner with Marco van Basten twice a year and keep in touch with van Vossen."

Rijkaard doesn't know where his career will lead but would be happy to enjoy the success of his coaching mentors such as Leo Beenhakker and Guus Hiddink.

He said: "I was lucky to play under Rinus Michels when we won the 1988 European Championships.

"Many of that squad - Ruud Gullit, van Basten and Ronald Koeman - have gone on to become managers.

"I will also give Leo lots of credit. He has been successful at club and international level and will now lead Poland in this summer's Euro Finals.

"He can be theatrical in the technical area but is intelligent.

"Guus is another I rate and I was his assistant in the 1998 World Cup Finals. He comes across as relaxed but is so eager to achieve.

"They are both experienced and I'm still just a rookie."